Himax(US:HIMX)2025-05-08 13:02Financial Performance - Q1 2025 revenue was $215.1 million, a sequential decrease of 9.3% but a year-over-year increase of 3.7% [6][7] - Gross margin was 30.5%, consistent with guidance and up from 29.3% year-over-year [6][7] - Q1 profit per diluted ADS was $0.01, exceeding guidance due to lower operating expenses [7][12] - Operating income was $19.8 million, representing 9.2% of sales, compared to 4.8% a year ago [12] - Cash and cash equivalents were $281 million, up from $277.4 million a year ago [13] Business Line Performance - Revenue from large display drivers was $25 million, flat from the previous quarter, driven by demand from Chinese government subsidies [7][9] - Small and medium-sized display driver revenue totaled $150.5 million, reflecting a sequential decline of 9.8% [9][10] - Automotive driver IC sales rose nearly 20% year-over-year, making it the largest revenue contributor [10][11] - Non-driver sales reached $39.6 million, a 12.8% decrease from the previous quarter [10][11] Market Performance - Automotive IC sales showed resilience with a single-digit decline, while overall automotive driver IC sales rose nearly 20% year-over-year [9][10] - Smartphone and tablet driver sales declined as expected amid a subdued festival season [10][11] - The automotive market remains a key focus, with Himax holding a 40% share in DDIC and over 50% in TDDI [34][36] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - Himax is focusing on maintaining a healthy balance sheet while driving sustainable long-term growth through high dividends and share repurchases [15] - The company is deepening its supply chain in Taiwan and strengthening its presence in China, Korea, and Singapore to mitigate geopolitical risks [24][25] - Himax is committed to innovative fields such as ultra-low power AI, AR glasses, and co-packaged optics, which are expected to contribute to revenue growth [26][28] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about macroeconomic uncertainties and the impact of U.S. tariffs on customer demand [19][24] - The company anticipates a conservative revenue outlook for Q2 2025, reflecting cautious customer sentiment amid global economic uncertainties [24][60] - Despite challenges, Himax remains confident in its growth potential in new technology areas, particularly TDDI and TCOM [62] Other Important Information - The company announced an annual cash dividend of $0.037 per ADS, totaling $64.5 million, with a payout ratio of 81.1% of the previous year's profits [15] - Capital expenditures for Q1 were $5.2 million, primarily for R&D related equipment [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Could you explain the validation process for CPO? - The validation process involves collaboration with leading customers and foundry partners, focusing on current and newly developed products [56] Question: Do you have guidance for 2025? - The company does not provide full-year guidance due to macroeconomic uncertainties but acknowledges low visibility for the second half of the year [59][60] Question: What is the outlook for the automotive market? - Management noted concerns about the effectiveness of future government stimulus programs in China and the potential impact on automotive demand [60][62] Question: Comment on the Obsidian investment? - The investment aligns with Himax's technology, enhancing thermal imaging capabilities and offering unique applications [63][64]