Vi e w p o i n t | 09 Jan 2026 08:02:58 ET │ 49 pages Taiwan Semiconductors AI Chip Testing - The Hidden Infrastructure Behind the Age of Advanced Packaging; Initiate on MPI at Buy/High Risk CITI'S TAKE Leading-edge advanced packaging has become essential for AI chips as system performance is now determined by interconnect, memory bandwidth, and power efficiency rather than transistor scaling alone. Advanced packaging enables large AI dies to overcome reticle limits, integrate multiple compute, I/O dies and ...

PresentationSunny LinUBS Investment Bank, Research Division Good morning, good evening. Thank you all for attending the conference call with ASE. I'm Sunny Lin, covering Greater China [ Semis ] at UBS. It's my great honor to host Mr. Yin Chang, Executive VP of ASE for Sales and Marketing. He will be sharing with us how advanced packaging innovations are evolving to support cloud AI technologies. ASE's IR team, Ken Hsiang, Iris Wu, Chiayi Liao will also be on the line as well to take questions with Yin towar ...

Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) is one of the best high volume stocks to buy right now. On December 16, Bank of America raised the firm’s price target on Intel to $40 from $34, while keeping an Underperform rating on the shares. The firm highlighted a growing opportunity for Intel Foundry to secure external wins in advanced packaging and wafer design. However, BofA also noted that manufacturing uncertainties continue to weigh on the outlook, requiring a more cautious stance until production consistency imp ...

LIVERMORE, Calif., Dec. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FormFactor, Inc. (NASDAQ: FORM), a leading semiconductor test and measurement supplier, announced today the acquisition of Keystone Photonics, a pioneer in optical probing technology for silicon photonics (SiPh) and co-packaged optics (CPO) wafer testing. These technologies are key for next-generation data centers powering AI and high-performance computing – accelerating data communications to handle massive information loads with dramatically lower power ...

Core Viewpoint - Amtech Systems is expected to report a revenue decline of 17.9% year-over-year for Q4 fiscal 2025, with anticipated revenues of approximately $19.8 million, while facing challenges in its mature node semiconductor business [1][8][11]. Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Amtech Systems' Q4 fiscal 2025 bottom line is a loss of 3 cents per share, unchanged over the past 60 days, compared to break-even earnings in the same quarter last year [1][2]. - The company has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters, with an average negative surprise of 51.25% [2]. Market Trends - Demand for AI-related equipment surged fivefold in Q3 fiscal 2025, contributing to approximately 25% of Thermal Processing Solutions' revenues, indicating a significant growth opportunity in advanced packaging, particularly within AI infrastructure [5][6]. - The advanced packaging market is projected to grow from $51.62 billion in 2025 to $89.89 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 11.73%, which bodes well for Amtech Systems' prospects [19][20]. Operational Efficiency - Amtech Systems has made strides in restructuring operations, reducing its manufacturing footprint from seven sites to four, and shifting some production to partners, resulting in $13 million of annual savings [7][9]. - The adoption of a semi-fabless manufacturing model has effectively reduced fixed costs and improved operational leverage, aiding margins in the upcoming quarter [9][10]. Competitive Positioning - Year-to-date, Amtech Systems shares have increased by 63.5%, outperforming the Zacks Semiconductor - General industry growth of 35.3% [12]. - The company's forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is 1.59X, significantly lower than the industry's 13.11X, indicating a potentially attractive valuation [14][18]. Challenges - Despite the growth in AI-related demand, Amtech Systems continues to face weak demand in its mature node semiconductor business, which negatively impacts overall revenue performance [11][21]. - The reliance on mature node segments exposes the company to cyclical downturns, which could hinder growth [21][22].

Flash | TBC leadership supported by technology – 1) HBM: After securing bulk TCB order (HBM3E 12H) last year, ASMPT is the 1st vendor to secure TCB orders for HBM4 12H. Mgmt. is confident of its TCB competitiveness going forward given ASMPT's technology leadership (fluxless active oxide removal), better yield, and tool scalability. 2) C2S: ASMPT remains the sole TCB supplier at key foundry. 3) C2W: leading foundry has adopted ASMPT's plasma solution ultrafine pitch TCB for HVM, with order upside potential p ...

Marvell Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRVL) is one of the AI Stocks in Focus on Wall Street. On November 20, Raymond James assumed coverage on the stock with a Strong Buy rating and a price target of $121.00. The firm is bullish on the stock as it sees Marvell well-positioned for AI-driven demand and advanced packaging trends. While analysts acknowledge how Marvell faces skepticism being a secondary custom silicon supplier, it believes it has the right ingredients due to its application specific integrated cir ...

Core Viewpoint - KLA (KLAC) stock is considered a promising investment opportunity due to strong margins, a low-debt capital structure, and significant growth potential, as it is currently 11% below its 52-week high [1][3]. Performance and Growth Potential - KLAC has experienced a 76% increase in stock price year-to-date, with further growth potential due to solid fundamentals [3]. - The stock recently declined by nearly 6% amid a broader tech sell-off, indicating volatility in the market [3]. - Revenue is forecasted to exceed $925 million in 2025, representing a 70% annual increase [4]. - The September 2025 quarter achieved a 43% operating margin, supported by a favorable product mix and manufacturing efficiencies [5]. - The service sector grew by 16% year-over-year, reaching $745 million [5]. - KLA's free cash flow of $3.9 billion over the past year supports its low-debt capital structure, emphasizing strong momentum with a year-to-date return exceeding 80% [6]. Fundamentals Comparison - KLA's operating cash flow margin averages approximately 34.0%, with an operating margin of 38.9% over the last three years [12]. - The company has shown revenue growth of 22.1% over the last twelve months and 8.7% over the last three-year average [12]. - Despite its momentum, KLAC trades 11% below its 52-week high, indicating room for further growth [12]. Investment Criteria - KLA meets several investment criteria, including a market cap greater than $2 billion, high operating or cash flow margins, no significant revenue decline in the past five years, a low-debt capital structure, and strong momentum [13].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 2025 was $177.6 million, with GAAP earnings per share of $0.12 and non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.28 [8][15] - Gross margins were reported at 45.7%, with total operating expenses at $80.3 million on a GAAP basis and just below $70 million on a non-GAAP basis [15][16] - For the upcoming December quarter, revenue is expected to increase by approximately 7% sequentially to $190 million, with gross margins projected at 47% [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - General semiconductor revenue increased by 24% sequentially, with utilization rates over 80% [9] - Memory-related revenue increased by nearly 60% sequentially to $24.4 million, driven by NAND-related capacity additions [9] - Advanced packaging solutions saw a 17% sequential increase in APS, indicating improved production activity [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Utilization rates for general semiconductor and memory applications are improving, with memory utilization at approximately 82%-83% [40] - The automotive and industrial markets are expected to show sequential improvement in the December quarter, despite previous headwinds [10][66] - China’s utilization rates are close to 90%, indicating strong demand in that region [40][58] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its market presence in advanced packaging, advanced dispense, and power semiconductor opportunities [14][18] - There is a commitment to innovation and customer engagement, particularly in response to the rise of chiplet architectures and heterogeneous integration [6][7] - The company anticipates that half of its incremental growth in fiscal 2026 will stem from technology transitions and share gains in new markets [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about improving end market dynamics and the potential for growth in fiscal 2026 [10][17] - The company is preparing for higher production levels and is confident in its operational efficiencies to navigate the current macro environment [17][18] - Management noted that the automotive and industrial markets are expected to recover, driven by technology transitions in power semiconductors [66] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $16.7 million worth of shares during the September quarter, totaling 2.4 million shares for the fiscal year [16] - The transition in leadership with Lester Wong as Interim CEO is expected to be seamless, maintaining strategic focus and operational stability [5][6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on segment growth for general semi, memory, and auto-industrial - Management indicated strong growth in general semi and memory, with expectations for sequential growth in auto-industrial as well [22][24] Question: Status of FTC plasma solution and competition - Management stated that they remain competitive in high-volume production and continue to feel strong about their FTC solution [25][26] Question: Details on HBM system shipment - The shipment is to a customer in the U.S., with the next milestone being system installation and qualification [31][32] Question: Insights into NAND market - Management reported high utilization rates in the NAND market, particularly in China, with increasing purchase orders [40] Question: Expectations for unit growth in general semi market - Management predicts unit growth of approximately 5%-7% for 2026, supported by high utilization rates [58] Question: Dynamics in the memory market - Management noted that memory utilization is high and sales are increasing, indicating a ramp in memory that will continue into FY 2026 [64]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 2025 was $177.6 million, with GAAP earnings per share of $0.12 and non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.28, reflecting a focus on operational efficiency [8][14] - Gross margins were reported at 45.7%, with total operating expenses at $80.3 million on a GAAP basis and just below $70 million on a non-GAAP basis [14][15] - For the upcoming December quarter, revenue is expected to increase by approximately 7% sequentially to $190 million, with gross margins projected at 47% [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - General semiconductor revenue increased by 24% sequentially, driven by technology and capacity needs, with utilization rates over 80% [9] - Memory-related revenue increased by nearly 60% sequentially to $24.4 million, primarily due to NAND-related capacity additions [9] - Advanced packaging solutions saw a 17% sequential increase in APS, indicating improved production activity across the high-volume install base [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Utilization rates for general semiconductor and memory applications are improving, with general semiconductor utilization over 80% and memory utilization around 82-83% [9][25] - The automotive and industrial markets are showing early signs of improvement, with expectations for sequential growth in the upcoming quarters [10][34] - China’s utilization rates are close to 90%, indicating strong demand in the region [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing its technology in areas such as thermal compression, vertical wire, and advanced dispense, aiming to capture market share in high-potential technologies [5][10] - The transition to advanced packaging techniques is seen as crucial for supporting power efficiency and performance improvements [12] - The company anticipates that half of its incremental growth in fiscal 2026 will stem from technology transitions and share gains in new markets, with the other half from cyclical recovery [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about improving end market dynamics and strong traction in advanced packaging and power semiconductor opportunities [10][16] - The company is preparing for higher production levels while continuing to drive technology transitions [6][10] - Management noted that the automotive market, while previously soft, is expected to show sequential improvement in fiscal 2026 [10][34] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $16.7 million worth of shares during the September quarter, totaling 2.4 million shares for the fiscal year [15] - The transition in leadership with Lester Wong as Interim CEO is expected to be seamless, maintaining strategic focus and continuity [4][5] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on segment growth for general semi, memory, and auto-industrial - Management confirmed strong growth in general semi and memory, with expectations for sequential growth in auto-industrial as well [18][19] Question: Status of FTC plasma solution and competition - Management stated they remain competitive in high-volume production and continue to feel strong about their FTC solution [19][20] Question: Details on HBM system shipment - The first HBM system is being shipped to a customer in the U.S. for qualification, with expectations for future updates post-installation [22][23] Question: Growth expectations for fiscal 2026 - Management is comfortable with consensus revenue expectations around $730 million to $740 million, with growth driven by technology transitions and cyclical recovery [24] Question: Insights into the NAND market - High utilization rates in memory, particularly in China, are driving improvements, with expectations for continued order increases [25] Question: Dynamics in the memory market - Management indicated that memory utilization is high and sales are increasing, signaling a ramp in memory recovery into FY2026 [32] Question: Outlook for automotive and industrial markets - Management expressed optimism for sequential growth in auto-industrial revenue, particularly in Southeast Asia and China [34]