Amtech Systems(US:ASYS)2022-02-15 01:57Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Bookings for the first quarter reached $31.6 million, up 77% year-over-year, while backlog increased to $48.5 million, up 250% year-over-year [5] - Revenue for the quarter was $27.3 million, reflecting a 52% year-over-year increase, marking a record over the past three years [5] - Operating income was $1.2 million, compared to $1.3 million in the previous quarter and $1.1 million in the same prior year period [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The power semiconductor market showed strong engagement, with demand for both 300-millimeter and 200-millimeter systems continuing to grow [9] - In the material and substrate segment, there was a shift towards consumables as customers began to bring previous capacity expansions online [10] - The company is seeing increased quoting activity for silicon carbide wafer capacity expansions, indicating a solidifying demand for equipment orders [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The semiconductor equipment industry is experiencing cyclical changes, influenced by market demand fluctuations [18] - The backlog is extending into the first fiscal year of 2023, indicating a longer fulfillment timeline due to supply chain constraints [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its manufacturing footprint in Shanghai and is operating near capacity, with plans to increase throughput once supply chain challenges normalize [8] - There is an emphasis on capturing additional opportunities in the power semiconductor market as manufacturers expand capacity [9] - The company is investing in R&D to offer newer technologies and products, with current R&D spending at approximately 6% of revenues [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding ongoing market uncertainties, including supply chain constraints, inflation, and labor shortages [12] - The company anticipates revenues for the second quarter to be in the range of $26 million to $28 million, with gross margins expected around 40% [18] - Management remains optimistic about long-term opportunities driven by demand acceleration and operating leverage in the business model [12] Other Important Information - Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents were $32.2 million as of December 31, 2021, with a new stock repurchase plan approved for $5 million [17] - The company is actively addressing logistical challenges, including shipping surcharges to mitigate impacts on operating expenses [5] Q&A Session Summary Question: Revenue outlook considering COVID-related delays - Management indicated that labor and transoceanic shipping limitations are the main challenges, with hopes for improvement over time [21] Question: Backlog composition - A significant portion of the backlog is attributed to horizontal diffusion furnaces, alongside other semiconductor products [24] Question: Market share trends in equipment - Management believes they have not lost market share and are actively engaged with customers regarding their planning [30] Question: New tools and margin expectations - New tools introduced are expected to have margin profiles in line with corporate averages, though no booked orders have been announced yet [35] Question: Tax rate guidance - The effective tax rate is expected to average between 25% to 30% for the year [39]