amtech_10q.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
____________________
 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
      
[X]
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
     
For the quarterly period ended: March 31, 2011
OR
[  ]
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
     
For the transition period from ________________ to ________________
 
Commission File Number: 0-11412
 
AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Arizona 86-0411215
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
   
131 South Clark Drive, Tempe, Arizona 85281
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 480-967-5146
 
Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. [X] Yes [   ] No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). [   ] Yes [   ] No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer [   ] Accelerated filer [x]
   
Non-accelerated filer [   ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller Reporting Company [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [   ] No [X]
Shares of Common Stock outstanding as of April 29, 2011: 9,574,899
 

 

AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
  Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
       Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
              Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets  
                     March 31, 2011 (Unaudited) and September 30, 2010 3
              Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)  
                     Three and Six Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 5
              Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)  
                     Six Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 6
              Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 7
       Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  
              Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 18
              Overview 19
              Results of Operations 19
              Liquidity and Capital Resources 21
              Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 22
              Contractual Obligations 22
              Critical Accounting Policies 22
              Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements 23
       Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 24
       Item 4. Controls and Procedures 24
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION  
       Item 1A. Risk Factors 25
       Item 6. Exhibits 25
SIGNATURES 26
EXHIBIT INDEX 27

2
 

 

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands except share data)
 
    March 31,   September 30,
    2011   2010
        (Unaudited)          
Assets            
Current Assets            
       Cash and cash equivalents   $ 67,528   $ 56,764
       Restricted cash     11,070     6,192
       Accounts receivable            
              Trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $185 and $181 at            
                     March 31, 2011 and September 30, 2010, respectively)     19,528     9,252
              Unbilled and other     26,749     15,231
       Inventories     34,823     24,317
       Deferred income taxes     3,900     2,130
       Other     5,257     2,568
              Total current assets     168,855     116,454
             
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net     12,165     9,577
Deferred Income Taxes - Long Term     3,044     2,660
Intangible Assets - Net     5,465     2,571
Goodwill     13,347     4,839
       Total Assets   $        202,876   $        136,101
  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
3
 

 

AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands except share data)
 
    March 31,   September 30,
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity   2011   2010
Current Liabilities                
       Accounts payable
  $ 19,528   $ 12,446  
       Accrued compensation and related taxes
    10,530     8,305  
       Accrued warranty expense
    2,395     1,843  
       Deferred profit
    20,956     11,439  
       Customer deposits
    23,150     8,858  
       Other accrued liabilities
    2,703     1,605  
       Income taxes payable
    9,340     6,320  
              Total current liabilities     88,602     50,816  
               
Income Taxes Payable Long-term and Other     1,647     1,042  
              Total liabilities     90,249     51,858  
               
Commitments and Contingencies              
               
Stockholders' Equity              
       Preferred stock; 100,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
    -     -  
       Common stock; $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized;
             
              shares issued and outstanding: 9,574,899 and 9,209,213              
              at March 31, 2011 and September 30, 2010, respectively     96     92  
       Additional paid-in capital
    79,537     72,919  
       Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    1,478     (982 )
       Retained Earnings
    24,723     12,214  
              Total Amtech Systems Inc. stockholders' equity     105,834     84,243  
       Noncontrolling interest
    6,793     -  
              Total Equity     112,627     84,243  
       Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity   $        202,876   $        136,101  
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
4
 

 

AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
    Three Months Ended March 31,   Six Months Ended March 31,
        2011       2010       2011       2010
Revenues, net of returns and allowances   $             61,253   $             16,077     $           114,965   $           31,534  
Cost of sales     36,550     11,369       70,666     22,226  
       Gross profit     24,703     4,708       44,299     9,308  
                             
Selling, general and administrative     11,249     4,061       21,646     8,037  
Research and development     934     225       1,782     722  
       Operating income     12,520     422       20,871     549  
                             
Interest and other income (expense), net     75     (76 )     46     (74 )
                             
Income before income taxes     12,595     346       20,917     475  
                             
Income tax provision     5,100     140       8,430     190  
                             
       Net income     7,495     206       12,487     285  
                             
Add: Net Loss Attributable to noncontrolling interest     22     -       22     -  
       Net income attributable to Amtech Systems, Inc.   $ 7,517   $ 206     $ 12,509   $ 285  
                              
Earnings Per Share:                            
                             
Basic income per share attributable to Amtech shareholders   $ 0.79   $ 0.02     $ 1.33   $ 0.03  
Weighted average shares outstanding     9,487     9,018       9,381     8,995  
                             
Diluted income per share attributable to Amtech
       shareholders
  $ 0.77   $ 0.02     $ 1.29   $ 0.03  
Weighted average shares outstanding     9,781     9,239       9,702     9,156  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
5
 

 

AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
 
    Six Months Ended March 31,
        2011       2010
Operating Activities                
       Net income   $ 12,487     $ 285  
       Adjustments to reconcile net income to net                
              cash provided by (used in) operating activities:                
                     Depreciation and amortization
    1,222       845  
                     Write-down of inventory
    564       258  
                     Deferred income taxes
    (2,010 )     (9 )
                     Non-cash stock based compensation expense
    743       570  
                     Provision for (reversal of) allowance for doubtful accounts
    47       (20 )
       Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
                     Restricted cash
    (4,702 )     (3,949 )
                     Accounts receivable
    (20,263 )     (2,430 )
                     Inventories
    (9,882 )     (8,708 )
                     Accrued income taxes
    3,725       (441 )
                     Prepaid expenses and other assets
    (2,140 )     (1,991 )
                     Accounts payable
    6,479       7,723  
                     Accrued liabilities and customer deposits
    16,149     12,923  
                     Deferred profit
    8,814       (501 )
       Net cash provided by operating activities     11,233       4,555  
Investing Activities                
       Purchases of property, plant and equipment     (2,866 )     (2,059 )
       Investment in note receivable     -       (1,000 )
       Acquisition of interest in Kingstone, net of cash acquired of $365     (1,055 )     -  
       Net cash used in investing activities     (3,921 )     (3,059 )
Financing Activities                
       Proceeds from issuance of common stock     1,316       155  
       Payments on long-term obligations     (62 )     (59 )
       Excess tax benefit of stock options     728       9  
       Net cash provided by financing activities     1,982       105  
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash     1,470       (754 )
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents     10,764       847  
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period     56,764       42,298  
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period   $           67,528     $           43,145  
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:                
       Income tax refunds   $ 79     $ 21  
       Income tax payments   $ 6,265     $ 637  
Supplemental Non-cash Financing Activities:                
       Issuance of common stock for acquisition of interest in Kingstone   $ 3,835     $ -  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
6
 

 

AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2011 AND 2010
(UNAUDITED)
 
1. Basis of Presentation
 
Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation – Amtech Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) designs, assembles, sells and installs capital equipment and related consumables used in the manufacture of solar cells, semiconductors and wafers of various materials, primarily for the solar and semiconductor industries. The Company sells these products worldwide, primarily in Asia, the United States and Europe. The Company serves markets in industries that are experiencing rapid technological advances, and which historically have been cyclical. Therefore, future profitability and growth depend on the Company’s ability to develop or acquire and market profitable new products, and on its ability to adapt to cyclical trends.
 
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and consequently do not include all disclosures normally required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary, all of which are of a normal and recurring nature, to present fairly our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010.
 
The consolidated results of operations for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2011, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.
 
Principles of Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Amtech and its consolidated subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Revenue RecognitionRevenue is recognized upon shipment of the Company’s proven technology equal to the sales price less the greater of (i) the fair value of undelivered services and (ii) the contingent portion of the sales price, which is generally 10-20% of the total contract price. The entire cost of the equipment relating to proven technology is recorded upon shipment. The remaining contractual revenue, deferred costs and installation costs are recorded upon the completion of installation at the customers’ premises and acceptance of the product by the customer.
 
For purposes of revenue recognition, proven technology means the Company has a history of at least two successful installations. New technology systems are those systems with respect to which the Company cannot demonstrate that it can meet the provisions of customer acceptance at the time of shipment. The full amount of revenue and costs of new technology shipments is recognized upon the completion of installation at the customers’ premises and acceptance of the product by the customer.
 
Revenue from services is recognized as the services are performed. Revenue from prepaid service contracts is recognized ratably over the life of the contract. Revenue from spare parts is recorded upon shipment.
 
7
 

 

Deferred Profit – Revenue deferred pursuant to the Company’s revenue recognition policy, net of the related deferred costs, if any, is recorded as deferred profit in current liabilities. The components of deferred profit are as follows:
 
    March 31,   September 30,
        2011       2010
    (dollars in thousands)
Deferred revenues   $ 22,733   $ 12,577
Deferred costs     1,777     1,138
Deferred profit   $          20,956   $ 11,439
  

Concentrations of Credit Risk – Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of trade accounts receivable and cash. The Company’s customers, located throughout the world, consist of manufacturers of solar cells, semiconductors, semiconductor wafers, LEDs and MEMS. Credit risk is managed by performing ongoing credit evaluations of the customers’ financial condition, by requiring significant deposits where appropriate, and by actively monitoring collections. Letters of credit are required of certain customers depending on the size of the order, type of customer or its creditworthiness, and its country of domicile. Reserves for potentially uncollectible receivables are maintained based on an assessment of collectability.
 
The Company maintains its cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in multiple financial institutions. Balances in the United States (approximately 30% of total cash balances) are primarily invested in US Treasuries or are in financial institutions insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The remainder of the Company’s cash is maintained in banks in The Netherlands, France and China that are uninsured.
 
As of March 31, 2011, four customers accounted for 15%, 13%, 13% and 12% of accounts receivable, individually.
 
Restricted Cash Restricted cash of $11.1 million and $6.2 million as of March 31, 2011 and September 30, 2010, includes collateral for bank guarantees required by certain customers from whom deposits have been received in advance of shipment. Restricted cash as of March 31, 2011, also includes $6.1 million in an escrow account related to the acquisition of Kingstone Technology Hong Kong Limited (Kingstone). See Note 7, “Acquisition,” for additional information regarding the Kingstone acquisition.
 
Accounts Receivable - Unbilled and Other – Unbilled and other accounts receivable consist mainly of the contingent portion of the sales price that is not collectible until successful installation of the product. These amounts are generally billed upon final customer acceptance. The majority of these amounts are offset by balances included in deferred profit. As of March 31, 2011, the unbilled and other includes $3.7 million of Value Added Tax (VAT) receivables at our Netherlands operations. These are taxes that we have paid to our vendors that will be refunded to the Company by the government.
 
Inventories – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Approximately 85% of inventory are valued on an average cost basis with the remainder determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis. The components of inventories are as follows:
 
        March 31,       September 30,
    2011   2010
    (dollars in thousands)
Purchased parts and raw materials   $ 15,405   $ 12,894
Work-in-process     13,271     9,497
Finished goods     6,147     1,926
    $           34,823   $ 24,317
 

8
 

 

Property, Plant and Equipment – Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. The cost of property retired or sold and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the applicable accounts when disposition occurs and any gain or loss is recognized. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. Useful lives for equipment, machinery and leasehold improvements range from three to seven years; for furniture and fixtures from five to ten years; and for buildings twenty years.
 
The following is a summary of property, plant and equipment:
 
    March 31,   September 30,
        2011       2010
    (dollars in thousands)
Land, building and leasehold improvements   $ 10,103     $ 8,099  
Equipment and machinery     5,242       4,918  
Furniture and fixtures     5,246       3,991  
                 20,591       17,008  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization     (8,426 )                  (7,431 )
    $ 12,165     $ 9,577  
 

Goodwill - Goodwill is not subject to amortization and is reviewed for impairment on an annual basis, typically at the end of the fiscal year, or more frequently if circumstances dictate.
 
The following is a summary of activity in goodwill:
 
    Six Months Ended
    March 31, 2011
        (dollars in thousands)
Beginning balance   $ 4,839
Goodwill recognized due to acquisition     8,360
Net exchange differences     148
Ending balance   $ 13,347
 

Intangibles – Intangible assets are capitalized and amortized over their useful life if the life is determinable. If the life in not determinable, amortization is not recorded.
 
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
 
In the second quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company acquired a 55% ownership of Kingstone, a Hong Kong-based holding company that owns 100% of Kingstone Semiconductor Company Ltd, a Shanghai-based technology company specializing in ion implant solutions for the solar and semiconductor industries. The intangible assets of Kingstone consist of in-process research and development, non-compete agreements, technology and the trade name totaling $3.2 million. The fair value of the intangible assets was determined by a valuation approach that estimates the future economic benefit stream of the asset determined with the assistance of an independent third-party consultant. The benefit stream was then discounted to present value with an appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate. See Note 7, “Acquisition,” for detail of the intangible assets acquired.
 
9
 

 

The following is a summary of intangibles:
 
        March 31,   September 30,
        Useful Life       2011       2010
        (dollars in thousands)
Non-compete agreements   4-8 years   $ 1,072     $ 166  
Customer lists   10 years     908       876  
Technology   5-10 years     2,500       1,737  
Licenses   10 years     500       890  
In-process research and development   (1)     1,600       -  
Other   2-10 years     100       90  
          6,680       3,759  
Accumulated amortization                     (1,215 )                 (1,188 )
        $ 5,465     $ 2,571  
  

       (1)       The in-process research and development will be amortized over its useful life when it has reached technological feasibility.

Warranty – A limited warranty is provided free of charge, generally for periods of 12 to 24 months, for all purchases of the Company’s new products and systems. Accruals are recorded for estimated warranty costs at the time revenue is recognized.
 
The following is a summary of activity in accrued warranty expense:
 
    Six Months Ended March 31,
        2011       2010
    (dollars in thousands)
Beginning balance   $ 1,843     $ 1,429  
Warranty expenditures     (496 )     (267 )
Warranty expense     1,048       172  
Ending balance   $              2,395     $              1,334  
 

Stock-Based Compensation - The Company measures compensation costs relating to share-based payment transactions based upon the grant-date fair value of the award. Those costs are recognized as expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. The benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost are credited to additional paid-in capital and reported as cash flow from financing activities rather than as cash flow from operating activities. Our stock-based compensation plans are summarized in the table below:
 
    Shares   Shares       Plan
Name of Plan       Authorized       Available       Options Outstanding       Expiration
2007 Employee Stock Incentive Plan   1,400,000   671,987   432,171   Apr. 2017
1998 Employee Stock Option Plan   500,000   -   80,272   Jan. 2008
Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan   350,000   126,600   86,853   Jul. 2015
        798,587   599,296    
  

10
 

 

Share-based compensation expense reduced the Company’s results of operations by the following amounts:
 
    Three Months Ended March 31,   Six Months Ended March 31,
        2011       2010       2011       2010
    (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Effect on income before income taxes (1)   $                      (369 )   $                      (193 )   $                      (743 )   $                      (570 )
Effect on income taxes     108       57       278       170  
Effect on net income   $ (261 )   $ (136 )   $ (465 )   $ (400 )
 
       (1)        Stock-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
 
Stock options issued under the terms of the plans have, or will have, an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair market value of the common stock at the date of the option grant and expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant, with the most recent grant expiring in 2021. Options issued by the Company vest over 2 to 5 years.
 
Stock option transactions and the options outstanding are summarized as follows:
 
    Six Months Ended March 31,
    2011   2010
            Weighted           Weighted
            Average           Average
            Exercise           Exercise
        Options       Price       Options       Price
Outstanding at beginning of period     636,283     $ 7.59     691,403     $ 7.03
Granted     139,233       17.12     102,000       6.44
Exercised     (175,220 )     7.42     (25,608 )     6.04
Forfeited     (1,000 )     6.93     (5,625 )     5.47
Outstanding at end of period     599,296     $ 9.85     762,170     $ 6.99
                             
Exercisable at end of period     207,703     $ 7.98     436,358     $ 7.21
Weighted average fair value of options                            
granted during the period   $ 10.77           $ 3.97        

The fair value of options was estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
 
    Six Months Ended March 31,
        2011       2010
Risk free interest rate   1.67%   2.57%
Expected life   6 years   6 years
Dividend rate   0%   0%
Volatility   70%   68%
Forfeiture rate   4%   6%

To estimate expected lives for this valuation, it was assumed that options will be exercised at varying schedules after becoming fully vested. Forfeitures have been estimated at the time of grant and will be revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based upon historical experience. Fair value computations are highly sensitive to the volatility factor assumed in that the greater the volatility, the higher the computed fair value of the options granted.
 
11
 

 

Total fair value of options granted was approximately $1.5 million and $0.4 million for the six months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
The Company awards restricted shares under the existing share-based compensation plans. Our restricted share-awards vest in equal annual installments over a two to four-year period. The total value of these awards is expensed on a ratable basis over the service period of the employees receiving the grants. The “service period” is the time during which the employees receiving grants must remain employees for the shares granted to fully vest.
 
Restricted stock transactions and awards outstanding are summarized as follows:
 
    Six Months Ended March 31,
    2011   2010
          Weighted         Weighted
          Average         Average
          Grant Date         Grant Date
        Awards       Fair Value       Awards       Fair Value
Beginning Outstanding   128,751     $ 6.34   122,875     $ 5.85
Awarded   35,517       17.28   24,000       6.15
Released   (37,376 )     6.27   (33,625 )     6.46
Forfeited   -       -   (1,250 )     8.20
Ending Outstanding   126,892     $ 9.43   112,000     $ 5.70
 

Total fair value of restricted shares awarded was approximately $0.6 million and $0.1 million for the six months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments – Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash - The carrying amount of these assets on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets approximates their fair value because of the short maturities of these instruments.
 
Receivables, Payables and Accruals—The recorded amounts of financial instruments, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities, approximate their fair value because of the short maturities of these instruments.
 
Long-term Debt— The carrying values of the Company’s long-term debt approximate fair value because their variable interest rates approximate the prevailing interest rates for similar debt instruments.
 
PensionsThe Company has retirement plans covering substantially all employees. The principal plans are defined contribution plans, except for the plans of the Company’s operations in the Netherlands and France and the plan for hourly union employees in Pennsylvania. The Company’s employees in the Netherlands, France and hourly union employees in Pennsylvania participate in multi-employer plans. Payment to defined contribution plans and the multi-employer plan are recognized as an expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as they become due.
 
Shipping expense – Shipping expenses of $1.5 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Shipping expenses of $2.7 million and $0.5 million for the six months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
 
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Research and development expense – Research and development expenses consist of the cost of employees, consultants and contractors who design, engineer and develop new products and processes; materials and supplies used in those activities; and product prototyping. The Company receives reimbursements through governmental research and development grants which are netted against these expenses. The table below shows gross research and development expenses and grants earned:
 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    March 31,   March 31,   March 31,   March 31,
        2011       2010       2011       2010
    (dollars in thousands)   (dollars in thousands)
Research and development   $ 1,047     $ 644     $ 1,994     $ 1,205  
Grants earned     (113 )     (419 )     (212 )     (483 )
       Net research and development   $ 934     $ 225     $ 1,782     $ 722  
  

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-29, “Business Combinations: Disclosure for Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations.” If a public entity presents financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combinations that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only. It requires expanded supplemental pro forma disclosures to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. The Update is effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The Company will evaluate the impact of this update on future acquisitions as they occur.
 
2. Income Taxes
 
The quarterly income tax provision is calculated using an estimated annual effective tax rate, based upon expected annual income, permanent items, statutory rates and planned tax strategies in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates.
 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying value of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The Company records a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized. Our expectations regarding realization of our deferred tax assets is based upon the weight of all available evidence, including such factors as our recent earnings history and expected future taxable income. The Company maintains a valuation allowance with respect to certain state and foreign net operating losses that may not be recovered. Each quarter the valuation allowance is re-evaluated. During the quarter ended March 31, 2011, no significant changes were made to the valuation allowance.
 
The Company classifies uncertain tax positions as non-current income taxes payable unless expected to be paid within one year. At March 31, 2011, and September 30, 2010, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $1.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively. If recognized, these amounts would favorably impact the effective tax rate.
 
The Company classifies interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of March 31, 2011, and September 20, 2010, the Company accrued $0.1 million for potential interest and penalties. The Company and one or more of its subsidiaries file income tax returns in The Netherlands, Germany, France and other foreign jurisdictions, as well as the U.S. and various states in the U.S. The Company and its subsidiaries have open tax years primarily from fiscal 2004 to fiscal 2008 with taxing foreign jurisdictions. The Company is currently under IRS examination for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009. These open years contain certain matters that could be subject to differing interpretations of applicable tax laws and regulations as they relate to the amount, timing, or inclusion of revenues and expenses, or the sustainability of income tax positions of the Company and its subsidiaries.
 
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3. Earnings Per Share
 
Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed similarly to basic EPS except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potentially dilutive common shares had been issued.
 
For the three and six months ended March 31, 2011, options for 135,900 and 139,233 shares, respectively, are excluded from the diluted EPS calculations because they are anti-dilutive. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2010, options for 149,000 and 267,000 shares, respectively, and 14,000 and 4,125 restricted stock award shares, respectively, are excluded from the diluted EPS calculations because they are anti-dilutive.
 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    March 31,   March 31,
        2011       2010       2011       2010
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)   (in thousands, except per share amounts)
Basic Earnings Per Share Computation                        
       Net income attributable to Amtech Systems, Inc.   $ 7,517   $ 206   $ 12,509   $ 285
                         
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:                        
       Common stock     9,487     9,018     9,381     8,995
                         
Basic earnings per share attributable to Amtech shareholders   $ 0.79   $ 0.02   $ 1.33   $ 0.03
                         
Diluted Earnings Per Share Computation                        
       Net income attributable to Amtech Systems, Inc.   $ 7,517   $ 206   $ 12,509   $ 285
                         
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:                        
       Common stock     9,487     9,018     9,381     8,995
       Common stock equivalents (1)     294     221     321     161
       Diluted shares     9,781     9,239     9,702     9,156
                          
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Amtech shareholders   $ 0.77   $ 0.02   $ 1.29   $ 0.03
 
       (1)       The number of common stock equivalents is calculated using the treasury stock method and the average market price during the period.
 
4. Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    March 31,   March 31,
    2011       2010       2011       2010
        (dollars in thousands)   (dollars in thousands)
Net income, as reported   $ 7,495   $ 206     $ 12,487   $ 285  
Foreign currency translation adjustment     3,913     (2,173 )     2,460     (2,821 )
Comprehensive income (loss)     11,408     (1,967 )     14,947     (2,536 )
                             
       Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest     22     -       22     -  
Comprehensive income attributable to Amtech Systems, Inc.   $           11,430   $           (1,967 )   $           14,969   $           (2,536 )
  

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5. Major Customers and Foreign Sales
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2011, four customers, individually, represented 20%, 17%, 15% and 13% of net revenues. During the six months ended March 31, 2011, three customers, individually, represented 17%, 14% and 13% of net revenues. During the three months ended March 31, 2010, three customers, individually, represented 16%, 12% and 11% of net revenues. During the six months ended March 31, 2010, two customers represented 21% and 18% of net revenues.
 
Our net revenues were to customers in the following geographic regions:
 
    Six Months Ended
    March 31,
        2011       2010
       Total North America   6%   10%
China   61%   57%
Taiwan   21%   7%
Other   4%   7%
       Total Asia
  86%   71%
       Total Europe   8%   19%
    100%   100%
 

6. Commitments and Contingencies
 
Purchase Obligations – As of March 31, 2011, we had purchase obligations in the amount of $80 million compared to $40 million as of September 30, 2010. These purchase obligations consist of outstanding purchase orders for goods and services. While the amount represents purchase agreements, the actual amounts to be paid may be less if any agreements are renegotiated, cancelled or terminated.
 
LitigationThe Company is a party to various claims arising in the normal course of business. Management believes the resolution of these matters will not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
 
See Note 7, “Acquisition,” for additional commitments and contingencies.
 
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7. Acquisition
 
The Company entered into a Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), effective as of January 27, 2011, among the Company, Kingstone Technology Hong Kong Limited (“Kingstone”), Silicon Jade Limited (“Silicon Jade”), the sole shareholder of Kingstone, and certain shareholders of Silicone Jade. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company acquired a 55% ownership interest in Kingstone, which is a Hong Kong-based holding company that owns 100% of Kingstone Semiconductor Company Ltd (“Kingstone Semiconductor”), a Shanghai-based technology company specializing in ion implant solutions for the solar and semiconductor industries. The acquisition pursuant to the Purchase Agreement was consummated on February 18, 2011.
 
The Company paid $5.3 million to Silicon Jade, comprised of a cash payment in the amount of $1.4 million and 153,000 shares of the Company’s common stock with a value of approximately $3.8 million. The Company paid $4 million to Kingstone comprised of a promissory note in the amount of $3.7 million (the “Stock Purchase Note”), and a cash payment of $0.3 million already paid by the Company pursuant to a prior agreement in exchange for newly issued Kingstone shares. In exchange for the purchase price of $9.3 million, the Company received fifty-five percent of the outstanding stock of Kingstone. The amount of $3.7 million was deposited into escrow by the Company to be released in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement and applied to the principal balance of the Stock Purchase Note. If certain termination events occur, relating to the achievement of specified milestones in the development of the Solar Tool, the Company will be relieved of its obligation to make further payments on the Stock Purchase Note, but the Company will retain its ownership of fifty-five percent of Kingstone.
 
In addition to the purchase price described above, the Company has agreed to provide Kingstone with a loan in the amount of $4 million (the “Solar Tool Loan”), to be used for the development and manufacture of two beta versions of the Solar Tool. The Solar Tool Loan will be funded periodically after the Stock Purchase Note has been paid in full. The Company deposited $4 million into escrow for the purpose of funding the Solar Tool Loan in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement. Upon the occurrence of a termination event relating to the achievement of specified milestones in the development of the Solar Tool, the Company will be relieved of its obligation to further fund the Solar Tool Loan.
 
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The valuation of acquired assets is preliminary and dependent upon final valuation of assets acquired, including valuation of intangible assets which will be determined with the assistance of an independent third-party consultant. The fair value of intangible assets will be determined by a valuation approach that estimates the future economic benefit stream of the asset. This benefit stream will be discounted to present value with an appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate.
 
As a result of the acquisition, the Company recorded goodwill of $8.3 million. The Kingstone acquisition was strategic providing access to a highly qualified team for development of a new solar ion implant tool to address higher efficiency solar cell concepts. Synergies will be realized through the combination of Kingstone’s development capabilities with Amtech’s distribution and marketing capabilities. The amount of goodwill deductible for tax purposes is zero.
 
The Company recorded intangible assets totaling $3.2 million. The intangible assets are comprised of in-process research and development of $1.6 million, non-compete agreements of $0.9 million, and technology of $0.7 million. The in-process research and development will be amortized over its useful life when it has reached technological feasibility. The useful lives of the technology and non-competition agreements are five years and four years, respectively.
 
As a result of the acquisition, the Company recorded a noncontrolling interest of $6.8 million. The fair value of the noncontrolling interest in Kingstone was determined from our purchase price for a 55% ownership interest discounted 10% due to disadvantages associated with the acquiree’s inability to control various aspects of the enterprise.
 
The Company incurred acquisition related costs of $0.9 million. These costs are included in the selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2011.
 
The revenues and earnings of Kingstone for the three and six months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011, and since the date of the acquisition are immaterial to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in Item 1, “Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010.
 
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 
The statements in this report include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our management’s current expectations and beliefs and involve numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. You should not rely upon these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events because we cannot assure you that the events or circumstances reflected in these statements will be achieved or will occur. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates” or “anticipates” or the negative of these words and phrases or other variations of these words and phrases or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things: our sales, results of operations and anticipated cash flows; capital expenditures; depreciation and amortization expenses; research and development expenses; selling, general and administrative expenses; the development and timing of the introduction of new products and technologies; our ability to maintain and develop relationships with our existing and potential future customers and our ability to maintain the level of investment in research and development and capacity that is required to remain competitive. Many factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: whether we will be able to complete acquisitions and integrate such businesses successfully and achieve anticipated synergies; variability of our revenues and financial performance; risks associated with product development and technological changes; the acceptance of our products in the marketplace by existing and potential future customers; disruption of operations or increases in expenses caused by civil or political unrest or other catastrophic events; general economic conditions and conditions in the solar and semiconductor industries in particular; the continued employment of our key personnel and risks associated with competition.
 
For a discussion of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, see the “Risk Factors” set forth in Item 1A of Part I of Amtech Systems, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this item of this report and the other risks and uncertainties that are set forth elsewhere in this report or detailed in our other Securities and Exchange Commission reports and filings. We assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
 
Introduction
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is intended to facilitate an understanding of our business and results of operations. MD&A consists of the following sections:
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Overview
 
We are a leading supplier of thermal processing systems, including related automation, parts and services, to the solar/photovoltaic, semiconductor, silicon wafer and MEMS industries. We also manufacture polishing templates, steel carriers and double-sided polishing and lapping machines to fabricators of LED’s, optics, quartz, ceramics and metal parts, and for manufacturers of medical equipment components.
 
Our customers are primarily manufacturers of solar cells and integrated circuits. The solar cell and semiconductor industries are cyclical and historically have experienced significant fluctuations. Our revenue is impacted by these broad industry trends.
 
Results of Operations
 
The following table sets forth certain operational data as a percentage of net revenue for the periods indicated:
 
    Three Months Ended         Six Months Ended
        March 31,       March 31,       March 31,       March 31,
    2011   2010   2011   2010
Net revenue   100 %   100 %   100 %   100 %
Cost of goods sold   60 %   71 %   61 %   70 %
Gross margin   40 %   29 %   39 %   30 %
Operating expenses:                        
       Selling, general and administrative   18 %   26 %   19 %   25 %
       Research and Development   2 %   1 %   1 %   3 %
Total operating expenses   20 %   27 %   20 %   28 %
Income from operations   20 %   2 %   19 %   2 %
Interest income (expense), net   0 %   0 %   0 %   0 %
Income before income taxes   20 %   2 %   19 %   2 %
Income taxes   8 %   1 %   7 %   1 %
Net Income        12 %        1 %        12 %        1 %
                         
Net Revenue
 
Net revenue consists of revenue recognized upon shipment or installation of products using proven technology and upon acceptance of products using new technology. In addition, spare parts sales are recognized upon shipment. Service revenue is recognized upon completion of the service activity or ratably over the term of the service contract. The majority of our revenue is generated from large furnace system sales which, depending on the timing of shipment and installation, can have a significant impact on our revenue and earnings in any given period.
 
Net revenue for the quarters ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $61.3 million and $16.1 million, respectively; an increase of $45.2 million or 281%. Revenue increased primarily due to significantly higher shipments of our equipment to the solar industry, partially offset by an increase in the amount of revenue deferred. Net revenue from the solar market was $53.4 million and $10.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively; a $42.5 million or 390% increase.
 
Net revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $115.0 million and $31.5 million, respectively; an increase of $83.4 million or 265%. Revenue increased primarily due to significantly higher shipments of our equipment to the solar industry, partially offset by an increase in the amount of revenue deferred. Net revenue from the solar market was $99.3 million and $22.8 million for the six months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively; a $76.5 million or 336% increase.
 
Backlog and Orders
 
Our order backlog as of March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $195.1 million and $87.2 million, respectively. Our backlog as of March 31, 2011 includes approximately $180.0 million of orders from our solar industry customers, compared to $81.6 million at March 31, 2010. New orders booked in the quarter ended March 31, 2011 increased more than 114% to $72.5 million compared to $34.0 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2010. New orders booked in the six months ended March 31, 2011 increased more than 125% to $209.6 million compared to $93.3 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2010. As the majority of the backlog is denominated in Euros, the weakening of the dollar during the six months of fiscal 2011 resulted in an increase in backlog of approximately $6.1 million. As of March 31, 2011, three customers account for 22%, 18% and 10% of our order backlog, individually. While our order pipeline has slowed recently, the volume of our order pipeline remains healthy.
 
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The orders included in our backlog are generally credit approved customer purchase orders expected to ship within the next twelve months. Because our orders are typically subject to cancellation or delay by the customer, our backlog at any particular point in time is not necessarily representative of actual sales for succeeding periods, nor is backlog any assurance that we will realize profit from completing these orders. Our backlog also includes revenue deferred pursuant to our revenue recognition policy, derived from orders that have already been shipped, but which have not met the criteria for revenue recognition.
 
Gross Profit and Gross Margin
 
Gross profit is the difference between net revenue and cost of goods sold. Cost of goods sold consists of purchased material, labor and overhead to manufacture equipment and spare parts and the cost of service and support to customers for installation, warranty and paid service calls. Gross margin is gross profit as a percent of net revenue.
 
Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $24.7 million and $4.7 million, respectively; an increase of $20.0 million or 425%. Gross margins increased to 40% in the quarter ended March 31, 2011 from 29% in the quarter ended March 31, 2010. Increased gross profit and gross margins were driven by higher volumes which resulted in significantly more efficient capacity utilization, partially offset by higher deferred profit. In the quarter ended March 31, 2011, we had a net profit deferral of $3.7 million compared to a net recognition of $0.3 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2010.
 
Gross profit for the six months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $44.3 million and $9.3 million, respectively; an increase of $35.0 million or 376%. Gross margins increased to 39% in the first half of fiscal 2011 from 30% in the first half of fiscal 2010. Increased gross profit and gross margins were driven by higher volumes which resulted in significantly more efficient capacity utilization, partially offset by higher deferred profit. In the first half of fiscal 2011, we had a net profit deferral of $8.8 million compared to a net recognition of $0.5 million in the first half of fiscal 2010.
 
Selling, General and Administrative
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of the cost of employees, consultants and contractors, facility costs, sales commissions, promotional marketing expenses, legal and accounting expenses.
 
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were $11.2 million or 19% of revenue. For the three months ended March 31, 2010, SG&A expenses were $4.1 million or 26% of revenue. SG&A expenses include $0.4 million and $0.2 million of stock-based compensation expense in each of the quarters ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The increase in SG&A expenses was due primarily to higher commissions and shipping expenses related to higher revenues. SG&A also increased due to higher legal and consulting fees, primarily related to acquisition activities as well as higher compensation expense from increased headcount and higher incentive compensation expense due to improved financial results.
 
For the six months ended March 31, 2011, SG&A expenses were $21.6 million or 19% of revenue. For the six months ended March 31, 2010, SG&A expenses were $8.0 million or 25% of revenue. SG&A expenses include $0.7 million and $0.6 million of stock-based compensation expense for the six months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The increase in SG&A expenses was due primarily to higher commissions and shipping expenses related to higher revenues. SG&A also increased due to higher legal and consulting fees, primarily related to acquisition activities as well as higher compensation expense from increased headcount and higher incentive compensation expense due to improved financial results.
 
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Research and Development
 
Research and development expenses consist of the cost of employees, consultants and contractors who design, engineer and develop new products and processes as well as materials and supplies used in producing prototypes. Reimbursement of research and development costs in the form of governmental research and development grants are netted against these expenses.
 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    March 31,   March 31,   Incr.         March 31,   March 31,   Incr.      
    2011        2010        (Decr.)        %        2011        2010        (Decr.)        %
         (dollars in thousands)                 (dollars in thousands)              
Research and development   $ 1,047     $ 644     $ 403     63 %   $ 1,994     $ 1,205     $ 789     65 %
Grants earned     (113 )     (419 )     (306 )   (73 %)     (212 )     (483 )     (271 )   (56 %)
       Net research and development   $      934     $      225     $      709          315 %   $      1,782     $      722     $      1,060          147 %
                                                             
Research and development costs (net of grants earned) for the three and six months periods ending March 31, 2011 increased $0.7 million and $1.1 million, respectively, compared to the same periods in fiscal 2010. Increased research and development spending relates mainly to research in the technology of solar (photovoltaic) cell manufacturing to increase cell efficiency. We receive reimbursements through governmental research and development grants which are netted against these expenses. We expect the development of an ion implanter for the solar market to cause a significant increase in our research and development expenses over the next two years.
 
Income Taxes
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, we recorded income tax expense of $5.1 million and $0.1 million for effective tax rates of 40% and 41%, respectively. During the six months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, we recorded income tax expense of $8.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The effective tax rates used in calculating the income tax provision for the six months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 were each 40%, based upon estimates of annual income, annual permanent differences and statutory tax rates in the various jurisdictions in which we operate.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
At March 31, 2011 and September 30, 2010, cash and cash equivalents were $67.5 million and $56.8 million, respectively. At March 31, 2011 and September 30, 2010, restricted cash was $11.1 million and $6.2 million, respectively. Restricted cash as of March 31, 2011, includes $6.1 million in an escrow account for future funding of research and development expenses for ion implant technology at Kingstone. Our working capital was $80.4 million as of March 31, 2011 and $65.6 million as of September 30, 2010.
 
The increase in cash was primarily provided by cash from operating activities of $11.2 million, discussed below. This was offset by purchases of property, plant and equipment of $2.9 million and $1.1 million towards the purchase of our ownership interest in Kingstone. Our ratio of current assets to current liabilities decreased to 1.9:1 as of March 31, 2011 from 2.3:1 as of September 30, 2010. The decline in our current ratio was due to the simultaneous increase in our current assets and current liabilities as we ramped up inventory purchases to meet the growing order backlog. Current assets increased $52.4 million while current liabilities increased $37.8 million. The increase in customer orders is expected to result in higher operating levels which may result in certain periods where the net cash used for working capital items and potential capital expenditures will exceed net income. We have never paid dividends on our Common Stock. Our present policy is to apply cash to investments in product development, acquisitions or expansion; consequently, we do not expect to pay dividends on Common Stock in the foreseeable future. Research and development expenses are expected to increase over the next two years as a result of the solar tool development project described in footnote 7, “Acquisition.”
 
The success of our growth strategy is dependent upon the availability of additional capital resources on terms satisfactory to management. Our sources of capital in the past have included the sale of equity securities, which include common and preferred stock sold in private transactions and public offerings, capital leases and long-term debt. There can be no assurance that we can raise such additional capital resources on satisfactory terms. We believe that our principal sources of liquidity discussed above are sufficient to support operations.
 
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Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
Cash provided by our operating activities was $11.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $4.6 million provided by such activities for the six months ended March 31, 2010. During the six months ended March 31, 2011 cash was primarily generated by earnings from operations, adjusted for non-cash charges. Additional cash was generated by increases in current liabilities, such as customer deposits received with sales orders, accounts payable, accrued compensation and deferred profit. These increases were offset by an increase in restricted cash due to customers requiring bank guarantees for their deposits and restricted cash related to the Kingstone acquisition, an increase in inventory necessary to fulfill our backlog of orders, an increase in accounts receivable due to the record volumes of shipments during the quarter, as well as an increase in prepayments to vendors to take advantage of available discounts. During the six months ended March 31, 2010 cash was primarily generated by customer deposits received with orders and an increase in accounts payable. These increases were offset by an increase in restricted cash due to customers requiring bank guarantees for their deposits, an increase in inventory necessary to fulfill our backlog of orders, an increase in account receivable due to a high concentration of shipments at the end of the quarter, as well as an increase in vendor prepayments to take advantage of available discounts.
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
 
Our investing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 used $3.9 million and $3.1 million respectively. In the second quarter of fiscal 2011 we acquired a 55% interest in Kingstone. The cash portion of the Kingstone investment in the second quarter of fiscal 2011 was $1.1 million. We also had capital expenditures in the first six months of fiscal 2011 of $2.9 million. The company purchased the existing corporate office building for $1.0 million in the second quarter. The remainder of the capital expenditures in fiscal 2011 were at our Netherlands operation to support their continued growth and expansion. In the first six months of fiscal 2010 the company invested $2.1 in capital expenditures including land in the Netherlands adjacent to our current manufacturing facilities for $1.0 million in the second quarter of 2010. The remainder of the capital expenditures was for machinery and equipment and infrastructure due to our capacity expansion, primarily at our Netherlands location. In the second quarter of fiscal 2010, we provided a $1.0 million short-term loan to one of our technology partners.
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
For the six months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, $2.0 million and $0.1 million of cash was provided by financing activities, respectively. The primary source of cash received from financing activities during the six months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, was proceeds from the issuance of common stock through the exercise of stock options.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
As of March 31, 2011, Amtech had no off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
Contractual Obligations
 
The only significant changes in contractual obligations since the end of fiscal 2010 have been purchase obligations. See Note 6 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Purchase obligations increased $40.2 million from $40.1 million as of September 30, 2010 to $80.3 million as of March 31, 2011. The increase in purchase obligations relates to the continued increase in sales orders and backlog. To meet the increased demand, we accelerated our purchases of inventory. We also have a contractual obligation to fund the development of the solar tool discussed in Note 7 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Amtech’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2010, for information on the Company’s other contractual obligations.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” discusses our condensed consolidated financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period.
 
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On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, inventory valuation, accounts and notes receivable collectability, warranty and impairment of long-lived assets. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates and judgments form the basis for making conclusions about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
 
A critical accounting policy is one that is both important to the presentation of our financial position and results of operations, and requires management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. These uncertainties are discussed in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2010. We believe our critical accounting policies relate to the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
 
We believe the critical accounting policies discussed in the section entitled “Item 7: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 represent the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. There have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies during the six months ended March 31, 2011.
 
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
For discussion of the impact of recently issued accounting pronouncements, see “Item 1: Financial Information” under “Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements”.
 
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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
We are exposed to financial market risks, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Our operations in the United States are conducted in U.S. dollars. The functional currency of our European operation is the Euro, the currency primarily used in the conduct of those operations. Nearly all of the transactions, assets and liabilities of all other operating units are denominated in U.S. dollars, their functional currency. The following disclosures about market risk should be read in conjunction with the more in depth discussion in Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010.
 
As of March 31, 2011, we did not hold any stand-alone or separate derivative instruments. We incurred net foreign currency transaction losses of less than $0.1 million and $0.2 million respectively during the six months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. As of March 31, 2011, our foreign subsidiaries had $6.2 million of assets (cash, receivables and prepaid assets) denominated in currencies other than their functional currency. A 10% change in the value of the functional currency relative to the non-functional currency would result in a gain or loss of $0.6 million. As of March 31, 2011, we had $2.1 million of accounts payable, consisting primarily of amounts owed by our foreign subsidiaries to our U.S. companies, denominated in U.S. dollars. Although the intercompany accounts are eliminated in consolidation, a 10% change in the value of the Euro relative to the U.S. dollar would result in a gain or loss of $0.2 million. The risk associated with foreign currency translation gains and losses may increase with the recent acquisition in China.
 
We incurred foreign currency translation gains of $2.5 million and losses of $2.8 million during the six months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, a type of other comprehensive income (loss), which is a direct adjustment to stockholders’ equity. Our net investment in and advances to our foreign operations totaled $81.7 million as of March 31, 2010. A 10% change in the value of the foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar would cause approximately an $8.2 million foreign currency translation adjustment, The risk associated with foreign currency translation adjustments is expected to increase with the recent acquisition in China.
 
During six months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, our European operations transacted U.S. dollar denominated sales and purchases of $0.9 million and $2.7 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2011, sales commitments denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of our transacting operation totaled $1.1 million. Our lead-times to fulfill these commitments generally range between 13 and 26 weeks. A 10% change in the relevant exchange rates between the time the order was taken and the time of shipment would cause our gross profit on such orders to be $0.1 million greater or less than expected on the date the order was taken. As of March 31, 2011, purchase commitments denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of our transacting operation totaled $7.5 million. A 10% change in the relevant exchange rates between the time the purchase order was placed and the time the order is received would cause our cost of such items to be $0.8 million greater than or less than expected on the date the purchase order was placed.
 
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), has carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2011, pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e). Based upon that evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures in place are effective.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
There has been no change in Amtech’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended March 31, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
 
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
The most significant risk factors applicable to Amtech are described in Part I, Item 1A (Risk Factors) of Amtech’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 (our “2010 Form 10-K”). There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed on our 2010 Form 10-K.
 
Item 6.        Exhibits         
2.1   Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement, by and among Amtech Systems, Inc., Silicon Jade Limited, Kingstone Technology Hong Kong Limited and the shareholders of Silicon Jade Limited that are party thereto, dated as of January 27, 2011.   * +
         
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Amended   *
         
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Amended   *
         
32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   *
         
32.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   *
____________________
 
*         Filed herewith.
 
+   Schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b) (2) of Regulation S-K. The Company agrees to furnish supplementally copies of any of the omitted schedules upon request by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
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SIGNATURES 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
     AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC.
 
      By  /s/ Robert T. Hass        Dated:  May 10, 2011  
    Robert T. Hass    
    Chief Accounting Officer    
    (Principal Accounting Officer)    

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EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit                   Page or
Number   Description     Method of Filing
2.1   Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement, by and among Amtech Systems, Inc., Silicon Jade Limited, Kingstone Technology Hong Kong Limited and the shareholders of Silicon Jade Limited that are party thereto, dated as of January 27, 2011.   * +
         
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Amended   *
         
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Amended   *
         
32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   *
         
32.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   *
____________________

*     Filed herewith.
 
Schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b) (2) of Regulation S-K. The Company agrees to furnish supplementally copies of any of the omitted schedules upon request by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
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