Harvesting the rewards in 2025.

After a challenging year in 2023, Comet has returned to a growth trajectory in 2024. The company’s strong financial footing has enabled it to invest beyond the cycle in growth, efficiency, and cultural development. These investments have laid the groundwork for a positive 2025 and for Comet’s long-term sustainable success.

The semiconductor industry will continue to be shaped by strong structural growth drivers that extend well beyond short-term market fluctuations. Artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing (HPC), edge computing, and the increasing digitalization of industries will set the pace for advanced semiconductor solutions. These technologies are not only transforming computing power but are also enabling innovations in fields such as autonomous systems and next-generation communication networks.

At the same time, electrification and automation trends in the automotive and industrial sectors are accelerating the need for more sophisticated semiconductor components. As vehicles become more software-defined and industrial processes increasingly rely on smart automation and IoT-driven solutions, the demand for high-performance chips continues to expand.

Despite cyclical fluctuations, the long-term outlook for the semiconductor industry remains positive, with global market projections indicating sustained growth in the coming years. Emerging technologies, such as advanced packaging, AI accelerators, and energy-efficient chip architectures, will drive further innovation and new market opportunities.

In 2025, the global economy is expected to navigate a complex environment marked by both opportunities and challenges. While some regions anticipate moderate expansion, others continue to grapple with high debt levels, inflationary pressures, and geopolitical uncertainties. Growth projections remain uneven, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of global markets. Geopolitical tensions, particularly those affecting international trade, contribute to an increasingly volatile business climate.

In this unpredictable environment, Comet must remain agile, continuously assessing developments in economic trends and other areas with the potential to impact the company. By staying proactive and adaptable, Comet aims to navigate these challenges effectively while seizing opportunities for sustainable growth and long-term value creation for all its stakeholders.

The digital transformation of industry and society is progressing at a rapid pace, driven by the sweeping introduction of digital technologies and data-driven processes. It is revolutionizing the way businesses operate, changing how people interact with technology, and influencing the way governments and organizations deliver services.

Increasingly powerful microchips are essential building blocks of this transformation. A striking example is high-bandwidth memory (HBM), where multiple dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) modules are stacked vertically. Such technologies are expected to accelerate the sales growth of semiconductors, expanding the market at an estimated annual rate of 8%, from USD 628 billion in 2024 to an expected USD 1 trillion in 2030.

For Comet, this means that net sales within the semiconductor sector are projected to grow further and account for more than 80% of the Group’s overall sales in the next three to five years. A significant proportion of these net sales is anticipated to come from the products of the Plasma Control Technologies (PCT) division. Additionally, the two x-ray divisions are also expected to record significant sales increases in the semiconductor and electronics markets.

With the Synertia® platform, the PCT division is superbly positioned in the RF subsystems market to benefit from developments in microchip production. As a fully modular, data-driven platform that enables fast response times and provides real-time insights into the plasma process, Synertia’s® capabilities allow the PCT division to actively support and shape the technological transformation of tomorrow. The key to success, and the clear focus in the coming years, will be to commercialize Synertia®, complete the product portfolio by adding further variations of the generator, and broaden revenue streams both in terms of applications and geographical footprint. The first steps have been taken, and the priority now is to consolidate these efforts while effectively showcasing the compelling advantages of Synertia® to customers.

As semiconductor technology advances, IXS is driving next-generation x-ray-based inspection in the advanced packaging (AP) segment. With AP market growth projected at approximately 10% annually between 2024 and 2030, demand for precision inspection solutions is rising. IXS partners with leading microchip manufacturers to develop customized solutions that reduce defect rates and optimize yields. A key innovation, the CA20 system, integrates high-resolution 3D x-ray with AI-driven automated defect recognition (ADR) for solder bumps. Looking ahead, IXS will focus on commercializing the fully automated CA20 inspection solution, seamlessly integrating the system into fabrication workflows. To scale adoption, IXS is leveraging its sales and service network, especially in Asia. The division is well-positioned to lead the future of advanced packaging inspection.

As IXM moves forward, the division remains committed to expanding its portfolio with new and enhanced products designed for emerging high-growth markets, including semiconductors, electronics, and batteries. With its strong expertise in non-destructive testing (NDT), IXM is in a prime position to seize opportunities in these swiftly evolving industries. Recognizing the complexity of today’s highly differentiated market landscape, IXM is focusing on select high-potential industries and targeted product development to drive long-term value creation. By leveraging its technological expertise and market insights, IXM aims to deliver sustainable growth and innovation, reinforcing its industry leadership.