This article first appeared on GuruFocus .
Chip equipment maker ASMPT Ltd. ( ASMVY ) is drawing renewed investor attention after its shares climbed as much as 8.7% to a record high, following results that came in ahead of expectations and pointed to sustained AI-driven demand. The company projected second-quarter revenue in the range of $540 million to $600 million, above the $531.1 million consensus estimate, while first-quarter sales reached $507.9 million, also topping forecasts. Profit from continuing operations came in at HK$326.4 million after the planned sale of its NEXX business, suggesting a more focused operational structure going forward.
Momentum across its semiconductor segment appears to be strengthening, with group bookings reaching $727 million during the quarter, marking the highest level in four years. Management indicated bookings could remain elevated into the next quarter, supported by ongoing demand in advanced packaging, which plays a central role in AI chip development. Citi analyst Kevin Chen described the results as well above expectations, noting that advanced packaging demand could stay strong while mainstream semiconductor equipment demand is possibly moving toward a recovery phase.
Looking ahead, ASMPT expects structural AI-related demand to support revenue growth across both its semiconductor and Surface Mount Technology segments into 2026, although it acknowledged that broader geopolitical uncertainties remain. The company also said it is finalizing an evaluation program with a key memory player for its thermo-compression bonding tools, which could potentially position its technology as a process standard in memory manufacturing if successfully adopted. While the partner has not been disclosed, this initiative could represent a meaningful longer-term catalyst tied to next-generation memory production.
