CyberOptics Reports Q2 Sales of $16.4M

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CyberOptics Corporation has reported operating results for the second quarter of 2017 ended June 30, 2017. Sales totaled $16.4 million, down from $18.6 million in the year-earlier quarter, but up by 38% from $11.9 million in the first quarter of 2017.

CyberOptics reported earnings for the second quarter of 2017 of $1.1 million or $0.15 per share, compared to $2 million or $0.29 per share in the second quarter of 2016. Current quarter earnings marked a significant improvement from the net loss of $214,000 or $0.03 per share in the first quarter of 2017.

Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, president and chief executive officer, commented, "We are encouraged by the substantial progress of our sales and earnings on a quarterly sequential basis. Solidly higher sales of 3D MRS-enabled inspection systems and sensors generated a significant portion of our robust sequential growth, reinforcing our conviction that CyberOptics is making strong headway in the rapidly growing 3D inspection marketplace. Reflecting this belief, we have developed a robust pipeline of opportunities for large projects involving multiple 3D MRS-enabled SQ3000 systems. We also are optimistic about the outlook for our 3D MRS-enabled sensors, family of WaferSense/ ReticleSense products and gradually growing sales of the CyberGage360 3D Scanning System."

3D MRS-enabled SQ3000 inspection systems accounted for the majority of CyberOptics' second quarter systems sales growth, both year-over-year and sequentially. SQ3000 sales also drove a growing volume of solder paste inspection system sales. The steadily growing acceptance of the SQ3000 is being generated by the competitive advantages of CyberOptics' disruptive 3D MRS technology platform, which is enabling the company to capitalize upon strong worldwide demand for high-precision inspection.

Sales of 3D MRS-enabled sensors reached a record high in this year's second quarter. The third quarter and full-year outlook for these sensors is also promising. Sales generated by CyberOptics' long-term supply agreement with KLA-Tencor are expected to continue growing as the company's 3D sensors are now standard on KLA-Tencor's back-end semiconductor inspection systems utilizing 3D optical inspection.

CyberOptics made further progress during the second quarter with its initiative to apply MRS-enabled sensor technology to mid-end and front-end semiconductor inspection. MRS technology is now able to inspect cracks and other defects down to 30 microns in wafer dies. This mid-end inspection capability is currently being demonstrated to semiconductor manufacturers, making the company believe significant orders are possible in 2018. It is anticipated that MRS sensor technology will be applicable to front-end semiconductor inspection within the next several years.

Second quarter sales of semiconductor products, primarily the WaferSense/ReticleSense product line, were particularly robust in comparison to this year’s first quarter. In response to ongoing input from semiconductor manufacturers, CyberOptics is developing additional product offerings for new applications in semiconductor fabs and flat panel display manufacturing. Strong future sales growth is anticipated for the WaferSense/ReticleSense portfolio.

The selling cycle of the recently introduced CyberGage360 3D Scanning System remains lengthy as many potential customers are continuing to evaluate the potential impact of this disruptive new inspection technology on their product workflows. Consistent with previous statements regarding the outlook for nominal CyberGage sales in the second quarter, one system was sold in this period. However, sales activity is picking up as an order for two systems was received in July, and the company anticipates several more as the quarter progresses. Later this year, a second CyberGage system will be introduced that offers greater resolution within a smaller working envelope. The current version of CyberGage will continue to be marketed for larger parts. Based upon positive customer feedback, the company remains confident that CyberGage should become an important contributor to CyberOptics’ long-term sales growth.

Kulkarni said, "CyberOptics ended the second quarter with a backlog of $7.3 million, the majority of which is scheduled to ship in the third quarter. Including other anticipated orders, we are forecasting sales of $13 to $15 million for the third quarter of 2017. Our guidance for this period does not include the pending orders of approximately $3 million for SQ3000 systems, which we expect to receive in the third quarter. Although it is possible that revenue from these orders could be recognized in the third quarter, given implementation schedules and the time required to obtain customer acceptances, revenues from these pending orders would most likely be recognized in the fourth quarter. Our ability to post improved year-over-year sales growth is dependent upon timely receipt of customer orders and acceptances for SQ3000 systems. Despite this near-term timing issue, we remain very optimistic about CyberOptics’ future, given the growing acceptance of our suite of MRS-enabled and WaferSense/ReticleSense products, the outlook for mid-end semiconductor inspection, and for gradually growing CyberGage sales."

About CyberOptics

CyberOptics Corporation (www.cyberoptics.com) is a leading global developer and manufacturer of high precision sensing technology solutions. CyberOptics’ sensors are used in general purpose metrology and 3D scanning, surface mount technology (SMT) and semiconductor markets to significantly improve yields and productivity. By leveraging its leading edge technologies, the company has strategically established itself as a global leader in high precision 3D sensors, allowing CyberOptics to further increase its penetration of key vertical markets. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, CyberOptics conducts worldwide operations through its facilities in North America, Asia and Europe.