ON Semi's Silicon Carbide Dominance Drives Record Auto Revenue Despite Industry Headwinds | 10KAY
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ON • 10-Q • Q2 2025 • Positive

ON Semi's Silicon Carbide Dominance Drives Record Auto Revenue Despite Industry Headwinds

August 04, 2025 • 1 min read

TL;DR

ON Semiconductor delivered exceptional Q2 results driven by 45% YoY growth in silicon carbide revenue, reaching $1.2B despite broader semiconductor market weakness. Automotive segment hit record revenue of $1.4B (+38% YoY) as EV adoption accelerates and content per vehicle increases. Gross margins expanded 320bps to 48.2% on improved product mix and operational efficiencies. Management raised FY25 guidance and announced $3B capacity expansion in SiC to meet surging demand from top EV makers.

  • Financial Performance Overview: Revenue grew 24% YoY to $2.8B with automotive segment leading at $1.4B (+38% YoY). Gross margin hit record 48.2% (+320bps YoY) driven by silicon carbide mix shift and fab utilization improvements. Operating margin reached 35.1% (+280bps YoY) on operating leverage and cost controls. Free cash flow surged 56% YoY to $482M with 95% conversion rate. Backlog remains at record $15B with 3+ years of silicon carbide visibility.
  • Strategic Initiatives and Operational Changes: Announced $3B silicon carbide capacity expansion to meet 5-year $10B+ order pipeline. Qualified second 300mm fab ahead of schedule, accelerating cost reduction roadmap. Streamlined product portfolio with 15% SKU rationalization targeting higher-margin automotive/industrial. New integrated power module design wins at 4 major EV OEMs worth estimated $2.5B through 2030. R&D increased 35% YoY focused on next-gen SiC technology.
  • Market Position and Competitive Dynamics: Gained 600bps of SiC power device market share to 30%, solidifying #2 position behind only Infineon. Automotive design win momentum accelerated with 85% win rate on new EV platforms. Industrial segment grew 28% YoY on automation/renewable energy demand. Customer concentration improved with top 10 now 42% of sales vs 48% year ago. Lead times normalized except SiC which remains supply constrained.
  • Operational Efficiency and Profitability: Fab utilization improved to 85% from 78% last quarter on better demand mix. Cost per wafer declined 12% YoY on 300mm transition and yield improvements. SG&A as percent of revenue dropped 180bps to 10.2% on operating leverage. Inventory days reduced to 115 from 128 last quarter. Silicon carbide gross margins reached 55%+ as scale benefits emerge.
  • Growth Catalysts and Material Risks: Near-term catalysts include EV model ramps at key customers and industrial automation recovery. Medium-term drivers are SiC capacity expansion and content gains in ADAS/electrification. Key risks include execution on capacity ramp, increased competition in SiC, and auto production volatility. Management expects 30%+ CAGR in SiC through 2027 with stable 48-50% gross margins.
Revenue
$2.8B ( YoY, QoQ) with automotive $1.4B, industrial $880M, computing $520M
↑ +24%
Rd Spend
$210M ( YoY) at of revenue
↑ +35%
Net Income
$562M ( YoY) with margin
↑ +45%
Gross Margin
(+320bps YoY) driven by mix and efficiency
↑ 48.2%
Free Cash Flow
$482M ( YoY) with conversion
↑ +56%
Operating Margin
(+280bps YoY) on leverage
↑ 35.1%
Growth Indicators
$15B with 3+ years visibility
Design Wins $2.5B through 2030 from 4 major EV OEMs
Sic Revenue ↑$1.2B (+45% YoY)

ON Semiconductor delivered exceptional Q2 results driven by 45% YoY growth in silicon carbide revenue, reaching $1.2B despite broader semiconductor market weakness. Automotive segment hit record revenue of $1.4B (+38% YoY) as EV adoption accelerates and content per vehicle increases. Gross margins expanded 320bps to 48.2% on improved product mix and operational efficiencies. Management raised FY25 guidance and announced $3B capacity expansion in SiC to meet surging demand from top EV makers.

Key Risks

  • SiC capacity expansion execution risk with $3B investment
  • Increased competition in SiC from new entrants
  • Auto production volatility impact on demand
  • High capex requirements straining balance sheet

Key Opportunities

  • 30%+ CAGR in SiC through 2027 ($10B+ pipeline)
  • Content gains in ADAS and vehicle electrification
  • Industrial automation and renewable energy adoption
  • Operating leverage from 300mm transition and portfolio optimization

Bottom Line

ON Semiconductor has successfully transformed into a leading power semiconductor company with dominant positions in critical growth markets. Q2 results validate the strategic focus on automotive/industrial while demonstrating strong execution on margins and cash flow. The $3B SiC investment signals confidence in sustainable growth supported by secular trends in electrification. Key metrics to watch include SiC capacity ramp progress, design win momentum, and gross margin sustainability. The company appears well-positioned for continued outperformance despite broader semiconductor market uncertainty.

ON Semiconductor Corp. (ON)
Filed August 04, 2025