Kulicke & Soffa(KLIC)2023-08-09 16:08Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated 0.55, which was above prior expectations due to stringent cost control and discrete tax items [36][61] - Non-GAAP operating expenses were $66 million, lower than anticipated due to shifts in discretionary spending and ongoing cost controls [19][20] - Working capital days decreased from 517 to 465 days, primarily due to sequential improvement in revenue and relatively flat working capital [62] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ball bonder equipment sales increased sequentially by 45%, largely due to increased utilization rates and stronger demand for the Rapid series [14] - The wedge bonder segment has seen strong demand, particularly driven by the semiconductor and electric vehicle markets, with wedge-related revenue more than doubling since 2020 [9][67] - The company shipped a record number of fluxless TCB systems and achieved record TCB revenue for the quarter [71] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - 79% of total revenue stemmed from capital equipment, which improved by 13% sequentially, supported by utilization improvements in general semiconductor, LED, and memory end markets [14] - Utilization rates improved to around 70% from approximately 60% in previous quarters, with expectations for further increases [93] - The company anticipates nearly 10% semiconductor unit growth in calendar year 2024, with unit growth expected to remain above average in 2025 [6][39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on delivering new innovations that address long-term, technology-driven growth opportunities in both core and emerging equipment businesses [28] - Investments in development, engineering capabilities, and new market opportunities have enhanced the company's fundamental strength and solidified key pillars for long-term growth [16] - The company is actively engaged with multiple customers enabling technology transitions in automotive, semiconductor, and display opportunities [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about ongoing near and long-term improvements within core markets and execution across various end-market applications [18] - The company expects fiscal 2024 to be a better year than fiscal 2023, with the first half potentially not as strong as the second half [69][110] - Management noted that the macro environment remains dynamic, impacting visibility into future performance [66][69] Other Important Information - The company identified a material weakness over internal controls related to segment reporting, leading to the filing of an amended 10-K for fiscal year 2022, but noted no impact on reported amounts [3] - The company has a sizeable order backlog, roughly four times the size of the third quarter fiscal 2019 backlog, which is expected to reduce over the coming quarters [41] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the expected performance of K&S given the 10% industry growth forecast for 2024? - Management believes that 2024 will be a better year than 2023, with growth initiatives and improved positioning in larger end markets contributing to performance [22][66] Question: What segments are showing improvement in revenue? - The ball bonder segment is showing significant improvement, with wedge bonder demand remaining strong [71] Question: Can you elaborate on the thermo-compression bonding market and the company's position? - The company has a strong TCB product portfolio and is focusing on high volume semiconductor applications, with expectations for significant growth by 2025 [72][77] Question: What are the current utilization rates? - Utilization rates are currently around 70%, up from approximately 60% in previous quarters, with expectations for further increases [93] Question: What is the company's strategy regarding share repurchases? - The company maintains an opportunistic approach to share repurchases, adjusting levels based on market conditions [115]