Core Insights - Synopsys (SNPS) is set to report its third-quarter fiscal 2025 results on September 9, with expected non-GAAP earnings per share between $3.82 and $3.87, reflecting a year-over-year increase of approximately 12% [1][9] - The anticipated revenues for the fiscal third quarter are between $1.755 billion and $1.785 billion, indicating a 15.9% increase from the previous year's reported figure of $1.53 billion [2][9] Factors Influencing Performance - The fiscal third-quarter performance is likely to benefit from strong demand in AI and high-performance computing markets, with robust momentum in Synopsys' hardware-assisted verification (HAV) portfolio contributing to top-line growth [3][4] - The launch of next-generation HAPS 200 prototyping systems and ZeBu 200 emulation systems, which deliver up to 2x better performance than previous versions, has reinforced Synopsys' leadership in HAV [4] - Significant customer deployments, including those from AMD, ARM, NVIDIA, and SiFive, are expected to positively impact the upcoming quarter's results [4] - Advancements in agent AI, particularly the large-scale adoption of DSO.ai and VSO.ai, are anticipated to unlock productivity gains across the industry, further supporting third-quarter performance [5] - Synopsys' IP development for the global foundry ecosystem, including wins in PCIe 7.0 and UALink, is expected to contribute positively to the third-quarter results [6] Challenges - Ongoing macroeconomic challenges and tightening corporate budgets, along with unfavorable currency exchange rates, are expected to partially offset the positive impacts of growth drivers [7] Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for Synopsys this season, as it carries a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell) and an Earnings ESP of 0.00% [8][10]

Global EDA Industry Performance - The global EDA industry is projected to grow by 11% year-on-year in Q4 2024, reaching $4.9 billion, despite a weak performance in the Chinese market [3][4] - The EDA software industry is characterized by high technical barriers, talent reserves, user collaboration, and significant capital scale, with a market concentration exceeding 70% among the top three companies: Cadence, Synopsys, and Siemens EDA [5] Growth Drivers in EDA - The increasing demand for edge computing and high-performance computing (HPC) chips is driving the need for more complex and automated EDA solutions [6] - The rise of cloud solutions facilitates seamless collaboration and enhances accessibility for global design teams [6] - The integration of AI and machine learning algorithms into workflows is optimizing design accuracy and efficiency, reducing costly errors, and accelerating time-to-market [6] Segment Performance - CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) revenue grew by 10.9% to $1.6969 billion [7] - IC physical design and verification saw a 15.4% increase, reaching $797.9 million [7] - PCB & MCM (Printed Circuit Board & Multi-Chip Module) revenue increased by 15.9% to $476.2 million [7] - Semiconductor IP (SIP) revenue grew by 7.9% to $1.7607 billion, with some companies reporting declines [7] - Service revenue increased by 11% to $195.6 million, reflecting strong design demand amid talent shortages [7] - IC packaging design revenue surged by 70%, indicating a significant rise in advanced packaging demand [7] AI's Role in EDA - EDA vendors are leveraging AI to optimize software engines, processes, and workflows, which is crucial for scalable and reliable outcomes [8] - AI applications in EDA include automating repetitive tasks, enhancing design optimization, and providing intelligent assistance through generative AI [11][12] - AI-driven tools can significantly reduce design cycles and improve accuracy, as demonstrated by Synopsys' AI-driven EDA tools [11] Future Outlook - The emergence of Chiplet technology is transforming chip design and manufacturing paradigms, necessitating new tool support for architecture exploration and signal integrity analysis [13] - EDA tools must evolve to support heterogeneous integration design, with companies like Synopsys and Cadence developing specialized tool suites for Chiplet design [13][15] - The collaboration between EDA tools and IP design capabilities will be critical for future competitiveness, as traditional IP markets face saturation [14]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong second quarter with revenue of $1.6 billion, up 10% year over year, exceeding the midpoint of guidance [5][14] - Non-GAAP operating margin was 38%, and non-GAAP EPS was $3.67, reflecting strong execution and leadership position [14][16] - Backlog increased to $8.1 billion, up $400 million quarter on quarter [14][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Design Automation segment revenue was $1.12 billion, up 6% year over year, with an adjusted operating margin of 40.9% [17] - Design IP segment revenue increased by 21% year over year to $482 million, with an adjusted operating margin of 31.2% [17][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong demand in Europe and South Korea, which offset headwinds from China [16] - The AI and HPC sectors remained robust, while non-AI end market demand was subdued [6][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging megatrends in AI, software-defined systems, and silicon proliferation to drive growth [6][13] - The pending acquisition of Ensys is aimed at enhancing AI-powered silicon design solutions [7][12] - The company is investing to maintain and extend its leadership position in AI for chip design [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a slowdown in China but reiterated confidence in full-year guidance due to strong execution in other regions [22][26] - The company is optimistic about the second half of the year, expecting to capitalize on secular megatrends driving the semiconductor industry [20][19] Other Important Information - Non-GAAP EPS targets were increased to reflect Q2 outperformance, partly offset by net interest expenses from a $10 billion bond issuance [19] - The company is experiencing a shift towards GPU-based compute for EDA tools, which is expected to enhance pricing power [90][92] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of China sales on overall revenue - Management confirmed that China sales now represent 10% of the mix, down from 12% in Q1, and acknowledged a year-over-year decline in China revenue [24][26] Question: Clarification on bond payment structure - Management clarified that the first bond payment would include a catch-up for the first half month due to the bond's settlement date [27][28] Question: Revenue mix in China - Management stated that they do not split revenue by region but indicated that the mix in China is similar to the rest of the world [33] Question: R&D spending by largest customer - Management noted that while there may be fluctuations in hardware spending, committed agreements with customers like Intel remain stable [40][41] Question: Status of the ANSYS acquisition - Management expressed confidence in closing the ANSYS deal in the first half of the year, citing positive negotiations with regulators [42][61] Question: Changes in design activity for non-AI customers - Management observed stabilization and renewed activity in industrial and automotive sectors, indicating a positive trend [46][47] Question: Recurring revenue development - Management acknowledged fluctuations in recurring revenue but emphasized strong performance in the IP business, which was up 21% [78] Question: Overall R&D landscape - Management indicated a pickup in R&D spending in automotive and industrial sectors, suggesting a return to stronger growth similar to previous years [85][87] Question: Pricing power and GPU-based compute - Management confirmed that the shift to GPU-based compute has allowed for better pricing models, enhancing overall value for customers [90][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong second quarter with revenue of $1.6 billion, up 10% year over year, exceeding the midpoint of guidance [5][14][16] - Non-GAAP operating margin was 38%, and non-GAAP EPS was $3.67, reflecting strong execution and a resilient business model [14][16] - Backlog increased to $8.1 billion, up $400 million quarter on quarter [14][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Design Automation segment revenue was $1.12 billion, up 6% year over year, with an adjusted operating margin of 40.9% [17] - Design IP segment revenue increased by 21% year over year to $482 million, with an adjusted operating margin of 31.2% [17][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company observed strength in Europe and South Korea, which offset headwinds from China [16] - The AI and HPC sectors remained robust, while non-AI end market demand was subdued [6][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on addressing challenges in design complexity and costs driven by megatrends in AI, software-defined systems, and silicon proliferation [6][12] - The pending acquisition of Ensys is aimed at enhancing AI-powered silicon to systems design solutions [7][12] - The company is investing to maintain and extend its leadership position in AI for chip design [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a slowdown in China but reiterated confidence in full-year guidance due to strong execution in other regions [22][28] - The company is optimistic about the second half of the year, supported by strong demand in AI and HPC sectors [20][19] Other Important Information - The company is actively negotiating with SAMR for regulatory clearance in China regarding the Ensys acquisition [7][45] - Non-GAAP EPS targets have been increased to reflect Q2 outperformance, partly offset by net interest expenses from bond issuance [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the expected impact of declining sales in China? - Management confirmed that they are anticipating a decline in China year over year but reiterated full-year guidance based on strong performance in other regions [26][28] Question: Can you clarify the bond payment structure? - The CFO confirmed that the first payment will include a catch-up for the first half month due to the bond's settlement timing [29] Question: What is the revenue mix in China? - Management stated that they do not split revenue by region but indicated it is similar to the rest of the world [35] Question: How is the largest customer’s R&D spend affecting growth? - Management noted that while there may be fluctuations, committed agreements generally protect EDA software revenue [42] Question: What is the plan if the ANSYS deal does not close? - Management emphasized that they are focused on completing the transaction and are confident based on received approvals [45][66] Question: What is the outlook for design activity in non-AI markets? - Management indicated signs of stabilization and new energy in industrial and automotive markets, with increased design activity expected [50] Question: How is pricing power being affected? - Management stated that pricing is based on the value delivered to customers, and they see opportunities to improve pricing as challenges increase for chip design [81] Question: What is the confidence level for achieving double-digit revenue growth? - Management expressed confidence in achieving industry-leading double-digit revenue growth, even with potential challenges in China [107]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $1.6 billion, representing a 10% year-over-year increase, exceeding the midpoint of guidance [4][14][15] - Non-GAAP operating margin was 38%, and non-GAAP EPS was $3.67, which was above the guided range [14][15] - Backlog increased by $400 million quarter-over-quarter to $8.1 billion [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Design Automation segment revenue was $1.12 billion, up 6% year-over-year, with an adjusted operating margin of 40.9% [16] - Design IP segment revenue increased by 21% year-over-year to $482 million, with an adjusted operating margin of 31.2% [16][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong demand was noted in Europe and South Korea, which offset headwinds from China [15] - The company observed a slowdown in China, which is expected to decline year-over-year, while other regions showed resilience [5][15][27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging megatrends in AI, software-defined systems, and silicon proliferation to drive growth [5][14] - The pending acquisition of Ensys is aimed at enhancing AI-powered silicon design solutions [6][12] - The company is investing to maintain its leadership position in AI for chip design [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a "tale of two markets," with robust demand in AI and HPC sectors, while non-AI end market demand remains subdued [5][4] - The company reiterated its full-year guidance despite challenges in China, citing strong execution in other regions [27][78] Other Important Information - Free cash flow was approximately $220 million, with cash and short-term investments totaling $14.3 billion and debt of $10.1 billion [16][17] - The company is confident in achieving industry-leading double-digit revenue growth despite potential challenges in China [102] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the expected impact of declining sales in China? - Management confirmed that they are anticipating a decline in China year-over-year but reiterated full-year guidance based on strong performance in other regions [27][78] Question: Can you clarify the bond payment structure? - Management indicated that the first bond payment would include a catch-up for the first half month, transitioning to a regular semiannual payment schedule [28][29] Question: How is the revenue mix in China divided among software, IP, and hardware? - The company does not disclose revenue by region but indicated that the mix is similar to that of other regions [32] Question: What is the outlook for R&D spending among major customers? - Management noted that while there may be fluctuations, committed agreements generally remain stable, and opportunities arise when customers push their roadmaps [40][60] Question: What is the status of the pending ANSYS acquisition? - Management expressed confidence in closing the acquisition in the first half of the year, citing positive negotiations with regulators [42][63] Question: How is the company addressing the need for more system design capabilities? - The company is focused on completing the ANSYS acquisition, which is seen as essential for enhancing system design capabilities [42] Question: What are the expectations for R&D investment in the semiconductor industry? - Management observed a pickup in R&D investment in automotive and industrial sectors, indicating a positive trend for future growth [88][89] Question: How does the company view pricing power in the current environment? - Management stated that pricing is based on the value delivered to customers, and there is an opportunity to improve pricing as challenges in chip design increase [79][80]