Group 1 - Veeco Instruments Inc. is scheduled to participate in multiple investor events, including the Oppenheimer 27th Annual Technology, Internet & Communications Conference on August 13, 2024, and the Citi's 2024 Global Technology Conference on September 4, 2024 [1][2] - Management will present virtually at the Oppenheimer conference at 9:05 AM ET, and the presentation will be available via webcast [1] - One-on-one meetings with investors will be available during these conferences, and interested investors are encouraged to contact their representatives to secure a meeting time [2] Group 2 - Veeco is an innovative manufacturer of semiconductor process equipment, specializing in technologies such as laser annealing, ion beam, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) [3] - The company's equipment is designed to optimize performance, yield, and cost of ownership, holding leading technology positions in the markets it serves [3]

Veeco Instruments (VECO) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.42 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.44 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.36 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items. This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of -4.55%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this precision manufacturing equipment maker would post earnings of $0.41 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.45, delivering a surprise of 9.76%. Over t ...

To join the call, dial 1-877-407-8029 (toll free) or 1-201-689-8029. Participants may also access a live webcast of the call by visiting the investor relations section of Veeco's website at ir.veeco.com. A replay of the webcast will be made available on the Veeco website beginning at 8:00 PM ET that same evening. PLAINVIEW, N.Y., July 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Veeco Instruments Inc. (NASDAQ: VECO) plans to release its second quarter 2024 financial results after the market closes on Tuesday, August 6, 202 ...

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| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | |-------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Veeco Instruments | | | | | | | | | Q1 2024 Financial Results | | | | | | | May 7 th | Conference Call , 2024 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1 | Q1 2024 Financial Results Conference Call Copyright © 2024 Veeco Instruments Inc. All Rights Reserved. | | | | | | ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2024 totaled $174 million, up 14% year-over-year and flat sequentially [6][17] - Non-GAAP operating income was $29 million, with non-GAAP EPS at $0.45 [6][17] - Gross margin was approximately 44%, exceeding guidance [17] - Net income was approximately $26 million, with diluted EPS of $0.45 on 60 million shares [17][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Semiconductor revenue reached a record $120 million, up 29% year-over-year and 5% sequentially, comprising 69% of total revenue [17] - Revenue from the compound semiconductor market increased to $21 million, accounting for 12% of total revenue [17] - Data storage revenue contributed 10%, while scientific and other segments made up 9% [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from the Asia-Pacific region (excluding China) increased to 42%, up from 34% in the prior quarter [18] - Revenue from China remained at 37%, driven by mature node semiconductor customers [18] - Revenue from the United States was 16%, with EMEA contributing 5% [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its served available market (SAM) for laser annealing from $600 million to over $1 billion [9] - Investment in advanced logic and memory has allowed the semiconductor business to outperform wafer fabrication equipment (WFE) growth for three consecutive years [8] - The company is targeting new applications in the compound semiconductor market, particularly in power electronics and photonics [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the demand for EUV lithography and next-generation high NA lithography [8] - The company anticipates initial high-volume manufacturing orders from logic customers in 2025 [12] - Management reiterated the 2024 revenue outlook between $680 million and $740 million, with diluted non-GAAP EPS targeted between $1.60 and $1.90 per share [20] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with cash and short-term investments of $297 million, a decline of $9 million sequentially [19] - Cash flow from operations was $9 million, with capital expenditures at $6 million [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on the nanosecond anneal product and its relationship with laser anneal - Management clarified that nanosecond anneal (NSA) does not cannibalize laser spike anneal (LSA) but opens unique opportunities for applications like backside power distributions and 3D structures [24][26] Question: HBM opportunity and qualification status - Management confirmed that LSA is now qualified for high bandwidth memory (HBM) applications, expanding from logic chip qualification [28] Question: Backlog and leading-edge vs trailing-edge mix - Management indicated that the current backlog is more weighted towards trailing nodes, but expects a shift towards leading-edge engagements in the second half of 2024 [37] Question: Pricing uplift for NSA compared to LSA - Management expects a pricing uplift of 10% to 15% for NSA due to its additional capabilities [39] Question: Update on compound semiconductor business and GaN power - Management reported a transition from 6-inch to 8-inch wafers, with plans to ship a 300-millimeter evaluation system to a Tier 1 customer [42] Question: Data storage outlook and AI impact - Management expects the data storage business to be flat to up 10% compared to last year, with long-term growth driven by generative AI projected at a 20% CAGR [61][62]

Table of Contents UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2024 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Commission file number 0-16244 VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC. (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) Delaware 11-2989601 (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporat ...

EXHIBIT 99.1 VEECO REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS First Quarter 2024 Highlights: Plainview, N.Y., May 7, 2024 -- Veeco Instruments Inc. (Nasdaq: VECO) today announced financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2024. Results are reported in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and are also reported adjusting for certain items ("Non-GAAP"). A reconciliation between GAAP and Non-GAAP operating results is provided at the end of this press release. | U ...

[PART I](index=6&type=section&id=PART%20I) [Business](index=6&type=section&id=Item%201.%20Business) Veeco manufactures advanced semiconductor process equipment for four key end-markets, with **22% of 2023 net sales** from services and a year-end backlog of **$490.7 million** - Veeco manufactures advanced semiconductor process equipment for key devices enabling AI, 5G networks, mobile electronics, 3D sensing, and data storage[22](index=22&type=chunk) End-Markets and Applicable Veeco Technologies | Market | Description | Applicable Veeco Technologies | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Semiconductor** | Logic and memory applications on silicon wafers, including advanced packaging | Laser Annealing, Ion Beam Deposition (IBD), Ion Beam Etch (IBE), Wet Processing, Advanced Packaging Lithography | | **Compound Semiconductor** | Power Electronics, Photonics (micro-LEDs, lasers), RF Filters, and Solar | GaN MOCVD, As/P MOCVD, Wet Processing, MBE, ALD, IBE, SiC CVD | | **Data Storage** | Hard Disk Drives (HDD) for mass storage, particularly in Data Centers | IBD, IBE, Physical Vapor Deposition, Wet Processing | | **Scientific & Other** | Advanced materials research (e.g., quantum computing) and optical coatings | Ion Beam Sputtering, MBE, Wet Processing, ALD | Sales and Backlog Information | Metric | 2023 (%) | 2022 (%) | 2021 (%) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Revenue from Parts, Upgrades, Service & Support** | 22% | 24% | 28% | | **Backlog (Year-End)** | $490.7M | $499.9M | N/A | - As of the end of 2023, Veeco had a global workforce of **1,215 employees**, with **890** in the United States, **267** in the Asia-Pacific region, and **58** in the EMEA region, with a 12-month rolling average voluntary turnover of approximately **7.2%**[56](index=56&type=chunk)[59](index=59&type=chunk) [Risk Factors](index=19&type=section&id=Item%201A.%20Risk%20Factors) The company faces significant risks from market volatility, intense competition, U.S.-China trade policies, cybersecurity threats, and financial structure [Risks Related to Our Business and Industry](index=19&type=section&id=Risks%20Related%20to%20Our%20Business%20and%20Industry) - The company faces significant competition from established players with greater resources and smaller, specialized emerging companies, which could lead to lower profit margins[72](index=72&type=chunk) - The business is subject to the cyclicality of the semiconductor, compound semiconductor, and data storage industries, leading to volatile capital expenditures by customers[89](index=89&type=chunk) - A concentrated customer base, located in a limited number of geographic regions, accounts for a substantial portion of net sales, creating risk if principal customers discontinue their relationship or suffer economic setbacks[85](index=85&type=chunk)[86](index=86&type=chunk) - The company's sales cycle is long and unpredictable, often exceeding twelve months, which can cause fluctuations in operating results and requires significant upfront expense before revenue is generated[100](index=100&type=chunk) [Risks Associated with Operating a Global Business](index=31&type=section&id=Risks%20Associated%20with%20Operating%20a%20Global%20Business) Revenue from Non-U.S. Customers | Year | Percentage of Total Revenue (%) | | :--- | :--- | | 2023 | 76% | | 2022 | 69% | | 2021 | 62% | - Changes in U.S. trade policy and export controls, particularly new rules from the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) restricting China's access to advanced semiconductors, have negatively affected and may continue to adversely affect the company's ability to sell and service products in China[114](index=114&type=chunk)[115](index=115&type=chunk)[116](index=116&type=chunk) - The company's laser annealing, MOCVD, MBE, SiC, and other systems are controlled for export under U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and the inability to obtain required licenses could prevent product shipments and servicing[122](index=122&type=chunk) [Risks Related to Intellectual Property and Cybersecurity](index=37&type=section&id=Risks%20Related%20to%20Intellectual%20Property%20and%20Cybersecurity) - The company is increasingly dependent on IT systems and is vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks, which are growing in frequency and sophistication, potentially leading to business disruption, loss of sensitive information, and reputational harm[125](index=125&type=chunk)[126](index=126&type=chunk) - Success depends on protecting intellectual property through patents, trademarks, and trade secrets, but these rights may be circumvented, invalidated, or difficult to enforce, especially in foreign countries[128](index=128&type=chunk) [Financial, Accounting and Capital Market Risks](index=39&type=section&id=Financial%2C%20Accounting%20and%20Capital%20Market%20Risks) - The company's debt facilities contain restrictions and covenants that may limit its ability to incur additional debt, sell assets, or merge, with failure to comply potentially resulting in default and debt acceleration[145](index=145&type=chunk)[148](index=148&type=chunk) - As of December 31, 2023, the company had outstanding principal amounts of **$26.5 million** in 2025 Notes, **$25.0 million** in 2027 Notes, and **$230.0 million** in 2029 Notes[146](index=146&type=chunk) - Changes in tax laws, such as the proposed "Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024" and OECD's BEPS project, could materially affect the company's effective tax rate and financial results[141](index=141&type=chunk)[142](index=142&type=chunk) [General Risk Factors](index=45&type=section&id=General%20Risk%20Factors) - The company's stock price is volatile, with a closing high of **$31.65** and a low of **$17.81** in 2023, influenced by macroeconomic conditions, operational results, and analyst estimates[157](index=157&type=chunk) - The company's success depends on its ability to attract, retain, and motivate key employees in a competitive talent market, particularly for technical personnel in the semiconductor industry[161](index=161&type=chunk) - The company has adopted anti-takeover measures, such as a classified board and "blank check" preferred stock, which could make an acquisition more difficult[168](index=168&type=chunk)[169](index=169&type=chunk) [Unresolved Staff Comments](index=49&type=section&id=Item%201B.%20Unresolved%20Staff%20Comments) The company reports no unresolved staff comments from the SEC - None[171](index=171&type=chunk) [Cybersecurity](index=49&type=section&id=ITEM%201C.%20Cybersecurity) The company's cybersecurity program, overseen by the Audit Committee, is integrated into enterprise risk management, with no material incidents identified - The cybersecurity program is based on the NIST framework and includes a cross-functional Information Security Leadership Group for governance and coordination[172](index=172&type=chunk)[178](index=178&type=chunk) - The Board's Audit Committee oversees cybersecurity risk management, receiving quarterly updates from management, including the Chief Information Security Officer[176](index=176&type=chunk) - The company is not aware of any current cybersecurity incidents or threats that are reasonably likely to materially affect its business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition[181](index=181&type=chunk) [Properties](index=53&type=section&id=Item%202.%20Properties) The company's principal owned and leased facilities, including corporate HQ and R&D, are deemed adequate to meet current needs Principal Owned and Leased Facilities | Location | Type | Size (sq. ft.) | Use | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Plainview, NY | Owned | 80,000 | Corporate HQ, R&D, Sales & Service | | Somerset, NJ | Owned | 80,000 | R&D, Manufacturing, Sales & Service | | St. Paul, MN | Owned | 43,000 | R&D, Manufacturing, Sales & Service | | San Jose, CA | Leased | 100,000 | R&D, Manufacturing, Sales & Service | [Legal Proceedings](index=53&type=section&id=Item%203.%20Legal%20Proceedings) The company is involved in routine legal proceedings, not expecting a material adverse effect on its financial position or results - Information regarding legal proceedings is incorporated by reference from Note 10, "Commitments and Contingencies" in the Consolidated Financial Statements[183](index=183&type=chunk) [Mine Safety Disclosures](index=53&type=section&id=Item%204.%20Mine%20Safety%20Disclosures) This item is not applicable to the company - Not Applicable[184](index=184&type=chunk) [PART II](index=54&type=section&id=PART%20II) [Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities](index=54&type=section&id=Item%205.%20Market%20for%20Registrant%27s%20Common%20Equity%2C%20Related%20Stockholder%20Matters%20and%20Issuer%20Purchases%20of%20Equity%20Securities) The company's common stock trades on NASDAQ under "VECO," with no dividends paid, and future policy determined by the Board - The company's common stock is traded on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "VECO"[186](index=186&type=chunk) - The company has not paid dividends on its common stock, and future dividend policy will be determined by the Board of Directors based on financial condition and other factors[186](index=186&type=chunk) Stock Performance Comparison (2018-2023) | Year | Veeco Instruments Inc. | S&P Smallcap 600 | RDG MidCap Technology | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 2018 | 100.00 | 100.00 | 100.00 | | 2019 | 198.18 | 122.78 | 135.47 | | 2020 | 234.28 | 136.64 | 183.68 | | 2021 | 384.21 | 173.29 | 207.06 | | 2022 | 250.74 | 145.39 | 151.73 | | 2023 | 418.76 | 168.73 | 190.98 | [Reserved](index=55&type=section&id=Item%206.%20%5BReserved%5D) This item is reserved and contains no information [Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations](index=56&type=section&id=Item%207.%20Management%27s%20Discussion%20and%20Analysis%20of%20Financial%20Condition%20and%20Results%20of%20Operations) In 2023, Veeco achieved **3% revenue growth** to **$666.4 million**, with improved gross margin but a **$30.4 million net loss** due to debt extinguishment [Executive Summary & Business Update](index=56&type=section&id=Executive%20Summary%20%26%20Business%20Update) - Key achievements in 2023 include record revenue in the Semiconductor market (up **12% YoY**), shipment of next-generation evaluation systems to Tier 1 customers, and successful refinancing of convertible notes to strengthen the balance sheet[194](index=194&type=chunk) - The company faces macroeconomic challenges including inflation, high interest rates, and heightened China export regulations, which contribute to market uncertainty[193](index=193&type=chunk) - For 2024, the company expects revenue to be up in the Semiconductor market, to grow in the Compound Semiconductor market, and to be flat to up in the Data Storage market[197](index=197&type=chunk)[198](index=198&type=chunk)[199](index=199&type=chunk) [Results of Operations](index=60&type=section&id=Results%20of%20Operations) Consolidated Results of Operations (2023 vs. 2022) | Metric (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | Change (%) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Net sales** | $666,435 | $646,137 | 3% | | **Gross profit** | $285,059 | $263,148 | 8% | | *Gross Margin* | *43%* | *41%* | - | | **Operating income** | $69,940 | $60,296 | 16% | | **Net income (loss)** | $(30,368) | $166,942 | Not meaningful | Net Sales by End-Market and Geography (2023 vs. 2022) | Category (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | Change (%) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Semiconductor** | $412,724 | $369,369 | 12% | | **Compound Semiconductor** | $87,258 | $121,194 | (28)% | | **Data Storage** | $88,473 | $87,544 | 1% | | **Scientific & Other** | $77,980 | $68,030 | 15% | | **China** | $217,942 | $123,703 | 76% | | **United States** | $162,790 | $197,433 | (18)% | - A loss on extinguishment of debt of **$97.1 million** was recorded in 2023, comprising **$16.5 million** for the 2025 Notes and **$80.6 million** for the 2027 Notes, following a refinancing transaction[213](index=213&type=chunk)[214](index=214&type=chunk) [Liquidity and Capital Resources](index=64&type=section&id=Liquidity%20and%20Capital%20Resources) Cash and Investments Position | (in thousands) | Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Cash and cash equivalents | $158,781 | $154,925 | | Short-term investments | $146,664 | $147,488 | | **Total** | **$305,784** | **$302,960** | Summary of Cash Flow Activity (2023 vs. 2022) | (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net cash from operating activities | $61,674 | $108,483 | | Net cash used in investing activities | $(53,330) | $(68,880) | | Net cash used in financing activities | $(4,680) | $(4,550) | - The company has access to a **$150.0 million** revolving credit facility, which was undrawn as of December 31, 2023, to support working capital needs[225](index=225&type=chunk) - As of December 31, 2023, the company had total contractual obligations of **$572.8 million**, with **$189.2 million** due in less than one year, including **$200.4 million** in purchase commitments[227](index=227&type=chunk)[228](index=228&type=chunk) [Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates](index=67&type=section&id=Critical%20Accounting%20Policies%20and%20Estimates) - Critical accounting policies requiring a high degree of judgment include Revenue Recognition, Inventory Valuation, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Accounting for Business Combinations, and Income Taxes[230](index=230&type=chunk) - For revenue recognition, significant judgment is required to identify performance obligations, allocate the transaction price, and determine when the transfer of control to the customer occurs, especially for systems with field acceptance provisions[231](index=231&type=chunk)[237](index=237&type=chunk) - Goodwill is tested for impairment annually by comparing the fair value of the single reporting unit, determined by adjusted market capitalization, to its carrying amount[236](index=236&type=chunk)[237](index=237&type=chunk) [Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk](index=73&type=section&id=Item%207A.%20Quantitative%20and%20Qualitative%20Disclosures%20about%20Market%20Risk) The company faces interest rate risk on its **$146.7 million** investment portfolio and limited currency exchange risk, with only **4% of sales** denominated in foreign currencies - The company's investment portfolio of **$146.7 million** is subject to interest rate risk, where a **100 basis point** increase in interest rates would result in a **$0.8 million** decrease in the portfolio's fair value[247](index=247&type=chunk) - Net sales to customers outside the U.S. were **76%** of total sales in 2023, but sales denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar were only **4%** of total net sales, mitigating direct currency exchange risk[250](index=250&type=chunk) [Financial Statements and Supplementary Data](index=73&type=section&id=Item%208.%20Financial%20Statements%20and%20Supplementary%20Data) This section confirms the inclusion of the company's Consolidated Financial Statements within the Form 10-K filing - The Consolidated Financial Statements are listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule filed as part of this Form 10-K[252](index=252&type=chunk) [Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure](index=75&type=section&id=Item%209.%20Changes%20in%20and%20Disagreements%20with%20Accountants%20on%20Accounting%20and%20Financial%20Disclosure) The company reports no changes in or disagreements with its accountants regarding accounting and financial disclosure - None[254](index=254&type=chunk) [Controls and Procedures](index=75&type=section&id=Item%209A.%20Controls%20and%20Procedures) Management and independent auditors concluded that the company's disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting were effective as of December 31, 2023 - Management concluded that disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of December 31, 2023[255](index=255&type=chunk) - Management concluded that internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2023, based on the COSO (2013) framework[256](index=256&type=chunk) - There were no changes in internal control during the fourth quarter of 2023 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting[258](index=258&type=chunk) [Other Information](index=78&type=section&id=Item%209B.%20Other%20Information) This item is not applicable and contains no information - None[266](index=266&type=chunk) [PART III](index=78&type=section&id=PART%20III) [Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance](index=78&type=section&id=Item%2010.%20Directors%2C%20Executive%20Officers%20and%20Corporate%20Governance) Information on directors, executive officers, and corporate governance is incorporated by reference from the 2024 proxy statement - Required information is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders[268](index=268&type=chunk) [Executive Compensation](index=78&type=section&id=Item%2011.%20Executive%20Compensation) Information regarding executive compensation is incorporated by reference from the 2024 proxy statement - Required information is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders[270](index=270&type=chunk) [Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters](index=78&type=section&id=Item%2012.%20Security%20Ownership%20of%20Certain%20Beneficial%20Owners%20and%20Management%20and%20Related%20Stockholder%20Matters) Information on security ownership and equity compensation plans is incorporated by reference from the 2024 proxy statement - Required information is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders[271](index=271&type=chunk) [Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence](index=78&type=section&id=Item%2013.%20Certain%20Relationships%20and%20Related%20Transactions%2C%20and%20Director%20Independence) Information on related party transactions and director independence is incorporated by reference from the 2024 proxy statement - Required information is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders[272](index=272&type=chunk) [Principal Accounting Fees and Services](index=78&type=section&id=Item%2014.%20Principal%20Accounting%20Fees%20and%20Services) Information on principal accounting fees and services is incorporated by reference from the 2024 proxy statement - Required information is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders[273](index=273&type=chunk) [PART IV](index=79&type=section&id=PART%20IV) [Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules](index=79&type=section&id=Item%2015.%20Exhibits%2C%20Financial%20Statement%20Schedules) This section lists the financial statements, schedules, and exhibits filed as part of the Form 10-K report - This item includes the registrant's financial statements, financial statement schedules, and a list of all exhibits filed with the report[277](index=277&type=chunk)

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $666 million for 2023, a 3% increase year-over-year, with semiconductor revenue reaching $413 million, up 12% from the prior year [83][98] - Gross margin improved to 43.5% in 2023 from approximately 42% in the prior year, with non-GAAP operating income growing 10% to $110 million and diluted non-GAAP EPS increasing to $1.69 [83][101] - For Q4, revenue totaled $174 million, with a gross margin of approximately 45%, leading to non-GAAP operating income of $32 million and non-GAAP EPS of $0.51 [84][38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Semiconductor revenue increased 17% sequentially in Q4, driven by laser annealing systems, comprising 66% of total revenue for the quarter [84][103] - Compound semiconductor revenue was reported at $87 million, a decline from the prior year, representing 13% of total revenue, primarily due to decreased demand for wet processing systems for 5G RF devices [98] - Data storage revenue remained flat at $88 million, also comprising 13% of total revenue, while scientific and other revenue increased 15% to $78 million, making up 12% of revenue [98] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from China increased to 33% of total revenue in 2023, up from 19% in the prior year, driven by mature node semiconductor sales [100] - The Asia-Pacific region, excluding China, accounted for 31% of revenue, with the largest contribution from semiconductor customers, while the United States made up 24% of total revenue [100] - EMEA contributed 12% of revenue for the year [100] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing its product roadmaps and investing in growth opportunities, particularly in semiconductor technologies [79][82] - The company plans to ship multiple EVALuation systems in 2024, which are expected to lead to significant market expansion [82][89] - The company is targeting a gross margin of 45% in the future, with ongoing improvements in operational efficiency [101] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects semiconductor revenue to grow by 5% to 10% in 2024, with strong demand from both advanced and mature node customers [87][88] - The company anticipates continued strength in the semiconductor market, particularly in laser annealing and ion beam deposition technologies [85][96] - Management noted that while the data storage business is expected to remain flat to up 10% in 2024, the focus is on leveraging ion beam technology for semiconductor applications [90] Other Important Information - The company shipped its first two nanosecond annealing EVALuation systems to leading logic customers in Q4, with potential for high-volume manufacturing orders in 2025 [94] - The company is actively working with Tier 1 customers in silicon carbide and plans to place two EVALuation systems in the field in 2024 [88][89] - The company has seen a significant increase in demand for its ion beam deposition systems, with a reported 20% lower resistance compared to traditional methods [95][96] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for semiconductor growth in 2024? - Management guided for semiconductor revenue growth of 5% to 10% in 2024, with strong demand expected from both advanced and mature node customers [87][88] Question: Can you provide details on the backlog for 2024? - The company expects to see strength in the semiconductor business, with the largest portion of the backlog coming from this sector [17] Question: How has the revenue from China changed? - Revenue from China increased to 33% of total revenue in 2023, driven by mature node semiconductor sales, compared to 19% in the prior year [20][100] Question: What are the expectations for the data storage business? - The data storage business is expected to be flat to up 10% in 2024, with a focus on leveraging ion beam technology for semiconductor applications [90] Question: What is the status of the EVALuation systems? - The company plans to ship multiple EVALuation systems in 2024, with a strong focus on turning these into revenue and follow-on production [52][54]