Amtech Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2019 Results

TEMPE, Ariz., Aug. 8, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Amtech Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASYS), a manufacturer of capital equipment, including thermal processing, related consumables, and wafer handling systems used in fabricating semiconductor devices, silicon carbide (SiC) and silicon power chips, electronic assemblies, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and solar cells, today reported results for its third quarter ended June 30, 2019.

Third Quarter Fiscal 2019 Financial and Operational Highlights from Continuing Operations:

    --  Net revenue of $21.0 million
    --  Income from continuing operations, net of tax, of $0.9 million
    --  Income per diluted share from continuing operations of $0.06
    --  Customer orders of $16.3 million
    --  June 30, 2019 backlog of $17.2 million
    --  Book to bill ratio of 0.8:1
    --  Unrestricted cash of $49.1 million

Mr. J.S. Whang, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Amtech, commented, "Our results reflect the slower demand environment in the semiconductor cycle, with the trade dispute and related tariffs being a significant contributing factor. We are monitoring our cost structure to ensure it is aligned with the current operating environment, while making select investments in preparation for the industry's next growth cycle and to support our semi growth strategy. Today we also announced an order for our 300mm diffusion furnace from another top-tier power semiconductor customer. We believe having two leading players as our strong customers in the growing 300mm power semiconductor market is an important achievement which will significantly contribute to our future semi growth. As previously announced, we are investing in a larger facility for our PR Hoffman business to increase productivity, drive sales and enhance profitability. With great enthusiasm, we are shaping our overall business, putting the right capabilities in place, and we are confident we will be a significant participant in the highest growth areas in the semiconductor market over the long term."

Mr. Whang continued, "In line with our plan to divest substantially all of our solar business, at the end of the quarter we announced the sale of our SoLayTec solar subsidiary. And, today, our advisor in the Netherlands continues to be actively engaged in discussions with private equity and strategic investors regarding the sale of Tempress."

Net revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 was $21.0 million compared to $20.6 million in the preceding quarter and $28.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2018. We continue to see weaker demand due primarily to the economic conditions resulting from the trade dispute. Sequentially, Semiconductor revenue increased by approximately $0.2 million, and SiC/LED revenue decreased by approximately $0.2 million. Compared to prior year, Semi net revenue decreased by approximately $7.2 million. SiC/LED revenue decreased by approximately $0.5 million, due primarily to the timing of machine shipments.

Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at our continuing operations at June 30, 2019 were $49.1 million, compared to $45.9 million at September 30, 2018.

At June 30, 2019, our total backlog was $17.2 million, compared to total backlog of $22.0 million at March 31, 2019. Backlog includes customer orders that are expected to ship within the next 12 months.

Gross margin in the third quarter of fiscal 2019 was 37%, compared to 38% in the preceding quarter and 35% in the third quarter of fiscal 2018. Compared to prior year, gross margins increased primarily due to product mix, most notably, stronger sales of our higher margin machines.

Selling, general and administrative expense ("SG&A") in the third quarter of fiscal 2019 was $5.7 million, compared to $5.8 million in the preceding quarter and $6.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2018. Sequentially SG&A decreased slightly due to lower stock compensation expense. Compared to prior year, SG&A decreased due primarily to lower headcount, lower employee-related expenses and lower commissions on lower revenue.

Restructuring expense was $35,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2019, and $0.2 million in the preceding quarter. There were no restructuring expenses in the third quarter of fiscal 2018.

Research, development and engineering (RD&E) expense was $0.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2019 compared to $0.7 million in the preceding quarter and $0.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2018.

Income tax expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2019 was $0.7 million compared to $0.3 million in the preceding quarter and $1.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2018. We realized an income tax benefit in our discontinued operations in the third quarter of fiscal 2019 due primarily to the tax treatment related to our sale of SoLayTec.

Income from continuing operations, net of tax, for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 was $0.9 million, or $0.06 per share, compared to $5.0 million, or $0.33 per share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2018 and $1.0 million, or $0.07 per share, in the preceding quarter.

Outlook

For the quarter ending September 30, 2019, the Company expects continuing softness in the semiconductor equipment industry to result in revenue in the range of $18 to $20 million. Gross margin for the quarter ending September 30, 2019 is expected to be in the mid to upper 30% range, with operating margin slightly positive. The outlook assumes continued weakness in demand given soft business conditions due to the ongoing trade dispute and excludes the impact of any potential restructuring actions.

The semiconductor equipment industries can be cyclical and inherently impacted by changes in market demand. Additionally, operating results can be significantly impacted, positively or negatively, by the timing of orders, system shipments, and the financial results of semiconductor manufacturers.

A portion of Amtech's results are denominated in Renminbis, a Chinese currency. The outlook provided in this press release is based on an assumed exchange rate between the United States Dollar and the Renminbi. Changes in the value of the Renminbi in relation to the United States Dollar could cause actual results to differ from expectations.

Conference Call

Amtech Systems will host a conference call and webcast today at 5:00 p.m. ET to discuss third quarter 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 15, 2019. To access the replay please dial US toll free (877) 344-7529 and enter code 10133320. 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 and polishing equipment and related consumables to the semiconductor / electronics, power IC businesses, and advanced lighting manufacturing markets. Amtech's equipment includes diffusion, solder reflow systems, wafer handling automation, and polishing equipment and related consumables for surface preparation of various materials, including silicon carbide ("SiC"), sapphire and silicon. The Company's wafer handling, thermal processing, polishing and consumable products currently address the diffusion, oxidation, and deposition steps used in the fabrication of semiconductors, printed circuit boards, semiconductor packaging, MEMS, and advanced lighting, including the polishing of newly sliced sapphire and silicon wafers. Amtech's products are recognized under the leading brand names BTU International, Bruce Technologies(TM), PR Hoffman(TM), and R2D Automation(TM).

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). The forward-looking statements in this press release relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this press release. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements regarding Amtech's future financial results, operating results, business strategies, projected costs, products under development, competitive positions, plans and objectives of Amtech and its management for future operations, efforts to improve operational efficiencies and effectiveness and greater China sourcing. 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 used in this press release or by our management, which are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. The Form 10-K that Amtech filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") for the year-ended September 30, 2018, 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-K 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.                    
     Christensen



     Lisa D. Gibbs                           
     Investor Relations



     Chief Financial Officer                 
     Patty Bruner



     (480) 967-5146                          
     (480) 201-6075



     
              irelations@amtechsystems.com 
     
              pbruner@christensenir.com



       
               AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC.



       
               (NASDAQ: ASYS)



       
               August 8, 2019



       
               (Unaudited)





       
               Summary Financial Information for Continuing Operations



       
               (in thousands, except percentages and ratios)

    ---



                                                                              
          
              Three Months Ended                                      Nine Months Ended June 30,


                                                                June 30, 2019          March 31,                   June 30, 2018           2019  2018
                                                                                          2019

                                                                                                                                                 ---

                    Amtech Systems, Inc.


          Revenues, net of returns
           and
           allowances                                                           $
            21,003                                 $
           20,633       $
              28,743                      $
          64,861    $
           76,974


          Gross profit                                                           $
            7,850                                  $
           7,927       $
              10,183                      $
          24,797    $
           28,725


          Gross margin                                           37
            %                                       38
            %      35
         %            38
            %            37
         %


          Operating income                                                       $
            1,351                                  $
           1,248        $
              2,826                       $
          3,263     $
           7,172



         New orders                                                            $
            16,278                                 $
           19,325       $
              22,030                      $
          56,216    $
           75,758


          Book-to-bill ratio                                            0.8:1                                              0.9:1          0.8:1                   0.9:1                1.0:1



         Backlog                                                               $
            17,237                                 $
           21,991       $
              23,226                      $
          17,237    $
           23,226

    ---

                    Semiconductor Segment


          Revenues, net of returns
           and
           allowances                                                           $
            16,254                                 $
           16,053       $
              23,472                      $
          51,267    $
           60,945


          Gross profit                                                           $
            6,566                                  $
           6,443        $
              8,721                      $
          20,499    $
           23,284


          Gross margin                                           40
            %                                       40
            %      37
         %            40
            %            38
         %


          Operating income                                                       $
            1,951                                  $
           1,732        $
              3,861                       $
          6,428     $
           9,122



         New orders                                                            $
            12,899                                 $
           15,469       $
              17,871                      $
          44,462    $
           62,390


          Book-to-bill ratio                                            0.8:1                                              0.9:1          0.8:1                   0.9:1                1.0:1



         Backlog                                                               $
            13,931                                 $
           17,286       $
              20,764                      $
          13,931    $
           20,764

    ---


       
               SiC/LED Segment


          Revenues, net of returns
           and
           allowances                                                            $
            3,074                                  $
           3,273        $
              3,594                       $
          9,330    $
           10,720


          Gross profit                                                           $
            1,038                                  $
           1,262        $
              1,294                       $
          3,524     $
           4,370


          Gross margin                                           34
            %                                       39
            %      36
         %            38
            %            41
         %


          Operating income                                                         $
            607                                    $
           878          $
              938                       $
          2,253     $
           3,153



         New orders                                                             $
            2,697                                  $
           3,133        $
              3,307                       $
          9,574    $
           10,540


          Book-to-bill ratio                                            0.9:1                                              1.0:1          0.9:1                   1.0:1                1.0:1



         Backlog                                                                $
            2,934                                  $
           3,311        $
              1,507                       $
          2,934     $
           1,507

    ---


       
               Automation Segment


          Revenues, net of returns
           and
           allowances                                                            $
            1,675                                  $
           1,307        $
              1,677                       $
          4,264     $
           5,309


          Gross profit                                                             $
            246                                    $
           222          $
              168                         $
          774     $
           1,071


          Gross margin                                           15
            %                                       17
            %      10
         %            18
            %            20
         %


          Operating loss                                                          $
            (52)                                 $
           (116)       $
              (195)                      $
          (392)    $
           (231)



         New orders                                                               $
            682                                    $
           723          $
              852                       $
          2,180     $
           2,828


          Book-to-bill ratio                                            0.4:1                                              0.5:1          0.5:1                   0.5:1                0.5:1



         Backlog                                                                  $
            372                                  $
           1,394          $
              955                         $
          372       $
           955

    ---



       
                AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC.



       
                (NASDAQ: ASYS)



       
                August 8, 2019



       
                (Unaudited)




                     Condensed Consolidated Statements of
                      Operations


                     (in thousands, except per share data)

    ---



                                                            Three Months Ended June 30,                      Nine Months Ended June 30,


                                                2019                        2018             2019                      2018

                                                                                                                     ---

        Revenues, net of
         returns and
         allowances                                    $
        21,003                               $
       28,743                            $
        64,861   $
        76,974


        Cost of sales                         13,153                                  18,560                        40,064                      48,249


        Gross profit                           7,850                                  10,183                        24,797                      28,725




        Selling, general and
         administrative                        5,718                                   6,775                        18,137                      19,518


        Research, development
         and engineering                         746                                     582                         2,325                       2,035


        Restructuring charges                     35                                                                1,072



        Operating income                       1,351                                   2,826                         3,263                       7,172




        Gain on sale of other
         assets                                    -                                  2,883                                                    2,883


        Income from equity
         method investment                         -                                    232                                                      234


        Interest income and
         other, net                              249                                     410                           511                         396



        Income from continuing
         operations before
         income taxes                          1,600                                   6,351                         3,774                      10,685


        Income tax provision                     707                                   1,372                         1,621                       2,944



        Income from continuing
         operations, net of
         tax                                     893                                   4,979                         2,153                       7,741


        Income (loss) from
         discontinued
         operations, net of
         tax                                   1,154                                     (8)                      (8,113)                      6,517



                     Net income (loss)                  $
        2,047                                $
       4,971                           $
        (5,960)  $
        14,258





                     Income (Loss) Per Basic Share:


        Basic income per share
         from continuing
         operations                                      $
        0.06                                 $
       0.33                              $
        0.15     $
        0.52


        Basic income (loss)
         per share from
         discontinued
         operations                                      $
        0.08                                 $
       0.00                            $
        (0.57)    $
        0.44


        Net income (loss) per
         basic share                                     $
        0.14                                 $
       0.33                            $
        (0.42)    $
        0.96





                     Income (Loss) Per Diluted Share:


        Diluted income per
         share from continuing
         operations                                      $
        0.06                                 $
       0.33                              $
        0.15     $
        0.51


        Diluted income (loss)
         per share from
         discontinued
         operations                                      $
        0.08                                 $
       0.00                            $
        (0.57)    $
        0.43


        Net income (loss) per
         diluted share                                   $
        0.14                                 $
       0.33                            $
        (0.42)    $
        0.94





        Weighted average
         shares outstanding -
         Basic                                14,245                                  14,925                        14,231                      14,867


        Weighted average
         shares outstanding -
         Diluted                              14,316                                  15,091                        14,267                      15,181



       
                AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC.



       
                (NASDAQ: ASYS)



       
                August 8, 2019



       
                (unaudited)




                     Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets


                     (in thousands, except share data)

    ---

                                                                June 30,              September 30,
                                                                    2019                        2018




       
                Assets

    ---


       
                Current Assets



       Cash and cash equivalents                                         $
       49,109                           $
       45,897



       Restricted cash                                              603                                    18



       Accounts receivable


        Trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of
         $270 and $454 at June 30, 2019, and September
         30, 2018, respectively)                                  15,488                                17,985



       Unbilled and other                                                                                291



       Inventory                                                 18,885                                17,835



       Contract assets                                               55



       Held-for-sale assets                                      22,965                                45,322



       Other current assets                                       1,688                                 2,884




       Total current assets                                     108,793                               130,232


                     Property, Plant and Equipment -Net           10,290                                10,509


                     Intangible Assets -Net                          935                                 1,131



       
                Goodwill - Net                                6,633                                 6,633



       
                Other Assets                                    775                                   901




       
                Total Assets                                        $
       127,426                          $
       149,406



                     Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

    ---


       
                Current Liabilities



       Accounts payable                                                   $
       4,914                            $
       6,867


        Accrued compensation and related taxes                     2,684                                 3,359



       Accrued warranty expense                                     627                                   644



       Other accrued liabilities                                  1,192                                   667


        Current maturities of long-term debt                         369                                   350



       Contract liabilities                                       2,561                                 1,519



       Income taxes payable                                       1,708                                 2,357



       Held-for-sale liabilities                                 18,484                                31,798




       Total current liabilities                                 32,539                                47,561



       
                Long-Term Debt                                5,270                                 5,542



       
                Income Taxes Payable                          3,041                                 3,213



       
                Total Liabilities                            40,850                                56,316


                     Commitments and Contingencies



       
                Shareholders' 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: 14,258,307 and 14,216,596 at
         June 30, 2019, and September 30, 2018,
         respectively                                                143                                   142



       Additional paid-in capital                               124,964                               124,316


        Accumulated other comprehensive loss                    (11,177)                              (9,974)



       Retained deficit                                        (27,354)                             (21,394)




       Total shareholders' equity                                86,576                                93,090



                     Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity          $
       127,426                          $
       149,406



       
                AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC.



       
                (NASDAQ: ASYS)



       
                August 8, 2019



       
                (unaudited)




                     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows



       
                (in thousands)

    ---



                                                                              Nine Months Ended June 30,


                                                                     2019                      2018

                                                                                               ---


       
                Operating Activities



       Net (loss) income                                                 $
       (5,960)                          $
      14,258


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


        Depreciation and amortization                               1,280                                 1,622



       Write-down of inventory                                     2,991                                   195



       Capitalized interest                                          106                                   143



       Deferred income taxes                                         192                                   206


        Non-cash share-based compensation
         expense                                                      474                                   632



       Gain on sale of subsidiary                                (1,614)


        Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant
         and equipment                                                  1                                  (53)


        Gain on sale of other assets                                    -                              (2,883)


        Income from equity method investment                            -                                (234)


        Provision for allowance for doubtful
         accounts, net                                              1,104                                    64



       Changes in operating assets and liabilities:



       Accounts receivable                                           630                               (5,877)



       Inventory                                                     284                                 6,565



       Contract and other assets                                  12,675                                10,034



       Accounts payable                                          (3,843)                              (9,022)



       Accrued income taxes                                      (1,359)                              (1,742)


        Accrued and other liabilities                             (5,726)                                   39



       Contract liabilities                                        (814)                             (34,550)



        Net cash provided by (used in)
         operating activities                                         421                              (20,603)




       
                Investing Activities


        Purchases of property, plant and
         equipment                                                  (552)                                (845)


        Proceeds from sale of property, plant
         and equipment                                                  -                                   64


        Costs related to sale of equity method
         investment                                                     -                                  (6)


        Net cash disposed of in sale of
         subsidiary                                               (1,112)



        Net cash used in investing activities                     (1,664)                                (787)




       
                Financing Activities


        Proceeds from the exercise of stock
         options                                                      175                                 1,889



       Payments on long-term debt                                  (280)                                (275)


        Borrowings on long-term debt                                    9


        Net cash (used in) provided by
         financing activities                                        (96)                                1,614



                     Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on
                      Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted
                      Cash                                        (1,450)                                (380)



                     Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents
                      and Restricted Cash                         (2,789)                             (20,156)


                     Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted
                      Cash, Beginning of Period*                   62,496                                75,761



                     Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted
                      Cash, End of Period*                                 $
       59,707                           $
      55,605



               * Includes Cash, Cash Equivalents
                and Restricted Cash that are
                included in Held-For-Sale
                Assets on the Condensed
                Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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SOURCE Amtech Systems, Inc.