ASMPT Scraps SMT Business Sale to Capitalize on AI Surge

The company’s decision marks a sharp reversal from its earlier strategy to offload the SMT segment in favor of focusing exclusively on semiconductor solutions. Chief Executive Bassel Haddad indicated that the unit is now poised for a significant financial shift, with artificial intelligence infrastructure investment fueling more than half of its current bookings—a dramatic climb from 12% in 2024.

Investors reacted coldly to the announcement, sending ASMPT shares tumbling 11% on Thursday. Citi analysts noted that the move complicates the firm's path toward becoming a pure-play semiconductor equipment stock, a transition many shareholders had already factored into the price. Despite the immediate market skepticism, the bank suggested the unit's improved margin outlook, which targets 20% profit margins and a 40% gross margin, could eventually bolster the company’s long-term earnings potential.