Q1 2026 Himax Technologies Inc Earnings Call

May 7, 2026

Speaker #3: Later, we will conduct a question-and-answer session. Any instructions will follow at that time. As a reminder, this conference call is being recorded. I will now like to turn the conference over to Ms. Karen Tiao, Head of IR and PR at Himax.

Speaker #3: Ms. Tiao, please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Welcome, everyone. My name is Karen Tiao. Head of IRP at Himax. Joining me today are Jordan Wu, President and Chief Executive Officer; and Jessica Penn, Chief Financial Officer.

Karen Tiao: Welcome, everyone. My name is Karen Tiao, Head of IR/PR Himax. Joining me today are Jordan Wu, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Jessica Pan, Chief Financial Officer. After the company's prepared comments, we have allocated time for questions in the Q&A section. If you have not yet received a copy of today's result release, please email HX underscore IR at himax.com.tw or HIMX at MC Group.us or download a copy from Himax website. Before we begin the formal remarks, I would like to remind everyone that some of the statements in this conference call, including the statement regarding the expected future financial results and industry growth, are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in the conference call.

Speaker #2: After the company's prepared comments, we have allocated time for questions in a Q&A section. If you have not yet received a copy of today's results release, please email HX_IR@himax.com.tw or HIMX@mcgroup.us.

Speaker #2: Or download a copy from Himax's website. Before we begin the formal remarks, I would like to remind everyone that some of the statements in this conference call, including the statement regarding the expected future finance results and industry growth, are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events to result in different materials from those described in the conference call.

Karen Tiao: A list of risk factors can be found in the company's latest SEC filing, Form 20-F, in the section titled Risk Factors, as it may be amended. Except for the company's full year 2025 financials, which were provided in the company's 20-F on file with the SEC on 27 March 2026. The financial information included in this conference call is unaudited and consolidated and prepared in accordance with IFRS accounting. Such financial information is generally internally and has not been subjected to the same review and scrutiny and may vary materially from the audited consolidated financial information for the same period. On today's call, I will first review the Himax consolidated financial performance for Q1 2026, followed by our Q2 outlook.

Speaker #2: A list of risk factors can be found in the company's latest SEC filing, Form 20F, in the section titled Risk Factors, as may be amended.

Speaker #2: Except for the company's full year 2025 financials, which were provided in the company's 20F and filed with the SEC on March 27, 2026, the financial information included in this conference call is unedited and consolidated and prepared in accordance with IFRS accounting.

Speaker #2: Such financial information is generally internally and has not been subjected to the same review and scrutiny and may vary materially from the audited consolidated financial information for the same period.

Speaker #2: On today's call, I will first review the Himax consolidated financial performance for the first quarter 2026. Followed by our second quarter outlook. Jordan will give an update on the status of our business.

Karen Tiao: Jordan will then give an update on the status of our business, and after which we will take questions. If you can submit your questions online via the webcast or by phone. We will review our financials on an IFRS basis. Despite the typical seasonal slowdown during the Lunar New Year holidays, we are pleased to report that our Q1 profit exceeded the guidance range announced on 12 February 2026, while both revenue and gross margin were at the high end of the projected range. Q1 revenues registered $199.0 million, representing a slight sequential decline of 2.0%, and reaching the high end of our guidance range of a decline of 2.6% to 6.0%.

Speaker #2: And after which, we will take questions. If you can, please submit your questions online through the webcast or by phone. We will review our financials on an IFRS basis.

Karen Tiao: If you can submit your questions online via the webcast or by phone. We will review our financials on an IFRS basis. Despite the typical seasonal slowdown during the Lunar New Year holidays, we are pleased to report that our Q1 profit exceeded the guidance range announced on 12 February 2026, while both revenue and gross margin were at the high end of the projected range. Q1 revenues registered $199.0 million, representing a slight sequential decline of 2.0%, and reaching the high end of our guidance range of a decline of 2.6% to 6.0%. Gross margin was 30.4%, also at the high end of our guidance of flat to slightly down from 30.4% in the previous quarter. Q1 profit per diluted ADS was $0.046, exceeding the guidance range of $0.020 to $0.040.

Speaker #2: Despite the typical seasonal slowdown during the Lunar New Year holiday, we are pleased to report that our Q1 profit exceeded the guidance range announced on February 12, 2026, while both revenue and gross margin were at the high end of the projected range.

Speaker #2: Fifth quarter revenues registered 199.0 million dollars. Representing a slight sequential decline of 2.0% and reaching the high end of our guidance range of a decline of 2.6% to 6.60%.

Speaker #2: Gross margin was 30.4%, also at the high end of our guidance of flat to slightly down from 30.4% in the previous quarter. Q1 profit per diluted ADS was 4.6 cents, exceeding the guidance range of 2.0 to 4.0 cents.

Karen Tiao: Gross margin was 30.4%, also at the high end of our guidance of flat to slightly down from 30.4% in the previous quarter. Q1 profit per diluted ADS was $0.046, exceeding the guidance range of $0.020 to $0.040. Revenue from large display drivers came in at $24.2 million, representing an increase of 11.7% from the previous quarter, outperforming our guidance range of a single digit increase sequentially. This was primarily driven by the better-than-expected restocking of high-end TV ICs by leading panel makers. Sales of large panel driver ICs accounted for 12.2% of total revenues for the quarter, compared to 10.7% last quarter and 11.6% a year ago.

Speaker #2: Revenue from large displacement came in at 24.2 million dollars, representing an increase of 11.7% from the previous quarter, outperforming our guidance range of a single-digit increase sequentially.

Karen Tiao: Revenue from large display drivers came in at $24.2 million, representing an increase of 11.7% from the previous quarter, outperforming our guidance range of a single digit increase sequentially. This was primarily driven by the better-than-expected restocking of high-end TV ICs by leading panel makers. Sales of large panel driver ICs accounted for 12.2% of total revenues for the quarter, compared to 10.7% last quarter and 11.6% a year ago. Revenue from the small and medium-sized display driver segment totaled $135.8 million, reflecting slight decline of 2.4% sequentially amid a typical low season.

Speaker #2: This was primarily driven by the better-than-expected restocking of high-end TV ICs by a leading panel maker. Sales of large panel driver ICs accounted for 12.2% of total revenues for the quarter, compared to 10.7% last quarter and 11.6% a year ago.

Speaker #2: Revenue from the small and medium-sized display driver segment totaled 135.8 million dollars. Reflecting slight decline of 2.4% sequentially amid the typical low season. In line with guidance, Q1 automotive driver sales including both traditional DDIC and TDDI declined double digits sequentially, reflecting Lunar New Year seasonality customers' inventory control following two consecutive quarters of restocking and the tapering of the automotive subsidy program in major markets, including China and the US.

Karen Tiao: Revenue from the small and medium-sized display driver segment totaled $135.8 million, reflecting slight decline of 2.4% sequentially amid a typical low season. In line with guidance, Q1 automotive driver sales, including both traditional DDIC and TDDI, declined double digits sequentially, reflecting Lunar New Year seasonality, customers' inventory control following two consecutive quarters of restocking, and the tapering of the automotive subsidy programs in major markets, including China and the US. In contrast, revenue for smartphone, covering both LCD and OLED products, increased sequentially, primarily due to the new OLED solution that began mass production with the top-tier panel maker for a leading smartphone brand's mainstream model.

Karen Tiao: In line with guidance, Q1 automotive driver sales, including both traditional DDIC and TDDI, declined double digits sequentially, reflecting Lunar New Year seasonality, customers' inventory control following two consecutive quarters of restocking, and the tapering of the automotive subsidy programs in major markets, including China and the US. In contrast, revenue for smartphone, covering both LCD and OLED products, increased sequentially, primarily due to the new OLED solution that began mass production with the top-tier panel maker for a leading smartphone brand's mainstream model. Q1 tablet IC sales also increased sequentially, driven by re-renewed demand for mainstream models from leading customers following several quarters of softness, as well as the commencement of IC shipment to a customer's new premium OLED tablet.

Speaker #2: In contrast, revenue for smartphone covering both LCD and OLED products increased sequentially, primarily due to the new OLED solution that began mass production with the top-tier panel maker for a leading smartphones brand's mainstream model.

Speaker #2: Q1 tablet IC sales also increased sequentially, driven by renewed demand for mainstream models from leading customers following several quarters of softness, as well as the commencement of IC shipment to a customer's new premium OLED tablet.

Karen Tiao: Q1 tablet IC sales also increased sequentially, driven by re-renewed demand for mainstream models from leading customers following several quarters of softness, as well as the commencement of IC shipment to a customer's new premium OLED tablet. The small and medium-sized driver IC segment accounted for 68.2% of total sales for the quarter, compared to the 68.5% in the previous quarter and 70.0% a year ago. Q1 non-driver sales reached $39.0 million, a 7.7% decrease from the previous quarter, reflecting a decline in ASIC TCON shipment to a leading projector customer, along with the moderation in automotive TCON shipment following several quarters of solid growth.

Karen Tiao: The small and medium-sized driver IC segment accounted for 68.2% of total sales for the quarter, compared to the 68.5% in the previous quarter and 70.0% a year ago. Q1 non-driver sales reached $39.0 million, a 7.7% decrease from the previous quarter, reflecting a decline in ASIC TCON shipment to a leading projector customer, along with the moderation in automotive TCON shipment following several quarters of solid growth. Underlying demand for automotive TCON business remained robust, supported by a strong pipeline of hundreds of design win projects poised to enter mass production in the coming quarters. Non-driver products accounted for 19.6% of total revenue as compared to the 20.8% in Q2 and 18.4% a year ago.

Speaker #2: The small and medium-sized driver IC segment accounted for 68.2% of total sales for the quarter, compared to the 68.5% in the 70.0% a year ago.

Speaker #2: Q1 non-driver sales reached 39.0 million dollars, a 7.7% decrease from the previous quarter, reflecting a decline in ASIC T consumer to a leading projected customer along with the moderation in automotive T consumer following several quarters of solid growth.

Speaker #2: However, underlying demand for automotive TCOM business remained robust, supported by a strong pipeline of hundreds of design projects poised to enter mass production in the coming quarters.

Karen Tiao: Underlying demand for automotive TCON business remained robust, supported by a strong pipeline of hundreds of design win projects poised to enter mass production in the coming quarters. Non-driver products accounted for 19.6% of total revenue as compared to the 20.8% in Q2 and 18.4% a year ago. Q3 operating expenses were $50.3 million, a decrease of 8.4% from Q2, but an increase of 9.9% compared to the same period last year. Both the quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year changes were primarily driven by differences in sell-out expenses, reflecting the timing of major project takeoffs.

Speaker #2: Non-driver product accounted for 19.6% of total revenue, as compared to the 20.8% in the previous quarter and 80.4% a year ago. First quarter operating expenses were 15.3 million dollars, a decrease of 8.4% from the previous quarter, but an increase of 9.9% compared to the same period last year.

Karen Tiao: Q3 operating expenses were $50.3 million, a decrease of 8.4% from Q2, but an increase of 9.9% compared to the same period last year. Both the quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year changes were primarily driven by differences in sell-out expenses, reflecting the timing of major project takeoffs. The year-over-year increase was also attributable to federal expenses and the appreciation of the NT dollar against the US dollar. Against the backdrop of ongoing macroeconomic challenges, we continue to maintain strict cost and expense discipline while strategically investing in selected non-driver IC area with compelling growth potential, some of which are poised to ramp up meaningfully starting in 2027.

Speaker #2: Both the quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year changes were primarily driven by differences in setbound expenses, reflecting the timing of major project setbounds. The year-over-year increase was also attributable to salary expenses and the appreciation of the NT dollar against the US dollar.

Karen Tiao: The year-over-year increase was also attributable to federal expenses and the appreciation of the NT dollar against the US dollar. Against the backdrop of ongoing macroeconomic challenges, we continue to maintain strict cost and expense discipline while strategically investing in selected non-driver IC area with compelling growth potential, some of which are poised to ramp up meaningfully starting in 2027. Q3 operating profit was $10.2 million, representing an operating margin of 5.1% compared to 3.4% in the previous quarter and 9.2% for the same period last year. The sequential increase was the result of the lower operating expenses. The year-over-year decline reflected the lower sales and gross margin, coupled with higher operating expenses.

Speaker #2: Against the backdrop of ongoing macroeconomic challenges, we continue to maintain strict cost and expense discipline, while strategically investing in selected non-driver IC areas with compelling growth potential.

Speaker #2: Some of which are poised to run by meaningfully starting in 2027. First quarter operating profit was $10.2 million, representing an operating margin of 5.1%, compared to 3.4% in the previous quarter and 9.2% for the same period last year.

Karen Tiao: Q3 operating profit was $10.2 million, representing an operating margin of 5.1% compared to 3.4% in the previous quarter and 9.2% for the same period last year. The sequential increase was the result of the lower operating expenses. The year-over-year decline reflected the lower sales and gross margin, coupled with higher operating expenses. Q3 after-tax profit was $8.0 million or $0.046 per diluted ADS, compared to $6.3 million or $0.036 per diluted ADS last quarter and down from $20.0 million or $0.114 in the same period last year. Turning to our balance sheet. We had $287.6 million of cash equivalents and other financial assets as of 31 March 2026. This compares to $281.0 million at the same time last year and $286.2 million a year ago.

Speaker #2: The sequential increase was the result of the lower operating expenses. The year-over-year decline reflected the lower sales and gross margin coupled with higher hyper-operating expenses.

Speaker #2: First quarter after tax profit was 8.0 million dollars, or 4.6 cents per diluted ADS. Compared to 6.3 million dollars, or 3.6 cents per diluted ADS last quarter and down from 20.0 million dollars, or 11.4 cents in the same period last year.

Karen Tiao: Q3 after-tax profit was $8.0 million or $0.046 per diluted ADS, compared to $6.3 million or $0.036 per diluted ADS last quarter and down from $20.0 million or $0.114 in the same period last year. Turning to our balance sheet. We had $287.6 million of cash equivalents and other financial assets as of 31 March 2026. This compares to $281.0 million at the same time last year and $286.2 million a year ago.

Speaker #2: Turning to a balance sheet, we had a 287.6 million dollars of cash, cash equivalent, and other financial assets as a smart 31st, 2026. This compares to 281.0 million dollars at the same time last year, and a 286.2 million dollars a year ago.

Karen Tiao: As of 31 March 2026, we had $27.0 million in long-term unsecured loans, with $6.0 million being the current portion. Our quarter-end inventory as of 31 March 2026 were $151.7 million, slightly lower than $152.7 million last quarter, but higher than $152.9 million the same period last year. Having maintained lean inventory levels in prior years, we made a strategic decision about a year ago to selectively loosen inventory control in response to an industry-wide shift to a tight supply. Accounts receivable at the end of March 2026 was $190.9 million, down from $200.9 million last quarter and $217.5 million a year ago.

Speaker #2: As of March 31st, 2026, we had a 27.0 million dollars in long-term unsecured loans, with 6.0 million dollars being the current portion. All quarter and inventory, as of the March 31st, 2026, were 151.7 million dollars, slightly lower than 152.7 million dollars last quarter, but higher than 122.9 million dollars the same period last year.

Speaker #2: Having maintained lean inventory levels in prior years, we met a strategically efficient about a year ago to selectively loosen inventory control in response to an industry-wide shift to a tight supply.

Karen Tiao: Having maintained lean inventory levels in prior years, we made a strategic decision about a year ago to selectively loosen inventory control in response to an industry-wide shift to a tight supply. Accounts receivable at the end of March 2026 was $190.9 million, down from $200.9 million last quarter and $217.5 million a year ago. DSO was 86 days at the quarter end as compared to 88 days last quarter and 91 days a year ago. Q1 capital expenditure was $2.9 million versus $4.0 million last quarter and $5.2 million a year ago. Q1 CapEx was mainly for R&D related equipment for our IC design business.

Speaker #2: Accounts receivable at the end of March 2026 was 990.9 million dollars, down from 200.9 million dollars last quarter and 217.5 million dollars a year ago.

Speaker #2: DSO was 86 at the quarter end, as compared to 88 days last quarter and 91 days a year ago. First quarter capital expenditure was 2.9 million dollars versus 4.0 million dollars last quarter and 5.2 million dollars a year ago.

Karen Tiao: DSO was 86 days at the quarter end as compared to 88 days last quarter and 91 days a year ago. Q1 capital expenditure was $2.9 million versus $4.0 million last quarter and $5.2 million a year ago. Q1 CapEx was mainly for R&D related equipment for our IC design business. Prior to today's call, we announced an annual cash dividend of $0.252 per ADS, totaling $44 million and payable on 10 July 2026, with a payout ratio of 100% of the previous year's profits. The high payout ratio reflects our healthy balance sheet and positive outlook for cash flow generation of the next few years. For business area where we have in-house manufacturing capacity, such as WLO and LCoS, existing capacity is in place to support the strong growth anticipated for the next few years.

Speaker #2: First quarter CapEx was mainly for R&D-related equipment for our IC design business. Prior to today's call, we announced an annual cash dividend of 25.2 cents per ADS, totaling 44 million dollars, and payable on July 10th, 2026, with a payout ratio of the 100% of the previous year's profits.

Karen Tiao: Prior to today's call, we announced an annual cash dividend of $0.252 per ADS, totaling $44 million and payable on 10 July 2026, with a payout ratio of 100% of the previous year's profits. The high payout ratio reflects our healthy balance sheet and positive outlook for cash flow generation of the next few years. For business area where we have in-house manufacturing capacity, such as WLO and LCoS, existing capacity is in place to support the strong growth anticipated for the next few years. Himax will continue to focus on maintaining a healthy balance sheet and driving sustainable long-term growth while delivering shareholders value through high dividends and share repurchases. As of 31 March 2026, Himax had 174.4 million ADSs outstanding, unchanged from last quarter.

Speaker #2: The high payout ratio reflects our healthy balance sheet and positive outlook for cash flow generation of the next few years. For business area where we have in-house manufacturing capacity, such as double O and L costs.

Speaker #2: Existing capacity is in place to support the strong growth anticipated for the next few years. Himax will continue to focus on maintaining a healthy balance sheet and driving sustainable long-term growth while delivering shareholders value through high dividends and share repurchases.

Karen Tiao: Himax will continue to focus on maintaining a healthy balance sheet and driving sustainable long-term growth while delivering shareholders value through high dividends and share repurchases. As of 31 March 2026, Himax had 174.4 million ADSs outstanding, unchanged from last quarter. On a fully diluted basis, the total number of ADSs outstanding for Q1 was 174.4 million. Now, turning to our Q2 2026 guidance. We expect Q2 revenue to increase to 10.0% to 13.0% sequentially. Gross margin expected to be around 32%, mainly reflecting a more favorable product mix with increased sales from higher margin non-driver products and reduced sales from the lower margin products. Q2 profit attributable to shareholder is estimated to be in the range of $0.086 to $0.108 per fully diluted ADS. I will now turn the call over to Jordan to discuss our Q2 outlook. Jordan, the floor is yours.

Speaker #2: As of March 31st, 2026, Himax had a 174.4 million ADS outstanding unchanged from last quarter. On a fully diluted basis, the total number of ADS outstanding for the first quarter was 174.4 million.

Karen Tiao: On a fully diluted basis, the total number of ADSs outstanding for Q1 was 174.4 million. Now, turning to our Q2 2026 guidance. We expect Q2 revenue to increase to 10.0% to 13.0% sequentially. Gross margin expected to be around 32%, mainly reflecting a more favorable product mix with increased sales from higher margin non-driver products and reduced sales from the lower margin products. Q2 profit attributable to shareholder is estimated to be in the range of $0.086 to $0.108 per fully diluted ADS. I will now turn the call over to Jordan to discuss our Q2 outlook. Jordan, the floor is yours.

Speaker #2: Now, turning to our second quarter, 2026 guidance. We expect you to revenue to increase the 10.0% to 13.0% sequentially. Gross margin expected to be around 32%, mainly reflecting a more favorable product mix with increased sales from higher margin non-driver products and reduced sales from the lower margin products.

Speaker #2: Q2 profit attributable to shareholders is estimated to be in the range of 8.6 cents to 10.3 cents per fully diluted ADS. I will now turn the call over to Jordan to discuss our Q2 outlook.

Speaker #2: Jordan, the flow is yours. Thank you, Karen. The record's right. Engineering demand is placing unprecedented strength on memory chip supply. Impacting many non-AI applications.

Jordan Wu: Thank you, Karen. The rapid rise in AI demand is placing unprecedented strain on memory chip supply, impacting many non-AI applications. This, in turn, has led to capacity tightness across foundry, packaging, and testing in mature process nodes where we are anchored, putting up upward pressure on our cost structure. Rising gold prices have further compounded these cost pressures. With cost pressure expected to persist, we are actively working with customers on pricing adjustments to share rising costs, with some price increases already taking effect in Q2. Market conditions remain dynamic, compounded by ongoing geopolitical tensions. The market's visibility remains limited on both consumer electronics and automotive for the H2 of the year. That said, as indicated in our last earnings call, Q1 marked the trough with Q2 recovery tracking as anticipated, primarily driven by customer inventory restocking.

Speaker #2: This, in turn, has led to capacity tightness across boundary packaging and testing in mature process nodes where we are anchored. Putting upward pressure on our cost structure.

Speaker #2: Rising gold prices have further compounded this cost pressures. With cost pressure expected to persist, we are actively working with customers on pricing adjustments to share rising costs with some price in Q2.

Speaker #2: Market conditions remain dynamic. Compounded by ongoing geopolitical tensions, and the market's visibility remains limited on both consumer electronics and automotive for the second half of the year.

Speaker #2: That said, as indicated in our last earnings call, the first quarter marked the trial with the second quarter recovery tracking as anticipated, primarily driven by customer inventory restocking.

Speaker #2: We expect upward momentum through the remainder of 2026, supported by a meaningful number of new automotive projects scheduled to enter mass production in the second half—a view consistent with our outlook from last quarter's call.

Jordan Wu: We expect upward momentum through the remainder of 2026, supported by a meaningful number of new automotive projects, scheduled to enter mass production in H2. The view consistent with our outlook from last quarter's call. The positive outlook is also supported by the anticipated growth in our non-driver IC businesses, particularly TCON and WiseEye AI. In our display IC business for automotive, we remain confident in our long-term growth prospects, as automotive is an area relatively insulated from memory price impact compared to consumer electronics products such as smartphone and notebook. The long-term positive outlook is underpinned by our leading technology portfolio, broad and diversified customer base, strong design win pipeline, across DDIC and TDDI, and substantial lead over competitors. Our display IC portfolio spans a comprehensive range of solutions which enable novel and stylish automotive displays.

Speaker #2: The positive outlook is also supported by the anticipated growth in our non-driver IC businesses, particularly TCOM and Wi-Fi AI. In our display IC business for automotive, we remain confident in our long-term growth prospects.

Speaker #2: As automotive is an area relatively insulated from memory price impact compared to consumer electronics products, such as smartphone and notebook. The long-term positive outlook is underpinned by our leading technology portfolio, broad and diversified customer base, strong design win pipeline, across EDIC and TDDI, and substantial leads over competitors.

Speaker #2: Our display IC portfolio spans a comprehensive range of solutions, which enable novel and slightly automotive displays such as technologies include automotive TCOM with advanced local dimming functionality, LDDI for ultra-large displays, advanced TCOM solutions for state-of-the-art head-up displays, as well as automotive OLED and micro LED technologies.

Jordan Wu: Such technologies include automotive T-Con with advanced local dimming functionality, LTDI for ultra-large displays. Customer adoption of these advanced display technologies continues to accelerate across new vehicle models, driving higher content value per vehicle for us and creating new growth momentum for Himax's automotive display IC business in the years ahead. Despite ongoing macro uncertainty, Himax continues to expand beyond its traditional display IC business, focusing on key growth areas, including smart glasses, ultra-low power AI, and CPO. These emerging technologies present significant growth opportunities that help diversify our revenue base into areas with attractive gross margin profiles and profitability, while also strengthening our overall competitiveness. Starting with smart glasses, a key strategic focus area we are quite optimistic about. Himax is uniquely positioned as one of the few companies with both ultra-low power AI capabilities and microdisplay, both critical for smart glasses.

Speaker #2: Customer adoption of this advanced display technologies continues to accelerate the growth new vehicle models driving higher content value per vehicle for us and creating new growth momentum for Himax's automotive display IC business in the years ahead.

Speaker #2: Despite ongoing macro uncertainty, Himax continues to expand beyond its traditional display IC business. Focusing on key growth areas including smart glasses, ultra-low-power AI, and CPO.

Speaker #2: This emerging technologies present significant growth opportunities that help diversify our revenue base into areas with attractive growth margin profiles and profitability while also strengthening our overall competitiveness.

Speaker #2: Starting with smart area we are quite optimistic about. Himax is uniquely positioned as one of the few companies with both ultra-low-power AI capabilities and micro display both critical for smart glasses Wi-Fi provides ultra-low power always on AI sensing capabilities.

Jordan Wu: WiseEye provides ultra-low power, always-on AI sensing capabilities, targeting a broad range of smart glasses. While our LCoS microdisplay solutions enable display functionality critical for AR glasses with see-through displays. We are pleased to share that a leading brand has adopted our WiseEye for its smart glasses, with mass production expected later this year, and additional prominent brands are expected to follow. In microdisplays for AR glasses, built on the debut of our proprietary Front-lit LCoS microdisplay at Display Week last year. Himax returned to Display Week 2026 with a new generation upgrade that significantly enhances contrast, dynamic range, and optical efficiency. These advances, driven by Himax's proprietary technologies, deliver a substantial increase in contrast performance, while effectively eliminating the postcard effect commonly seen for microdisplays in dark environments.

Speaker #2: Targeting a broad range of smart glasses, our LCOS microdisplay solutions enable display functionality critical for AR glasses with see-through displays. We are pleased to share that a leading brand has adopted our Wi-Fi for its smart glasses, with mass production expected later this year, and additional prominent brands are expected to follow.

Speaker #2: In micro displays for AR glasses, built on the debut of our proprietary frontline LCOS micro display, a display with last year. Himax returned to display with 2026 with a new generation upgrade that significantly enhanced its contrast, dynamic range, and optical efficiency.

Speaker #2: This advances driven by Himax's proprietary technologies deliver a substantial increase in contrast performance while effectively eliminating the post-car effect commonly seen for micro displays inductive environments.

Jordan Wu: Himax's Front-lit LCoS solution offers an optimal balance among weight, size, resolution, image quality, power consumption, and cost. Positioning it as a competitive choice for AR glasses. For both WiseEye and LCoS microdisplay, supported by expanding customer engagements across technology heavyweights and small and smart glasses specialists globally. We are increasingly optimistic about the new space, even compared to just a few quarters ago. We expect revenues from AI and AR glasses applications to grow substantially over the next few years. Now, I would like to provide a brief update on our progress in CPO. Together with FOCI, our strategic partner, we continue to make steady progress on both the Gen 1 and Gen 2 products as planned.

Speaker #2: Himax's frontly LCOS solution offers an optimal balance among weight, size, resolution, image quality, power consumption, and cost. Positioning it as a competitive choice for AR glasses for both Wi-Fi and LCOS micro display supported by expanding customer engagements across technology heavyweights and small and smart glasses specialists.

Speaker #2: Globally, we are increasingly optimistic about the new space even compared to just a few quarters ago. We expect revenues from AI and AR glasses applications to grow substantially over the next few years.

Speaker #2: Now, I would like to provide a brief update on our progress in CPO. Together with 4C, our strategic partner, we continue to make steady progress on both the Gen 1 and Gen 2 products as planned.

Speaker #2: Our Gen 1 solution supporting 1.6T and 3.2T transmission bandwidth is now ready with a small quantity shipment. Expected to commence in the second half of this year.

Jordan Wu: Our gen 1 solution, supporting 1.6T and 3.2T transmission bandwidth, is now ready with small quantity shipment expected to commence in H2 of this year. Meanwhile, our gen 2 solution, targeting 6.4T bandwidth with significant volume potential, is nearing completion of customer product validation for AI data center applications. Building on this momentum, our main goal for 2026 is to achieve mass production readiness with only limited shipments expected during the year, followed by an accelerated volume ramp starting 2027. At the same time, in close partnership with FOCI, we continue to advance a multiple future generation high-speed base optical transmission technologies and CPO architectures in collaboration with leading global customers and partners.

Speaker #2: Meanwhile, our Gen 2 solution targeting 6.4T bandwidth with significant volume potential is nearing completion of customer product validation for AR data center applications. Building on this momentum, our main goal for 2026 is to achieve mass production readiness with only limited shipments expected during the year.

Speaker #2: Followed by an accelerated volume ramp starting 2027. At the same time, in close partnership with 4C, we continue to advance multiple future generation high-speed optical transmission technologies and CPO architectures in collaboration with leading global customers and partners.

Speaker #2: Focusing on higher fiber channels, more advanced optical designs, and enhanced optical precision to meet the explosive bandwidth demands of XPC and AI data center applications.

Jordan Wu: Focusing on higher fiber channels, more advanced optical designs, and enhanced optical precision to meet the explosive bandwidth demands of HPC and AI data center applications. In early March, FOCI completed a NTD 3.16 billion rights issue to support R&D, equipment purchases, and preparations for CPO mass production. Himax, already a shareholder through two earlier tranches of share offerings in 2023 and 2024, participated in the rights issue, which not only demonstrates our continued support for our partner. Collaboration between the two companies, but also underscores that advancing CPO technology requires highly integrated efforts through close cooperation and joint development. With an average acquisition cost of NTD 420.6 per share.

Speaker #2: In early March, 4C completed a $3.16 billion ND dollars price issue to support R&D equipment purchases and preparations for CPO mass production. Himax, already a shareholder through two earlier tranches of share offerings in 2023 and 2024, participated in the RISE issue, which not only demonstrates our continued support for our partner and further strengthens collaboration between the two companies, but also underscores that advancing CPO technology requires highly integrated efforts through close collaboration and joint development.

Speaker #2: With an average acquisition cost of NT of 120.6 ND dollars per share our equity stake representing 5.36% of 4C now totals 4.96 billion ND dollars or 156 million US dollars as of May 7th when the market closed at 815 ND dollars per share.

Jordan Wu: Our equity stake representing 5.36% of FORESE, now totals NTD 4.96 billion or $156 million as of 7 May, when the market closed at NTD 815 per share. As a reminder, our FORESE investment has been booked as a so-called financial asset measured at the fair value through other comprehensive income on the balance sheet since day 1 of our investment. Based on accounting rules, FORESE share price fluctuations are recognized in our books as so-called accumulated other comprehensive income, a balance sheet item under owner's equity and do not affect our profit and loss. Likewise, upon disposal, any resulting gain or loss will be recognized only on the balance sheet through change of retained earnings, and again, will have no impact on the profit and loss.

Speaker #2: As a reminder, our 4C investment has been booked as a so-called financial asset measured at fair value through other comprehensive income. On the balance sheet, since day one of our investment, as such, based on accounting rules, 4C's share price fluctuations are recognized in our books.

Speaker #2: As so-called accumulated other comprehensive income a balance sheet item under owner's equity and do not affect our profit and loss. Likewise, upon disposal any resulting gain or loss will be recognized only on the balance sheet through change or return earnings and again will have no impact on the profit and loss.

Jordan Wu: This accounting treatment we chose underscores our long-term commitment to the FOCI investment. We expect CPO to become a major revenue and profit contributor in the years ahead. With that, I will now begin with an update on the large panel driver IC business. In Q2, large display driver IC sales are expected to decrease by high teens quarter over quarter, attributable to customers pulling forward their inventory purchases for TV applications in prior quarters. In contrast, both monitor and notebook IC products are poised for sequential increases due to higher legacy product shipments to key customers. Looking ahead to the notebook market, our focus is on premium models featuring OLED displays and LCD displays with touch functionality.

Speaker #2: This accounting treatment we chose underscores our long-term commitment to the 4C investment. We expect CPO to become a major revenue and profit contributor in the years ahead.

Speaker #2: With that, I will now begin with an update on the large panel throughout the business. In Q2, large display throughout the sales are expected to decrease by high teens quarter over quarter.

Speaker #2: Attributable to customers putting forward their inventory purchases for TV applications in prior quarters. In contrast, both monitor and notebook IC products are poised for sequential increases due to higher legacy product shipments to key customers.

Speaker #2: Looking ahead to the notebook market, our focus is on premium models featuring OLED displays and LCD displays with touch functionality. We offer a full spectrum of IC solutions for both LCD and OLED notebooks.

Jordan Wu: We offer a full spectrum of IC solutions for both LCD and OLED notebooks, including DDIC, T-Con, touch controller, and TDDI, enabling us to provide customers with a comprehensive one-stop solution while increasing our content per device. We continue to see strong design momentum, particularly in OLED for notebooks, where rising memory prices are depressing lower-end demand and accelerating the shift to premium segments. The scheduled ramp-up of new Gen 8.6 OLED fabs later this year and in 2027 in China adds another tailwind, further driving higher OLED adoption in notebooks. Turning to the small and medium-sized display driver IC business. In Q2, small and medium-sized display driver IC business is expected to increase high teens from last quarter. Q2 automotive driver IC sales, including TDDI and traditional DDIC, are set to increase by double digits quarter over quarter.

Speaker #2: Including DDIC TCOM touch controller and TVDI enabling us to provide customers with a comprehensive one-stop solution while increasing our content per device. We continue to see strong design momentum particularly in OLED for notebooks.

Speaker #2: For a rising memory prices are depressing lower-end demand and accelerating the shift to premium segments. The schedule ramped up of new Gen 8.6 OLED fabs later this year and in 2027 in China as another tailwind further driving higher OLED adoption in notebooks.

Speaker #2: Turning to the small and medium-sized display drive IC business, in Q2, small and medium-sized display drive IC business is expected to increase high teens from last quarter.

Speaker #2: Q2 of automotive driver IC sales, including TVDI and traditional DDIC, are set to increase by double digits quarter over quarter. Both DDIC and TVDI sales are expected to increase sequentially, driven mainly by the broad-based replenishment from panel customers within inventories.

Jordan Wu: Both DDIC and TDDI sales are expected to increase sequentially, driven mainly by the broad-based replenishment from panel customers with thin inventories, as well as the ramp-up of new TDDI and DDIC projects for a leading panel customer. Despite global softness in automotive sales, our long-term competitive position remains solid, supported by hundreds of design wins already secured across DDIC, T-Con, and expanded OLED portfolio. In addition, Himax is deepening its well-established supply chain in Taiwan while expanding across China, Singapore, Japan, Korea, and Malaysia. This ensures production flexibility and cost competitiveness, while also addressing customers' geopolitical considerations. We continue to lead the global automotive display market with a 40% share in DDIC, well over half in TDDI, and an even higher market share in automotive T-Con.

Speaker #2: As well as the ramp-up of new TVDI and DDIC projects for a leading panel customer. Despite global softness in automotive sales, our long-term competitive position remains solid supported by hundreds of design wins already secured across TDDI, DDIC, TCOM, and expanding OLED portfolio.

Speaker #2: In addition, Himax is deepening its well-established supply chain in Taiwan while expanding across China, Singapore, Japan, Korea, and Malaysia. This ensures production flexibility and cost competitiveness while also addressing customers' geopolitical considerations.

Speaker #2: We continue to lead the global automotive display market with a 40% share in DDIC well over half in TVDI and even higher market share in logo team and TCOM.

Speaker #2: We drive automotive display IC innovation, pioneering solutions across a wide range of panel types while addressing diverse design requirements and cost considerations. Recent evidence of such efforts is our LTDI technology for ultra-large touch displays, where multiple projects have entered mass production.

Jordan Wu: We also continue to lead in automotive display IC innovation, pioneering solutions across a wide range. Recent evidence of such efforts is our LTDI technology for ultra-large touch displays, where multiple projects have entered mass production in several car brands across different continents. After years of engagement with customers globally, we expect meaningful revenue contributions from LTDI starting this year. Our integrated single chip solution, combining TDDI and low voltage T-Con, represents another such innovation. Targeting smaller and lower resolution automotive touch displays, it delivers a competitive option for cost and space constraint applications without compromising performance. Design activities continue to expand globally with multiple projects underway across leading panel customers, Tier 1s and OEMs. Looking ahead, the accelerating adoption of OLED displays in automotive creates significant opportunities for Himax. Our ASIC OLED DDIC and T-Con solutions have already been in mass production for several years.

Speaker #2: In several car brands across different continents. After years of engagement with customers globally, we expect meaningful revenue contributions from LTDI starting this year. Our integrated single-chip solution combining TDDI and logo team and TCOM represents another such innovation targeting smaller and lower resolution automotive touch displays it delivers a competitive option for cost and space constraint applications without compromising performance.

Speaker #2: Design activities continue to expand globally with multiple projects underway across leading panel customers TONs and OEMs. Looking ahead, the accelerating adoption of OLED displays in automotive creates significant opportunities for Himax OLED DDIC and TCOM solutions have already been in mass production for several years.

Speaker #2: With continued customer adoption, we now offer we now also offer a new standard DDIC and TCOM products to support scalable deployment. In parallel, collaborations are underway with leading panel makers on new custom ASICs positioning us where to address diverse customer requirements across the wide range of automotive display applications.

Jordan Wu: With continued customer adoption, we now also offer new standard DDIC and T-Con products to support scalable deployment. In parallel, our collaborations are underway with leading panel makers on new custom ASICs, positioning us well to address diverse customer requirements across the wide range of automotive display applications. Together, these efforts position Himax to capture increasing semiconductor content as premium automotive displays evolve from LCD to OLED. In addition, Himax's OLED touch ICs are a key pillar of our automotive OLED portfolio, delivering industry-leading signal-to-noise performance and high-precision multi-finger touch capability, enabling reliable operation even when wearing thick gloves or with wet fingers. Our OLED touch ICs started mass production in 2024. Since then, they have been increasingly adopted by leading panel makers and end customers across Korea, China, the US, and Europe.

Speaker #2: Together, these efforts position Himax to capture increasing semiconductor content as premium automotive displays evolve from LCD to OLED. In addition, Himax's OLED touch ICs are a key pillar of our automotive OLED portfolio delivering industry-leading signal-to-noise performance and high precision multi-finger touch capability.

Speaker #2: Enabling reliable operation even when wearing thick gloves or with wet fingers. Our OLED touch ICs start in mass production in 2024. Since then, they have been increasingly adopted by leading panel makers and end customers across Korea, China, and the US.

Speaker #2: And Europe. Multiple new projects are poised to enter mass production in the coming quarters. Moving to smartphone IC sales, we expect Q2 smartphone revenue covering both LCD and OLED products to decrease quarter over quarter following the initial ramp-up of an OLED IC for a leading smartphone brand's mainstream model in the prior quarter.

Jordan Wu: Multiple new projects are poised to enter mass production in the coming quarters. Moving to smartphone IC sales, we expect Q2 smartphone revenue, covering both LCD and OLED products, to decrease quarter over quarter, following the initial ramp-up of an OLED IC for a leading smartphone brand's mainstream model in the prior quarter. For tablet ICs, Q2 sales are expected to increase sequentially, driven by customers' early pull-in demand against the backdrop of rising memory price sentiment in the market, with ongoing shipments for a customer's premium OLED tablet also contributing to sequential growth. I would like to now turn to our non-driver IC business update, where we expect Q2 revenue to increase by double digits sequentially. First, for an update of our T-Con business. We anticipate Q2 T-Con sales to increase by double digits quarter over quarter.

Speaker #2: Hospitably ICs Q2 sales are expected to increase sequentially driven by customers' early pooling demand against the backdrop of rising memory price sentiment in the market with ongoing shipments for a customer's premium OLED tablet also contributing to sequential growth.

Speaker #2: I would like to now turn to our North driver IC business update. Where we expect Q2 revenue to increase by double digits sequentially. First, for an update of our TCOM business, we anticipate Q2 TCOM sales to increase by double digits quarter over quarter.

Speaker #2: Our automotive TCOM business is expected to deliver decent double-digit growth in Q2 driven by shipments from prior design wins across the board. Despite automotive markets headwinds, Himax continues to enjoy strong growth momentum in automotive TCOM particularly in solutions featuring logo team and functionality.

Jordan Wu: Our automotive T-Con business is expected to deliver decent double-digit growth in Q2, driven by shipments from prior design wins across the board. Despite automotive market headwinds, Himax continues to enjoy strong growth momentum in automotive T-Con, particularly in solutions featuring local dimming functionality. Backed by hundreds of secure design wins across a diversified customer base, we are well-positioned for sustained growth. In Q2, we expect T-Con to account for over 12% of total sales, with more than half contributed by automotive T-Con. Meanwhile, head-up displays are poised to become an integral part of next-generation smart cockpits, driving demand for sophisticated T-Con technologies, an area where Himax holds a strong leadership position. Our multifunctional T-Con not only delivers excellent contrast, eliminating the so-called postcard effect often seen in SUVs. It also supports full-area selectable local dimming.

Speaker #2: Backed by hundreds of secure design wins across abroad and diversified customer base we are well positioned for sustained growth. In Q2, we expect TCOM to account for over 12% of total sales with smaller half contributed by automotive TCOM.

Speaker #2: Meanwhile, head-up displays are poised to become an integral part of new generation smart car picks driving demand for sophisticated TCOM technologies an area where Himax holds a strong leadership position.

Speaker #2: Our multi-functional TCOM not only delivers excellent contrast eliminating the so-called post-car car effect often seen in SUVs it also supports full area selectable local dewarping to correct image distortion caused by windshield curvature and/or projection angle.

Speaker #2: In addition, integrated on-screen display function ensures that critical safety information remains visible even when the system is malfunctioning and/or powered down. Together, these features make our TCOM a competitive solution for customers' SUV applications as evidenced by fast expanding design activities with leading panel makers and TON players.

Jordan Wu: In addition, integrated on-screen display function ensures that critical safety information remains visible even when the system is malfunctioning and/or powered down. Together, these features make our T-Con a compelling solution for customers' SUV applications, as evidenced by fast expanding design activities with leading panel makers and Tier 1s. This growing SUV pipeline positions us well for broader deployment and meaningful revenue contribution starting in 2027. Switching gears to the WiseEye product line, a cutting-edge, ultra-low power, AI sensory solution. Targeting endpoint device markets. WiseEye stands out due to its industry-leading ultra-low power design, operating at merely a few mW. Combined with an extremely compact size of device AI inference and 24/7 always-on image and voice sensing.

Speaker #2: This growing SUV pipeline positions us where for broader deployment and meaningful revenue contribution starting in 2027. Switching gears to the wise eye product line, a cutting-edge arduino-powered AI sensing total solution.

Speaker #2: Targeting M4 device markets wise eye stands out due to its industry-leading arduino-powered design operating at merely a few milliwatts combined with an extremely compact size on device AI inferencing and 24/7 always on image and voice sensing.

Speaker #2: This combination enables advanced AI capabilities in endpoint devices that were once constrained by power and size limitations and has already been widely adopted across a wide range of applications.

Jordan Wu: This combination enables advanced AI capabilities in endpoint devices that were once constrained by power and size limitations, and has already been widely adopted across a wide range of applications, including notebooks, surveillance systems, access control devices, palm vein authentication, smart home solutions, and smart glasses with further customer engagements currently underway. On the WiseEye modules front, design activities continue to expand, driven by their plug-and-play architecture, combined with ultra-low power consumption and on-device AI capabilities. These features help developers accelerate innovation and scale their products from prototypes to commercial deployments. This broad applicability has led to adoption across a wide range of domains, including smart access control, space management, computer monitoring, automotive, and bicycle applications. In particular, our palm vein module is rapidly securing design wins, offering a touchless, high-security solution with high accuracy and advanced liveness detection.

Speaker #2: Including notebooks, surveillance systems, access control devices, palm vent authentication, smart home solutions, and smart glasses. With further custom engagements currently underway. On the wise eye module's front, design activities continue to expand driven by their plug-and-play architecture combined with arduino-powered consumption and on-device AI capabilities.

Speaker #2: These features help developers accelerate innovation and scale their products from prototypes to commercial deployment. This growth applicability has led to adoption across a wide range of domains including smart access control, space management, computer monitoring, automotive and bicycle applications.

Speaker #2: In particular, our palm vent module is rapidly securing design wins offering a touchless high-security solution with high accuracy and advanced aliveness detection. Combined with GDPR-compliant architecture one of the world's strictest data privacy laws our palm vent solution ensures robust data privacy and protection of user biometric information through privacy-centric on-device processing we are seeing growing palm vent module adoption across applications such as smart access control or force management and smart door locks where multiple projects are progressing towards mass production in the coming quarters.

Jordan Wu: Combined with GDPR compliance architecture, one of the world's strictest data privacy laws, our palm vein solution ensures robust data privacy and protection of user biometric information through privacy-centric on-device processing. We are seeing growing palm vein module adoption across applications such as smart access control, workforce management, and smart door locks, where multiple projects are progressing towards mass production in the coming quarters. As mentioned earlier, WiseEye is gaining broad market recognition in smart glasses as a compact, ultra-low power, always-on perpetual front end. WiseEye supports both outward-facing environmental sensing, mainly object classification and scene understanding, and inward-facing capabilities, including eyeball tracking and iris authentication, delivering environment-aware vision AI and responsive, low-latency human-machine interaction for smart glasses. This combination of capabilities makes WiseEye ideally suited for wearable devices requiring real-time responsiveness with minimal battery impact, and is a key factor driving design momentum among smart glasses players.

Speaker #2: As mentioned earlier, wise eye is gaining broad market recognition in smart glasses as a compact arduino-powered always on perpetual front end. Wise eye supports both outward-facing environmental sensing mainly object classification and scene understanding and inward-facing capabilities including eyeball tracking and iris authentication.

Speaker #2: Delivering environment-aware vision AI and responsive low-latency human-machine interaction for smart glasses. This combination of capabilities makes wise eye ideally suited for wearable devices requiring real-time responsiveness with minimal battery impact and is a key factor driving design momentum among smart glasses players.

Speaker #2: Moving on to our latest advancements in electrospinal display technology a display with 2026 this week in Los Angeles we showcase our arduino-luminous high-contrast miniature dual-edge front-lit electrospinal display we were also invited to deliver an in-depth presentation at the symposium highlighting Himax's recognized expertise and leadership in electrospinal display technology.

Jordan Wu: Moving on to our latest advancements in air-core microdisplay technology. At Display Week 2026 this week in LA, we showcased our ultra luminous, high-contrast, miniature DOH from this air-core microdisplay. We were also invited to deliver an in-depth presentation at a symposium highlighting Himax's recognized expertise and leadership in air-core microdisplay technology. Our air-core solution is a full-color microdisplay that integrates illumination optics and air-core panel into an exceptionally compact form factor of just 0.09 cc and 0.2 grams, delivering up to 350,000 nits of brightness and 1 lumen output at just 200 milliwatt total power consumption. It can also be a green-only mode and frictionlessly switch back upon command from the central processor, allowing for improved power efficiency across different ambient light conditions, while supporting customers' cost targets.

Speaker #2: Our airports solution is a full-color micro display that integrates illumination optics and airports panel into an exceptionally compact form factor of just 0.09 cc and 0.2 grams.

Speaker #2: Delivering up to 350,000 nits of brightness and 1 lumen offered at just 200 milliwatt total power consumption it can also be configured for high brightness low power green-only mode and the frictionlessly switch back upon command from the central processor.

Speaker #2: Allowing for improved power efficiency across different ambient light conditions while supporting customers' cost targets in addition its arduino-high luminous ensures excellent visibility in bright environments where our proprietary technologies significantly enhance contrast and reduce the post-high effect frequently observed in low light conditions.

Jordan Wu: In addition, its ultra-high luminance ensures excellent visibility in bright environments, while our proprietary technologies significantly enhances contrast and reduce the postcard effect frequently observed in low light conditions. Himax is currently working closely with multiple waveguide partners across China, Europe, Israel, Japan, Taiwan, and the US to bundle these technologies into display systems for AR glasses, strengthening system integration and driving future design opportunities. We will provide further updates in due course. That concludes my report for this quarter. Thank you for your interest in Himax. We appreciate your joining today's call, and we are now ready to take questions.

Speaker #2: Himax is currently working closely with multiple waveguide partners across China Europe Israel Japan Taiwan and the US to bundle this technologies into display systems for AR glasses strengthening system integration and driving future design opportunities.

Speaker #2: We will provide further updates in due course that concludes my report for this quarter thank you for your interest in Himax we appreciate your joining today's call and we are now ready to take questions.

Operator: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Wu. Ladies and gentlemen, we are now in question and answer session. If you would like to ask the question, please press star 1 on your telephone keypad, and you will enter the queue. After you are announced, please ask your question. If you find that your question has been answered before it is your turn to speak, you may press star 2 to cancel the question. In addition to submitting questions via phone, you may also submit questions through the webcast, where a chat box is available on the right-hand side of the screen. Now, please dial star 1 on your telephone keypad if you would like to ask the question. Thank you. You may also submit questions through the webcast page. Thank you. Now we'll have our first question, Donnie Teng, Nomura. Go ahead, please.

Speaker #2: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Wu. And ladies and gentlemen, we are now in question-and-answer session. If you would like to ask the question, please press star 1 on your telephone keypad and you will enter the queue.

Speaker #2: After you are announced, please ask your question. If you find that your question has been answered before it is your turn to speak, you may press star 2 to cancel the question.

Speaker #2: And in addition to submitting questions via phone, you may also submit questions through the webcast where the chat box is available on the right-hand side of the screen.

Speaker #2: Now please dial star 1 on your telephone keypad if you would like to ask the question. Thank you. And you may also submit questions through the webcast page.

Speaker #2: Thank you. Now we'll have our first question Donnie Tan, Nomura. Go ahead, please.

Speaker #3: Hello. Thank you, Jordan and Karen, for taking my question. I have two questions. The first question is regarding to the automotive business. So wonder if Jordan, you can give us a four-year outlook regarding to the automotive-related business growth and also what could be the possible quarterly revenue pattern into the second half this year because it looks like customers still maintain pretty low inventory.

Donnie Teng: Oh, thank you, Jordan and Karen, for taking my question. I have 2 questions. The first question is regarding to the automotive business. Wondering if, Jordan, you can give us a 4-year outlook regarding to the automotive related business growth. Also, what could be the possible quarterly revenue pattern into the H2 this year? It looks like customers still maintain pretty low inventory, so I'm not sure whether it will be still like restocking, destocking coming off for the coming quarters. The second question is regarding to the CPO. You have mentioned about the gen 1 and gen 2 products. Wondering if you can share with us regarding to the competition landscape for the gen 1 products and gen 2 products. Are you seeing different competitors?

Speaker #3: So I'm not sure whether this will be still like a restocking/destocking on and off for the coming quarters. And the second question is regarding to the CPO.

Speaker #3: So you have mentioned about the Gen 1 and Gen 2 products. Wondering if you can share with us regarding to the competition landscape for the Gen 1 products and Gen 2 products.

Speaker #3: I have seen different competitors and also another thing is I'm curious is like the overall optical communication supply chain is facing supply tightness at the upstream.

Donnie Teng: Also another thing is, I'm curious, is like the overall optical communication supply chain is facing supply tightness at upstream, like indium phosphide substrate for lasers, et cetera. Are you seeing other components are facing the short supply as well, for example, whether the micro lens will be under shortage? Thank you.

Speaker #3: Like Indian FastFi substrate for lasers, etc. Are you seeing other components are facing the short supply as well? For example, whether the micro lens will be under shortage?

Speaker #3: Thank you.

Speaker #4: Thank you, Donnie. If I may, I would address your second question first. On CPO, on competition or potential supply shortage of other components, etc.

Jordan Wu: Thank you, Donnie. If I may, I would address your second question first, on CPO, on competition, or the, you know, potential supply shortage of other components, et cetera. They are not really our major concern, to be honest. Because, for now, you know, once the mass production gets started and is successful, what we're seeing is with the multiple customers we have already in hand. I'm talking about major customer that we really focus on. There are actually other customers. I mean, they are all very big names, but they are still, so to speak, priorities internally. With their demand, actually, the potential demand is much bigger than what we can supply for now. To be honest, we are not worried about competition.

Speaker #4: They are not really our major concern, to be honest, because for now, once the mass production gets started and is successful, what we're seeing is, with the multiple customers we have already in hand.

Speaker #4: I'm talking about major customers that we really, really focus on. They are actually other customers. I mean, they are all very big names, but they are still, so to speak, priorities internally.

Speaker #4: So with their demand actually their potential demands is much, much bigger than what we can supply for now. So to be honest, we are not worried about competition.

Speaker #4: I'm not saying whether they are good or whether they exist. What I'm saying is we just need to focus on our competition of validation and that's mostly enter mass production.

Jordan Wu: I'm not saying whether they are good or whether they exist. What I'm saying is, we just need to focus on our completion of validation, and then smoothly enter mass production. Once that happens, the customers have put it all right to us that there are potential demand in the early stage that actually much outweighs what we can supply. I think competition, I mean, for now is not really the issue. I mean, I can say the same to answer your question on the potential shortage of other components. I think I said in the prepared remarks earlier that, you know, 2027 is likely to see meaningful top and bottom line contribution for us.

Speaker #4: And once that happens, the customers have put it all right to us that their potential demand in the early stage and that actually much outweighs what we can supply.

Speaker #4: So I think competition, I mean, for now, is not really the issue. And I mean, I can say the same. To answer your question on the potential shortage of other components, and I think I said in the prepared remarks earlier that 2027 is likely to see meaningful top and bottom line contribution for us.

Jordan Wu: What I'd like to add is that, even before the official mass production, early shipments for engineering runs will already have positive impact on our financials. As I said earlier, you know, the growth will likely be explosive, because you know, the demands are indeed there. Once mass production begins, we believe CPO will deliver the strongest growth among all our product lines. A growth that is likely to sustain for the years to come. That is my answer to your CPO question. On automotive, first for the whole full year outlook, I mean, bear in mind, we don't actually provide full year guidance, so I'm not going to give numerical projections.

Speaker #4: So what I'd like to add is that even before the official mass production, early shipments for engineering runs were already a positive impact on our financials.

Speaker #4: And as I said earlier, the customer demands are much outweighs what we can supply. So once volume shipments get started, the growth will likely be explosive because the demands are indeed there.

Speaker #4: And once mass production begins, we believe CPO will deliver the strongest growth among all our product lines. A growth that is likely to sustain for the years to come.

Speaker #4: So that is my answer to your CPO question and on automotive. First, for the whole full-year outlook, I mean, bear in mind we don't actually provide full-year guidance.

Speaker #4: So I'm not going to give numerical projections. But we can say quite confidently we are well positioned to see sales growth for the year with improved gross margin compared to last year.

Jordan Wu: We can say quite confidently, we are well-positioned to see sales growth for the year with improved gross margin compared to last year. That is primarily among other things, driven by automotive's outlook. The overall automotive industry outlook, as we all know, remains muted, with I think most market surveys projecting for a flattish total vehicle shipment year-over-year. However, I think we believe we will be able to outperform the market like we did last year. I did say in the prepared remarks that we expect sales for automotive to grow quarter by quarter this year. That is a response to your question.

Speaker #4: And that is primarily among other things driven by automotive outlook. So the overall automotive industry outlook, as we all know, remains muted. I think most market surveys projecting for a flattish total vehicle shipment year over year.

Speaker #4: However, I think we believe we will be able to outperform the market like we did last year. And I did say in the prepared remarks that we expect sales for automotive to grow quarter by quarter this year.

Speaker #4: So that is a response to your question. Yes, the customers' inventory level remains lean, but even that, they seem to historically have the pattern of overbill and then underbill and have such a cycle.

Jordan Wu: Yes, the customer's inventory level remains lean, even that, they seem to historically have the pattern of overbuild and then underbuild and have this such a cycle. I cannot predict whether this cycle will repeat this year in H2, our confidence level for quarter after quarter growth comes mainly from a few major projects with top customers, which are slated for mass production in H2. They are after years of design efforts. With that, we are now also projecting some growth for this year's automotive sales. Again, I think our automotive business is well-positioned to beat the market like last year in terms of growth.

Speaker #4: But I cannot predict whether this cycle will repeat this year in the second half, but our confidence level for quarter after quarter growth comes mainly from a few major projects with top customers.

Speaker #4: Which are steady for mass production in the second half. And they are after years of designing efforts. So with that, we are now also projecting some growth for this year's automotive sales.

Speaker #4: And again, I think our automotive business is well-positioned to beat the market like last year in terms of growth.

Donnie Teng: Okay. Understood. Thank you, Jordan.

Speaker #3: Okay. Understood. Thank you, Jordan. And a follow-up on CPO.

Jordan Wu: Thank you.

Donnie Teng: A follow-up on CPO.

Speaker #4: Yes.

Jordan Wu: Yes.

Donnie Teng: The follow-up on CPO is, like, are you able to quantify the sales contribution for this year and next year potentially? I'm also curious is, do you require to expand the capacity for the demand coming in 2027, or you will utilize the existing fab first? Thank you.

Speaker #3: A follow-up on CPO is like are you able to quantify the sales contribution for this year and next year, potentially? And I'm also curious is that are you do you require to expand the capacity for the demand coming in 2027, or you will utilize the existing fab first?

Speaker #3: Thank you.

Jordan Wu: We will utilize our existing fab, which, actually, if fully utilized for this application, can already generate, you know, hundreds of millions of annual sales for us with a very decent profit. Our partner, FOCI, actually, I cannot comment on their behalf, but they did say in their prospectus issued a few months back in their recent rights issue that, I mean, they do have plan to continue to expand their capacity. You know, as we all know, the part of their purpose for the rights issue recently was to build the capacity for this purpose, for mass production.

Speaker #4: We will utilize our existing fabs. Which actually if fully utilized for this application, can already generate hundreds of millions of annual sales for us with a very decent profit.

Speaker #4: Our partner Fauci actually, I cannot comment on their behalf, but they did say in their prospectus issued a few months back in their recent RISE issue, that I mean, they do have plan to continue to expand their capacity as we all know.

Speaker #4: The part of their purpose for the RISE issue recently was to build the capacity for this purpose. For mass production. So in the prospectus, they did something in the line of given the right conditions, they would certainly continue to expand the capacity and that is what they say in the prospectus.

Jordan Wu: In the prospectus, they did something in the line of, you know, given the right conditions, they would certainly continue to expand the capacity. And that is what they say in the prospectus. You know, I mean, certainly, you know, beyond that, you know, I cannot say anything more on their behalf. What I can say is, our capacity actually outweighs their capacity. To be honest, they have to expand first. Even where they are at the moment, I think we again feel confident that, you know, you know, somehow along the line of mass production, progressing, they will sort out that issue as well.

Speaker #4: And I mean, certainly beyond that, I cannot say anything more. On their behalf. But what I can say is our capacity actually outweighs their capacity.

Speaker #4: So to be honest, they have to expand first. But given where they are at the moment, I think we again feel confident that somehow along the line of mass production, progressing they will sort out that issue as well.

Speaker #4: But yes, our existing capacity is more than sufficient to support up to hundreds of millions of annual sales for us. And with that, I'm afraid I am not able to quantify sales contribution for this year or next for now.

Jordan Wu: Yes, our existing capacity is more than sufficient, is sufficient to support up to $ hundreds of millions of annual sales for us.

Donnie Teng: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

Jordan Wu: With that, I'm afraid I am not able to quantify sales contribution for this year or next for now. This year is still small. They are primarily sampling and, you know, engineering shipments. They are not, I mean, quarter-over-quarter, good growth, but they come from very small base. For an overall group perspective, they are still not meaningful. Next year, as I said, regardless of when mass production will commence, even before mass production, the engineering rounds will contribute meaningfully to our top line and especially bottom line growth.

Speaker #4: But this year is still small. They are primarily some sampling and engineering shipments. They are not I mean, quarter over quarter good growth, but they come from very small base.

Speaker #4: So for an overall group perspective, they are still not meaningful. But next year, as I said, regardless of when mass production will commence, the likely even before mass production, the engineering rounds will contribute meaningfully to our top line and especially bottom line growth.

Speaker #3: Understood. Thank you, Jordan. And congrats on the good guidance.

Donnie Teng: Understood. Thank you, Jordan. Congrats on the good guidance.

Speaker #4: Thank you, Tony.

Jordan Wu: Thank you, Donnie Teng.

Speaker #1: Thank you. And there are no questions at the moment. We thank you for all your questions. I'll pass the call back to Mr. Jordan Wu.

Operator: Thank you. There are no questions at the moment. We thank you for all your questions. I will pass the call back to Mr. Jordan Wu. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you.

Speaker #4: As a final note, Karen Tiao, our head of IRP, I will maintain Mr. Marketing Activities and continue to attend investor conferences. And we'll announce the details as they come about.

Jordan Wu: As a final note, Karen Tiao, our head of IR team will maintain investor marketing activities and continue to attend investor conferences, and we'll announce the details as they come about. Thank you, and have a nice day.

Speaker #4: Thank you and have a nice day.

Operator: Thank you, Mr. Wu. Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes Q1 2026 Earnings Conference. You may now disconnect. Thank you again. Goodbye.