June 9, 2025 08:05 AM GMT Greater China Semiconductors | Asia Pacific Cloud semis: time to turn constructive With a potential cloud capex trough in 4Q/1Q26 and US tariff impact being priced in, we think it's time to turn positive from a top-down perspective. Rising inference demand to sustain CPU and non-standard AI server demand, on top of AI server rack ramp up. Upgrade Aspeed to OW and raise Montage PT. Key Takeaways Reversing our thesis on cloud semis: We took a more neutral view on cloud semi stocks in ...

Rambus (RMBS) FY 2025 Conference June 10, 2025 02:00 PM ET Speaker0 Good afternoon, and welcome to Rosenblatt Security's fifth annual Age of AI scaling tech conference. My name is Kevin Cassidy. I'm one of the semiconductor analysts at Rosenblatt. And it's my my pleasure to introduce, Steven Wu. Steve is Rambus's fellow and distinguished inventor and is a technology innovator with over fifteen years of experience in the hardware and software performance solutions. We have a buy rating on Rambus and an $80 t ...

Summary of Rambus Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Rambus - **Industry**: Semiconductors, specifically focusing on memory technologies and silicon IP Key Points Demand Environment - Rambus experienced strong demand in the server market, particularly for AI servers, leading to a 52% growth in product revenue compared to the same quarter last year [3][4] - The silicon IP business is also seeing increased demand as companies develop custom chips for AI applications [3] Market Size and Growth - The market for RCD (Register Clock Driver) chips is estimated at $750 million, with an additional $600 million from new companionship chips introduced in DDR5 memory modules [6][7] - The overall market is expanding due to increased bandwidth and capacity requirements driven by AI and traditional servers [9][10] Competitive Dynamics - Rambus holds a market share of over 40% in RCD chips, with a goal to reach 50% [12][14] - The company has invested early in product development, which has helped secure its position in the market [14] Product Development and Innovations - The transition from DDR4 to DDR5 has necessitated the development of new chips, including power management and temperature sensors, which Rambus is actively pursuing [37][39] - Rambus is also developing MRDIMM chipsets, which will double memory capacity and bandwidth, with a ramp expected in 2026 [42][44] Silicon IP Business - The silicon IP business is projected to grow at 10% to 15% annually, driven by demand for HBM (High Bandwidth Memory) controllers [54] - Rambus is engaged with customers 18 months to 2 years ahead of product launches, ensuring they meet market needs [51][53] Financial Outlook - Rambus aims for a long-term gross margin target of 60% to 65%, with recent performance in the range of 61% to 63% [56] - The company is focused on maintaining margins through disciplined pricing and cost savings [57] Tariffs and Market Risks - Rambus's patent licensing business is unaffected by tariffs, providing a solid revenue base of $210 million with 100% margin [29][30] - The company is monitoring potential indirect impacts from supply chain shifts due to tariffs but currently reports no direct effects [32][34] Future Opportunities - The company anticipates growth in the client market as high-end PCs increasingly require advanced signal integrity solutions [46][48] - Rambus is prepared to adapt to market changes, including potential developments in LPDDR solutions for servers [20][25] Additional Insights - The competitive landscape includes two main competitors, Montage and Renaissance, with Rambus focusing on securing supply chain stability [15] - The company is actively involved in industry standards discussions through JEDEC, ensuring alignment with market needs [27] This summary encapsulates the key insights from the Rambus conference call, highlighting the company's strategic positioning, market dynamics, and future growth opportunities.

Summary of Rambus Conference Call Company Overview - Rambus is a leading memory IP supplier with a history of 35 years in the semiconductor industry, focusing on foundational memory interface technology [3][4] - The company generates over 75% of its revenue from the data center end market [3] Revenue Streams - **Patent Licensing Program**: - Generates stable cash flow between $200 million to $210 million annually [4] - Supported by a robust portfolio of approximately 2,700 patents [4] - **Silicon IP Business**: - Revenue of about $120 million last year, with expected growth of 10% to 15% [5][46] - Focuses on security IP and interface controller IP [5] - **Memory Interface Chip Solutions**: - Revenue reached approximately $250 million last year, driven by leadership in DDR5 technology [6] Market Trends and Dynamics - The company has not seen direct impacts from tariffs, as it operates with manufacturing partners in Taiwan and Korea [9][10] - Inventory levels are described as reasonable, influenced by past DDR4 overhang and the introduction of DDR5 [11] - Rambus has nearly doubled its market share in DDR5, achieving around 40% compared to 20% in DDR4 [13][14] Growth Opportunities - **Companion Chips**: - Market opportunity of $600 million, with expected revenue contributions starting in the second half of 2025 [15] - **MRDIMM Solutions**: - First revenue contributions anticipated in the second half of 2026 [16] - **Client Opportunities**: - Growth in the client space as data center technology transitions into client applications [18] AI and Data Center Impact - AI is driving demand for higher memory density in servers, leading to increased DIMM counts [23][28] - The company sees AI as a tailwind for its product business, enhancing traditional content in AI servers [23] Custom ASIC and CXL Opportunities - The custom silicon market is expanding, with Rambus providing essential building blocks for faster time-to-market [30] - CXL technology is seen as a way to augment memory capacity and bandwidth, although its adoption has been delayed [39][40] Strategic Positioning - Rambus benefits from being the last U.S.-based supplier in its market, which is viewed as a long-term strategic advantage [44] - The company is transitioning from a patent licensing model to a semiconductor product solution company, with a roadmap extending through the DDR5 cycle and into DDR6 [48][49] Conclusion - Rambus is well-positioned for growth with diverse revenue streams, strong market share in DDR5, and strategic advantages in the evolving semiconductor landscape [47][50]

在AI时代，以数据为中心的工作负载需求持续攀升，现代服务器面临着前所未有的挑战。如何让计算 能力与内存带宽相匹配，成为了亟待解决的关键问题。人工智能、高性能计算和实时分析等行业依赖于 能够以超快速度传输数据的内存子系统，以避免出现瓶颈。人工智能、高性能计算和实时分析等前沿行 业，对内存子系统的数据传输速度提出了严苛要求，稍有延迟就可能导致性能瓶颈。 与此同时，一种新型内存技术——MRDIMM 横空出世，迅速在行业内掀起波澜，它能否成为 AI 存储 产业的下一个 "宠儿"？又将对内存市场产生何种深远影响？ 01 MRDIMM新型内存出世 MRDIMM 的诞生并非一蹴而就，它的起源可以追溯到 DDR4 世代的 LRDIMM（Load Reduced DIMM， 减载双列直插内存模块）。LRDIMM 的设计初衷是为了减轻服务器内存总线的负载，同时提升内存的 工作频率与容量。与传统的服务器内存模组 RDIMM 仅采用 RCD（Registered Clock Driver，寄存时钟 器）不同，LRDIMM 创新性地加入了 DB（Data Buffer，数据缓冲器）功能。这一巧妙设计不仅降低了 主板上的信号负载，还为使 ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $166.7 million, exceeding expectations, with product revenue at $76.3 million, up 52% year over year [15][14] - Non-GAAP net income for the quarter was $64.6 million, with cash from operations amounting to $77.4 million [16][15] - The company ended the quarter with cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $514.4 million, an increase from Q4 [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Memory Interface chips drove top-line growth, achieving record revenue of $76 million, up 52% year over year [8][15] - Royalty revenue was $74 million, while licensing billings were $73.3 million, reflecting timing differences in revenue recognition [15][16] - Contract and other revenue, primarily from Silicon IP, was $16.4 million [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market for Rambus products is expected to grow mid to high single digits, driven by factors such as the number of sockets and channels per processor, as well as the mix between AI and standard servers [22][23] - The company anticipates continued growth in the second half of the year, particularly in the MRDIMM market, which is expected to ramp with new computing platforms [37][36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Rambus is focused on advancing its product development roadmap for signal and power integrity solutions, addressing the needs of advanced workloads in data centers [5][6] - The company maintains a resilient business model with diversified revenue streams from chips, IP, and patents, providing financial stability [5][6] - Continued investment in technology leadership and new product development is a priority for long-term growth [6][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating macroeconomic uncertainties and potential tariff impacts, noting no direct impact on operations from tariffs at present [6][32] - The company expects revenue for Q2 2025 to be between $167 million and $173 million, with non-GAAP earnings per share projected between $0.57 and $0.64 [17][18] - Management highlighted the importance of ongoing communication with customers and suppliers to adapt to the evolving market landscape [32][19] Other Important Information - The company introduced its next-generation CryptoManager security IP solutions, enhancing security features including Quantum Safe functionality [11] - Rambus continues to monitor the impact of tariffs on its supply chain and customer design starts, with no current signs of inventory builds or pull-ins from customers [32][33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in memory density for server configurations - Management noted that various factors, including the mix of AI servers and standard servers, are driving memory density growth, expecting mid to high single-digit market growth for their products this year [22][23] Question: Changes in revenue recognition under ASC 606 - A small patent agreement renewal resulted in upfront revenue recognition, aligning GAAP and non-GAAP results more closely [24][26] Question: Customer responses to tariff uncertainties - Management indicated that their business model is resilient to tariffs, with no direct impact on patent licensing and limited visibility on Silicon IP revenue due to potential indirect effects [32][33] Question: Product revenue mix and growth expectations - The majority of current business is still on DDR5 RCD chips, with expectations for new products to contribute more significantly in the second half of the year [35][36] Question: Operating margin expectations - Management expects operating margins to improve in the second half of the year due to a stronger product mix and manufacturing cost savings [74][75] Question: Pricing renegotiation patterns - Mid single-digit price erosion is typical at the start of the year, aligning with normal cycles and expectations [76][78]

Rambus First Quarter 2025 Financial Results Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements; Other Disclosures This presentation contains forward-looking statements, including those relating to the Company's expectations regarding business opportunities, the Company's ability to deliver long-term, profitable growth, industry growth rates, timing of expected product launches, demand for existing and newly- acquired technologies, product and investment strategies, the Company's outlook and financial guidance for r ...