Amtech Systems' Q2 2025: Unpacking Contradictions in Automotive Outlook, AI Demand, and R&D Focus

Automotive market outlook and growth initiatives, advanced packaging and AI trends in equipment demand, R&D spending and focus, AI demand and product focus, back-end equipment exports to China are the key contradictions discussed in Amtech Systems' latest 2025Q2 earnings call.



Revenue and Demand Softness:
- Amtech Systems reported net revenue of $15.6 million for the fiscal second quarter of 2025, representing a decrease of 36% from fiscal Q1 and 39% from the second quarter of fiscal 2024.
- The decline was largely driven by a customer dispute leading to a delayed shipment valued at approximately $4.9 million and a softening demand in the mature node semiconductor market.

Impact of Tariffs and Trade Sanctions:
- Orders for reflow equipment in the U.S. were weak due to high tariffs, although this was offset by strong demand in Asia for AI-related advanced packaging equipment.
- The company is considering manufacturing in other parts of Asia or Mexico to mitigate tariff risks, positioning for potential business growth.

Legacy Backlog and Margin Profile:
- The company worked through the majority of the lower margin legacy backlog, except for the delayed $4.9 million order.
- As new orders have higher margins, the company anticipates margin accretion as volumes increase, leveraging their streamlined cost structure.

Strong Demand in Advanced Packaging:
- Bookings for advanced packaging equipment exceeded total bookings for fiscal 2024, driven by investments in AI infrastructure.
- This growth is expected to continue, supported by secular investments in AI and 5G technologies.

Cost Reduction and Strategic Optimization:
- Amtech implemented cost reduction efforts, including site consolidations and workforce adjustments, expecting incremental EBITDA savings of $1 million per quarter starting in Q4.
- The company aims to strengthen its financial position and improve profitability through strategic cost management and adjusting operations based on market realities.