Nova .(US:NVMI)2025-11-06 14:32Financial 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% quarter-over-quarter increase [3][10] - Blended gross margins were 57% on a GAAP basis and 59% on a non-GAAP basis, aligning with guidance [10][11] - Operating expenses increased to $63.5 million on a GAAP basis, with operating margin reaching 28% on a GAAP basis and 32% on a non-GAAP basis [11][12] - Earnings per share were $1.90 on a GAAP basis and $2.16 on a non-GAAP basis [12] - Free cash flow generated in Q3 was approximately $67 million, totaling about $170 million for the first three quarters of 2025 [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from memory devices reached record levels, driven by strong demand for advanced DRAM and high bandwidth memory [3][6] - Advanced logic revenue also saw records, primarily due to demand for gate all-around manufacturing processes [7] - Advanced packaging solutions experienced increased demand, particularly for critical dimension measurements [8][9] 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 [5][18] - Revenue from China is expected to be nominally higher year-over-year, but its share of overall business is projected to decrease from 39% to around 30%+ [27][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Nova's strategy focuses on leveraging advanced technology to address challenges in AI applications and complex manufacturing processes [4][9] - The company is committed to expanding its footprint in the semiconductor process control market, with a focus on R&D investments and potential M&A opportunities [13][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to outperform WFE growth, citing strong growth engines and a favorable market environment [18][36] - The outlook for 2026 is expected to be second-half weighted, with both memory and advanced logic driving growth [36][42] Other Important Information - Nova opened a new production facility in Mannheim, Germany, which will triple its production capacity for advanced packaging optical metrology solutions [9] - The company completed a $750 million convertible notes offering, enhancing its financial flexibility for strategic growth initiatives [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk us through the upside case to the wafer fab equipment outlook? - Management believes they have the right growth engines to outperform the mid-single digit WFE growth, with expectations for a more second-half weighted year in 2026 [18] Question: Can you discuss the gross margins and any impact from China restrictions? - Gross margins were reported at 59%, with guidance for 58% in the next quarter, and no significant impact from China restrictions was noted [20][21] Question: What are the moving pieces in Foundry and Logic versus memory sales? - Memory sales increased significantly, with DRAM driving the majority of that business, while Foundry and Logic saw a decline [24] Question: What is the company's positioning in the NAND cycle? - NAND remains muted, but management expects growth towards the second half of next year, with a strong position in the market [38] Question: What is the expected contribution from advanced packaging for 2025? - Advanced packaging is expected to contribute approximately 20% of revenues in 2025, up from 15% the previous year [37]