Kulicke and Soffa Industries (NASDAQ:KLIC) announced its earnings guidance for the second quarter of 2026 on January 20, revealing an expected earnings per share (EPS) range of $0.600 to $0.740. This projection significantly exceeds the consensus EPS estimate of $0.300. The company also provided revenue guidance between $220.0 million and $240.0 million, well above the anticipated $189.8 million.
Analyst Ratings Update
In light of the new guidance, several research analysts have adjusted their ratings for Kulicke and Soffa Industries. Zacks Research downgraded the company from a “strong-buy” to a “hold” rating on January 20. Meanwhile, Wall Street Zen upgraded its rating from “hold” to “buy” just a few days later on January 25.
Needham & Company LLC raised its price target from $57.00 to $64.00 while maintaining a “buy” rating. B. Riley reiterated a “neutral” rating, increasing its price target to $39.00, up from $35.00. Additionally, DA Davidson reaffirmed a “buy” rating with a price objective of $55.00. Overall, two analysts have rated the stock as a buy, while four have assigned a hold rating. According to MarketBeat, the current consensus rating is “Hold” with an average target price of $49.00.
Recent Financial Performance
Kulicke and Soffa Industries recently reported its earnings results for the previous quarter on February 4. The semiconductor company achieved an EPS of $0.44, surpassing the consensus estimate of $0.33 by $0.11. The company recorded a revenue of $199.63 million, exceeding analysts’ expectations of $190.03 million. Despite these positive results, Kulicke and Soffa Industries reported a negative return on equity of 1.64% and a net margin of 0.03%.
Looking ahead, analysts predict that Kulicke and Soffa Industries will post an EPS of $0.93 for the current fiscal year.
Dividend Announcement and Insider Activity
On January 6, the company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.205 per share, which represents an annualized dividend of $0.82 and a yield of 1.5%. The ex-dividend date for this payment was December 18, with investors of record receiving the dividend.
In terms of insider activity, Senior Vice President Nelson Munpun Wong sold 30,000 shares on January 12 at an average price of $56.53, totaling approximately $1.7 million. Following this transaction, Wong holds 126,369 shares, representing a decrease of 19.19% in his position. General Counsel Zi Yao Lim also sold 1,000 shares on December 2 at an average price of $45.00, resulting in a total transaction of $45,000. Collectively, insiders have sold 36,204 shares worth approximately $2.0 million in the past ninety days, with insiders owning 1.20% of the company’s stock.
Institutional Investor Activity
Recent changes in positions by institutional investors reflect growing interest in Kulicke and Soffa Industries. Mariner LLC increased its stake by 10.4% during the third quarter, now owning 13,873 shares valued at $564,000. Brevan Howard Capital Management LP also acquired a new stake valued at $554,000. Amundi raised its position by 5.0%, owning 11,569 shares after purchasing an additional 554 shares.
Other notable transactions include new stakes from Nebula Research & Development LLC and Bridgefront Capital LLC, valued at approximately $435,000 and $373,000, respectively. Institutional investors now hold 98.22% of Kulicke and Soffa Industries’ stock.
Kulicke and Soffa Industries continues to position itself as a key player in the semiconductor and LED assembly equipment market, specializing in advanced manufacturing technologies that serve various high-growth sectors. As the company navigates its financial outlook, investors and analysts alike will be closely monitoring its performance in the upcoming quarters.
