Shares of Kulicke & Soffa (KLIC) plummeted 5.04% during Wednesday's trading session, following the release of its fiscal second-quarter results and disappointing third-quarter guidance. The semiconductor equipment manufacturer's stock faced significant pressure as investors reacted to the company's financial outlook.

Kulicke & Soffa reported a narrower adjusted loss of $0.52 per share for the fiscal second quarter, compared to a loss of $0.95 per share in the same period last year. However, the company's revenue declined to $162 million from $172.1 million a year earlier. While the bottom line showed improvement, both earnings and revenue figures fell short of analyst expectations.

The primary driver behind the stock's sharp decline appears to be Kulicke & Soffa's underwhelming guidance for the fiscal third quarter. The company projects adjusted earnings per share of $0.05, plus or minus 10%, significantly below the $0.35 expected by analysts. Additionally, the revenue forecast of approximately $145 million, plus or minus $10 million, falls considerably short of the $191.3 million anticipated by Wall Street. This weak outlook has raised concerns among investors about the company's near-term growth prospects in the semiconductor industry.