Group CEO Lefever 2025 New Year’s Address (Summary)

Happy New Year, everyone!

We posted record-high sales and profits in FY2024 1H, and our company continues to achieve fantastic results. On the other hand, the global situation is unpredictable, and just because we’re winning today doesn't guarantee that we will win tomorrow. The situation is constantly changing, and that means the conditions for the next victory are also changing for sure. To keep winning over the long term, we must be humble and continue to renew ourselves.

Our third mid-term management plan (MTP3), announced in June last year, sets forth our vision: “Be the Most Trusted and Valued Test Solution Company in the Semiconductor Value Chain.” The keywords here are simple. “Value” and “Trust.” As we enter 2025, I would like to share my thoughts on these two points.

Demand for AI chips will continue to increase. Consumer electronics-related demand is a bit sluggish, but we believe it will recover as AI begins to be installed in edge computing devices. And as semiconductors continue to become more complex, Advantest’s core competence of semiconductor test will only become more important. It is not enough to test devices with individual test systems as in the past; the entire test process needs to be actively managed. We must complete our transition from a test equipment company to a company that creates value as an integrated test solution provider.
To improve operational excellence, we will promote digital transformation and utilize AI to improve productivity, and we will also create value by leveraging our human resources with our corporate culture of INTEGRITY. At the same time, we will increase management speed under the strong leadership of our CxOs.

One of our strengths is that we have deep relationships of trust with a wide range of customers who are driving technology on a global scale. This gives us a broad view of the market, from semiconductor design to end product requirements. We must listen to their voices and earn their trust by quickly supplying them with the products and solutions they need.
We are also committed to being a trustworthy partner for the future of humanity in both its social and global environmental aspects. Through semiconductor test, we will continue to contribute to the development of a safe, secure, and comfortable future, and will contribute to resource and energy efficiency by supporting the improvement of semiconductor yields.

In 2025, we will continue to create value so as to gain the complete trust of all stakeholders and grow into a sustainable winning company in the long term. I will also do my personal best to ensure that this year will be a rich and fulfilling one for all of you. Never forget that being an Advantest employee makes you a winner!

Advantest (TSE: 6857) is the leading manufacturer of automatic test and measurement equipment used in the design and production of semiconductors for applications including 5G communications, the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, high-performance computing (HPC), including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, and more. Its leading-edge systems and products are integrated into the most advanced semiconductor production lines in the world. The company also conducts R&D to address emerging testing challenges and applications; develops advanced test-interface solutions for wafer sort and final test; produces scanning electron microscopes essential to photomask manufacturing; and offers system-level test solutions and other test-related accessories. Founded in Tokyo in 1954, Advantest is a global company with facilities around the world and an international commitment to sustainable practices and social responsibility. More information is available at www.advantest.com/en/.