Inficon stock dips on softening demand

Published 24/04/2025, 11:24
Inficon stock dips on softening demand

Investing.com -- Shares of Inficon (SWX:IFCN) fell 1% today after the company reported its first-quarter results. Despite a sales beat, with like-for-like (LFL) sales rising 4.7% year-on-year (YoY) to $158 million, falling short of the consensus of $163 million.

The company’s first-quarter EBIT increased by 0.6% YoY to $31.9 million, which was above UBS’s expectation of $29 million but just below the consensus of $32 million.

Inficon’s book-to-bill ratio was above 1 for the first time since the summer of 2024, indicating a potential end market recovery. This was one of the highlights of the quarter, along with a reassuring 7% quarter-on-quarter (q/q) increase in sales in the Gas & Vacuum (GV) sector, despite a 13% YoY decline. The semiconductor sales saw a seasonal drop of 23% q/q but still managed an 18% increase YoY. The company also reported resilient battery testing sales in the RAC/auto sector, with a 3% YoY increase.

The gross margin improved by 200 basis points to 49.4%, supported by a favorable mix and lower freight costs. Additionally, research and development (R&D) expenses were up by 13% YoY, reflecting the company’s investment in medium-term innovations and projects.

Looking forward, Inficon confirmed its 2025 sales guidance of $660-710 million and an EBIT margin of around 20%, which would result in an EBIT of approximately $137 million at the midpoint. This outlook aligns with the company’s recent order trends and does not suggest a downside risk to consensus expectations. However, Inficon did caution that the possibility of pulled forward demand and rising macro uncertainties could affect the second half of 2025. Tariffs could also temporarily impact margins by up to 200 basis points.

UBS commented on the results stating, "Midly positive on the back of order trends but we note the risk of macro/ pulled forward demand risks. medium term, we expect Inficon to be a sound value creator."

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