Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - FormFactor's Q3 2025 revenue was $202.7 million, with non-GAAP gross margins at 41%, up 250 basis points from 38.5% in Q2 2025 [20][22] - GAAP gross margins for Q3 were 39.8%, compared to 37.3% in Q2 [23] - Non-GAAP EPS for Q3 was $0.33, exceeding the high end of the outlook range of $0.21 to $0.29 [20][24] - Free cash flow in Q3 was $19.7 million, a significant improvement from negative $47.1 million in Q2 [24][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Probecard segment saw a 254 basis point increase in gross margins, while the systems segment increased by 260 basis points to 40.8% and 42%, respectively [22] - DRAM Probecards achieved double-digit sequential growth in Q3, primarily driven by HBM, with HBM revenue around $40 million [9][49] - The systems segment is expected to continue its growth trajectory into Q4, supported by seasonal demand and advancements in co-packaged optics [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The foundry and logic probecard market experienced weaker demand in Q3, with expectations of similar levels in Q4 [11][12] - Despite a broader PC recovery, significant growth in probecards for CPU applications has not been observed, as demand is being met by existing legacy designs [11][12] - The company is focused on diversifying its customer base in the foundry and logic markets, with ongoing qualifications for major GPU applications [13][40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve a target model gross margin of 47%, with a focus on both short-term and long-term initiatives to improve profitability [6][15] - Key strategies include optimizing operational effectiveness, reducing manufacturing costs, and expanding capacity through the new Farmers Branch facility [17][25] - The company is committed to developing differentiated products to increase market share and pricing power, particularly in advanced packaging and high-performance compute [7][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about achieving sequentially higher revenue and gross margins in Q4, driven by improved demand and cost reduction initiatives [5][26] - The transition to HBM4 is expected to increase test intensity and complexity, providing a competitive advantage for FormFactor [10][31] - Management acknowledged ongoing challenges from tariffs but is actively taking steps to mitigate their impact on gross margins [26][27] Other Important Information - The company plans to invest between $140 million and $170 million in the Farmers Branch facility over 2026, which is expected to enhance gross margins in the long term [25][66] - The share repurchase program aims to offset dilution from stock-based compensation, with $70.9 million remaining for future purchases [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on HBM growth and Probecard intensity - Management noted that HBM4 is expected to drive increased test intensity and complexity, leading to growth in Probecard demand as the technology evolves [31][32] Question: Contribution of tactical versus structural improvements to gross margin - Management indicated that both tactical and structural improvements are essential, with ongoing actions expected to yield benefits in the coming quarters [34] Question: Factors contributing to gross margin targets - Management clarified that improvements in manufacturing cycle time and yield are independent of product mix, contributing to the path towards target gross margins [38] Question: Impact of CPU and GPU customer ramps on foundry and logic - Management highlighted the significant addressable markets associated with CPU and GPU opportunities, though quantifying the impact remains challenging [40] Question: Revenue growth drivers in Q4 - Management confirmed that revenue growth in Q4 is expected to be driven by non-HBM DRAM applications, with ongoing improvements in gross margins [42][43] Question: Timing of capacity increase from Farmers Branch - Initial capacity from the Farmers Branch facility is expected to come online late in 2026, with the majority in 2027 [44] Question: HBM revenue specifics for Q3 - Management disclosed that HBM revenue for Q3 was approximately $40 million, with expectations for continued growth into Q4 [49] Question: Revenue from top CPU customer - Management acknowledged that a major CPU customer did not contribute significantly in Q3 but emphasized the importance of the long-term partnership [51][52] Question: ASIC projects engagement updates - Management noted ongoing engagements with major hyperscalers in the custom ASIC space, with expectations for future growth as specifications align with GPU requirements [53][54] Question: Gross margin improvement contributions - Management indicated that mix, volume, and cost improvement actions all contributed to the improved gross margins, with cost improvements being a significant factor [58]