Teradyne(US:TER)2022-10-26 17:13Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Teradyne reported Q3 2022 sales of $827 million and non-GAAP earnings per share of $1.15, exceeding the midpoint of guidance [8][32] - Non-GAAP gross margins were 58.7%, with non-GAAP operating expenses at $247 million, remaining flat compared to Q2 [32] - The company expects Q4 sales to be between $670 million and $750 million, with non-GAAP EPS ranging from $0.62 to $0.86 [50] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Semiconductor Test revenue was $576 million, with SOC revenue contributing $451 million and memory at $125 million [34] - Industrial Automation (IA) revenue was $89 million, with Universal Robots (UR) contributing $73 million and MiR $16 million [36] - Wireless Test revenue at LitePoint was $46 million, down 33% year-over-year due to lower demand in PC and smartphone markets [35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In constant currency, Automation Group Q3 revenue grew 7% year-over-year, while in dollar terms, it contracted 2% [13][14] - The company anticipates IA growth of about 6% in dollar terms for the full year, significantly below the mid-30s growth initially planned [15][20] - The European market, being the largest for automation, has seen PMIs drop below 50, indicating contraction [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Teradyne is focusing on expanding manufacturing and engineering service capabilities outside of China due to regulatory changes [39][30] - The company remains confident in long-term growth in both Semiconductor Test and Industrial Automation markets, driven by emerging technologies and automation demand [26][28] - The strategy includes leveraging the growing demand for ADAS processors and silicon carbide devices in the automotive sector [12][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while demand has slowed, historical patterns suggest growth typically returns within 6 to 12 months after corrections [22] - The outlook for Q1 2023 is expected to be about 10% softer than Q4 2022 due to weak macro conditions and inventory digestion [23][24] - Management highlighted that the semiconductor industry is transitioning to 3-nanometer technology, which is expected to drive growth in the coming years [24][26] Other Important Information - The company has completed its $750 million share repurchase plan for 2022 ahead of schedule, with continued authorization for opportunistic buybacks [48] - Teradyne's cash and marketable securities totaled approximately $900 million at the end of Q3, with free cash flow of $233 million [48] - The company expects a headwind of $75 million to $100 million in 2023 due to new trade regulations affecting indigenous Chinese memory makers [29][122] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about automotive and industrial tests - Management indicated that while industrial automation may soften in 2023, automotive demand remains strong, particularly for ADAS and EV content [61] Question: Impact of China regulations on memory - The majority of the $75 million to $100 million headwind is related to memory, with no significant additional restrictions on OSATs [62] Question: Gross margin outlook - Management explained that Q4 gross margins are impacted by volume decline, product mix, and resiliency spending, with similar trends expected into Q1 [67][68] Question: 2023 revenue and OpEx expectations - Management stated that OpEx will be tied to revenue and market conditions, with a plan to adjust as necessary [92] Question: Memory test demand and inventory - Management noted that while DDR5 presents a bright spot, overall memory demand is expected to be weak due to inventory balancing [116] Question: Smartphone test capacity reuse - Management confirmed that existing capacity for 5-nanometer can be repurposed for 3-nanometer testing, with no short-term obsolescence expected [104] Question: 2024 earnings model - Management remains optimistic about 2024, suggesting a potential recovery by Q3 2023, depending on macroeconomic conditions [111]