Key Points
Besi shares fell more than 7% after a report on hybrid bonding delays.
ZDNet reported manufacturers now favor thermocompression bonding for HBM4 memory chips.
Hybrid bonding adoption may shift to the more advanced HBM4E generation instead.
Besi has worked with Applied Materials since 2020 on hybrid-bonding tool development.
Besi shares dropped more than 7% sharply Monday after a new report raised doubts about one of its key growth drivers. BE Semiconductor Industries following a ZDNet report suggesting hybrid bonding adoption could face further delays. The Dutch chip-equipment maker holds a first-mover advantage in the technology.
What the Report Actually Said
South Korean outlet ZDNet cited industry sources pointing to a slower hybrid bonding rollout than expected. Chipmakers are reportedly sticking with existing thermocompression bonding for current HBM4 memory chips. That decision pushes hybrid bonding adoption toward the more advanced 16-layer HBM4E generation instead.
Why Manufacturers Are Holding Back
The shift reflects practical manufacturing hurdles rather than a rejection of the technology. Degroof Petercam analyst Michael Roeg said the delay stems from height relaxation needs and newer methods to dissipate heat more effectively. Those technical requirements appear to favor established bonding methods for now.
Why Hybrid Bonding Matters for Besi
Hybrid bonding connects chips through direct copper-to-copper bonds instead of traditional solder. This approach packs interconnects more densely and shortens wiring between chiplets. It plays a growing role in advanced logic and memory chips built for AI applications.
- Hybrid bonding: connects chips via direct copper-to-copper bonds.
- Key benefit: denser interconnects and shorter chiplet wiring.
- Target chips: advanced logic and memory used in AI hardware.
Performance and Cost Advantages Over Older Methods
Compared with older packaging methods, hybrid bonding can improve chip performance and power efficiency. It can also lower overall packaging costs at scale. Those advantages are why Besi has invested heavily in developing the technology ahead of a broader industry shift.
Besi’s Partnership With Applied Materials
Besi has worked with U.S. equipment maker Applied Materials since 2020 to develop hybrid-bonding tools together. That partnership grew stronger last year when Applied Materials took a 9% stake in Besi. The tie-up reflects how central hybrid bonding has become to both companies’ roadmaps.
A slower adoption curve could affect both firms’ near-term growth expectations tied to hybrid bonding. Applied Materials shares did not see the same sharp reaction as Besi following the report. That difference suggests markets view Besi as more directly exposed to any adoption delay.
What This Means for Besi’s Growth Story
Besi’s stock reaction shows how closely investors track hybrid bonding’s rollout timeline. A shift toward HBM4E rather than HBM4 does not eliminate demand for the technology. It does, however, push expected revenue contributions further into the future than markets had priced in.
Final Thoughts
Besi shares fell more than 7% on a single report, showing how sensitive the stock is to hybrid bonding headlines. The underlying technology still holds a clear advantage for advanced AI chip packaging. Whether adoption lands with HBM4E rather than HBM4 will matter most for how quickly that advantage shows up in Besi’s revenue.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice
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