Semiconductor assembly equipment maker ASM Pacific has reported a better than expected net profit of HK$135.41 million for the first half of the year, thanks to higher second-quarter sales.
Although bottom-line profit was 32.34 per cent lower than the HK$200.16 million recorded in the first six months of last year, it was markedly higher than analysts' forecasts.
It was also much improved from the HK$31.1 million net profit registered in the second half of last year - the worst downturn period seen in the semiconductor industry in the past two decades.
In a research report released last Wednesday, DBS Vickers Securities projected a net profit of HK$75 million, compared with the market consensus of HK$65 million to HK$70 million.
DBS analyst Eric Lau Tak-hung said he believed the main reason for the positive profit surprise was much higher than expected second-quarter sales, adding that expenses had been largely in line with projections.
Turnover slid 16.66 per cent year on year to HK$826.72 million in the first half.