AXT(US:AXTI)2025-02-21 10:31Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 2024 was $25.1 million, up from $23.6 million in Q3 2024 and $20.4 million in Q4 2023, reflecting a strong year-over-year growth [6][16] - Non-GAAP gross margin in Q4 was 17.9%, down from 24.3% in Q3 2024 and 23.2% in Q4 2023, primarily due to lower benefits from recycling and under-absorption of manufacturing overhead [9][10] - Non-GAAP net loss for Q4 was $4.3 million or $0.10 per share, compared to a loss of $2.1 million or $0.05 per share in Q3 2024 and a loss of $2.8 million or $0.07 per share in Q4 2023 [12][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue breakdown for Q4 2024: Indium phosphide at $9.1 million, gallium arsenide at $5.4 million, germanium substrates at $1.6 million, and revenue from joint ventures at $9.0 million [7][8] - The company reported a non-GAAP operating loss of $5.4 million in Q4 2024, compared to a loss of $2.6 million in Q3 2024 and a loss of $2.7 million in Q4 2023 [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from Asia Pacific accounted for 79%, Europe for 11%, and North America for 10% in Q4 2024 [8] - The top five customers contributed approximately 36% of total revenue, with one customer exceeding the 10% threshold [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to list its subsidiary Tongmei on the STAR Market in Shanghai, viewing it as a good IPO candidate [18] - AXT is focusing on expanding its portfolio of raw material companies to create a valuable supply chain and explore new markets [22][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges due to new trade restrictions on indium phosphide exports but expressed confidence in navigating the permit process [23][24] - The company anticipates a revenue impact of approximately $4 million to $5 million in Q1 2025 due to these restrictions but expects to recover once permits are secured [25][41] Other Important Information - The company reported a total revenue of $99.4 million for fiscal year 2024, a 31% increase from $75.8 million in fiscal year 2023 [16][17] - Cash, cash equivalents, and investments decreased by $5.0 million to $33.8 million as of December 31, 2024 [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about gross margins and operating expenses - Management expects gross margins to remain low in Q1 due to reduced indium phosphide sales but anticipates recovery to mid-20s in subsequent quarters [49] - R&D investments in indium phosphide are ongoing, with expected benefits from improved yields and performance [50][51] Question: Opportunities in datacenters and photodetectors - Growth is expected in both photodetector and laser segments, particularly with the transition to silicon photonics and EML applications [56][58] Question: Impact of export controls on revenue - Management believes that the permitting process for indium phosphide will be manageable, similar to gallium arsenide, and expects to secure permits for non-military applications [70] Question: Revenue recovery in Q2 - If permits are obtained, management is optimistic about recovering lost sales in Q2 and potentially achieving strong revenue levels [77] Question: Market share in the wireless sector - The HBT market is estimated at $80 million to $100 million annually, with a target to grow market share from 10% to approximately 13% to 14% this year [80][81] Question: Growth outlook for indium phosphide - Expected growth for indium phosphide in 2025 is around 20%, driven by demand in AI and silicon photonics [91][92]