Amtech Reports Q2 Fiscal 2021 Results

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Amtech Systems, Inc., 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 devices, analog and discrete devices, electronic assemblies and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), reported results for its second quarter ended March 31, 2021.

Second Quarter Fiscal 2021 Financial and Operational Highlights: 

• Net revenue of $19.8 million
• Operating income of $0.2 million
• Loss from continuing operations, net of tax, of $0.2 million
• Loss per diluted share of $0.02
• Customer orders of $32.5 million
• March 31, 2021 backlog of $26.5 million
• Book to bill ratio of 1.6:1
• Unrestricted cash of $40.4 million

Michael Whang, Chief Executive Officer of Amtech, commented, “Our strong momentum continued into the second quarter with revenue coming in at the high end of our expectations. As we look out to the balance of 2021, we are encouraged to see the strength in demand continue and believe our exposure to several secular tailwinds including advanced semiconductor packaging, power semiconductors, electric vehicles and 5G communications, creates a significant opportunity to drive increased profitability and shareholder value as demand accelerates.”

Net revenues increased 10% sequentially and increased 37% from the second quarter of fiscal 2020, with the sequential increase primarily attributed to strong shipments of our advanced packaging and SMT equipment. The same prior year period was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gross margin decreased in the second quarter of fiscal 2021 sequentially due to product mix, with increased multi-unit sales at lower margins and increased mix of lower-margin SMT sales. Gross margin increased in the second quarter of fiscal 2021 compared to the same prior year period due to increased capacity utilization.

Selling, General & Administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased $0.5 million sequentially and $0.3 million compared to the same prior year period due primarily to sustained increases in freight expenses, as well as increases in consulting and legal fees.

Research and Development increased $0.6 million sequentially and $1.0 million compared to the same prior year period due to strategic R&D projects.

Operating income was $0.2 million, compared to operating income of $1.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and operating loss of $1.0 million in the same prior year period.

Income tax provision was $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to a provision of $0.1 million in the preceding quarter (which included a tax benefit of $0.3 million related to the reversal of previously recorded uncertain tax positions) and $0.2 million in the same prior year period.

Loss from continuing operations, net of tax, for the second quarter of fiscal 2021 was $0.2 million, or 2 cents per share. This compares to loss from continuing operations of $0.5 million, or 4 cents per share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2020 and income of $0.7 million, or 5 cent per share, in the preceding quarter.

Outlook

The Company’s outlook reflects the anticipated ongoing logistical impacts and the related delays for goods shipped to and from China and expenses incurred relating to our subsidiary’s cyber security incident. Actual results may differ materially in the weeks and months ahead. Additionally, the semiconductor equipment industries can be cyclical and inherently impacted by changes in market demand. Operating results can be significantly impacted, positively or negatively, by the timing of orders, system shipments, and the financial results of semiconductor manufacturers.

For the third fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2021, revenues are expected to be in the range of $21 to $23 million. Gross margin for the quarter ending June 30, 2021 is expected to be approximately 40%, with operating margin break-even to slightly positive, primarily due to one-time costs we will incur relating to our cyber security incident. Accounting rules require us to expense these as incurred without accruing for potential insurance reimbursement. We will have a gain in a future quarter once our insurance claim has been approved and paid.

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.