Core Insights - Axcelis Technologies Inc. has initiated a Joint Development Program with GE Aerospace to develop production-worthy 6.5 to 10kV superjunction power devices, emphasizing the significance of Silicon Carbide (SiC) in advanced power electronics for various industries [1][11] - The collaboration is part of the Commercial Leap Ahead for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors (CLAWS) Hub, led by North Carolina State University [5] Company Developments - Axcelis' Purion XEmax high-energy implanter is noted for its high beam currents and broad energy range, enabling the development of SiC devices that can endure extreme conditions [3][11] - Customer Solutions & Innovation (CS&I) contributed approximately 30% to total revenues in the first half of 2025, indicating a focus on enhancing customer experience and value [6][7][11] - The company is actively engaging with customers on technology roadmaps, particularly in advanced logic and SiC applications, and is investing in R&D for new technologies [8] Industry Context - SiC wide bandgap semiconductors are positioned to outperform traditional Silicon devices in terms of voltage, temperature, and frequency, making them crucial for aerospace, defense, and emerging technologies like AI and autonomous vehicles [2] - GE Aerospace has a robust IP portfolio in SiC technologies, focusing on applications in extreme environments such as hypersonic flight and electric propulsion [4]

Core Viewpoint - ON Semiconductor has underperformed in the market, with a 28.5% decline year-to-date, compared to a 5.5% drop in the Zacks Computer & Technology sector and a 3.9% decline in the Semiconductor - Analog and Mixed industry [1][2]. Group 1: Performance and Market Position - The company has faced declining demand across key end markets and ongoing inventory digestion, contributing to its underperformance relative to peers like NXP Semiconductors, which has seen a 1.7% return in the same period [1][2]. - ON Semiconductor's shares are currently overvalued, indicated by a Value Score of D, and are trading below both the 50-day and 200-day moving averages, suggesting a bearish trend [12][13]. Group 2: Growth Prospects - Despite current challenges, ON Semiconductor's growth prospects are bolstered by strong demand for silicon carbide (SiC) technology, particularly in utility-scale solar and electric vehicles (EVs) in China, as well as intelligent sensing solutions for AI data centers [4][6]. - The company reported a 22% sequential increase in SiC revenues in Q4 2024, and its recent $115 million acquisition of Qorvo's Silicon Carbide Junction Field Effect Transistor business is expected to enhance its position in the SiC market [4][5]. Group 3: Acquisitions and Market Strategy - ON Semiconductor is pursuing strategic acquisitions to strengthen its market position, including a planned acquisition of Allegro MicroSystems for $6.9 billion, which aims to combine automotive and industrial power solutions with sensing expertise [7][8]. - The company is targeting a total addressable market worth $1.3 billion in EV battery disconnects and solid-state circuit breakers, with a projected revenue CAGR of 30% through 2030 [6]. Group 4: Financial Outlook - For Q1 2025, ON Semiconductor anticipates non-GAAP earnings between 45 cents and 55 cents per share, with a consensus estimate of 51 cents, reflecting a 52.78% decline from the previous year [9][10]. - Revenue expectations for Q1 2025 are between $1.35 billion and $1.45 billion, with a consensus of $1.41 billion, indicating a 24.54% decline year-over-year [10]. Group 5: Market Challenges - The company is facing subdued overall demand due to ongoing inventory digestion and slow end-market demand, which is expected to negatively impact top-line growth [9][10]. - Geopolitical uncertainties and tariff impacts are anticipated to further hinder near-term prospects, with Japan sales experiencing a sharp decline and challenges in the Chinese market affecting EV deliveries [16][17].