Shares of AEM Holdings Ltd. (SGX:AWX) jumped 10.74% on Thursday following the release of first-quarter results that topped analyst forecasts and included a guidance raise.
The Singapore-based semiconductor equipment manufacturer reported first-quarter revenue of S$117 million, an increase of 35.8% compared with the same period a year earlier. Profit before tax climbed to S$18 million, up 369% year-on-year, producing a PBT margin of 15.2%. That margin level rose by 172 basis points quarter-over-quarter and by 1,084 basis points versus the prior-year period. Net profit came in at S$14 million, a 329% year-on-year gain, and the net margin was 12.3%.
Management attributed a significant portion of the company's growth to sales to customer A. The firm said margin expansion was linked to a shift in product mix, notably a stronger contribution from TCS, which lifted overall profitability.
Jefferies analysts described the results as a notable beat given the margin performance and the decision to lift guidance. In their commentary they pointed to the mix effect from increased TCS contribution as the driver of margin improvement and said: "We read the results print as a strong beat given the margins and guidance raise. We note the margin improvement was due to a shift in mix from a stronger TCS contribution. We expect further beat and raise due to industry momentum (test-time elongating and need to produce). We expect positive revision to EPS and growth. We see our bull-case emerging given contribution of ASE and KR memory player revenue which are higher margin. We reiterate BUY on the name."
The company?s reported first-quarter sales equated to roughly 23% of both Jefferies' and consensus annual estimates. Profit before tax represented approximately 32% and 34% of the Jefferies and consensus forecasts, respectively. Net profit accounted for around 33% of both sets of estimates.
Market reaction was immediate, with the stock closing the trading day up 10.74% in Singapore dollars. The results and accompanying commentary from Jefferies underline analysts' expectations for further earnings upgrades should the industry dynamics and customer revenue trends continue to play out as described.
Investors and market participants will likely focus on ongoing contribution from key customers and the durability of the margin mix shift when assessing future quarters. The company?s ability to sustain higher-margin revenue streams will be central to whether current analyst optimism is maintained.