EXHIBIT 99.1

Amtech Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2018 Results

TEMPE, Ariz., May 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Amtech Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASYS), a global manufacturer and supplier of production equipment and related supplies for the solar, semiconductor and LED markets, today reported results for its second quarter ended March 31, 2018.

Second Quarter Fiscal 2018 Financial and Operational Highlights:

Net revenues of $32.8 million (Solar segment $12.6 million)
Net income of $2.8 million
Diluted earnings per share of $0.19
Customer orders of $28.8 million (Solar segment $7.0 million)
Quarter-end backlog of $63.1 million (Solar segment $35.0 million)
Book to bill ratio of 0.9:1 (0.6:1 Solar segment)
Unrestricted cash of $50.5 million

Mr. Fokko Pentinga, Chief Executive Officer of Amtech, commented, “Our semiconductor and polishing businesses are continuing to show year-over-year growth with sales of higher-margin products contributing to the sequential increase in our gross margin. Regarding our Solar segment, I am pleased to report that the installation and start-up of Phase I of the multi-phase 1 gigawatt bi-facial order is going smoothly and we have completed the first and second of three milestones. Our solar revenue is dependent on several factors, including the timing of customers’ investment in expanding solar cell production capacity, particularly the timing of turnkey orders. At this time, we look forward to continuing to assist our solar customers in their planning and review of optimal next-phase investments.”

Net revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 was $32.8 million compared to $73.6 million in the preceding quarter and $32.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. The sequential decrease is primarily due to the shipment in the first quarter of this fiscal year of all of the equipment for Phase II of the large solar turnkey project. The timing of large Semiconductor orders and shipments also contributed to the sequential decrease. Compared to the prior year quarter, net revenue is relatively flat, with increases in Semiconductor and Polishing shipments offset by decreases in Solar shipments.

Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2018 were $50.5 million, compared to $51.1 million at September 30, 2017.

At March 31, 2018, our total order backlog was $63.1 million (Solar segment $35.0 million), compared to total backlog of $65.9 million (Solar segment $39.3 million) at December 31, 2017. Backlog includes deferred revenue and customer orders that are expected to ship within the next 12 months.

Gross margin in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 was 36%, compared to 28% in the preceding quarter and 25% in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Sequentially and compared to prior year, gross margin increased due to a higher-margin product mix and recognition of previously deferred profit, compared to revenue deferrals in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 and in the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

Selling, general and administrative expense ("SG&A") in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 was $9.5 million, compared to $10.6 million in the preceding quarter and $8.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Sequentially, SG&A decreased primarily due to lower commissions and freight resulting from lower shipments. The increase in SG&A from the prior year quarter is due primarily to increased selling, freight and employee-related expenses.

Research, development and engineering (RD&E) expense was $2.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to $2.0 million in the preceding quarter and $1.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017.




Income tax in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 was a benefit of $2.8 million compared to expense of $1.2 million in the preceding quarter and expense of $0.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. The tax benefit recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 is primarily due to the resolution of an uncertain tax position.

Net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 was $2.8 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $1.4 million, or $0.11 per share for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 and net income of $6.5 million or $0.42 per diluted share in the preceding quarter.

Outlook

The company expects revenues for the quarter ending June 30, 2018 to be in the range of $34 to $37 million. Gross margin for the quarter ending June 30, 2018 is expected to be in the mid to upper 20 percent range, with operating margin slightly negative.

The solar and semiconductor equipment industries can be cyclical and inherently impacted by changes in market demand. Additionally, operating results can be impacted by the timing of orders, system shipments and the financial results of solar and semiconductor manufacturers.  The results for the coming quarters will be significantly influenced by the timing of the Phase III order of the 1GW turnkey project. Operating results could also be affected by the net impact of revenue deferral on shipments, recognition of revenue based on customer acceptances, and meeting start-up milestones of the turnkey production lines, all of which can have a significant effect on operating results.

A substantial portion of Amtech's revenues are denominated in Euros. The revenue outlook provided in this press release is based on an assumed exchange rate between the United States Dollar and the Euro. A significant decrease in the value of the Euro in relation to the United States Dollar could cause actual revenues to be lower than anticipated.

Conference Call

Amtech Systems will host a conference call and webcast today at 5:00 p.m. ET to discuss second quarter fiscal 2018 financial results. Those in the USA wishing to participate in the live call should dial (844) 868-9329. From Canada, dial (866) 605-3852, and internationally, dial (412) 317-6703.  Request “Amtech” when connected to the operator. A replay of the call will be available one hour after the end of the conference call through May 17, 2018.  To access the replay please dial US toll free (877) 344-7529 and enter code 10119630. Internationally, dial (412) 317-0088 and use the same code.  A live and archived web cast of the conference call can be accessed in the investor relations section of Amtech's website at www.amtechsystems.com.

About Amtech Systems, Inc.

Amtech Systems, Inc. is a global supplier of advanced thermal processing equipment to the solar, semiconductor / electronics, and LED manufacturing markets. Amtech's equipment includes diffusion, ALD and PECVD systems and solder reflow systems. Amtech also supplies wafer handling automation and polishing equipment and related consumable products. The Company's wafer handling, thermal processing and consumable products currently address the diffusion, oxidation, and deposition steps used in the fabrication of solar cells, LEDs, semiconductors, MEMS, printed circuit boards, semiconductor packaging, and the polishing of newly sliced sapphire and silicon wafers. Amtech’s products are recognized under the leading brand names Tempress SystemsTM, Bruce TechnologiesTM, PR HoffmanTM, R2D AutomationTM, SoLayTec, and BTU International.




Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this press release is forward-looking in nature. All statements in this press release, or made by management of Amtech Systems, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Amtech"), other than statements of historical fact, are hereby identified as "forward-looking statements" (as such term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). The forward-looking statements in this press release relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this press release. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements regarding Amtech's future financial results, operating results, business strategies, projected costs, products under development, competitive positions, and plans and objectives of Amtech and its management for future operations. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "would," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "intends," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," "continue," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology or our management are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. The Form 10-K, as amended, that Amtech filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the year-ended September 30, 2017, listed various important factors that could affect the company’s future operating results and financial condition and could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results and expectations based on forward-looking statements made in this document or elsewhere by Amtech or on its behalf. These factors can be found under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Form 10-K and investors should refer to them. Because it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors, any such list cannot be considered a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.


Contacts:
Amtech Systems, Inc.
Robert T. Hass
Chief Financial Officer
(480) 967-5146
irelations@Amtechsystems.com
Christensen
Investor Relations
Patty Bruner
(480) 201-6075
pbruner@christensenir.com





AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC.
(NASDAQ: ASYS)
May 10, 2018
(Unaudited)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Six Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues, net of returns and allowances
$
32,783

 
$
32,944

 
$
106,394

 
$
62,079

Cost of sales
21,058

 
24,549

 
74,332

 
45,241

Gross profit
11,725

 
8,395

 
32,062

 
16,838

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
9,478

 
8,260

 
20,058

 
15,258

Research, development and engineering
2,182

 
1,535

 
4,173

 
3,163

Operating income (loss)
65

 
(1,400
)
 
7,831

 
(1,583
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from equity method investment
28

 
52

 
2

 
(91
)
Interest and other expense, net
(38
)
 
(197
)
 
(86
)
 
(116
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
55

 
(1,545
)
 
7,747

 
(1,790
)
Income tax (benefit) provision
(2,780
)
 
194

 
(1,540
)
 
284

Net income (loss)
2,835

 
(1,739
)
 
9,287

 
(2,074
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Add: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 
319

 

 
599

Net income (loss) attributable to Amtech Systems, Inc.
$
2,835

 
$
(1,420
)
 
$
9,287

 
$
(1,475
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (Loss) Per Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Amtech shareholders
$
0.19

 
$
(0.11
)
 
$
0.63

 
$
(0.11
)
Weighted average shares outstanding
14,891

 
13,188

 
14,835

 
13,184

Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Amtech shareholders
$
0.19

 
$
(0.11
)
 
$
0.61

 
$
(0.11
)
Weighted average shares outstanding
15,154

 
13,188

 
15,223

 
13,184



  





AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC.
(NASDAQ: ASYS)
May 10, 2018
(unaudited)

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
(in thousands, except share data)
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31,
2018
 
September 30,
2017
Assets
 
 
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
50,495

 
$
51,121

Restricted cash
 
9,662

 
24,640

Accounts receivable
 
 
 
 
Trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,499 and $866 at March 31, 2018, and September 30, 2017, respectively)
 
22,719

 
22,519

Unbilled and other
 
18,651

 
14,275

Inventories
 
29,043

 
30,210

Vendor deposits
 
3,034

 
11,806

Other
 
2,633

 
2,542

Total current assets
 
136,237

 
157,113

Property, Plant and Equipment - Net
 
16,083

 
15,792

Intangible Assets - Net
 
3,289

 
3,495

Goodwill - Net
 
11,646

 
11,405

Investments
 
2,616

 
2,615

Deferred Income Taxes - Long-Term
 
200

 
200

Other Assets - Long-Term
 
946

 
1,003

Total Assets
 
$
171,017

 
$
191,623

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
19,129

 
$
21,555

Accrued compensation and related taxes
 
6,865

 
7,592

Accrued warranty expense
 
1,495

 
1,254

Other accrued liabilities
 
3,262

 
2,056

Customer deposits
 
18,260

 
48,784

Current maturities of long-term debt
 
369

 
361

Deferred profit
 
5,085

 
4,081

Income taxes payable
 
1,933

 
286

Total current liabilities
 
56,398

 
85,969

Long-Term Debt
 
8,217

 
8,134

Income Taxes Payable - Long-Term
 
3,490

 
7,037

Total Liabilities
 
68,105

 
101,140

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: 14,896,004 and 14,710,591 at March 31, 2018, and September 30, 2017, respectively
 
149

 
147

Additional paid-in capital
 
127,367

 
125,564

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(7,192
)
 
(8,529
)
Retained deficit
 
(17,412
)
 
(26,699
)
Total stockholders' equity
 
102,912

 
90,483

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
$
171,017

 
$
191,623






AMTECH SYSTEMS, INC.
(NASDAQ: ASYS)
May 10, 2018
(unaudited)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
9,287

 
$
(2,074
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net
cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
916

 
1,255

Write-down of inventory
126

 
51

Capitalized interest
143

 
204

Deferred income taxes
(23
)
 
24

Non-cash share based compensation expense
463

 
624

(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment
(57
)
 
9

(Gain) loss from equity method investment
(2
)
 
91

Provision for (reversal of) allowance for doubtful accounts, net
48

 
(1,217
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 

Restricted cash
15,710

 
(1,703
)
Accounts receivable
(3,642
)
 
(2,002
)
Inventories
1,644

 
1,840

Accrued income taxes
(1,899
)
 
169

Vendor deposits and other assets
9,097

 
(5,557
)
Accounts payable
(2,954
)
 
1,823

Customer deposits and accrued liabilities
(31,481
)
 
17,531

Deferred profit
819

 
520

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
(1,805
)
 
11,588

Investing Activities
 
 
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(686
)
 
(210
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
68

 
34

Net cash used in investing activities
(618
)
 
(176
)
Financing Activities
 
 
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
1,340

 
94

Payments on long-term debt
(183
)
 
(319
)
Borrowings on long-term debt

 
137

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
1,157

 
(88
)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents
640

 
(119
)
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
(626
)
 
11,205

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
51,121

 
27,655

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
$
50,495

 
$
38,860