Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers various tools for investors to enhance their stock market strategies, including daily updates, research reports, and stock screens [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores provide a rating system for stocks based on value, growth, and momentum, helping investors identify securities likely to outperform the market in the short term [2][3] - Stocks are rated from A to F, with A indicating the highest potential for outperformance [3] Value Score - The Value Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios such as P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales [3] Growth Score - The Growth Score assesses a company's financial health and future growth potential by analyzing earnings, sales, and cash flow [4] Momentum Score - The Momentum Score evaluates stocks based on price trends and earnings estimate changes, aiding in timing investment decisions [5] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines the three Style Scores to identify stocks with the best overall value, growth, and momentum characteristics [6] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to guide investors in stock selection [7] - Stocks rated 1 (Strong Buy) have historically outperformed the S&P 500, with an average annual return of +23.75% since 1988 [8] Stock Selection Strategy - To maximize returns, investors should focus on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B [9] - Stocks with lower ranks (4 or 5) should be avoided, even if they have high Style Scores, due to declining earnings forecasts [10] Company Spotlight: MKS Inc. - MKS Inc. is a global provider of advanced manufacturing process control solutions, currently rated 3 (Hold) with a VGM Score of A [11] - The company has a Value Style Score of B, supported by a forward P/E ratio of 15.24, making it attractive to value investors [11] - Recent earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 have been revised upward, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.32 to $6.94 per share, and an average earnings surprise of +15.9% [12]

Summary of MKS Instruments (MKSI) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: MKS Instruments (MKSI) - **Event**: 2025 Conference on August 27, 2025 - **Speakers**: John Lee (President and CEO), Ram Mayamparat (CFO) Key Points Financial Performance - **Revenue**: Reported revenue of $473 million, marking a significant increase after eight quarters of lower performance [10] - **Gross Margin**: Achieved a gross margin of 46.6%, impacted by tariffs; without tariffs, it would have been close to 48% [11] - **Cash Flow**: Free cash flow represented 14% of revenue, indicating strong cash generation capabilities [11] - **Deleveraging**: Prepaid $200 million in debt over the last two months, demonstrating commitment to reducing leverage [13] Market Trends and Performance - **Semiconductor Market**: MKS outperformed the broader wafer fabrication equipment (WFE) market, growing 18% year-over-year compared to WFE's 5% [16] - **Inventory Levels**: Customer inventories have been reduced, allowing for a more normalized order pattern [32] - **NAND Upgrades**: Continued upgrades in NAND memory are expected, driven by applications in AI data centers [29] Strategic Initiatives - **Portfolio Strategy**: Focus on broad portfolio strategy to capitalize on various semiconductor market segments, particularly in depth etch and lithography [19] - **Optics Business**: Significant growth in the optics segment, doubling revenue from $150 million to $300 million over five years [27] - **Chemistry Market**: High market share in chemistry associated with equipment, expected to drive future revenue growth [48] Industry Dynamics - **Electronics and Packaging (E&P)**: The E&P segment is expected to grow at GDP plus 300 basis points, driven by AI applications across various PCB technologies [42] - **Advanced Packaging Technologies**: Incremental tailwinds from new packaging technologies like COWAS and CoPOS, which are expected to enhance MKS's market position [54] Challenges and Risks - **Tariff Impact**: The company faced challenges due to tariffs, which affected gross margins; however, mitigation strategies are in place [67] - **Market Volatility**: The semiconductor industry is characterized by cyclical demand, requiring agility in operations and strategy [66] Future Outlook - **Leverage Goals**: Aiming to reduce net leverage from four times to between 2.0 and 2.5 times over the next 18 months [78] - **M&A Strategy**: Future acquisitions will focus on tuck-ins rather than large-scale M&A, with a higher bar for new investments [80] Miscellaneous - **R&D Efficiency**: The company leverages R&D investments across segments to enhance profitability in specialty industrial markets [61] - **Operational Excellence**: Continued focus on maintaining operational efficiency while investing in talent and infrastructure [73] This summary encapsulates the key insights and strategic directions discussed during the MKS Instruments conference call, highlighting the company's financial performance, market positioning, and future growth strategies.

Core Insights - MKS Inc. will participate in a fireside chat at the Deutsche Bank Technology Conference on August 27, 2025 [1] - The session will be available via live webcast and a replay will be accessible for a limited time [2] Company Overview - MKS Inc. is a global provider of enabling technologies that transform various industries, focusing on semiconductor manufacturing, electronics, packaging, and specialty industrial applications [3] - The company delivers foundational technology solutions, including instruments, subsystems, systems, process control solutions, and specialty chemicals technology [3] - MKS's solutions address challenges in miniaturization and complexity in advanced device manufacturing, enhancing power, speed, feature enhancement, and connectivity [3] - The company also meets increasing performance requirements across a wide range of specialty industrial applications [3]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium provides tools for investors to enhance their stock market strategies, including daily updates on Zacks Rank and Industry Rank, research reports, and stock screens [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores rate stocks based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics, helping investors identify securities likely to outperform the market in the short term [2][3] - Each stock is rated from A to F, with A indicating the highest potential for outperformance [3] Value Score - The Value Style Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios such as P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, and Price/Cash Flow [3] Growth Score - The Growth Style Score evaluates stocks based on projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow to find those with sustainable growth potential [4] Momentum Score - The Momentum Style Score assesses stocks based on price trends and earnings estimate changes, indicating optimal times to invest in high-momentum stocks [5] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines the Value, Growth, and Momentum Scores to identify stocks with the best overall characteristics [6] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to help investors build successful portfolios, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks achieving an average annual return of +23.75% since 1988 [7][9] - Investors are encouraged to select stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B for the highest likelihood of success [9][10] Company Spotlight: MKS Inc. - MKS Inc. is a global provider of advanced manufacturing process solutions, currently rated 3 (Hold) by Zacks, with a VGM Score of A [11] - The company has a Momentum Style Score of A, with shares increasing by 0.8% over the past four weeks [11] - Recent earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 have been revised higher, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.32 to $6.94 per share, and an average earnings surprise of +15.9% [12]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium provides tools for investors to enhance their stock market strategies, including daily updates, research reports, and stock screens [1] - The Zacks Style Scores are designed to help investors select stocks with the highest potential to outperform the market in the short term [2] Zacks Style Scores Overview - The Style Scores categorize stocks based on value, growth, and momentum, assigning ratings from A to F, with A indicating the highest potential for outperformance [3] - Value Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios like P/E and Price/Sales [4] - Growth Score emphasizes a company's financial health and future growth potential, analyzing earnings and sales projections [5] - Momentum Score identifies trends in stock prices and earnings estimates to optimize entry points for investments [6] - VGM Score combines all three styles to provide a comprehensive assessment of stocks, aiding in identifying the most attractive investment opportunities [6] Zacks Rank and Style Scores Interaction - The Zacks Rank utilizes earnings estimate revisions to guide investors in building successful portfolios, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks achieving an average annual return of +23.75% since 1988 [7] - Investors are encouraged to select stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B for optimal success [9] - Stocks with lower ranks, even if they have high Style Scores, may still face downward price pressure due to negative earnings forecasts [10] Company Spotlight: MKS Inc. - MKS Inc. is a global provider of advanced manufacturing process control solutions, currently rated 3 (Hold) by Zacks, with a VGM Score of A [11] - The company is projected to experience year-over-year earnings growth of 5.5% for the current fiscal year, supported by a Growth Style Score of B [11] - Recent analyst revisions have increased the earnings estimate for fiscal 2025 by $0.32 to $6.94 per share, with an average earnings surprise of +15.9% [12] - MKS Inc. is positioned as a potential growth investment due to its solid Zacks Rank and favorable Style Scores [12]

Company Overview - MKS Inc. is a global provider of instruments, subsystems, and process control solutions that measure, monitor, deliver, analyze, power, and control critical parameters of advanced manufacturing processes [11] Zacks Rank and Style Scores - MKS is currently rated as a 3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, indicating a neutral outlook [11] - The company has a VGM Score of A, which combines value, growth, and momentum characteristics [11][6] - MKS also has a Value Style Score of A, supported by attractive valuation metrics such as a forward P/E ratio of 14.42, making it appealing to value investors [11][3] Earnings Estimates - In the last 60 days, four analysts have revised their earnings estimates upwards for fiscal 2025, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.19 to $6.81 per share [12] - MKS has demonstrated an average earnings surprise of +15.9%, indicating a strong performance relative to expectations [12]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of MKS's international operations in assessing its financial resilience and growth prospects, particularly in the semiconductor equipment sector [1][2][3] Revenue Performance - MKS reported total revenue of $973 million for the quarter, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 9.7% [4] - International revenue streams contributed significantly, with $248 million from Other International, accounting for 25.5% of total revenue, surpassing analyst expectations of $240.24 million [5] - Japan's revenue was $59 million, representing 6.1% of total revenue, which was below the expected $65.77 million, marking a decline of 10.29% [6] - China generated $219 million, making up 22.5% of total revenue, exceeding the consensus estimate of $207.83 million by 5.38% [7] Future Revenue Forecasts - Analysts project MKS will report revenues of $963.62 million for the current fiscal quarter, an increase of 7.6% year-over-year, with expected contributions of 24.9% from Other International, 7.1% from Japan, and 21.6% from China [8] - For the full year, total annual revenue is anticipated to reach $3.77 billion, a 5.2% increase from the previous year, with specific contributions from Other International (25.6%), Japan (7.2%), and China (22.4%) [9] Strategic Considerations - The reliance on international markets presents both opportunities and challenges for MKS, necessitating close monitoring of international revenue trends to project future performance [10] - Analysts are increasingly focused on international operations due to their impact on earnings estimates and stock price movements, highlighting the significance of geopolitical factors and local market conditions [11][12]

Core Insights - MKS Inc. (MKSI) reported second-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of $1.77 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 9.94% and reflecting a year-over-year increase of 15.7% [1] - Revenues reached $973 million, surpassing the consensus mark by 4.61% and showing a year-over-year growth of 9.7% [1] - MKSI shares rose 6.6% in pre-market trading, although the company has experienced a 14.2% decline year to date, underperforming the Zacks Computer and Technology sector's 12.2% [1] Revenue Breakdown - Product revenues, accounting for 87.2% of total revenues, were $848 million, up 10.1% year over year [2] - Service revenues, making up 12.8% of total revenues, increased 6.8% year over year to $125 million [2] - Revenues from the Semiconductor market, which constituted 44.4% of total revenues, rose 17.1% year over year to $432 million [3] - Electronics & Packaging revenues, representing 27.3% of total revenues, were $266 million, up 16.2% year over year [3] - Specialty Industrial revenues, accounting for 28.3% of total revenues, declined 4.8% year over year to $275 million [3] Segment Performance - Revenues from Vacuum Solutions, which made up 41.8% of total revenues, increased 21.5% year over year to $407 million [4] - Photonics Solutions revenues, comprising 25% of total revenues, decreased 4.3% year over year to $243 million [4] - Materials Solutions revenues, accounting for 33.2% of total revenues, climbed 8.4% year over year to $323 million [4] Operating Metrics - The adjusted gross margin contracted by 70 basis points year over year to 46.6% [5] - Adjusted EBITDA rose 5.3% year over year to $240 million, with the adjusted EBITDA margin contracting 100 basis points year over year to 24.7% [5] - Total operating expenses increased 10.6% year over year to $251 million [5] - Non-GAAP operating income was reported at $202 million, up 5.2% year over year, with the adjusted operating margin contracting 90 basis points year over year to 20.8% [6] Balance Sheet Overview - As of June 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents stood at $674 million, up from $655 million as of March 31 [7] - Long-term debt was reported at $4.36 billion [7] - Cash flow from operations was $165 million in Q2 2025, compared to $141 million in Q1 2025 [7] - Free cash flow increased to $136 million from $123 million in the previous quarter [7] Q3 Guidance - For Q3 2025, MKSI expects revenues of $960 million, with a variance of plus or minus $40 million [9] - The company anticipates a gross margin of 46.5% (plus or minus 1%) and an adjusted EBITDA of $232 million (plus or minus $24 million) [9] - Non-GAAP earnings are projected at $1.80 per share, with a variance of plus or minus $0.29 [9]

[PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION](index=3&type=section&id=PART%20I.%20FINANCIAL%20INFORMATION) This section presents the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the period ended June 30, 2025 [ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)](index=3&type=section&id=ITEM%201.%20FINANCIAL%20STATEMENTS%20%28Unaudited%29) This section presents the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, highlighting key financial positions, operational results, equity changes, and cash flows for the period ended June 30, 2025 [Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets](index=3&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Balance%20Sheets) This section provides a snapshot of the company's financial position, detailing assets, liabilities, and equity as of June 30, 2025 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights (in millions) | Account | June 30, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Assets** | | | | Cash and cash equivalents | $674 | $714 | | Inventories | $918 | $893 | | Goodwill | $2,570 | $2,479 | | Total assets | $8,826 | $8,590 | | **Liabilities & Equity** | | | | Total current liabilities | $832 | $775 | | Long-term debt, net | $4,357 | $4,488 | | Total liabilities | $6,273 | $6,268 | | Total stockholders' equity | $2,553 | $2,322 | - Total assets increased to **$8.826 billion** as of June 30, 2025, from **$8.590 billion** at the end of 2024, driven by increases in goodwill and property, plant, and equipment[7](index=7&type=chunk) - Total liabilities remained relatively stable at approximately **$6.3 billion**, while stockholders' equity increased from **$2.322 billion** to **$2.553 billion**, primarily due to retained earnings and changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss[7](index=7&type=chunk) [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)](index=4&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Operations%20and%20Comprehensive%20Income%20%28Loss%29) This section details the company's financial performance, including revenues, gross profit, and net income for the second quarter and year-to-date periods of 2025 Consolidated Statement of Operations Highlights (in millions, except per share data) | Metric | Q2 2025 | Q2 2024 | YTD 2025 | YTD 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total net revenues | $973 | $887 | $1,910 | $1,755 | | Gross profit | $453 | $419 | $897 | $834 | | Income from operations | $135 | $127 | $246 | $233 | | Net income | $62 | $23 | $114 | $37 | | Diluted EPS | $0.92 | $0.33 | $1.69 | $0.55 | - Net revenues for Q2 2025 increased by **9.7% YoY** to **$973 million**, and for the six months ended June 30, 2025, revenues grew by **8.8% YoY** to **$1.91 billion**[9](index=9&type=chunk) - Net income for Q2 2025 more than doubled to **$62 million** compared to **$23 million** in Q2 2024, driven by higher revenues and lower interest and debt extinguishment expenses[9](index=9&type=chunk) [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity](index=5&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Stockholders%27%20Equity) This section outlines changes in the company's equity, including share repurchases and dividend payments, for the period ended June 30, 2025 - Total stockholders' equity increased from **$2.322 billion** at the end of 2024 to **$2.553 billion** at June 30, 2025[11](index=11&type=chunk) - During the first six months of 2025, the company repurchased **0.5 million shares** for **$45 million** and paid cash dividends of **$30 million** (**$0.44 per share**)[11](index=11&type=chunk) [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows](index=6&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Cash%20Flows) This section details the company's cash inflows and outflows from operating, investing, and financing activities for the first half of 2025 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Highlights (in millions) | Cash Flow Activity | Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net cash provided by operating activities | $306 | $189 | | Net cash used in investing activities | ($45) | ($44) | | Net cash used in financing activities | ($309) | ($159) | | **Decrease in cash and cash equivalents** | **($40)** | **($25)** | - Cash from operations significantly increased to **$306 million** for the first half of 2025, up from **$189 million** in the prior-year period, primarily due to higher net income[14](index=14&type=chunk) - Financing activities used **$309 million**, mainly for debt repayments of **$225 million**, common stock repurchases of **$45 million**, and dividend payments of **$30 million**[14](index=14&type=chunk) [Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements](index=7&type=section&id=Notes%20to%20Unaudited%20Condensed%20Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) This section provides detailed disclosures on the company's segments, revenue by end market, and debt structure, supporting the financial statements - The company operates under three reportable segments: Vacuum Solutions Division (VSD), Photonics Solutions Division (PSD), and Materials Solutions Division (MSD)[17](index=17&type=chunk) Revenue by End Market (in millions) | End Market | Q2 2025 | Q2 2024 | YTD 2025 | YTD 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Semiconductor | $432 | $369 | $846 | $720 | | Electronics and Packaging | $266 | $229 | $519 | $437 | | Specialty Industrial | $275 | $289 | $545 | $598 | | **Total net revenues** | **$973** | **$887** | **$1,910** | **$1,755** | Debt Summary (in millions) | Debt Instrument | June 30, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Term Loan Facility, net | $2,981 | $3,114 | | Convertible Notes, net | $1,376 | $1,374 | | **Total long-term debt, net** | **$4,357** | **$4,488** | Revenue by Segment (in millions) | Segment | Q2 2025 | Q2 2024 | YTD 2025 | YTD 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | VSD | $407 | $335 | $793 | $668 | | PSD | $243 | $254 | $507 | $507 | | MSD | $323 | $298 | $610 | $580 | | **Total** | **$973** | **$887** | **$1,910** | **$1,755** | [ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS](index=34&type=section&id=ITEM%202.%20MANAGEMENT%27S%20DISCUSSION%20AND%20ANALYSIS%20OF%20FINANCIAL%20CONDITION%20AND%20RESULTS%20OF%20OPERATIONS) Management discusses the company's financial performance, condition, and operational results, highlighting revenue drivers, expense trends, and liquidity for the period ended June 30, 2025 [Overview and Markets](index=34&type=section&id=Overview%20and%20Markets) This section provides an overview of the company's market focus and details revenue performance across its key end markets - The company delivers foundational technology solutions to the semiconductor manufacturing, electronics and packaging, and specialty industrial applications markets[117](index=117&type=chunk) Net Revenues by End Market (in millions) | End Market | Q2 2025 | Q1 2025 | YTD 2025 | YTD 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Semiconductor | $432 | $413 | $846 | $720 | | Electronics and Packaging | $266 | $253 | $519 | $437 | | Specialty Industrial | $275 | $270 | $545 | $598 | | **Total net revenues** | **$973** | **$936** | **$1,910** | **$1,755** | - Semiconductor market revenue increased **5% sequentially** in Q2 2025 due to strength in logic and foundry applications and upgrades for NAND memory production[127](index=127&type=chunk) - Electronics and Packaging market revenue grew **5% sequentially**, driven by a seasonal rebound in chemistry sales after the Lunar New Year[131](index=131&type=chunk) - Specialty Industrial market revenue decreased **9% year-over-year** for the six-month period, mainly due to lower chemistry sales in the automotive market and lower revenues in the general industrial market[138](index=138&type=chunk) [Results of Operations](index=40&type=section&id=Results%20of%20Operations) This section analyzes key operational metrics including gross margin, research and development expenses, and interest expense for the reporting period - Total gross margin for Q2 2025 was **46.6%**, a decrease of **0.8 percentage points** from Q1 2025, primarily due to higher duty/tariff costs and unfavorable product mix[151](index=151&type=chunk)[154](index=154&type=chunk) - Research and development expenses increased to **$76 million** in Q2 2025 from **$70 million** in Q1 2025, mainly due to higher compensation-related costs[157](index=157&type=chunk)[158](index=158&type=chunk) - Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by **$10 million** sequentially to **$175 million** in Q2 2025, primarily from lower stock compensation costs[162](index=162&type=chunk) - Interest expense, net, decreased by **$54 million** for the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, due to debt refinancing at a lower interest rate and voluntary prepayments[169](index=169&type=chunk) - The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was **13.0%**, lower than the U.S. statutory rate due to deductions for foreign derived intangible income (FDII) and R&D credits[174](index=174&type=chunk) [Liquidity and Capital Resources](index=50&type=section&id=Liquidity%20and%20Capital%20Resources) This section discusses the company's cash position, operating cash flow, debt management, and capital allocation strategies - The company held **$674 million** in cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2025, with **$577 million** held by foreign subsidiaries[179](index=179&type=chunk)[180](index=180&type=chunk) - Net cash from operating activities was **$306 million** for the first six months of 2025, a significant increase from **$189 million** in the prior year period[182](index=182&type=chunk) - The company made voluntary debt prepayments of **$100 million** in January 2025 and **$100 million** in June 2025 on its USD Tranche B loan. An additional **$100 million** was prepaid on August 1, 2025[187](index=187&type=chunk)[193](index=193&type=chunk) - In the first half of 2025, the company repurchased **$45 million** of its common stock and paid **$30 million** in dividends[183](index=183&type=chunk)[185](index=185&type=chunk)[186](index=186&type=chunk) - As of June 30, 2025, the principal outstanding on the Term Loan Facility was **$3.1 billion** with a weighted average interest rate of **5.9%**. There were no borrowings under the **$675 million** Revolving Facility[190](index=190&type=chunk) [ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK](index=41&type=section&id=ITEM%203.%20QUANTITATIVE%20AND%20QUALITATIVE%20DISCLOSURES%20ABOUT%20MARKET%20RISK) This section confirms no material changes in the company's market risk exposure since December 31, 2024, referencing prior disclosures - As of June 30, 2025, there were no material changes in the company's exposure to market risk from the levels reported at December 31, 2024[215](index=215&type=chunk) [ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES](index=41&type=section&id=ITEM%204.%20CONTROLS%20AND%20PROCEDURES) Management confirms the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2025, with no material changes to internal control over financial reporting - Based on an evaluation as of June 30, 2025, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective[216](index=216&type=chunk) - There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2025, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal controls[217](index=217&type=chunk) [PART II. OTHER INFORMATION](index=42&type=section&id=PART%20II.%20OTHER%20INFORMATION) This section includes disclosures on risk factors, other information, and a list of exhibits filed with the report [ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS](index=42&type=section&id=ITEM%201A.%20RISK%20FACTORS) This section incorporates by reference the company's risk factors from its Annual Report on Form 10-K and prior Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q - The company's risk factors are incorporated by reference from its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2025[218](index=218&type=chunk) [ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION](index=42&type=section&id=ITEM%205.%20OTHER%20INFORMATION) This section confirms that no directors or officers adopted or terminated Rule 10b5-1 or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements during Q2 2025 - During the second quarter of 2025, none of the company's directors or officers adopted or terminated a trading arrangement under Rule 10b5-1(c) or a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement[219](index=219&type=chunk) [ITEM 6. EXHIBITS](index=43&type=section&id=ITEM%206.%20EXHIBITS) This section lists all exhibits accompanying the Form 10-Q, including required certifications and XBRL data files - The report includes standard exhibits such as CEO and CFO certifications pursuant to Sarbanes-Oxley Act Sections 302 and 906, and Inline XBRL documents[221](index=221&type=chunk)

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported second quarter revenue of $973 million, which was above the high end of guidance, reflecting a 4% sequential increase and a 10% year-over-year increase [5][13] - Net earnings per diluted share were $1.77, at the high end of guidance, with a gross margin of 46.6% [6][18] - Free cash flow increased to $136 million, representing over 100% of net earnings and 14% of revenue [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Semiconductor revenue reached $432 million, up 5% sequentially and 17% year-over-year, driven by demand in vacuum solutions and normalization of customer inventories [14] - Electronics and packaging revenue was $266 million, also up 5% sequentially and 16% year-over-year, supported by growth in chemistry and chemistry equipment [15] - Specialty industrial revenue was $275 million, a 2% sequential increase but down 5% year-over-year, with modest improvements in life and health sciences [16][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The semiconductor market is expected to see mid to high single-digit year-over-year growth, while electronics and packaging is anticipated to grow double digits year-over-year in Q3 [9][10] - The specialty industrial market is expected to remain flat in Q3 [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its value-added services and maintaining a disciplined cost structure while investing in organic growth opportunities [12][19] - The management emphasized the importance of technology integration in advanced applications, particularly in AI-related sectors [10][46] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in mitigating tariff impacts and expects a gross margin of 46.5% in Q3, with a reduced tariff impact compared to Q2 [22] - The company remains optimistic about its growth trajectory despite trade-related challenges, with significant increases in revenue, earnings per share, and free cash flow in the first half of the year [24] Other Important Information - The company made voluntary principal prepayments totaling $200 million on its term loan, demonstrating strong cash flow management [5][19] - The company has approximately $1.3 billion in liquidity, including cash and undrawn credit facilities [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Future semiconductor revenue trends - Management indicated that the semiconductor portfolio is growing year-over-year and is expected to outperform the market, with NAND upgrades being a significant factor [26][28] Question: Strength in electronics and packaging - Management noted that the strength in the PCB business was primarily driven by AI demand, with expectations for continued growth in Q3 [29][30] Question: Chemistry equipment orders sustainability - Management confirmed that high utilization rates among substrate manufacturers are driving demand for chemistry equipment, indicating a potential sustainable trend [34] Question: Tariff impacts on guidance - Management stated that while tariffs had a significant impact in Q2, they expect less impact in Q3 due to mitigation strategies [76][77] Question: Specialty industrial business indicators - Management highlighted that while the industrial segment remains muted, the defense sector has shown growth, providing a positive outlook for that area [89]