ASM Pacific Technology, a leading supplier of equipment and materials for the semiconductor industry, is riding on the surge in global demand for consumer electronic products to achieve record annual sales and profits.
Last year's turnover for the group jumped a record 18.4 per cent to HK$5.4 billion, and its profits stood at a record HK$1.27 billion with earnings per share of HK$3.26.
ASM achieved record equipment turnover of HK$4.3 billion which represented a growth of 20.3 per cent. Its record lead frame turnover rose 11.3 per cent to HK$1.08 billion.
For the sixth consecutive year since 2002, ASM is the world's No1 assembly and packaging equipment supplier for the semiconductor industry. The company widened its lead on its closest rival by more than 50 per cent.
Chief executive Lee Wai-kwong attributed the group's performance to its deep understanding of the market, as reflected by an effective business strategy adopted in times of uncertainty.
When the global semiconductor sector experienced a period of oversupply that required a minor stock adjustment in the second half of 2006, many equipment manufacturers became cautious and reduced production capacity.