Benchmark Electronics Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Benchmark Electronics (NYSE: BHE) - **Event**: Sidoti Virtual Small Cap Conference - **Date**: September 17, 2025 Key Points Leadership Transition - David Muizidis is the incoming CEO, transitioning from Jeff Bank, who will remain as an advisor for an additional year post-retirement [5][6][60]. Growth Outlook - The company is optimistic about future growth, reporting a multiyear record high in bookings as of July [11][36]. - Focus on existing customers has been emphasized, with efforts to triple down on customer relationships leading to improved performance [12][21]. Sector Performance - **Medical Sector**: Recovery post-COVID with inventory clearing; quicker revenue realization expected from competitive takeaways [13][14]. - **Advanced Compute and Communication (ACC)**: Anticipated growth starting in Q4, driven by AI-related wins [15]. - **Aerospace and Defense (A&D)**: Strong performance noted, with continued growth in commercial air and defense sectors [16]. - **Industrial Sector**: Stabilization and growth observed, with strategic investments leading to competitive takeaways [17][18]. - **Semiconductor Capital Equipment**: Despite recent slowdowns, the company has gained market share and is well-positioned for future growth [19][20]. Competitive Landscape - Competes with tier one electronic manufacturing suppliers like Jabil, Flex, and Celestica, with a focus on maintaining market share and improving bookings [34][35][36]. - The company has successfully executed competitive takeaways through quality improvements and automation [31]. Tariff Impact - The company is well-positioned to manage tariff impacts through its global manufacturing footprint, allowing for proactive solutions for customers [39][40]. - Tariffs are generally passed on to customers, with minimal direct financial impact on the company [42]. AI and Hyperscale Engagement - The company is not directly engaging with hyperscalers but is involved in the broader AI ecosystem, leveraging capabilities in liquid cooling and semiconductor capital equipment [44][46]. - Recent wins in AI-related projects highlight the company's capabilities and strategic positioning [45][47]. Margin Improvement Drivers - Focus on complex products rather than commodity items has driven margin improvements [48]. - Optimized factory utilization and improved SG&A efficiencies are expected to contribute positively to margins as revenue normalizes [49]. Capital Allocation Strategy - Prioritization of dividends and stock buybacks, with potential for strategic acquisitions if they align with growth objectives [52][53]. - Emphasis on tuck-in acquisitions that enhance existing capabilities and customer relationships [54][55]. Inventory and Cash Flow Management - Significant improvements in cash flow and inventory management, with a goal of reducing inventory days [50][51]. - The company reported approximately $80 million in free cash flow over the last twelve months [51]. Future Outlook - The leadership team is focused on building upon the existing foundation and accelerating growth strategies [60][61]. - The company is enthusiastic about its future prospects and the talent within its leadership team [63][64].

Corporate Actions - Luxshare Precision is planning a Hong Kong listing [1] Advisors - Luxshare Precision is working with China International Capital, Citic Securities, and Goldman Sachs on its Hong Kong listing plan [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Zacks Electronics - Manufacturing Machinery industry is currently facing challenging macroeconomic conditions and high inventory levels, but companies like Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Axcelis Technologies, and Veeco Instruments are benefiting from increased capital spending in high-performance computing, AI, and other advanced technologies [1][2]. Industry Overview - The industry comprises companies providing solutions for wafer processing, device packaging, and semiconductor manufacturing, including thin-film processing systems and advanced packaging lithography [3]. - There is a growing emphasis on contamination-free transportation and storage of materials, highlighting the importance of micro-contamination control products [4]. Trends Influencing the Industry - Miniaturization in semiconductor manufacturing is driving demand for advanced packaging and new device architectures, which enhances prospects for industry participants [5]. - The complexity of semiconductor manufacturing processes is increasing due to the demand for faster and more energy-efficient semiconductors, driven by cloud computing, IoT, and AI [7][8]. - Strong demand for NAND and DRAM, particularly in data centers and cloud segments, is a positive indicator for the industry [9]. Industry Performance and Valuation - The Zacks Electronics - Manufacturing Machinery industry ranks 234, placing it in the bottom 5% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating bearish near-term prospects [10][11]. - The industry has underperformed the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector and the S&P 500, declining 47.2% over the past year compared to the S&P 500's growth of 6.7% [14]. - The current trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA ratio for the industry is 9.59X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 15.82X and the sector's 14.68X [15]. Company Highlights - **Kulicke and Soffa Industries (KLIC)**: This company designs and manufactures capital equipment for semiconductor assembly. Its new Fluxless Thermo-Compression system is expected to enhance throughput and capture advanced logic customers. The consensus estimate for fiscal 2025 earnings is $1.49 per share, with shares down 35.4% year to date [16][17]. - **Axcelis Technologies (ACLS)**: Specializes in ion implantation and processing equipment, benefiting from strong demand in the silicon carbide market, particularly for EV applications. The consensus estimate for 2025 earnings is $2.55 per share, with shares down 32% year to date [18][19]. - **Veeco Instruments (VECO)**: Expected to benefit from improving demand for its laser annealing and wet processing systems. The consensus estimate for 2025 earnings is $1.35 per share, with shares down 28.2% year to date [19].