Core Insights - The demand for AI and high-performance computing is strong, with NVIDIA projecting global AI infrastructure investments to reach $3 trillion to $4 trillion by the end of the decade, which may reshape the semiconductor supply chain [1] - Onto Innovation is actively developing process control solutions to support the AI era, focusing on advanced packaging and advanced nodes markets [4][12] Financial Performance - Onto Innovation reported Q3 2025 revenue of $218.2 million, slightly above the midpoint of guidance, with a gross margin of 54% and operating margins of 21.1% [8] - The company expects Q4 revenue to range from $250 million to $265 million, representing a sequential growth of 15% to 21% [10][11] Product Development and Technology - The 3DI technology has been successfully qualified by two high bandwidth memory customers, leading to discussions for volume orders [3] - The next-generation Dragonfly system is set to ship soon, with expectations for significant revenue contributions in the second half of 2026 [12][27] Market Outlook - The company anticipates approximately 18% revenue growth in Q4, primarily driven by 2.5D packaging customers, with advanced nodes revenue also expected to improve [5][9] - There is a strong long-term outlook for AI in advanced node investments, supported by aggressive infrastructure expansion plans globally [12][13] Strategic Initiatives - Onto Innovation is enhancing its competitive position through offshoring activities and new product adoption, which are expected to strengthen growth outlook for 2026 [4][7] - The company is in the process of acquiring three product lines from Semi Lab, which is expected to be accretive to revenue and earnings in 2026 [10][43]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2025 was $218.2 million, slightly ahead of the midpoint of previous guidance [11] - Gross margin for Q3 2025 was 54%, impacted by approximately one percentage point due to tariffs [11] - Operating margins were 21.1%, exceeding the top end of guidance [11] - Adjusted earnings per share for the quarter were $0.92, towards the high end of guidance [11] - Cash from operations increased sequentially to $83 million from $58 million in Q2, representing cash conversion of approximately 185% of non-GAAP net income [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advanced nodes generated revenue of $54 million, or 25% of total revenue, with expected full-year revenue of approximately $300 million, doubling from $148.5 million in 2024 [11][12] - Specialty device and advanced packaging revenue was $113 million, or approximately 52% of revenue, with a strong rebound expected in Q4 [12] - Software and services revenue was $51 million, comprising the remaining 23% of Q3 results [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects revenue growth of approximately 18% at the midpoint of Q4 guidance, primarily driven by 2.5D packaging customers [7] - Advanced packaging revenue is expected to nearly double from Q3, driven by strong demand for DragonFly systems [8] - Global AI infrastructure investments could reach $3 trillion-$4 trillion by the end of the decade, reshaping the semiconductor supply chain [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing its leadership position in advanced packaging and advanced nodes markets [4] - Strategic initiatives include new product adoption, advancing offshoring activities, and preparing for the integration of the Semilab transaction [4] - The company plans to ramp up production capabilities in Asia, aiming to ship over 60% of production demand from international locations by the end of Q1 2026 [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects organic growth in 2026, with momentum building towards the second half of the year [17] - The long-term outlook for AI and advanced node investments is positive, driven by aggressive infrastructure expansion plans globally [17] - Management noted that while quarterly performance may show variation, sequential growth is expected in the first half of next year [9] Other Important Information - The pending acquisition of Semilab is expected to close in the coming weeks and be accretive to both revenue and earnings in 2026 [10] - The company will switch to a quarterly calendar schedule starting Q1 2026 [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for organic growth in advanced packaging and advanced nodes - Management indicated that the first half of 2026 is expected to show sequential growth, with more significant growth in the second half driven by customer expansions and new product adoption [20][21] Question: Gross margin outlook for next year - Management expects tariff impacts to mitigate next quarter, with more meaningful gross margin expansion anticipated in mid to late 2026 as offshore factories ramp up [22][23] Question: Clarification on 2.5D packaging growth - Management confirmed that the sequential growth mentioned was primarily driven by AI packaging and strong demand for DragonFly systems [26][28] Question: Qualification of 3DI tool and its impact - Management expressed hope to be the first choice for HBM4 and noted that the 3DI technology is tied to improving yields through new applications [32][40] Question: Timing of revenue from DragonFly - Management expects incremental revenue from DragonFly in the first half of 2026, with more meaningful revenue anticipated in the second half as customer adoption ramps up [36][38] Question: Visibility on HBM progression - Management noted that visibility is improving, but discussions with suppliers regarding allocations are still ongoing [56][57] Question: Impact of memory market strength on future orders - Management indicated that existing VPAs cover the current year, with discussions now focused on new VPAs for the next year and beyond [51]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Onto Innovation reported revenue of $253.6 million for Q2 2025, representing a 5% year-over-year increase [14] - Gross margin for Q2 was 54.5%, which would have been approximately 55% excluding $1.1 million in tariff-related expenses [15][17] - Operating margin was 25.9%, near the high end of the expected range, attributed to productivity gains in R&D and operations [15] - Earnings per share for the quarter was $1.25, impacted by unfavorable foreign exchange losses and an increase in the effective tax rate to 16% [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advanced nodes revenue was $89 million, accounting for 35% of Q2 revenue [16] - Specialty devices and advanced packaging revenue reached $117 million, representing 46% of total revenue [16] - Software and services revenue was $48 million, or 19% of total revenue [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects a rebound in revenue in the fourth quarter, consistent with levels reported in the first two quarters of 2025 [11][13] - Demand for AI packaging is anticipated to drive a significant increase in revenue, with expectations of at least a 50% quarter-over-quarter increase in Q4 [10] - Advanced node spending is expected to pause in Q3 but is projected to increase in Q4, with advanced nodes revenue expected to nearly double compared to 2024 [12][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Onto Innovation announced a strategic agreement to acquire product lines from Semi Lab International, expected to close pending regulatory approvals [4][6] - The acquisition is projected to add over $130 million in annual revenue and be immediately accretive to gross and operating margins [6] - The company is focusing on expanding its portfolio in inspection and metrology systems to address new challenges in advanced nodes and packaging [5][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in a revenue rebound in Q4, driven by strong customer demand and increased spending in AI packaging [11][13] - The company is taking a prudent approach to manage operating costs while ensuring R&D capabilities are not significantly impacted [21] - The ramp-up of a regional manufacturing strategy is expected to enhance operational resilience and mitigate tariff-related exposure [20][24] Other Important Information - Cash from operations was $58 million, representing a 95% cash conversion of non-GAAP net income for the quarter [17] - The company ended the quarter with approximately $895 million in cash and investments, an increase of $44 million from Q1 [17] - Anticipated tariff expenses for Q3 and Q4 are expected to be around $2 million to $3 million each quarter [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Follow-up on Next Gen Dragonfly and customer milestones - Management confirmed significant milestones achieved with a key customer and ongoing reliability testing before shipping high-quality products [28][30] Question: Factors influencing Q4 revenue range - The revenue range for Q4 is primarily driven by customer demand rather than specific programs, with strong demand for AI packaging tools noted [33][34] Question: Next Gen Dragonfly shipping timeline and growth potential - Tools are on track to be shipped this year, with expectations for strong growth driven by various applications [37][40] Question: Subsurface defect inspection demand - Demand for subsurface defect inspection is coming from multiple customers across various applications, not limited to one customer [46][48] Question: Importance of Next Gen Dragonfly platform - The platform is considered crucial for defending existing positions in high-performance metrology, with significant advancements over previous technologies [50] Question: Semi Lab acquisition and growth expectations - The acquisition is expected to provide above-average growth opportunities, with synergies to be discussed post-closing [80][82]