Amtech Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2019 Results

TEMPE, Ariz., Nov. 21, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Amtech Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASYS), a manufacturer of capital equipment, including thermal processing and wafer polishing, and related consumables used in fabricating semiconductor devices, such as silicon carbide (SiC) and silicon power chips, electronic assemblies and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), today reported results for its fourth quarter and year ended September 30, 2019.

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

    --  Net revenue of $20.2 million
    --  Income from continuing operations, net of tax, of $1.0 million
    --  Income per diluted share from continuing operations of $0.07
    --  Customer orders of $20.3 million
    --  Unrestricted cash of $53.0 million

Fiscal 2019 Financial and Operational Highlights from Continuing Operations:

    --  Net revenue of $85.0 million
    --  Income from continuing operations, net of tax, of $3.1 million
    --  Income per diluted share from continuing operations of $0.22
    --  Customer orders of $76.6 million
    --  September 30, 2019 backlog of $17.3 million

Mr. J.S. Whang, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Amtech, commented, "We can now report that we are in the final stages of the planned divestiture of our solar business and expect to have an announcement before 2019 year-end. Additionally, while evaluating how R2D, our French automation division, might fit into our power semi strategy, a buy-out offer was submitted by certain key members of R2D management. After careful consideration, we accepted the offer and expect to complete the sale in fiscal Q1 2020. We are confident that each of these divestitures is the right decision for Amtech and these businesses. We see this as another step completed in our plan to dedicate our focus and resources to our semiconductor and silicon carbide growth opportunities."

Mr. Whang continued, "We believe we are on a well-defined path to build our power semi business, including making key investments to develop next-generation equipment and enhance and expand our product portfolio, increasing capacity, and other select investments in our silicon carbide and semi businesses. As the market shifts from silicon to silicon carbide solutions for many next-generation applications, we expect to be ready with leading-edge technology solutions. We see indicators that the semi industry will rebound in the second half of 2020, and we will be ready to participate in the recovery and growth. We believe the future is bright and look forward to converting our investments to greater value for all Amtech stakeholders."

GAAP Financial Results


      (in millions,
       except per
       share
       amounts)              Q4 FY          Q3 FY      Q4 FY   12 Months                 12 Months


                              2019            2019        2018         2019                       2018



     Net revenues                  $
      20.2        $
        21.0                 $
        23.1                $
      85.0 $
         100.1


     Gross profit                   $
      8.6         $
        7.9                  $
        8.2                $
      33.4  $
         36.9


                Gross margin           42.4              37.4                       35.5                    39.2

                                                                                     %                                  %
                                          %                %                                                %        36.9


     Operating
      income (loss)                 $
      1.7         $
        1.4                $
        (1.1)                $
      4.9   $
         6.1


                Operating               8.2               6.4                       -4.8                     5.8
                 margin
                                                                                     %                                  %
                                          %                %                                                %         6.1


     Income (loss)
      from
      continuing
      operations,
      net of tax                    $
      1.0         $
        0.9                $
        (1.1)                $
      3.1   $
         6.6


     Diluted income
      (loss) per
      share from
      continuing
      operations                   $
      0.07        $
        0.06               $
        (0.08)               $
      0.22  $
         0.44

Net revenues decreased 4% from the preceding quarter and 13% from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, as macroeconomic conditions and trade tensions continue to impact the semiconductor cycle. Gross margin increased in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, both on a sequential and year-over-year basis, primarily due to favorable product mix. Operating margin improved sequentially to 8.2%, as strong gross margin performance was partially offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses, primarily due to employee-related expenses. Income from continuing operations, net of tax, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 was $1.0 million dollars, or 7 cents per share. This is compared to a loss of $1.1 million dollars, or 8 cents per share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, which included a goodwill impairment charge of $2.2 million in our Automation segment, and income of $0.9 million dollars, or 6 cents per share, in the preceding quarter.

Outlook

For the quarter ending December 31, 2019, further softness is expected due to continued trade tensions and the semiconductor equipment industry downcycle. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be in the range of $16 to $18 million. Gross margin for the quarter ending December 31, 2019 is expected to be in the mid 30% range, with operating margin break-even to slightly positive. The outlook assumes continued weakness in demand given soft business conditions due to the ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties 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 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss fourth quarter and fiscal year 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 November 28, 2019. To access the replay please dial US toll free (877) 344-7529 and enter code 10136104. 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 leading, global manufacturer of capital equipment, including thermal processing and wafer polishing, and related consumables used in fabricating semiconductor devices, such as silicon carbide (SiC) and silicon power chips, electronic assemblies and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). We sell these products to semiconductor and automotive component manufacturers worldwide, particularly in Asia, North America and Europe. Our strategic focus is on semiconductor growth opportunities in power electronics, leveraging our strength in our core competencies in thermal and substrate processing. We are a market leader in the high-end power chip market (SiC and 300mm silicon horizontal thermal reactor), developing and supplying essential equipment and consumables used in the semiconductor industry. Amtech's products are recognized under the leading brand names BTU International, Bruce Technologies(TM), and PR Hoffman(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, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). 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 profitably grow our revenue, the planned divestiture of our solar business, and enhancements to our technologies and expansion of our product portfolio. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "plan," "anticipate," "seek," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "predict," "potential," "project," "should," "would," "could", "likely," "future," "target," "forecast," "goal," "observe," and "strategy" 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, 2019, 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)



     
                November 21, 2019



     
                (Unaudited)





     
                Summary Financial Information for Continuing Operations



     
                (in thousands, except percentages and ratios)




                                                                                  
           
          Three Months Ended                                       Years Ended September
                                                                                                                                                                 
                30,



                                                                           September                                June 30,               September

                                                                                      30,                                                            30,                                    2019 2018

                                                                                     2019                                2019                        2018



                   Amtech Systems, Inc.


      Revenues, net of returns and
       allowances                                                                           $
              20,174                $
        21,003                                  $
           23,079             $
          85,035    $
           100,053



     Gross profit                                                                           $
              8,560                 $
        7,850                                   $
           8,193             $
          33,357     $
           36,918



     Gross margin                                                                                          42                          37                                               35                         39                  37
                                                                                                             %                          %                                               %                         %                  %



     Operating income (loss)                                                                $
              1,653                 $
        1,351                                 $
           (1,100)             $
          4,916      $
           6,072



     New orders                                                                            $
              20,344                $
        16,278                                  $
           26,461             $
          76,560    $
           102,219



     Backlog                                                                               $
              17,326                $
        17,237                                  $
           26,291             $
          17,326     $
           26,291



                   Semiconductor Segment


      Revenues, net of returns and
       allowances                                                                           $
              15,188                $
        16,254                                  $
           19,218             $
          66,455     $
           80,163



     Gross profit                                                                           $
              6,866                 $
        6,566                                   $
           7,238             $
          27,365     $
           30,522



     Gross margin                                                                                          45                          40                                               38                         41                  38
                                                                                                             %                          %                                               %                         %                  %



     Operating income                                                                       $
              2,316                 $
        1,951                                   $
           2,726              $
          8,744     $
           11,848



     New orders                                                                            $
              16,163                $
        12,899                                  $
           19,478             $
          60,625     $
           81,868



     Backlog                                                                               $
              14,902                $
        13,931                                  $
           21,023             $
          14,902     $
           21,023



                   SiC/LED Segment


      Revenues, net of returns and
       allowances                                                                            $
              4,352                 $
        3,074                                   $
           3,041             $
          13,682     $
           13,761



     Gross profit                                                                           $
              1,814                 $
        1,038                                     $
           914              $
          5,338      $
           5,284



     Gross margin                                                                                          42                          34                                               30                         39                  38
                                                                                                             %                          %                                               %                         %                  %



     Operating income                                                                       $
              1,388                   $
        607                                     $
           520              $
          3,641      $
           3,672



     New orders                                                                             $
              2,399                 $
        2,697                                   $
           4,230             $
          11,973     $
           14,769



     Backlog                                                                                  $
              966                 $
        2,934                                   $
           2,695                $
          966      $
           2,695



                   Automation Segment


      Revenues, net of returns and
       allowances                                                                              $
              634                 $
        1,675                                     $
           820              $
          4,898      $
           6,129



     Gross (loss) profit                                                                    $
              (120)                  $
        246                                      $
           41                $
          654      $
           1,112



     Gross margin                                                                                         -19                          15                                                5                         13                  18
                                                                                                             %                          %                                               %                         %                  %



     Operating loss                                                                         $
              (394)                 $
        (52)                                $
           (2,666)             $
          (786)    $
          (2,897)



     New orders                                                                             $
              1,782                   $
        682                                   $
           2,753              $
          3,962      $
           5,582



     Backlog                                                                                $
              1,458                   $
        372                                   $
           2,573              $
          1,458      $
           2,573



     
                AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC.



     
                (NASDAQ: ASYS)



     
                November 21, 2019



     
                (Unaudited)





     
                Consolidated Statements of Operations



     
                (in thousands, except per share data)




                                                                    Three Months Ended                     Years Ended

                                                                       September                         September
                                                                             30,                                30,



                                                         2019                          2018                    2019                2018



      Revenues, net of returns and
       allowances                                             $
         20,174                  $
       23,079                 $
         85,035    $
          100,053



     Cost of sales                                                  11,614                       14,886                        51,678             63,135




     Gross profit                                                    8,560                        8,193                        33,357             36,918




      Selling, general and administrative                             6,126                        6,225                        24,263             25,743


      Research, development and
       engineering                                                      743                          821                         3,068              2,856



     Impairment charges                                                                          2,247                                           2,247



     Restructuring charges                                              38                                                     1,110




     Operating income (loss)                                         1,653                      (1,100)                        4,916              6,072




      Gain on sale of other assets                                                                                                               2,883


      Income from equity method
       investment                                                                                                                                  234


      Interest income and other, net                                    341                          342                           852                738



      Income (loss) from continuing
       operations before income taxes                                 1,994                        (758)                        5,768              9,927



     Income tax provision                                            1,012                          352                         2,633              3,296



      Income (loss) from continuing
       operations, net of tax                                           982                      (1,110)                        3,135              6,631


      (Loss) income from discontinued
       operations, net of tax                                         (184)                     (7,843)                      (8,297)           (1,326)



                   Net income (loss)                             $
         798                 $
       (8,953)               $
         (5,162)     $
          5,305





                   Income (Loss) Per Basic Share:


      Basic income (loss) per share from
       continuing operations                                    $
         0.07                  $
       (0.08)                  $
         0.22       $
          0.45


      Basic loss per share from
       discontinued operations                                $
         (0.01)                 $
       (0.53)                $
         (0.58)    $
          (0.09)



      Net income (loss) per basic share                         $
         0.06                  $
       (0.61)                $
         (0.36)      $
          0.36





                   Income (Loss) Per Diluted Share:


      Diluted income (loss) per share
       from continuing operations                               $
         0.07                  $
       (0.08)                  $
         0.22       $
          0.44


      Diluted loss per share from
       discontinued operations                                $
         (0.01)                 $
       (0.53)                $
         (0.58)    $
          (0.09)



      Net income (loss) per diluted share                       $
         0.06                  $
       (0.61)                $
         (0.36)      $
          0.35





      Weighted average shares outstanding
       -Basic                                                        14,266                       14,730                        14,240             14,833


      Weighted average shares outstanding
       -Diluted                                                      14,304                       14,730                        14,275             15,065



     
                AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC.



     
                (NASDAQ: ASYS)



     
                November 21, 2019



     
                (Unaudited)





     
                Consolidated Balance Sheets



     
                (in thousands, except share data)




                                                                    September                    September

                                                                               30,                          30,

                                                                              2019                         2018




     
                Assets



     
                Current Assets



     Cash and cash equivalents                                                     $
        52,982                 $
         45,897



     Restricted cash                                                                        101                            18



     Accounts receivable


      Trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $172 and
       $454 at 
              September 30, 2019, and September
       30, 2018, respectively)                                                            12,873                        17,985



     Unbilled and other                                                                                                  291



     Inventory                                                                           17,532                        17,835



     Contract assets                                                                         36



     Held-for-sale assets                                                                22,755                        45,322



     Other current assets                                                                 1,991                         2,884




     Total current assets                                                               108,270                       130,232


                   Property, Plant and Equipment -Net                                     10,217                        10,509



     
                Intangible Assets - Net                                                   870                         1,130



     
                Goodwill - Net                                                          6,633                         6,633



     
                Other Assets                                                              487                           902




     
                Total Assets                                                    $
        126,477                $
         149,406



                   Liabilities and Shareholders
                '
                    Equity



     
                Current Liabilities



     Accounts payable                                                               $
        4,371                  $
         6,867



     Accrued compensation and related taxes                                               2,717                         3,359



     Accrued warranty expense                                                               556                           644



     Other accrued liabilities                                                            1,274                           667



     Current maturities of long-term debt                                                   371                           350



     Contract liabilities                                                                 1,378                         1,519



     Income taxes payable                                                                 1,434                         2,357



     Held-for-sale liabilities                                                           18,547                        31,798




     Total current liabilities                                                           30,648                        47,561



     
                Long-Term Debt                                                          5,178                         5,542



     
                Income Taxes Payable                                                    3,199                         3,213




     
                Total Liabilities                                                      39,025                        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:
       14,268,797 and 14,216,596 at September 30, 2019, and
               September 30, 2018, respectively                                              143                           142



     Additional paid-in capital                                                         125,098                       124,316



     Accumulated other comprehensive loss                                              (11,233)                      (9,974)



     Retained deficit                                                                  (26,556)                     (21,394)




     Total shareholders' equity                                                          87,452                        93,090



                   Total Liabilities and Shareholders
                '
                         Equity                                                    $
        126,477                $
         149,406



     
                AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC.



     
                (NASDAQ: ASYS)



     
                November 21, 2019



     
                (Unaudited)





     
                Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows



     
                (in thousands
                )




                                                                               Years Ended September
                                                                                
                30,



                                                                      2019                           2018




     
                Operating Activities



     Net (loss) income                                                    $
         (5,162)                 $
        5,305


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



     Depreciation and amortization                                                 1,690                        1,854



     Non-cash impairment charges                                                                               7,006



     Write-down of inventory                                                       3,193                          542



     Capitalized interest                                                            106                          143


      Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts, net                            1,074                           45



     Deferred income taxes                                                           220                          209



     Non-cash share-based compensation expense                                       573                          855


      Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment                           (11)                        (92)



     Gain on sale of subsidiary                                                  (1,614)



     Gain on sale of other assets                                                                            (2,883)



     Income from equity method investment                                                                      (234)


      Changes in operating assets and liabilities:



     Accounts receivable                                                             299                        3,274



     Inventory                                                                     (435)                       3,965



     Contract and other assets                                                    12,847                       10,649



     Accounts payable                                                            (1,787)                    (10,164)



     Accrued income taxes                                                        (3,011)                     (1,749)



     Accrued and other liabilities                                               (6,876)                       1,960



     Contract liabilities                                                          (933)                    (34,453)



      Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities                             173                     (13,768)




     
                Investing Activities


      Purchases of property, plant and equipment                                    (714)                     (1,495)


      Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment                                                         114


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



     Proceeds from sale of other assets                                                                        5,732



      Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities                         (1,826)                       4,351




     
                Financing Activities


      Proceeds from the exercise of stock options                                     210                        1,892



     Repurchases of common stock                                                                             (4,000)



     Payments on long-term debt                                                    (376)                       (368)



     Borrowings on long-term debt                                                      9




     Net cash used in financing activities                                         (157)                     (2,476)



                   Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash
                    Equivalents and Restricted Cash                               (1,552)                     (1,372)



                   Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and
                    Restricted Cash                                               (3,362)                    (13,265)


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



                   Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash, End of
                    Year*                                                   $
         59,134                 $
        62,496


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

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SOURCE Amtech Systems, Inc.