KLA(US:KLAC)2025-04-30 21:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - KLA reported revenue of $3,060 million for the March quarter, exceeding the guidance midpoint of $3,000 million, with a non-GAAP diluted EPS of $8.41 and GAAP diluted EPS of $8.16, both at the upper end of guidance ranges [5][12] - The gross margin was 63%, about 50 basis points higher than the guidance midpoint, driven by a stronger product mix within the Process Control segment [12][18] - Quarterly free cash flow was $990 million, with total capital returns of $733 million, including $507 million in share repurchases and $226 million in dividends [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - KLA's advanced packaging revenue grew to over $500 million in calendar 2024 and is expected to exceed $850 million in calendar 2025, reflecting strong customer adoption [9][15] - The services business grew to $669 million in March, marking a 13% year-over-year increase, despite challenges from U.S. government export controls [10][12] - The process control share of the advanced wafer level packaging market has grown significantly, moving from third position in 2019 to a leading position expected in 2025 [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - KLA maintained a strong global share in the WFE and process control markets, with a notable share gain in advanced wafer level packaging [7][8] - The company expects the WFE market to grow by mid-single digits in 2025, driven by investments in leading-edge foundry and logic, and high bandwidth memory [15][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - KLA's strategy focuses on capital return and confidence in business opportunities, with a commitment to assertive capital allocation [6][11] - The company is adapting its product offerings to support advanced packaging and AI infrastructure, which are critical for future growth [9][17] - KLA plans to postpone its Investor Day to early 2026, hoping for a more stable macro environment to discuss growth strategies [6][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that despite macro uncertainties, there has been no change in customer demand or investment plans [6][30] - The company remains optimistic about growth opportunities in leading-edge logic, high bandwidth memory, and advanced packaging, despite potential impacts from global trade uncertainties [15][21] - KLA's management emphasized the importance of customer discussions and alignment with shipment requirements in a fluid business environment [17][21] Other Important Information - KLA announced a 12% increase in its quarterly dividend to $1.90 per share and a new $5 billion share repurchase authorization [14] - The company expects gross margins for the year to be approximately 62.5%, factoring in potential tariff impacts [18][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on equipment and systems - Management acknowledged the fluidity of tariff impacts and the potential headwinds on gross margins, particularly in the service business [24][26][30] Question: Competitive positioning in e-beam inspection - KLA has seen significant progress in e-beam inspection, doubling revenues and gaining market share due to strong customer evaluations and interoperability with optical tools [34][36][38] Question: Full year outlook on services growth - Services growth is expected to trend around 10% for the year, slightly below long-term targets due to impacts from export controls [43][46] Question: Advanced Packaging competitive positioning - KLA's differentiation lies in adapting front-end solutions for back-end applications, particularly in CoAOS, driving significant growth in advanced packaging [47][49][50] Question: Outlook for China revenue - Management expects China to represent around 30% of total business for the year, with potential fluctuations in quarterly performance [54][56] Question: Factors influencing 2026 outlook - The company remains optimistic about continued growth driven by AI infrastructure investments, despite uncertainties in the macro environment [58][62][68]