ASE Technology Holding(ASX) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company recorded fully diluted EPS of $1.64 and basic EPS of $1.75 for the first quarter, with consolidated net revenues declining by 9% sequentially but increasing by 12% year over year [9][12] - Gross profit was NT$24.9 billion with a gross margin of 16.8%, improving by 0.4 percentage points sequentially and 1.1 percentage points year over year [10][12] - Operating profit was NT$9.7 billion, down NT$1.5 billion sequentially but up NT$2.2 billion year over year, with an operating margin decline of 0.4 percentage points sequentially and an improvement of 0.9 percentage points year over year [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the ATM business, revenues were NT$86.7 billion, down NT$1.7 billion sequentially but up NT$12.8 billion year over year, representing a 2% decline sequentially and a 17% increase annually [15] - The EMS business reported revenues of NT$62.3 billion, declining NT$12.6 billion or 17% sequentially, while increasing NT$2.9 billion or 5% year over year [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a potential shallower seasonal dip in EMS business due to customers adjusting order flow patterns, indicating a more stable demand environment [6][23] - The computing segment within the ATM business saw significant growth, particularly driven by stable high demand for AI products, while other segments like handsets were seasonally impacted [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to minimize short-term noise to focus on long-term signals, emphasizing the importance of technological trends and process improvements to maintain competitive advantages [7][8] - The company is committed to increasing its market share in the testing segment, targeting a contribution of 19% to 20% of overall ATM revenue by year-end [21][22] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the second quarter outlook, expecting ATM revenues to grow by 9% to 11% quarter over quarter, while EMS revenues are projected to decline by 10% year over year [30][31] - The management acknowledged the challenges posed by macroeconomic volatility but remains focused on long-term strategic investments [6][8] Other Important Information - The company anticipates a peak in net debt to equity ratio at around 60% in the third quarter of the year, with total unused credit lines amounting to NT$358.4 billion [26] - Capital expenditures for the first quarter totaled NT$892 million, with significant investments planned for machinery and equipment to support future product demands [27][28] Q&A Session Summary Question: AI test market share and CapEx on testing - Management confirmed aggressive investments in the test segment, aiming to increase market share, particularly in AI chip testing, with a target of reaching 20% of ATM revenue by year-end [34][36] Question: U.S. investments and capacity planning - The company is evaluating opportunities for operations in the U.S. to support customer demand, with no specific investment size or timing details available yet [42][44] Question: Market share in AI testing across different products - Management indicated that while they do not have a detailed breakdown of market share by product, they are focused on expanding their test business across all areas, including AI chips [47][49] Question: Impact of tariffs on business - Management stated that the direct exposure to U.S. tariffs is minimal, with less than 10% of EMS shipments going directly to the U.S., and they do not anticipate significant impacts from potential tariffs [93][94] Question: General demand outlook for consumer electronics and automotive - Management noted a gradual recovery in most sectors, with high-end automotive showing better momentum, while lower-end segments are still undergoing inventory corrections [97]