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OLED provider Universal Display (NASDAQ:OLED) reported Q1 CY2025 results topping the market’s revenue expectations , but sales were flat year on year at $166.3 million. The company expects the full year’s revenue to be around $670 million, close to analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $1.35 per share was 20.2% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

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Universal Display (OLED) Q1 CY2025 Highlights:

• Revenue: $166.3 million vs analyst estimates of $155.6 million (flat year on year, 6.8% beat)

• Adjusted EPS: $1.35 vs analyst estimates of $1.12 (20.2% beat)

• Adjusted EBITDA: $80.76 million vs analyst estimates of $71.93 million (48.6% margin, 12.3% beat)

• The company reconfirmed its revenue guidance for the full year of $670 million at the midpoint

• Operating Margin: 41.9%, up from 38% in the same quarter last year

• Free Cash Flow Margin: 10.5%, down from 39.3% in the same quarter last year

• Inventory Days Outstanding: 447, up from 422 in the previous quarter

• Market Capitalization: $7.28 billion

StockStory’s Take

Universal Display’s first quarter results were driven by steady licensing revenue and ongoing demand for its OLED (organic light-emitting diode) materials, particularly in IT and smartphone applications. Management cited a recent uptick in orders, which they believe was influenced by customers responding to new tariff developments. CEO Steve Abramson described recent progress with blue phosphorescent OLED technology—highlighted by LG Display’s announcement of successful commercialization—as a notable step for the company and its customers.

Looking forward, Universal Display maintained its revenue guidance for the year, noting that market dynamics remain unpredictable due to global trade tensions and the timing of new technology adoption. CFO Brian Millard stated, “We continue to believe our revenues will be in the range of $640 million to $700 million,” and emphasized the company’s focus on innovation and supply chain resilience as key to navigating volatility in the near term.

Key Insights from Management’s Remarks

Universal Display’s management attributed the flat year-on-year revenue in Q1 to balancing steady licensing income with shifts in material sales. The company’s commentary focused on several pivotal developments in OLED technology, supply chain, and customer trends that shaped the quarter and set the stage for future growth.

• Blue OLED Commercialization Milestone: LG Display’s public announcement of successful commercial-level performance using Universal Display’s blue phosphorescent material was described as a significant development. Management stressed that blue OLED is critical for improving energy efficiency and enabling broader adoption across smartphones and IT devices.

• Material Sales Mix: The quarter saw reduced green emitter sales offset by stable red emitter sales, reflecting variable customer purchasing patterns. Management noted that adoption timing and customer inventory management continued to impact quarterly material sales.

• Tariff-Driven Order Timing: An uptick in orders was observed in April, which management linked to customers anticipating new or increased tariffs. This trend was viewed as likely pulling forward some demand that may have otherwise occurred later in the year.

• Tandem Architecture Trends: The company highlighted the growing use of tandem OLED structures—where two emissive layers are stacked—to improve device lifetime, especially in IT products like tablets and monitors. However, the adoption in smartphones remains limited.

• Supply Chain and Manufacturing Diversification: Universal Display pointed to its expanded manufacturing footprint, including a new facility in Ireland, as a strategic move to ensure flexibility and resilience amid global supply chain uncertainties.