Nova .(US:NVMI)2025-11-06 14:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nova achieved record quarterly revenue of $224.6 million in Q3 2025, reflecting a robust 25% year-over-year growth and a 2% increase quarter-over-quarter [3][11] - Blended gross margins were 57% on a GAAP basis and 59% on a non-GAAP basis, aligning with guidance [11] - Operating margin reached 28% on a GAAP basis and 32% on a non-GAAP basis, demonstrating the scalability of the business model [12] - Earnings per share were $1.90 on a GAAP basis and $2.16 on a non-GAAP basis [12] - Free cash flow generated was approximately $67 million for the quarter, totaling about $170 million for the first three quarters of 2025 [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Product revenue distribution was approximately 70% from logic and foundry and 30% from memory [11] - Record sales in memory devices were driven by strong demand for advanced DRAM and high bandwidth memory [3][5] - Advanced logic sales were also at record levels, primarily due to demand for gate all-around manufacturing processes [6] - Advanced packaging solutions saw increased demand, particularly for critical dimension measurements [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects wafer fab equipment (WFE) growth in the mid-single digits for 2026, with potential upside from AI-driven demand [4][5] - Revenue from China is expected to be nominally higher year-over-year, but the share of overall business from China is projected to decrease [27][41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Nova's strategy focuses on addressing unique process control challenges in manufacturing integrated circuit devices for AI applications [4][10] - The company is investing in R&D for long-term opportunities and strategic evaluations [12] - Nova is well-positioned to support customers with differentiated, scalable, and innovative solutions as the industry evolves [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to deliver long-term growth and value, with expectations for continued growth in advanced logic, advanced packaging, and DRAM [4][10] - The company anticipates a record year in 2025, with annual growth of approximately 30% [14][16] Other Important Information - Nova opened a new state-of-the-art production facility in Mannheim, Germany, which will triple production capacity for advanced packaging optical metrology solutions [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Wafer fab equipment outlook for next year - Management believes they can outperform the mid-single digit WFE growth outlook, with improvements noted since September discussions [18][19] Question: Gross margins and impact from China restrictions - Gross margins were reported at 59% for the quarter, with guidance for 58% next quarter; no significant impact from China restrictions was noted [20][21] Question: Foundry and Logic sales performance - Memory sales increased significantly, while Foundry and Logic saw a decline; management expects continued growth in memory [24][25] Question: Gate all-around business trajectory - The gate all-around business is expected to grow significantly, with an aggregated business expectation of about $500 million from 2024 to 2026 [31][32] Question: M&A opportunities - The company is looking for inorganic growth opportunities primarily in semiconductor process control, with a dedicated team pursuing these opportunities [33][34] Question: Advanced packaging revenue contribution - Advanced packaging is expected to contribute approximately 20% of revenues in 2025, up from 15% the previous year [37] Question: NAND cycle positioning - NAND revenues are currently muted but expected to grow towards the second half of next year [38] Question: China market outlook - Business in China is expected to remain solid, with lower visibility for the second half of the year; normalization is anticipated to continue into the first half of 2026 [41][45]