Kulicke & Soffa(KLIC) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $162 million for Q2 2025, with gross margins at 24.9% which included$ 38.6 million in EA-related inventory and supply chain charges [21] - Total operating expenses were $125.1 million, including restructuring charges of$ 8.8 million and impairment charges of $39.8 million [21] - The company anticipates a revenue outlook of$ 145 million for Q3 2025, with gross margins projected at 46.5% [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The decision to discontinue the electronics assembly (EA) equipment business was announced, which accounted for charges of $86.6 million primarily related to inventory write-downs and restructuring [21] - The automotive and industrial sectors saw a sequential decline of approximately 7% in Q2, but were up nearly 14% year-over-year due to ongoing demand improvements [10] - The APS business continues to provide stable revenue, with expectations for overall installed base and utilization trends to improve [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Southeast Asia experienced a significant slowdown, accounting for the majority of the company's Q2 to Q3 weakness, while order activity increased in China and Taiwan [22][28] - Utilization rates in China are over 80%, while Taiwan's utilization is just touching 80% [70] - The ongoing trade situation has created uncertainty in global markets, particularly affecting the automotive and industrial sectors [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company intends to focus on vertical wire, power semiconductor, advanced dispense, and thermal compression technologies to enhance growth prospects [9] - The restructuring effort aims to improve long-term financial performance and gross margins [7] - The company is well-positioned to leverage its technology leadership in high-volume semiconductor markets [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the semiconductor industry's resilience despite macroeconomic uncertainties [8] - The company anticipates continued capacity digestion supported by improving utilization rates, with expectations for a return to incremental capacity growth in core markets [23] - Management noted that customer hesitation is primarily due to uncertainties surrounding tariffs and trade dynamics [60] Other Important Information - The company has nearly 120 systems installed across 10 different customers, demonstrating a strong market presence [19] - The vertical wire technology is expected to drive significant interest and potential production ramp by 2026 [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide insights on June's dynamics and expectations beyond? - Management indicated a Q3 slowdown, particularly in Southeast Asia, with Q2 revenue at$ 162 million and Q3 guidance at $145 million, attributing the decline to tariff concerns in the automotive and industrial sectors [28][32] Question: What is the revenue run rate of the EA business being exited? - The EA business generated approximately$ 25 million to $30 million annually, with gross profits around$ 7 million to $11 million [38] Question: What are the dynamics on the power semiconductor front? - The power semiconductor market is expected to grow rapidly, with new products being introduced to enhance market share [41] Question: Can you elaborate on the utilization rates in Taiwan and China? - Utilization rates in China are over 80%, while Taiwan's are just touching 80%, with expectations for continued high utilization [70] Question: How is the company addressing customer hesitation due to trade policies? - The company manufactures in Singapore, avoiding direct tariff impacts, but acknowledges indirect costs and customer caution due to trade uncertainties [74]