Amtech Reports Significantly Higher Revenue and Earnings for Q3 Fiscal 2017

TEMPE, Ariz., Aug. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Amtech Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASYS), a global supplier of production equipment and related supplies for the solar, semiconductor, and LED markets, today reported results for its third fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2017.

Third Quarter Fiscal 2017 Financial and Operational Highlights:

  • Net revenues of $47.8 million (solar $29.0 million)
  • Net income of $3.3 million
  • Diluted earnings per share of $0.25
  • Customer orders of $79.9 million (solar $54.2 million)
  • Quarter-end backlog of $125.7 million (solar $98.2 million)
  • Book to bill ratio of 1.7:1 (1.9:1 solar)
  • Unrestricted cash of $39.2 million

Mr. Fokko Pentinga, Chief Executive Officer of Amtech, commented, "We are pleased to report profitable growth with net revenue of $47.8 million, net income of $3.3 million, and EPS of $0.25, our best performance since our solar business unit peaked in the third and fourth fiscal quarters of 2011.  During the quarter our semiconductor segment revenue and earnings improved as the semiconductor and electronics industries are in a cycle of increased capital spending.  While all segments performed well in the quarter, we are seeing the greatest improvement in the solar growth segment. Our fiscal year-to-date orders were $183 million (solar $117 million) with a backlog at June 30, 2017 of $125.7 million, giving us good visibility for the coming quarters."

Mr. Pentinga continued, "Our n-type bi-facial solar cell technologies are driving our participation in what appears to be a technology focused buying cycle in the solar industry.  With our ongoing investment in both n-type and PERC we have continuously improved cell efficiency and production throughput with our products and technology solutions."

At June 30, 2017, our total order backlog was $125.7 million (solar $98.2 million), compared to total backlog of $87.4 million (solar $66.9 million) at March 31, 2017. Backlog includes deferred revenue and customer orders that are expected to ship within the next 12 months. 

Net revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2017 was $47.8 million compared to $32.9 million in the preceding quarter and $33.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. The sequential increase and the increase from the prior year quarter are due primarily to shipments relating to the large turn-key order, as well as increased shipments of our semiconductor equipment.

Gross margin in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 was 32%, compared to 25% in the preceding quarter and 29% in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. Sequentially, gross margin increased primarily due to higher sales volumes, favorable product mix, and a lower net deferral of profit. The higher gross margin compared to a year ago is primarily due to higher sales volumes and improved product mix, slightly offset by lower usage of previously reserved inventory.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 were $10.1 million compared to $8.3 million in the preceding quarter and $8.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016.  Sequentially, and compared to prior year, the increase results primarily from severance, higher commissions and other employee-related expenses.

Research, development and engineering (RD&E) expense was $1.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to $1.5 million in the preceding quarter and $1.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016.  

Depreciation and amortization in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 was $0.6 million, compared to $0.6 million in the preceding quarter and $0.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016.

Income tax expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 was $1.0 million compared to $0.2 million in the preceding quarter and $0.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016.

Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2017 was $3.3 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $1.4 million or $0.11 per share in the preceding quarter and a net loss of $1.2 million, or $0.09 per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2016.

Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2017 were $39.2 million, compared to $38.9 million at March 31, 2017.

Outlook

The company expects revenues for the quarter ending September 30, 2017 to be in the range of $45 to $48 million. Gross margin for the quarter ending September 30, 2017 is expected to be in the mid to high 20 percent range, with positive operating margin, both influenced by product mix and revenue deferrals.

Operating results could be impacted by the timing of system shipments, particularly the first shipment of equipment for the turnkey order, the net impact of revenue deferral on those shipments, and recognition of revenue based on customer acceptances, all of which can have a significant effect on operating results.

A substantial portion of Amtech's revenues are denominated in Euros. The revenue outlook provided in this press release is based on an assumed exchange rate between the United States Dollar and the Euro. A significant decrease in the value of the Euro in relation to the United States Dollar could cause actual revenues to be lower than anticipated.

Conference Call

Amtech Systems will host a conference call and webcast today at 5:00 p.m. ET to discuss third quarter fiscal 2017 financial results. Those in the USA wishing to participate in the live call should dial (844)-868-9329. From Canada, dial (866) 605-3852, and internationally, dial (412) 317-6703. Request "Amtech" when connected to the operator. A replay of the call will be available one hour after the end of the conference call through August 16, 2017.  To access the replay please dial US toll free (877) 344-7529 and enter code 10110517. Internationally, dial (412) 317-0088 and use the same code.  A live and archived web cast of the conference call can be accessed in the investor relations section of Amtech's website at www.amtechsystems.com.

About Amtech Systems, Inc.

Amtech Systems, Inc. is a global supplier of advanced thermal processing equipment to the solar, semiconductor / electronics, and LED manufacturing markets. Amtech's equipment includes diffusion, ALD and PECVD systems and solder reflow systems. Amtech also supplies wafer handling automation and polishing equipment and related consumable products. The Company's wafer handling, thermal processing and consumable products currently address the diffusion, oxidation, and deposition steps used in the fabrication of solar cells, LEDs, semiconductors, MEMS, printed circuit boards, semiconductor packaging, and the polishing of newly sliced sapphire and silicon wafers. Amtech's products are recognized under the leading brand names Tempress SystemsTM, Bruce TechnologiesTM, PR HoffmanTM, R2D AutomationTM, SoLayTec, and BTU International.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this press release is forward-looking in nature. All statements in this press release, or made by management of Amtech Systems, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Amtech"), other than statements of historical fact, are hereby identified as "forward-looking statements" (as such term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "would," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "intends," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," "continue," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology or our management are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.  Examples of forward-looking statements include statements regarding Amtech's future financial results, operating results, business strategies, projected costs, products under development, competitive positions, and plans and objectives of Amtech and its management for future operations.  These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. The Form 10-K, as amended, that Amtech filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") for the year-ended September 30, 2016, listed various important factors that could affect the company's future operating results and financial condition and could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results and expectations based on forward-looking statements made in this document or elsewhere by Amtech or on its behalf.  These factors can be found under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Form 10-Ks and investors should refer to them.  Because it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors, any such list cannot be considered a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties.  Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Contacts:

Amtech Systems, Inc.

Robert T. Hass

Chief Financial Officer

(480) 967-5146

irelations@Amtechsystems.com

Christensen

Investor Relations

Patty Bruner

(480) 201-6075

pbruner@christensenir.com

 

AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC.

(NASDAQ: ASYS)

August 9, 2017

(Unaudited)


Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations








(in thousands, except per share data)

















Three Months Ended June
30,


Nine Months Ended June
30,


2017


2016


2017


2016

Revenues, net of returns and allowances

$

47,760



$

33,342



$

109,839



$

77,899


Cost of sales

32,258



23,711



77,499



56,312


Gross profit

15,502



9,631



32,340



21,587










Selling, general and administrative

10,108



8,665



25,366



23,709


Research, development and engineering

1,423



1,568



4,586



6,015


Operating income (loss)

3,971



(602)



2,388



(8,137)










Gain on sale of other assets







2,576


Loss (income) from equity method investment

(110)



(444)



(200)



227


Interest expense and other income, net

(34)



(265)



(151)



(434)


Income (loss) before income taxes

3,827



(1,311)



2,037



(5,768)


Income tax provision

986



70



1,270



2,040


Net income (loss)

2,841



(1,381)



767



(7,808)










Add: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

446



172



1,045



1,086


Net income (loss) attributable to Amtech Systems, Inc.

$

3,287



$

(1,209)



$

1,812



$

(6,722)










Income (Loss) Per Share:








Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Amtech shareholders

$

0.25



$

(0.09)



$

0.14



$

(0.51)


Weighted average shares outstanding

13,242



13,173



13,203



13,165


Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Amtech shareholders

$

0.25



$

(0.09)



$

0.14



$

(0.51)


Weighted average shares outstanding

13,398



13,173



13,288



13,165


 

AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC.

(NASDAQ: ASYS)

August 9, 2017

(Unaudited)


Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets





(in thousands, except share data)







June 30,
 2017


September 30,
 2016

Assets





Current Assets





Cash and cash equivalents


$

39,160



$

27,655


Restricted cash


4,671



893


Accounts receivable





Trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,522 and $3,730 at June 30, 2017, and September 30, 2016, respectively)


24,685



17,642


Unbilled and other


12,157



8,634


Inventories


23,186



23,223


Refundable income taxes




260


Vendor deposits


7,626



1,962


Other


2,954



2,655


Total current assets


114,439



82,924


Property, Plant and Equipment - Net


15,080



15,960


Deferred Income Taxes - Long-Term


200



200


Other Assets - Long Term


1,026



1,095


Investments


2,831



3,032


Intangible Assets - Net


3,643



4,100


Goodwill - Net


11,220



11,119


Total Assets


$

148,439



$

118,430







Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity





Current Liabilities





Accounts payable


$

22,484



$

15,397


Current maturities of long-term debt


817



1,134


Accrued compensation and related taxes


6,450



5,710


Accrued warranty expense


853



795


Deferred profit


5,449



4,709


Customer deposits


25,180



7,055


Other accrued liabilities


1,863



2,164


Income taxes payable


996



1,100


Total current liabilities


64,092



38,064


Long-Term Debt


9,732



9,097


Income Taxes Payable - Long-Term


6,520



5,930


Total liabilities


80,344



53,091


Commitments and Contingencies





Stockholders' Equity





Preferred stock; 100,000,000 shares authorized; none issued





Common stock; $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized;
shares issued and outstanding: 13,328,656 and 13,179,355 at June 30, 2017, and September 30, 2016, respectively


133



132


Additional paid-in capital


113,501



111,631


Accumulated other comprehensive loss


(8,834)



(8,876)


Retained deficit


(34,018)



(35,830)


Total stockholders' equity


70,782



67,057


Noncontrolling interest


(2,687)



(1,718)


Total equity


68,095



65,339


Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity


$

148,439



$

118,430



 

AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC.

(NASDAQ: ASYS)

August 9, 2017

(Unaudited)


Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows




(in thousands)









Nine Months Ended June 30,


2017


2016

Operating Activities




Net income (loss)

$

767



(7,808)


Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:




Depreciation and amortization

1,871



2,559


Write-down of inventory

448



116


Capitalized interest

307




Deferred income taxes

(10)



6


Non-cash share based compensation expense

978



1,059


Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment

107




Gain on sale of other assets



(2,576)


Loss (gain) from equity method investment

200



(227)


Reversal of allowance for doubtful accounts, net of provision

(898)



(143)


Changes in operating assets and liabilities:




Restricted cash

(3,576)



26


Accounts receivable

(8,997)



(3,538)


Inventories

(245)



(4,794)


Accrued income taxes

742



1,617


Vendor deposits and other assets

(5,521)



(644)


Accounts payable

6,616



2,842


Accrued liabilities and customer deposits

17,526



2,695


Deferred profit

626



(828)


Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

10,941



(9,638)


Investing Activities




Purchases of property, plant and equipment

(355)



(442)


Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

39




Proceeds from partial sale of subsidiary



7,012


Proceeds from sale of other assets



4,884


Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

(316)



11,454


Financing Activities




Proceeds from exercise of stock options

894



34


Payments on long-term debt

(485)



(549)


Borrowings on long-term debt

384



1,145


Net cash provided by financing activities

793



630


Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash

87



(8)


Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents

11,505



2,438


Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period

27,655



25,852


Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period

$

39,160



28,290






 

 

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SOURCE Amtech Systems, Inc.