We are optimistic about ASMPT's growth potential in TCB tools, supported by growing adoptions in HBM and logic advanced packaging. The migration from HBM3E to HBM4 will drive further applications of ASMPT's TCB tools, with higher requirements for pitch size and accuracy. ASMPT has been engaging with customers regarding TCB for HBM4 manufacturing. Meanwhile, although the company's Book-to-Bill ratio for semiconductor segments remains below 1.0, we see more positive signs, including increasing capex from Chin ...

Core Viewpoint - ASMPT's 2Q25 earnings fell short of expectations primarily due to foreign exchange impacts on gross profit margin (GPM) and strategic research and development (R&D) investments, yet the blended book-to-bill (B/B) ratio improved to 1.11, indicating strong order gains across the semiconductor (SEMI) and surface mount technology (SMT) sectors, supporting robust revenue guidance for 3Q25 [1][2] Financial Performance - 2Q25 revenue increased by 2% year-over-year to HK$3.4 billion, aligning closely with midpoint guidance, while GPM and operating profit margin (OPM) decreased by 1.2 percentage points and 0.1 percentage points quarter-over-quarter to 39.7% and 5.0% respectively, mainly due to high operating expenses (OPEX) and strategic investments [2] - Adjusted net income (NI) decreased by 3% year-over-year to HK$131 million, reflecting the impact of OPEX and foreign exchange [2] Future Guidance - 3Q25 revenue guidance is set between US$445 million and US$505 million, exceeding market expectations by 1%, with the midpoint reflecting a 10.8% year-over-year and 8.9% quarter-over-quarter increase, driven by strong SEMI orders and SMT orders from a leading smartphone customer [3] - Management anticipates strong growth in advanced packaging (AP) and a recovery in mainstream demand, particularly from China and AI data centers, although there are concerns regarding soft near-term demand in automotive and industrial sectors [3] Advanced Packaging (AP) Insights - In 1H25, AP revenue constituted 39% of total revenue, marking a record high, with TCB orders increasing by 50% due to significant installations and shipments for HBM clients [4] - ASMPT has established the largest TCB installed base globally, surpassing 500 tools, and is expected to continue its growth trajectory in TCB and other AP tool orders in 2H25 [4] Valuation Adjustments - The revenue estimate for SMT has been increased by 3% to account for demand recovery driven by China and AI, while SEMI revenues have been reduced by 2% due to delayed TCB orders [6] - The group GPM is expected to remain above 40%, but net income forecasts have been lowered by 15%/4%/3% to reflect the impact of high OPEX [6]