Onto Innovation(ONTO)2025-05-08 21:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Onto Innovation achieved a record revenue of 92 million, which is 35% of revenue, and free cash flow of 93 million, a 96% increase over Q4, representing 35% of total revenue [11] - Specialty Devices and Advanced Packaging revenue decreased by 24% from Q4 to 44 million, down 5% compared to Q4, representing 17% of revenue [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Advanced Nodes market showed significant growth, driven by increased investments in AI compute engines and cloud servers [4] - Specialty device and advanced packaging markets experienced a decline, but long-term outlooks for AI packaging are improving [7][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is accelerating strategic programs to improve business continuity by establishing manufacturing capabilities in Asia, with shipments expected to begin in the second half of 2025 [5] - Onto Innovation is focusing on new product innovations in 2D inspection, 3D metrology, and optical metrology to support advancements in AI and cloud applications [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates a moderate decline in revenue from advanced node customers in Q2 due to timing of investments, but expects growth to resume in Q4 [15][17] - The company is preparing for potential impacts from tariffs but currently does not foresee significant effects on shipments [30] Other Important Information - The company ended Q1 with cash and short-term investments of $851 million, with inventory levels expected to remain flat in Q2 [12][13] - The effective tax rate for the full year is expected to be between 14% to 16% [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of high bandwidth memory digestion - Management noted no significant changes in the HBM market, with continued investments and product adoptions ongoing [21][23] Question: Guidance for advanced packaging and specialty devices - Management indicated that advanced packaging is facing tough comparisons and tool allocation issues, leading to short-term degradation [25][26] Question: Impact of reciprocal tariffs - Management stated that there has been no current impact from reciprocal tariffs, with exceptions made for semiconductor equipment by China [29][30] Question: Performance of the new 2.5D tool - Management expressed confidence in the new tool's performance, which has been developed to meet evolving customer requirements [35][37] Question: Clarification on Q3 revenue expectations - Management clarified that Q3 is expected to be a low point for total revenue, with advanced nodes also anticipated to decline [42][43] Question: Update on lithography and packaging trends - Management reported strong interest in wide field high-resolution optics and panel packaging, with developments still in R&D stages [47][48] Question: 2.5D packaging platform performance - Management confirmed that while existing equipment met specifications, evolving customer requirements necessitated a new platform for better performance [51][52]