The fiscal second quarter proved challenging for KLA as the company faced a decline in demand. Despite this, the Milpitas, Calif.-based company, known for producing semiconductor industry equipment, recorded a profit of $582.5 million, or $4.28 per share, for the quarter ended Dec. 31. This is in comparison to the $978.8 million, or $6.89 per share, they earned in the previous year. While analysts polled by FactSet had expected per-share earnings of $5.66, KLA exceeded those predictions with adjusted per-share earnings of $6.16, after accounting for certain one-time items.
In terms of revenue, KLA earned $2.49 billion, down from $2.98 billion in the previous year but still surpassing analysts’ expectations of $2.46 billion.
Stabilized Revenue Levels but Limited Visibility
Despite challenging market conditions and an uncertain timeline for a resumption in sustainable demand, Chief Executive Rick Wallace believes that KLA’s business has stabilized around current revenue levels. Looking ahead to the fiscal third quarter, KLA forecasts revenue of $2.3 billion, plus or minus $125 million, which falls slightly short of the FactSet analyst consensus of $2.45 billion. The company also expects per-share earnings of $4.93 for the third quarter, with a fluctuation range of 60 cents. Analysts polled by FactSet anticipate earnings of $5.56 per share.
KLA remains cautiously optimistic as they navigate through these uncertain times.