Disco Corporation (TYO:6146) shares closed 3.8% lower on Thursday following a results briefing held by the company, even as its executives described strengthening demand for generative AI equipment and continued robust production conditions at customer sites.
The briefing, led by CEO Kazuma Sekiya on Wednesday, came after Disco published strong fiscal year 2026 results on Tuesday. Management used the session to outline expectations for demand trends going forward, including a potential for marked expansion in generative AI equipment demand through fiscal year 2027.
Analysts at Goldman Sachs considered the information presented likely to raise expectations for Disco’s earnings. In their summary of the briefing they wrote:
"We believe the briefing contained ample information to lift expectations for Disco’s earnings, with the company commenting on the potential for generative AI equipment demand to expand meaningfully through FY3/27, the likelihood that busy conditions at manufacturing sites (current production support) will continue for about a year, and moves by customers to prioritize securing equipment volumes over price negotiations."
Within the briefing, Disco’s management said demand for generative AI-related equipment is firming further. Based on current inquiry levels, the company expects significant year-on-year growth in the second half of fiscal year 2027. Management also reported that investment in conventional semiconductor production equipment applications is gradually resuming, supporting a broader recovery in demand.
The company highlighted that consumables volumes are increasing, with advanced packaging singled out as a particular area of growth. To support production, Disco has redeployed roughly 100 engineers from its head office to manufacturing sites since late 2025. Management cautioned that these busy conditions at customer manufacturing sites could persist for about a year given the present level of inquiries.
Disco described a shift in customer behaviour, saying strong semiconductor demand is leading outsourced semiconductor assembly and test customers to prioritize securing equipment volumes rather than negotiating on price, as they seek to avoid losing opportunities. The company said it is prioritizing volume even if that requires sourcing petrochemical-derived components at higher cost. Management added that while this can raise input costs, the effect on overall earnings is expected to be minimal.
Despite the outlook detailed in the briefing and the commentary about expanding demand and resilient production support, the stock declined in trading on Thursday, reflecting a market reaction that diverged from management’s forward-looking tone.
Context and takeaways
- CEO Kazuma Sekiya led a Wednesday briefing after Disco reported strong FY2026 results on Tuesday.
- Management signalled stronger inquiries for generative AI equipment and expected significant YoY growth in H2 of FY2027 based on current inquiry levels.
- Disco has shifted roughly 100 engineers to customer sites since late 2025 and anticipates busy manufacturing-site conditions may last about a year.