Veeco Instruments Inc: Form 10-Q for the period ended Mar 31, 2024

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Our discussion below constitutes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. When used in this Report, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates,” “targets,” “plans,” “intends,” “will,” and similar expressions related to the future are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates they are made.

Executive Summary

We are an innovative manufacturer of semiconductor process equipment. Our proven ion beam, laser annealing, lithography, MOCVD, CVD, and single wafer wet processing technologies play an integral role in the fabrication and packaging of advanced semiconductor devices. With equipment designed to optimize performance, yield and cost of ownership, Veeco holds leading technology positions in the markets we serve. To learn more about Veeco’s systems and service offerings, visit www.veeco.com (http://www.veeco.com).

Business Update

The Semiconductor industry has been historically cyclical based on fluctuations in global chip production capacity and demand. Semiconductor industry sales declined in 2023 to approximately $550 billion dollars after several years of growth following the pandemic. Looking ahead, industry analysts are forecasting long-term growth of the Semiconductor industry, driven by secular growth trends such as artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, mobile connectivity, and the transformation of the automotive industry, as well as government programs globally to accelerate strategic investment in next-generation technologies.

Growth in the Semiconductor industry, coupled with increasing technological complexity of Semiconductor chips, are expected to drive long-term growth in Wafer Fab Equipment (“WFE”) spending. In an effort to improve chip performance and reduce costs, today’s most advanced Semiconductor manufacturers are shrinking device geometries and investing in more complex technologies, including 3D devices, Gate-All-Around architectures, as well as backside power delivery. As a result, growth of the WFE market is expected to keep pace with growth of the Semiconductor industry, which we believe should benefit semiconductor capital equipment providers, including Veeco.

Our strategy of investing in advanced logic and memory has enabled our Semiconductor business to outperform WFE growth for 3 consecutive years. Veeco technologies are at the forefront of new technological innovations in the Semiconductor industry, including manufacturing of higher performance AI chips, and we continue to invest in new technologies to expand our Served Available Market (“SAM”) to a broad range of new applications.

Semiconductor revenue increased by 29% in first quarter 2024 from the comparable year period, comprising 69% of total revenue. This increase was led by strong demand for our Laser Annealing systems. Our laser annealing solutions continue to gain share in advanced node logic, highlighted by recent wins at both new and existing customers. In 2023, we won business with a new Tier 1 logic customer for advanced anneal applications and shipped multiple systems to this customer. In first quarter 2024, we received a multi-tool laser annealing order from a leading edge logic foundry for their 2nm gate-all-around process. In the memory market, a Tier 1 memory customer placed several Laser Spike Annealing (“LSA”) orders for high volume production of High Bandwidth Memory (“HBM”) and advanced DRAM devices following a successful evaluation program, and we’ve shipped multiple systems to this customer. While our growth strategy is predominately focused on advanced node logic and memory, we continue to see strong growth for mature node applications predominantly in China driven by new greenfield fabs and capacity additions. In our continued efforts to grow our Laser Annealing business by driving product roadmap to address customer device challenges, we achieved a key milestone in fourth quarter 2023 upon shipping two next-generation annealing systems for nano second annealing applications to two Tier 1 logic customers. Nanosecond annealing provides Veeco with an opportunity to expand our laser annealing SAM to new advanced node logic and memory applications, including 3D devices, Gate-All-Around architecture, and backside power delivery.

The ongoing adoption of EUV Lithography for advanced node semiconductor manufacturing continues to drive demand for our Ion Beam mask blank deposition systems, and we’re well-positioned for adoption of next-generation High-NA lithography. We achieved another significant milestone in fourth quarter 2023 upon shipment of our first two Ion Beam Deposition “IBD300” evaluation systems to Tier 1 memory customers for front end semiconductor applications. Our IBD300 system provides Veeco with another opportunity to expand our SAM to advanced node applications where low resistance films are critical, and our initial systems are being evaluated for advanced memory applications such as DRAM bitline. Additionally, our Wet Processing systems are used for Advanced Packaging applications, including 3D packaging technologies, and we continue to see strong demand for HBM. Our Advanced Packaging lithography systems are used for packaging approaches such as fan out wafer level packaging and other advanced packaging applications. Given our current backlog and visibility, we expect Semiconductor revenue to grow in 2024.

Veeco also serves customers in the Compound Semiconductor, Data Storage, and Scientific & Other markets.

We address the Compound Semiconductor market with a broad portfolio of technologies, including Wet Processing, MOCVD, MBE and Ion Beam, for a range of Power Electronics, Photonics, and 5G RF applications. Sales in the Compound Semiconductor market increased sequentially in first quarter 2024. Looking ahead, we’re focused on several long-term growth opportunities within Power Electronics and Photonics. We expect revenue in the Compound Semiconductor market to grow in 2024. We address the Data Storage market with sales of our Ion Beam Deposition technology. Demand for our Ion Beam products is driven by cloud-based storage, and sales declined sequentially in first quarter 2024. We expect revenue in the Data Storage market to be flat to up in 2024. Sales in the Scientific & Other market are largely driven by sales to governments, universities, and research institutions. We address the Scientific & Other market with several technologies, including MBE, ALD, MOCVD, Wet Processing, & IBD/IBE, which support scientific, optical coating and other applications, and sales in this market declined as compared to the prior quarter. We expect revenue in the Scientific and Other market to remain flat in 2024.

Results of Operations

For the three months ended March 30, 2024 and 2023

The following table presents revenue and expense line items reported in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the indicated periods in 2024 and 2023 and the period-over-period dollar and percentage changes for those line items. Our results of operations are reported as one business segment, represented by our single operating segment.

(dollars in thousands)

* Not meaningful

Net Sales

The following is an analysis of sales by market and by region:

(dollars in thousands)

* Not meaningful

Sales increased for the three months ended March 31, 2024 against the comparable prior year period driven by sales in the Semiconductor market, partially offset by decreases in sales in the Data Storage, and Scientific & Other markets. By geography, sales increased in the Rest of APAC, and China regions, partially offset by decreases in the EMEA and United States regions. Sales in the Rest of APAC region for the three months ended March 31, 2024 included sales in Japan and Taiwan of $32.9 million, and $19.3 million respectively. Sales in the Rest of APAC region for the three months ended March 31, 2023 included sales in Taiwan and Thailand of $18.0 million and $8.4 million respectively. We expect there will continue to be year-to-year variations in our future sales distribution across markets and geographies. In light of the global nature of our business, we are impacted by conditions in the various countries in which we and our customers operate.

Gross Profit

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, gross profit increased against the comparable prior period primarily due to an increase in sales volume and increased gross margins. Gross margin increased principally due to higher volume and favorable product mix of sales in the periods. We expect our gross margins to fluctuate each period due to product mix and other factors.

Research and Development

The markets we serve are characterized by continuous technological development and product innovation, and we invest in various research and development initiatives to maintain our competitive advantage and achieve our growth objectives. Research and development expenses increased for the three months ended March 31, 2024 against the comparable prior period primarily due to an increase in project materials and personnel-related expenses as we invest in new research and development and additional applications for our technology in order to be well-positioned to capitalize on emerging global megatrends and support longer term growth in Semiconductor and Compound Semiconductor markets. However, expenses as a percentage of revenue are slightly down when compared to the prior period.

Selling, General, and Administrative

Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased for the three months ended March 31, 2024 against the comparable prior period primarily due to higher variable expenses associated with the increase in revenue and profitability. However, expenses as a percentage of revenue are slightly down when compared to the comparable prior year period.

Amortization Expense

Amortization expense decreased compared to the comparable prior year period primarily due to changes in amortization expense to reflect expected cash flows of certain intangible assets.

Interest Income (Expense)

We recorded net interest income of $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to net interest expense of $0.8 million for the comparable prior year period. The increase in net interest income of $1.5 million was primarily due to higher interest rates for the three months ended March 31, 2024, against the comparable prior year period.

Income Taxes

At the end of each interim reporting period, we estimate the effective income tax rate expected to be applicable for the full year. This estimate is used to determine the income tax provision or benefit on a year-to-date basis and may change in subsequent interim periods.

Our income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was $0.9 million, compared to $0.3 million for the comparable prior period. For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, the effective tax rate was lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate primarily relating to discrete income tax benefit for share-based compensation windfall. Additionally, the effective tax rate was also favorably impacted by the tax benefits related to Foreign-Derived Intangible Income and research and development tax credits.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and short-term investments are as follows:

(in thousands)

At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, cash and cash equivalents of $52.7 million and $46.8 million, respectively, were held outside the United States. As of March 31, 2024, we had $23.4 million of accumulated undistributed earnings generated by our non-U.S. subsidiaries for which the U.S. tax has previously been provided. Approximately $8.1 million of undistributed earnings will be subject to foreign withholding taxes if distributed back to the United States and we accrued $0.8 million for foreign withholding taxes for the undistributed earnings.

We believe that our projected cash flow from operations, combined with our cash and short-term investments, will be sufficient to meet our projected working capital requirements, contractual obligations, and other cash flow needs for the next twelve months, including scheduled interest payments on our convertible senior notes, purchase commitments, and payments in respect of operating leases.

A summary of the cash flow activity for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 is as follows:

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

(in thousands)

Net cash provided by operating activities was $9.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and was due to net income of $21.9 million and adjustments for non-cash items of $13.3 million, partially offset by a decrease in cash flow from changes in operating assets and liabilities of $25.8 million. The changes in operating assets and liabilities were largely attributable to increases in inventories and; contract assets, and a decrease in contract liabilities; partially offset by increases in accounts payable and accrued expenses.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

(in thousands)

The cash provided by investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily attributable to net cash provided by net investment activity and proceeds from the sale of productive assets, partially offset by capital expenditures. The cash used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2023 was primarily attributable to net cash used in the acquisition of Epiluvac, and capital expenditures, partially offset by net investment activity.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

(in thousands)

The cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was related to cash used to settle taxes related to employee equity programs and contingent consideration payment related to Epiluvac acquisition, partially offset by cash received under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was related to the repayment of the 2023 Notes, as well as cash used to settle taxes related to employee equity programs, partially offset by cash received under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Convertible Senior Notes

We have $26.5 million outstanding principal balance of 3.50% convertible senior notes that bear interest at a rate of 3.50% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, and mature on January 15, 2025, unless earlier purchased by the Company, redeemed, or converted. In addition, we have $25.0 million outstanding principal balance of 3.75% convertible senior notes that bear interest at a rate of 3.75% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, and mature on June 1, 2027, unless earlier purchased by the Company, redeemed, or converted. The 2027 Notes are currently convertible by shareholders until June 30, 2024. In addition, we have $230.0 million outstanding principal balance of 2.875% convertible senior notes that bear interest at a rate of 2.875% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, and mature on June 1, 2029, unless earlier purchased by the Company, redeemed, or converted.

We believe that we have sufficient capital resources and cash flows from operations to support scheduled interest payments on these debts and the scheduled January 2025 principal payment due on the 2025 Notes. In addition, we have access to a $150.0 million revolving credit facility (including an ability to request an additional $75.0 million, for a total commitment of no more than $225.0 million) to provide for our working capital needs and reimburse drawings under letters of credit and for other general corporate purposes. The Company has no immediate plans to draw down on the facility, which expires in December of 2026. Interest under the facility is variable based on the Company’s secured net leverage ratio and is expected to bear interest based on SOFR plus a range of 150 to 225 basis points, if drawn. There is a yearly commitment fee of 25 to 35 basis points, based on the Company’s secured net leverage ratio, charged on the unused portion of the Facility.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

We have commitments under certain contractual arrangements to make future payments for goods and services. These contractual arrangements secure the rights to various assets and services to be used in the future in the normal course of business. We expect to fund these contractual arrangements with cash generated from operations in the normal course of business.

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to market rate risk for changes in interest rates primarily relates to our investment portfolio. We centrally manage our investment portfolios considering investment opportunities and risks, tax consequences, and overall financing strategies. Our investment portfolio includes fixed-income securities with a fair value of approximately $122.9 million at March 31, 2024. These securities are subject to interest rate risk and, based on our investment portfolio at March 31, 2024, a 100 basis point increase in interest rates would result in a decrease in the fair value of the portfolio of $0.7 million. While an increase in interest rates may reduce the fair value of the investment portfolio, we will not realize the losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations unless the individual fixed-income securities are sold prior to recovery or the loss is determined to be other-than-temporary.

Currency Exchange Risk

We conduct business on a worldwide basis and, as such, a portion of our revenues, earnings, and net investments in foreign affiliates is exposed to changes in currency exchange rates. The economic impact of currency exchange rate movements is complex because such changes are often linked to variability in real growth, inflation, interest rates, governmental actions, and other factors. These changes, if material, could cause us to adjust our financing and operating strategies. Consequently, isolating the effect of changes in currency does not incorporate these other important economic factors.

Changes in currency exchange rates could affect our foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities and forecasted cash flows. We may enter into monthly forward derivative contracts from time to time with the intent of mitigating a portion of this risk. We only use derivative financial instruments in the context of hedging and not for speculative purposes and have not historically designated our foreign exchange derivatives as hedges. Accordingly, changes in fair value from these contracts are recorded as “Other, net” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We execute derivative transactions with highly rated financial institutions to mitigate counterparty risk.

Our net sales to customers located outside of the United States represented approximately 84% and 80% of our total net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 respectively. We expect that net sales to customers outside the United States will continue to represent a large percentage of our total net sales. Our sales denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar represented approximately 3% of total net sales for both the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

A 10% change in foreign exchange rates would have an immaterial impact on the consolidated results of operations since most of our sales outside the United States are denominated in U.S. dollars.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our principal executive and financial officers have evaluated and concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of March 31, 2024. The disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in this report filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our principal executive and financial officers as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the quarter ended March 31, 2024, there were no changes in internal control that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect internal control over financial reporting.

Information regarding risk factors appears in the Safe Harbor Statement at the beginning of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, and in Part I — Item 1A of our 2023 Form 10-K. There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed.