EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 704532
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 704532_10-K_2021_0001564590-21-006843.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1.
Business.
General
Onto Innovation is a worldwide leader in the design, development, manufacture and support of process control tools that perform macro defect inspection and metrology, lithography systems, and process control analytical software used by semiconductor wafer and advanced packaging device manufacturers. Our products are also used in a number of other high technology industries including: silicon wafer; light emitting diode (“LED”); vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL”); micro-electromechanical system (“MEMS”); CMOS image sensor (“CIS”); power device; RF filter; data storage; and certain industrial and scientific applications.
We provide process and yield management solutions used in bare silicon wafer production and wafer processing facilities, often referred to as “front-end” manufacturing and device packaging and test facilities, (or “back-end” manufacturing), respectively through a portfolio of standalone systems for macro-defect inspection, packaging lithography, probe card test and analysis, as well as transparent and opaque thin film measurements. Our automated and integrated metrology systems measure critical dimensions, device structures, topography, shape, and various thin film properties, including three-dimensional features and film thickness, as well as optical, electrical and material properties. Our primary area of focus are products that provide critical yield-enhancing information, which is used by microelectronic device manufacturers to drive down costs and to decrease the time to market of their devices. All of our systems feature sophisticated software and production-worthy automation. In addition, our advanced process control software portfolio includes powerful solutions for standalone tools, groups of tools, factory-wide, and enterprise-wide suites to enhance productivity and achieve significant cost savings. Our systems are backed by worldwide customer service and applications support.
2019 Merger
On October 25, 2019, we became Onto Innovation Inc. upon the effectiveness of the 2019 Merger. We accounted for the 2019 Merger as a reverse acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). GAAP requires that either Nanometrics or Rudolph is designated as the acquirer for accounting and financial reporting purposes (“Accounting Acquirer”). Based on the evidence available, Rudolph was designated as the Accounting Acquirer while Nanometrics was the acquirer for legal purposes. Therefore, Rudolph’s historical results of operations replaced Nanometrics’ historical results of operations for all periods prior to the 2019 Merger. See Note 3 in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more details regarding the 2019 Merger.
Key Events in Fiscal 2020
Impact of COVID-19. The spread of COVID-19 during 2020 has caused an economic downturn on a global scale, as well as significant volatility in the financial markets. As of December 26, 2020, our operations have been impacted by our pandemic response, as described below. However, we have not experienced significant financial impact directly related to the pandemic.
We have prioritized the health and safety of our employees and customers in our pandemic response. As governmental authorities have implemented restrictions on commercial operations, we have continued to ensure compliance with these directives while also maintaining business continuity for our essential operations. We have a global workforce and we maintain offices in the U.S., South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, Singapore and Europe. Our operations at these offices are subject to various governmental directives and, as a result thereof, we have instituted a work-from-home policy for these employees to the extent practical. Our manufacturing operations are conducted solely in the U.S. Where our essential employees are required to continue to report to work to perform their responsibilities, we have implemented staggered shifts or otherwise adjusted work schedules to maximize our operating capacity while adhering to applicable restrictions, including recommended distancing between persons. We have also provided our essential employees with appropriate protective equipment and have enhanced and increased cleanings at our facilities. At this time, we have not experienced any reduction in productivity, though we have incurred certain costs related to the implementation of these policies and practices. We may take further actions that we determine to be in the best interests of our employees or that may be required by federal, state, or local authorities.
We cannot at this time predict the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on our financial condition and operations, although we are continuing to monitor our supply chain and orders from customers for COVID-19-related changes. Disruptions to our supply chain in connection with the sourcing of materials, equipment and engineering support, and services from geographic areas that have been impacted significantly by COVID-19 may pose risks to our business, results of operations and financial condition. In this time of uncertainty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are continuing to serve our customers while taking every precaution to provide a safe work environment for our employees and customers.
To date, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the way that we conduct business, but it has not had a material adverse impact on our operations, though we have implemented operational changes to protect the health and safety of our employees and customers as part of our pandemic response. However, the extent of the pandemic’s effect on our operational and financial performance will depend in large part on future developments, which cannot be predicted with confidence at this time. Future developments include, but are not limited to: (i) the ultimate duration, scope and severity of the pandemic, including seasonal resurgences or sporadic resurgences that may follow periods of containment, (ii) restrictive actions taken to contain or mitigate the impact of COVID-19, such as the extent of restrictions on gatherings and travel, (iii) the impact on governmental programs and budgets, (iv) the severity of newly identified strains of the virus, (v) the timing, availability and efficacy of the various COVID-19 vaccines, and (vi) the resumption of widespread economic activity. Trade tensions between the United States and China may escalate as a result of COVID-19 or otherwise and could result in the imposition of additional tariffs, trade restrictions or policy changes, any of which could increase costs of our product components and pricing of, and consumer demand for, our products, which could have a negative effect on our results of operations.
Although the inherent uncertainty of the unprecedented and rapidly evolving crisis makes it difficult to predict with any confidence the likely impact on our future operations, the COVID-19 pandemic could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated business, results of operations and financial condition. For a discussion of certain risks related to COVID-19 and the international nature of our business and our operations, see Part II, Item 1A - Risk Factors of this Form 10-K.
Trade Restriction and Emerging Regulation. In 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) announced new Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) specifically applicable to: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.; Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) and their affiliates. We have assessed the potential impact of the new BIS rules and EAR, and do not believe that they will have a material direct impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations, but they could have indirect impacts, including increasing tensions in U.S. and Chinese trade relations, potentially leading to negative sentiments towards U.S.-based companies among Chinese consumers. For additional information, please see Part II Item 1A. Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Business.
Share Repurchase Program. On November 23, 2020, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase authorization to repurchase up to $100 million of our common stock. This authorization replaces the remaining balance of $28 million from the prior repurchase authorization. Repurchases may be made through both public market and private transactions. For the fiscal year ended December 26, 2020, approximately 1.9 million shares were cumulatively repurchased for a total value of $52 million. We ended our 2020 fiscal year with shares outstanding totaling 48.8 million.
The new share repurchase authorization does not obligate Onto Innovation to repurchase any particular amount of common stock during any period and the program may be modified or suspended at any time at our discretion. Stock repurchases may be made from time to time and the actual amount repurchased will depend on a variety of factors including market conditions.
Industry Background
We participate in the sale, design, manufacture, marketing and support of process control systems for optical critical dimension metrology, thin film metrology, wafer inspection, 2D and 3D macro inspection and lithography tools for advanced packaging as well as advanced analytical software for semiconductor manufacturing and certain industrial applications and scientific research. Our principal market is semiconductors. Semiconductors, primarily packaged as integrated circuits within electronic devices, include consumer electronics, server and enterprise systems, mobile computing (including smart phones and tablets), data storage devices, and embedded automotive and control systems. Our core focus is the measurement and control of the structure, composition, and geometry of the devices as they are fabricated on silicon wafers to improve device performance and manufacturing yields. Our end customers manufacture many types of integrated circuits for a multitude of applications, each having unique manufacturing challenges. This includes integrated circuits to enable information processing and management (logic integrated circuits), memory storage (NAND, 3D-NAND, NOR, and DRAM), analog devices (e.g., Wi-Fi and 5G radio integrated circuits, power devices) MEMS sensor devices (accelerometers, pressure sensors, microphones), image sensors, and other end markets including components for hard disk drives, LEDs, and power management.
Current Trends
Business Environment
Our metrology systems and software are primarily used for controlling certain manufacturing processes utilized in the production of advanced, or leading-edge, wafer designs. The shrinking of features such as the constituents that form a single transistor are known as node reductions. The identification of a specific node usually refers to the dimension associated with one of the transistor’s constituents. Advanced nodes are associated with transistor dimensions less than 16nm, with high volume manufacturing at one of our largest customers extending advanced nodes to as small as 5nm in 2020. Our metrology systems
used to measure and characterize these small features are generally purchased when a customer is beginning to establish manufacturing at a new, smaller node, in order to set up and test new manufacturing equipment being installed for the new node. Our process control/metrology equipment is generally installed prior to the installation of the actual process equipment for that reason. Additional process control equipment is normally purchased when the initial process yields have been stabilized and more manufacturing capacity is required to meet production demands. Therefore, our sales to customers for advanced nodes is generally higher when manufacturing lines new nodes are being established and may not represent continuous sales revenue until our initial systems reach high levels of utilization driven by the need for greater capacity.
Our inspection systems, lithography systems, and software are primarily used for processing and inspecting advanced packaging associated with the back-end described above. The advanced packaging techniques represent a very wide variety of assembly methods in order to connect individual chips to a larger PC Board, or connecting a group of chips together to form a “system in a package” (“SIP”), also known as heterogeneous integration (“HI”), or chiplets. Many of these advanced packages require lithographic imaging to produce copper interconnections between the chip and the PC Board or between chips in the case of SIP or HI advanced packages. Our inspection systems and software are used for process control and detection of potential reliability failures in nearly all of these packages. Unlike the cyclical nature of our metrology equipment associated with node shrinks, our sales revenue for advanced packaging is generally driven by assembly volumes. Inspection of the chips being integrated remains as a very high rate in order to avoid a single defective chip from being assembled into a relatively expensive package, making the inspection process control systems attach rates quite linear with production volumes of these devices. The introduction of 5G handsets and high-performance computing (“HPC”) continue to drive demand for advanced packaging; however, macroeconomic conditions, including COVID-19 and U.S-China trade disputes could curtail demand for higher volumes in the future.
A significant portion of the global workforce began working from home as part of corporate efforts to isolate and protect workers from COVID-19. This resulted in extremely high usage of data centers and cloud processing that drove higher demand for increased memory and HPC devices that were rapidly installed. In addition, the wireless 5G networks were already starting to drive demand for new, 5G phones in 2020. That demand is expected to increase in the first half of 2021 as new phones from Apple and Samsung were introduced to the market in 2020. The building of the 5G network over the next several years will also bring more machine-to-machine communications, called IoT. These macro-drivers all increase the need for semiconductors and packaging to deliver higher computing power in a single package, faster speeds for memory and logic devices, while reducing power consumption and cost. These advances generally can be achieved by node reductions/shrinks and by advanced packaging for high bandwidth memory and HI packaging. As discussed above, these trends in front-end and back-end complexity are driving the demand for sophisticated metrology and inspection systems in order to achieve the semiconductor performance required while achieving a profitable manufacturing yield.
In 2020, Onto Innovation completed certain integration activities and launched four new metrology systems and one new macro defect inspection system into the marketplace. These new products were introduced as logic and foundries were increasing their capacity while following aggressive plans to transition their manufacturing to smaller nodes. Other customer interactions at memory and specialty device manufacturers as well as providers of advanced packaging centered around satisfying the immediate demand for these devices with our existing product portfolio, while partnering with R&D groups to prepare for the process controls needed for the next generation of semiconductors and packaging that will require the latest systems from Onto Innovation. We believe our strong engineering teams have, and will continue to, deliver new products to our customers, followed by our field engineers providing customer support, while simultaneously achieving and surpassing our cost synergy targets that were established at the onset of our merger. While revenues in the four quarters of 2020 fluctuated as customers transitioned to advanced nodes, the Company was able to achieve operating margins and earnings at the high end of our quarterly guidance and analysts’ estimates.
Advanced Nodes refers to leading-edge integrated circuits where the feature sizes of transistors and other features continue to shrink in specified steps, or nodes measured in nanometers (nm). Demand for our products continues to be driven by our customers' desire for higher overall chip performance without increasing the chip size, while improving power efficiency, logic processing capability, data storage volume and manufacturing yield. To achieve these goals, our customers have increased their use of more complex materials and processing methods in their manufacturing flow. The primary paths for performance gains are geometric scaling, known as node shrinks, or scaling in three dimensions. In some cases, our customers are implementing new materials and methods in high volume manufacturing, including materials and device architectures to reduce power consumption, and stacked devices. To scale NAND memory, a new 3D stacking architecture has been implemented with as many as 96 device layers for a device in production. Additional innovation continues in Data Storage, Power Devices, MEMS, and Image Sensors. We believe the use of these new materials and manufacturing methods has increased demand for our products such as the Atlas® product line that is capable of measuring these advanced nodes as certain features shrink to 7nm, 5nm and 3nm.
To shrink features, new methods, including multiple patterning lithography and extreme ultra-violet (“EUV”) lithography, have been developed. The EUV process is driving significantly higher requirements for the silicon wafers that are entering the EUV chamber. Small, particles on the backside of the wafer measuring a few micrometers (microns) can distort the images being projected onto the top side. The NovusEdge® inspection tool has been installed at major silicon wafer manufacturers to detect backside contamination and edge cracking as a final quality control mechanism before wafers are shipped to the semiconductor fabrication processes. The top side of these wafers must also be scanned for any impurities contained in the silicon. This compositional analysis is measured using our Fourier Transform Infrared (“FTIR”) systems.
Advanced Packaging refers to a variety of technologies that enable the miniaturization of electronic products, such as portable consumer devices, including smartphones, watches, and tablets. In electronics manufacturing, integrated circuit packaging is the final stage of semiconductor device fabrication, in which a single circuit made from semiconducting material (a die or chip) is encased in a molded package that provides external connections to a printed circuit board and also prevents physical damage to the chip and corrosion.  Advanced Packaging refers loosely to the conductors and other structures that often interconnect multiple die, feed them with electric power and create signal paths to and from the PC board, dissipate their heat, and protect them from damage.  Today, the drive to pack more functions into a small space and reduce their power requirements demands that chip packages do much more than ever before to combine multiple chips and functions into a single molded package.
One example of the technology used in Advanced Packaging is the 3D integration of semiconductors and other devices. The technology involves stacking individual die in one integrated package. Through-silicon vias (“TSVs”) are vertical copper interconnects that are embedded from the bottom surface of a die to the top surface, which allows power and communication to be shared among the individually stacked components. This offers the advantages of shorter signal paths and, in turn, reduced power consumption, enhanced bandwidths, integration of heterogeneous components such as memory and logic chips, and smaller surface area. The processes required for 3D integration vary from one manufacturer to another and many continue to be optimized for yield and to ensure the functioning of individual stacked chips.
Fan-out wafer level packages are another advanced packaging technology using copper pillars/bumps to vertically connect a wide variety of stacked die for 2.5D, and 3D integration techniques and are considered the next disruptive technology for several reasons. First, fan-out wafer level packages significantly reduce the space needed inside an electronic device, such as a smartphone, by combining multiple chips/functions into a single package, often called a System-in-Package (“SIP”). Next, it improves the system’s performance by reducing power and signal conductor lengths, which previously were routed from package to package through a printed circuit (“PC”) board. Using thin redistribution layers (“RDLs”) to “fan out” power and signal connections to the larger contacts on the PC board eliminates the need for a ceramic or laminated substrate, which accounts for 35 percent of the packaging cost. Lastly, the technology is currently considered the preferred vehicle for next generation uses, such as SIP, and package on package formats. As a result of the small overall form factor, fan-out wafer level packages provide the functionality needed in high-end mobile and wearable products.
The current and projected adoption of smart mobile devices with designed-in capability to enable multiple functions in a single device continues to grow. In reality, there are no longer single function devices, but instead, a combined single device provides multiple functions such as phone, GPS, camera, and internet browser.  Aided by a myriad of available “apps,” the potential uses seem endless. As a result, these added functions in mobile products are driving semiconductor advanced packaging and display manufacturers to implement next-generation technologies, such as 5G communications, to meet these requirements. These technology shifts encompass multiple high-value process steps that are creating opportunities for our solutions.
Panel Manufacturing. The current process to manufacture advanced packaging involves attaching known good die to a 300mm wafer, used as a temporary carrier when adding components such as RDLs and copper pillars. SIP packages can often contain side-by-side die, meaning the package can be large and limit the number of packages being placed on a reconstituted wafer. In order to meet the growing demand at reduced average selling prices, manufacturers are looking to scalable technology. Advanced packaging facilities looking to improve Cost of Ownership (“CoO”) and increase productivity are transitioning from 300mm wafers to large rectangular panels, which can be as large as 600mm x 600mm. This larger size enables companies manufacturing large area packages to increase the number of devices being processed at each step as they are no longer limited to operating within the constraints of a round wafer. By responding to market opportunities and addressing the stringent demands of customers’ technical roadmaps, we believe that Onto Innovation is optimally positioned to capitalize on the emerging market of high volume panel manufacturing. For example, the JetStep® S lithography system, having emerged from the flat panel display market, is readily capable of processing RDLs on both glass and organic laminate panels in the semiconductor advanced packaging market. The Firefly® series, designed for high resolution inspection, can provide location information to the JetStep S tool for each die, which greatly improves lithography throughput using our exclusive StepFAST™ process. It also delivers a combination of defect detection and substrate flexibility in a single platform. It reduces capital investment requirements and provides a reliable pathway to transition from wafer to panel-based processes.
Technology
We believe that our expertise in our core technologies of optics and software and our combined investment in research and development will enable us to rapidly develop new technologies and products in order to quickly respond to emerging industry trends and competitive challenges. The breadth of our technology enables us to offer a diverse combination of process and process control solutions. Unique features have been designed into our lithography systems to meet our customers’ changing process requirements. Our metrology and inspection technologies provide process control for the majority of wafers processed today in a semiconductor wafer fab. In front-end processes, optical critical dimension (“OCD”) metrology, thin film metrology, wafer stress metrology and macro defect detection and classification technologies allow yield enhancement for critical processes such as photolithography, diffusion, etch, chemical mechanical planarization (“CMP”) and outgoing quality control. Within the final manufacturing (back-end) processes, our 2D/3D advanced macro defect inspection provides our customers with critical quality assurance and process information. Defects may be created during probing, bumping, dicing, assembly processes (RDLs, TSVs, copper pillars, etc.) or general handling and can have a major impact on device and process quality. Lastly, we turn all of the data gathered into useful knowledge for our customers to make yield-enhancing decisions, which lower their cost of goods sold (“COGS”) and improve their margins.
Onto Innovation’s Products
Automated Metrology Systems. Our automated systems primarily consist of fully automated metrology systems that are employed in semiconductor production environments. The Atlas family of products represent our line of high-performance metrology systems providing OCD and thin film metrology and wafer stress metrology for transistor and interconnect metrology applications. The thin film and OCD technology is supported by our NanoCD™ suite of solutions including our NanoDiffract® software, SpectraProbe™ software and NanoGen™ scalable computing engine that enables visualization, modeling, and analysis of complex structures.
NanoDiffract is a modeling, visualization and analysis software that takes signals from the metrology systems, providing critical dimension, thickness, and optical properties from in-line measurements. The software has an intuitive three- dimensional modeling interface to provide visualization of today’s advanced and complex semiconductor devices. There are proprietary fitting algorithms in NanoDiffract that enable very accurate and very fast calculations for signal processing for high fidelity model-based measurements. SpectraProbe is a model-less fitting engine that enables fast time to solution for in-line excursion detection and control. SpectraProbe complements the high-fidelity modeling of NanoDiffract with a simple machine learning interface for rapid recipe deployment. The software is supported by NanoGen, an enterprise scale computing hardware system that is deployed to run the computing intensive analysis software. NanoGen leverages commercial server chips and networking architecture and is optimized to support the workload of NanoDiffract and SpectraProbe analysis.
Integrated Metrology Systems. Our integrated metrology (“IM”) systems are installed directly onto wafer processing equipment to provide near real-time measurements for improved process control and maximum throughput. Our IM systems are sold directly to end user customers. The IMPULSE® family of products include the latest technology for OCD, and thin film metrology, and have been successfully qualified on numerous independent Wafer Fabrication Equipment Suppliers’ platforms. Our NanoCD suite of solutions is sold in conjunction with our IMPULSE systems.
Silicon Wafer All-surface Inspection/Characterization. All-surface refers to inspection of the wafer frontside, edge, and backside as well as wafer’s locator notch. The edge inspection process focuses on the area near the wafer edge, an area that poses difficulty for traditional wafer frontside inspection technology due to its varied topography and process variation. Edge bevel inspection looks for defects on the side edge of a wafer. Edge bead removal and edge exclusion metrology involve a topside surface measurement required exclusively in the lithography process, primarily to determine if wafers have been properly aligned for the edge exclusion region. The primary reason for wafer backside inspection is to determine if contamination has been created that may spread throughout the wafer fab. For instance, it is critical that the wafer backside be free of defects prior to the EUV lithography process to prevent focus and exposure problems on the wafer frontside.
Our materials characterization products include systems that are used to monitor the physical, optical, electrical and material characteristics of discrete electronic industry, opto-electronic, HB-LED (high brightness LEDs), solar PV (solar photovoltaics), compound semiconductor, strained silicon and silicon-on-insulator (“SOI”) devices, including composition, crystal structure, layer thickness, dopant concentration, contamination and electron mobility.
We have a broad portfolio of products for materials characterization including photoluminescence mapping and Fourier Transform Infrared (“FTIR”) spectroscope in automated and manual systems for substrate quality and epitaxial thickness metrology. The NanoSpec® line supports thin film measurement across all applications in both low volume production and research applications.
Macro Defect Inspection. Chip manufacturers deploy advanced macro defect inspection throughout the production line to monitor key process steps, gather process-enhancing information and ultimately, lower manufacturing costs. Field-
established tools such as the™, NSX®, and the latest Dragonfly® G2 inspection systems are found in the wafer fab (front-end) and packaging (back-end) facilities around the world. These high-speed tools incorporate features such as wafer-less recipe creation, tool-to-tool correlation and multiple inspection resolutions. Using Discover® yield management software, the vast amounts of data gathered through automated inspection can be analyzed and classified to determine trends and locate root causes that directly affect yield.
Automated Defect Classification and Pattern Analysis. Automating the defect detection and classification process is best done by a system that can mimic, or even extend, the response of the human eye, but at a much higher speed, with higher resolution and more consistency. To do this, our systems capture full-color whole wafer images using simultaneous dark and bright field illumination. The resulting bright and dark field images are compared to those from an “ideal” wafer having no defects. When a difference is detected, its image is broken down into mathematical vectors that allow rapid and accurate comparison with a library of known classified defects stored in the tool’s database. Patented and proprietary enhancements of this approach enable very fast and highly repeatable image classification. The system is pre-programmed with an extensive library of local, global, and color defects and can also store a virtually unlimited amount of new defect classes. This allows customers to define defects based on their existing defect classification system, provides more reliable automated rework decisions and enables more accurate statistical process control data. Reviewing defects off-line enables automated inspection systems to maintain their utilization for high throughput inspection. Using defect image files captured by automated inspection systems, operators are able to view high-resolution defect images to determine defects that cause catastrophic failure of a device, known as killer defects. Combining the review process with classifying defects enables faster analysis by grouping defects found together as one larger defect, a scratch for example, and defects of similar types across a wafer lot to be grouped based on size, repeating defects, and other user-defined specifications.
Yield Analysis. Using wafer maps, charts and graphs, the massive amounts of data gathered through automated inspection can be analyzed to determine trends across bumps, die, wafers and lots. This analysis may determine where a process variation or deviation has occurred, allowing process engineers to make corrections or enhancements to increase yields. Defect data analysis is performed to identify, analyze and locate the source of defects and other manufacturing process excursions. Using either a single wafer map or a composite map created from multiple wafer maps, this analysis enables identification of defect patterns and distribution. When combined with inspection data from strategically-placed inspection points, this analysis may pinpoint the source of the defects so corrective action can be taken.
Opaque Film Metrology. The MetaPULSE® systems allow customers to simultaneously measure the thickness and other properties of up to six metal or non-metallic opaque film layers without physically contacting product wafers in a non-destructive manner. PULSE® technology uses an ultra-fast laser to generate acoustic waves that pass down through a stack of opaque films such as those used in copper or aluminum interconnect processes, as well as the hard mask layer in 3D NAND chips, sending back to the surface a reflected signal (echo) that indicates film thickness, density, and other process critical parameters. We believe we are a leader in providing systems that can measure opaque thin-film stacks non-destructively with the speed and accuracy semiconductor device manufacturers demand in order to achieve high yields with the latest fabrication processes. The technology is ideal for characterizing copper interconnect structures. The MetaPULSE systems, used initially for fast and accurate measurements of metal interconnect in front-end wafer fabs, have now been chosen by back-end manufacturers to perform system measurements in new process applications such as RF filters and modules, driven by the need for on-product metrology as feature sizes decrease and pattern densities increase.
Probe Card Test and Analysis. The combination of fast 3D-OCM (optical comparative metrology) technology with improved testing accuracy and repeatability is designed to reduce total test time for even the most advanced large area probe cards. The 3D capabilities enable users to analyze probe marks and probe tips in a rapid and information-rich format.
Industrial, Scientific, and Research Markets - 4D Technology. In November of 2018, Nanometrics acquired 4D Technology Corporation, based in Tucson Arizona. The 4D business offers a line of interferometry systems for the measurement and inspection of high precision surfaces. End markets include high precision optics surfaces and components, aerospace and defense components, and unique research and scientific instrumentation that requires the unique high-speed results of the 4D systems.
Advanced Packaging Lithography. Our lithography steppers use projection optics to expose circuit patterns from a mask or reticle onto a substrate to expose images with optimal fidelity. These systems employ light from a mercury arc lamp that is transmitted through a mask or reticle containing display circuit patterns. Substrates are aligned on the system and the mask is imaged through a projection lens onto photoresist material coated on the substrate. The substrate is then moved, or “stepped,” to a second position to expose an adjacent area. Images can be “stitched” together precisely to form larger circuit patterns without any noticeable change in circuit performance. The system repeats the step and exposure process until the entire substrate is patterned. Once the exposure process has been completed, the substrate is developed with an alkali solution to reveal the underlying material. The imaged photoresist serves as a stencil barrier that allows for the processing of the underlying metal or
insulating layers. The substrates then continue through the etching, stripping and deposition processes until multi-layer circuits are completed.
In order to deal with increased input/output (“I/O”) resulting from devices with enhanced functionality, power distribution efficiency, and higher frequency, integrated device manufacturers (“IDMs”) and outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (“OSATs”) facilities must incorporate lithography capabilities to create RDLs for their advanced packaging technologies. However, the associated substrates and processes are significantly different than those used in front-end wafer processing. For advanced packaging, the lithography system must perform in a completely different application, with significantly different operating parameters. For example, most packaging is an additive process, while wafer processing is subtractive, and thick films, rather than thin films, are used to enable the creation of features. In order for equipment to effectively function in this environment, it must overcome these challenges. Our JetStep® systems have been specifically designed to meet these challenges head on. The JetStep X700 System is designed for rectangular substrates (panels), which when combined with user-selectable wavelength options, maximizes throughput while not limiting resolution when needed. High-fidelity optics are able to image the fine features required while at the same time achieving superior depth of field to minimize non-flatness that is typical for advanced packaging applications. On-the-fly auto focus and an innovative reticle management system improve yield and utilization. These features result in a revolutionary lithography system specifically designed to meet advanced packaging challenges.
Flat Panel Display (“FPD”) Lithography. A critical aspect of any leading mobile device is the display. The display serves as the window to the user. Therefore, it must effectively present graphics from a variety of apps, such as detailed maps, high resolution photos, and streaming video in order to provide an enhanced user experience. To accomplish this, the display’s thin film transistor (“TFT”) backplane, which controls the individual pixels, must operate at a high frequency and not limit the pixel resolution.  As a result, the transistors must have high mobility and only use a small portion of the pixel aperture. The backplane is manufactured on a sheet of glass; like the packaging substrate, it is non-flat and tends to distort further during processing. Additionally, the displays are getting larger. Manufacturers are looking to utilize larger glass substrates, making throughput a challenge for the lithography equipment.  To overcome this, our JetStep G Series uses high-fidelity optics and the largest printable stepper field available, enabling more displays per exposure. This feature, combined with on-the-fly auto-focus and magnification compensation, maximizes throughput and yield.  Finally, our patented grid stage allows the system to be easily configurable to meet the customer desired substrate size.
Process Control Software. We provide a wide range of advanced process control solutions, all designed to improve factory profitability, including run-to-run control, fault detection, classification and tool automation. We are a leading provider of process control software in the semiconductor industry. Advanced process control (“APC”) employs software to automatically detect or predict tool failure (fault detection) as well as calculate recipe settings for a process that will drive the yielded output to meet and exceed the target, despite variations in the incoming material and minor instabilities within the process equipment. Process control software enables the factory to increase capacity and yield while decreasing rework and scrap. It enables reduced production costs by lowering consumables, process engineering time and manufacturing cycle time.
Yield Management Software. Semiconductor manufacturers use yield management software (“YMS”) to obtain valuable process yield and equipment productivity information. The data necessary to generate productivity information comes from many different sources throughout the wafer fab: inspection and metrology systems, tool sensors, tool recipes, electrical tests and the fab environment. As the complexity and cost of manufacturing processes increase, the value of faster, better analysis to support critical manufacturing decisions grows. As a result, customers are demanding robust yield management systems that can analyze large, complex data sets quickly and effectively. Our fully-integrated YMS is designed to analyze data from disparate sources and multiple sites to maximize productivity across the entire value chain.
Customers
Over 150 microelectronic device manufacturers have purchased Onto Innovation tools and software for installation at multiple sites. We support a diverse customer base in terms of both geographic location and type of device manufactured. Our customers are located in over 20 countries. We do not have purchase contracts with any of our customers that obligate them to continue to purchase our products. The following chart identifies our customers that represented 10% or more of total revenue for each of the last three years:
Samsung Semiconductor
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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
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SK Hynix Inc.
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*
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* The customer accounted for more than 10% of total revenue during the period.
^ The customer accounted for less than 10% of total revenue during the period.
Sales, Customer Service and Application Support
We believe that the capability for direct sales and support is beneficial for developing and maintaining close customer relationships and for rapidly responding to changing customer requirements. We provide local direct sales, service and application support through our worldwide offices located in the U.S., South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, Singapore and Europe, and work with selected dealers and sales representatives on a more limited basis in various countries. Our applications team is composed of technically experienced sales engineers who are knowledgeable in the use of metrology systems generally and the unique features and advantages of our specific products. Supported by our technical applications team, our sales and support teams work closely with our customers to offer cost-effective solutions to complex measurement and process problems.
We believe that customer service and technical support for our systems are crucial factors that distinguish us from our competitors and are essential to building and maintaining close, long-term relationships with our customers. We generally provide a warranty for our products which range from twelve to fourteen months to cover defects in material and workmanship. We provide system support to our customers through factory technical support and globally deployed field service personnel. The factory technical support operations provide customers with telephonic technical support access, direct training programs, operating manuals and other technical support information to enable effective use of our metrology and measurement instruments and systems. We have field service operations based in various locations throughout the U.S., South Korea, Taiwan, China, Japan, Singapore, Israel, and European locations.
Competition
We offer various products for various semiconductor manufacturing process steps, and several of our products extend across the same process flow. However, for process control of each of these process steps, we have multiple established and potential competitors, some of which may have greater financial, research, engineering, manufacturing and marketing resources than we have. We may also face future competition from new market entrants from other overseas and domestic sources. We expect our competitors to continue to improve the design and performance of their current products and processes, and to introduce new products and processes with improved price and performance characteristics. In order to remain competitive, we believe that we will require significant financial resources to offer a broad range of products, and to maintain customer service and support centers worldwide, and to invest in product research and development.
In every market in which we participate, the global semiconductor equipment industry is intensely competitive, and driven by rapid technological adoption cycles. Our ability to compete effectively depends upon our ability to continuously improve our products, applications and services, and our ability to develop new products, applications and services that meet constantly evolving customer requirements.
In automated systems for the semiconductor industry, our principal competitors are KLA Corporation (“KLA”) and Nova Measuring Instruments Ltd. (“Nova”) for thin film and critical dimension OCD metrology. Our principal competitor for advanced packaging inspection is Camtek Ltd. (“Camtek”). While the advanced packaging lithography market is served by various competitors, our primary competitors are Veeco Instruments, Inc. (“Veeco Instruments”) and, to a lesser extent, Nikon Corporation (“Nikon”). Our primary competitor for integrated metrology systems for the semiconductor industry is Nova. The opto-electronics, discrete device and industrial and scientific markets are addressed primarily by our material characterization and 4D systems, served by numerous competitors, of which no single competitor or group of competitors has established a majority position.
We believe that our competitive position in each of our markets is based on the ability of our products and services to address customer requirements related to numerous competitive factors. Competitive selections are based on many factors involving technological innovation, productivity, total cost of ownership of the system, including impact on end of line yield, price, product performance and throughput capability, quality, reliability and customer support.
Manufacturing
Our manufacturing operations are in Milpitas California, Tucson Arizona, Wilmington Massachusetts, Bloomington Minnesota, and at various contract manufacturers around the world. It is our strategy to outsource all assemblies that do not contain elements that we believe lead to a direct competitive advantage. Most of our automated and integrated products are currently manufactured at our Milpitas and Bloomington facilities. We currently do not expect our manufacturing operations to require additional major investments in capital equipment.
We manufacture key modular assemblies and integrated tools and make reasonable efforts to ensure that externally purchased parts or raw materials are available from multiple suppliers, if possible. Certain components, subassemblies and services necessary for the manufacture of our systems are obtained either from a sole supplier or limited group of suppliers. We also have long-term supply agreements with strategic suppliers for the supply of key assemblies for use in our products.
We rely on a number of limited source suppliers for certain parts and subassemblies. This reliance creates a potential inability to obtain an adequate supply of required components, and reduced control over pricing and time of delivery of components. An inability to obtain adequate supplies would require us to seek alternative sources of supply or might require us to redesign our systems to accommodate different components or subassemblies. To date, we have not experienced any significant delivery delays. However, if we were forced to seek alternative sources of supply, manufacture such components or subassemblies internally, or redesign our products, this could prevent us from shipping our products to our customers on a timely basis, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our suppliers are uncertain, evolving and dependent on numerous unpredictable factors outside of our control. If our suppliers experience closures or reductions in their capacity utilization levels in the future, we may have difficulty sourcing materials necessary to fulfill production requirements. Disruptions to our business and supply chain (and the business and supply chains of our customers) could cause significant delays in shipments of our products until we are able to shift our manufacturing, assembling or testing from the affected subcontractor to another third-party vendor. Capacity is currently limited at certain of our third-party foundry, assembly and test subcontractors due to a spike in semiconductor demand.
Research and Development
We continue to invest in research and development to provide our customers with products that add value to their manufacturing processes and that provide a better and differentiated solution than our competitors so that our products stay in the forefront of current and future market demands. Whether it is for an advancement of current technology, yield and manufacturing improvement, enabling new end device technology, or the development of a new application in our core or emerging markets, we are committed to product excellence and longevity.
The markets for equipment and systems for manufacturing semiconductor devices and for performing OCD metrology, macro-defect inspection, advanced packaging lithography and thin film transparent and opaque process control metrology are characterized by continuous technological development and product innovations. We believe that the rapid and ongoing development of new products and enhancements to existing products is critical to our success. Accordingly, we devote a significant portion of our technical, management and financial resources to research and development programs.
Intellectual Property
We believe that our success will depend to a great degree upon innovation, technological expertise and our ability to adapt our products to new technology. As a result, we have a policy of seeking patents on inventions governing new products or technologies as part of our ongoing research, development, and manufacturing activities. As of December 26, 2020, we have been granted, or hold exclusive licenses to 466 U.S. and foreign patents. The patents we own, jointly own or exclusively license have expiration dates ranging from 2021 to 2039. We also have 87 pending regular and provisional applications in the U.S. and other countries. Our patents and applications principally cover various aspects of metrology, macro-defect detection and classification, altered material characterization, lithography techniques and automation.
Our pending patents may never be issued, and even if they are, these patents, our existing patents and the patents we license may not provide sufficiently broad protection to protect our proprietary rights, or they may prove to be unenforceable. To protect our proprietary rights, we also rely on a combination of copyrights, trademarks, trade secret laws, contractual provisions and licenses and non-disclosure agreements. There can be no assurance (i) that any patents issued to or licensed by us will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented, (ii) that the rights granted thereunder will provide us with a competitive advantage or (iii) that we will be able to fully protect our technology. Additionally, others may obtain patents and assert them against us. From time to time, we receive communications from third parties asserting that our systems may contain design features that such third parties claim may infringe upon their proprietary rights.
The laws of some foreign countries do not protect our proprietary rights to the same degree as do the laws of the United States, and many U.S. companies have encountered substantial infringement problems in protecting their proprietary rights against infringement in such countries, some of which are countries in which we have sold and continue to sell products. There is a risk that our means of protecting our proprietary rights may not be adequate. For example, our competitors may independently develop similar technology or duplicate our products. If we fail to adequately protect our intellectual property, it would be easier for our competitors to sell competing products.
Human Capital and Talent
As of December 26, 2020, we had approximately 1,247 staff globally, 353 in research and development, 187 in operations, 124 in administration and 583 in sales, applications and service support. A large percentage of our employees have technical backgrounds and undergraduate and/or advanced degrees. Many of our employees have specialized skills and
experience that are of value to our business, products and services. Our future success will depend, in large part, upon our ability to attract, motivate and retain our highly skilled, technical, operational and managerial team members, who are in great demand in our industry and business communities.
Approximately 60% of our employees are located in the U.S., 36% in Asia Pacific and 4% in Europe. None of our employees are represented by a union and we have never experienced a work stoppage because of union actions. We consider our employee relations to be favorable.
Purpose and Culture. All of our employees are expected to uphold the following core values which are foundational to our culture:
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Passion - ownership, pride and caring in our work
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Integrity - honesty, dependable, predictable and accountable
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Collaboration - working together toward a common goal
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Results - meeting and exceeding goals, focused toward innovation and growth
These core values define the way we do business in our everyday actions and choices. We strive to create a respectful work environment characterized by mutual trust and the absence of intimidation, oppression, discrimination and exploitation.
Talent Development and Acquisition. Successful execution of our strategy is dependent on attracting, developing and retaining key employees and members of our management and leadership teams. The skills, experience and industry knowledge of our employees significantly benefit our operations and performance. We continuously evaluate, modify, and enhance our internal processes, tools and technologies to increase employee engagement, productivity, quality and efficiency. We offer employees access to internal and external training and development courses to support individual development. We review succession plans and focus on promoting internal talent to help grow our employees, both professionally and personally.
We are committed to promoting and cultivating an inclusive and diverse culture that welcomes and celebrates everyone without bias. In addition, we look to actively engage within our communities to foster and attain social equity.
In order to ensure that we are meeting our human capital and talent objectives, we frequently utilize employee surveys to understand the effectiveness of our employee and Company programs and where we can improve across the Company. Our latest survey, completed during fiscal 2020, had a participation rate of over 81% of all our employees. Through the survey, our employees indicated that the Company’s greatest strengths include ensuring that employees know what is expected of them, providing a caring work environment, fostering an environment where employees have the opportunity to do their best and commitment to quality.
Compensation Philosophy. Our compensation philosophy creates the framework and building blocks for our rewards and recognition programs. We have a pay-for-performance culture that ties compensation to the performance of the individual and the Company. We provide balanced compensation programs that focus on the following five key elements:
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Pay-for-performance - Reward those who achieve or exceed set goals and objectives, while also recognizing those making significant, impactful contributions;
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External market based - Pay levels that are competitive with respect to the labor market in which we compete for talent;
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Internal equity - Providing fair compensation programs within the Company;
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Fiscal responsibility - Providing programs which can be responsibly supported by our operations; and
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Legal compliance - Ensure the organization is legally compliant in all states and countries in which we operate.
Safety, Health and Wellness. We are committed to providing an environment which is safe and where our employees can be productive. We have rigorous health and safety programs focused on awareness, recognition, risk assessment and management, as well as teamwork.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented a response plan that we believe was in the best interest and health of our employees and the communities in which we operate. This included largely transitioning our global workforce to a remote work model, while implementing additional safety measures for essential employees continuing critical on-site work.
Our benefit plans are competitive and comprehensive. We provide each of our employees educational programs and initiatives focused on holistic wellness supporting nutritional, physical, emotional, mental and financial wellbeing.
Corporate Social Responsibility
All of our stakeholders are essential to our business - shareholders, customers, suppliers, employees, communities as well as the environment and society. We are working to make our workforce more inclusive, our business more sustainable, and our communities more engaged by maintaining strong environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) practices. Actions we have taken in pursuit of these commitments include the following environmental and social programs:
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Demanded excellence in our quality and environmental performance, as demonstrated through our product and process qualification commitments, including ISO 9001 Quality Management;
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Produce systems responsibly by offering tool trade-in, refurbishment and technology upgrade programs;
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Provided corporate matching for employee donations to qualified nonprofit organizations; and
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Engaged in community service projects in our communities globally.
We encourage you to review our 2020 Interim Corporate Social Responsibility Report (located on our website at https://ontoinnovation.com/company/corporate-social-responsibility) for more detailed information regarding our ESG initiatives. Nothing on our website, including our Corporate Social Responsibility Report or sections thereof, is deemed incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.
Compliance with Governmental Regulations
We are subject to international, federal, state and local regulations that are customary to businesses in the semiconductor capital equipment manufacturing industry. Such regulations include:
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The Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (“RoHS”), which restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment;
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General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), which provides guidelines for the collection and processing of personal information from individuals who live in the European Union;
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The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), which prohibits companies and their individual officers from influencing foreign officials with any personal payments or rewards; and
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Conflict minerals reporting, which imposes disclosure requirements regarding the use of “conflict” minerals mined from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries in products.
Our compliance with these laws and regulations has not had a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position.
Available Information
Our Internet website address is http://www.ontoinnovation.com. The information on our website is not incorporated into this Form 10-K. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K (and any amendments to those reports) are made available free of charge, on or through our Internet website, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. All filings we make with the SEC are also available free of charge via EDGAR through the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, the historic reports and materials that were filed by Nanometrics and Rudolph with the SEC are available at our investor relations website at https://investors.ontoinnovation.com. These filings may also be obtained through the SEC’s website. Documents that are not available through the SEC’s website may also be obtained by submitting an online request to the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
We also make available, free of charge, through our investor relations website, our corporate governance summary, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, charters of the committees of our Board of Directors, and other information and materials, including information about how to contact our Board of Directors.
Investors and others should also note that we announce material financial information to our investors using our investor relations website, SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. We use these channels as well as social media to communicate with the public about the Company, our products and services and other matters. It is possible that the information we post on social media could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in the Company to review the information we post on the social media channels listed on our investor relations website.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A.
Risk Factors.
The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Many of the risks and uncertainties described below may be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and any worsening of the global business and economic environment as a result.
Risks Related to Our Business
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have affected our business and could in the future adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
The effects of a public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures being taken to limit the spread of COVID-19 are uncertain and difficult to predict, but pose the following risks to our business, results of operations and financial condition:
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A likely decrease in short-term and/or long-term demand for our products and disruptions to our operations resulting from the immediate consequences of and responses to the pandemic, including precautionary measures instituted by governments and businesses to mitigate its spread, which have raised the prospect of an extended global recession, which would adversely impact the businesses of our customers, suppliers and partners;
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Changes in our operations in response to COVID-19 and employee illnesses resulting from the pandemic, which have impacted the way that we operate and conduct business, and may result in inefficiencies or delays and/or negatively impact our operations, including, but not limited to, the following:
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reduction in sales and qualification activities with our customers;
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reduction in product development efforts; and
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reduction in production levels.
In addition there may be incremental costs related to business continuity initiatives, which cannot be avoided or alleviated through succession planning, employees working remotely or teleconferencing technologies as well as inefficiencies, delays, and increased costs resulting from our efforts to mitigate the impact and spread of COVID-19 through the changes in our operations which we have enacted at certain of our locations around the world in an effort to protect our employees’ health and well-being (including the implementation of work-from-home policies, social-distancing measures, modified work schedules and shifts, the suspension of employee travel, and limits on the number of employees attending in-person meetings and the number of people permitted to be present at our facilities at any one time);
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Management focus on mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has required and will continue to require a substantial investment of time and resources across our enterprise, which has resulted and can be expected to continue to result in a diversion of management attention and resources;
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Disruptions to our supply chain in connection with the sourcing of materials, equipment and engineering support, and services from geographic areas that have been impacted by COVID-19 and by efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19;
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A decrease in availability under our credit agreement, which permits us to borrow up to 70% of the value of eligible securities held at the time the line of credit is accessed, due a decrease in the value of eligible securities resulting from the impact of COVID-19 on global markets; and
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Difficulty accessing capital, if needed in the future, through a sale of securities, or in obtaining favorable terms of such securities, due to market conditions generally or a decline or volatility in the market for our securities.
The resumption of normal business operations after such interruptions may be delayed or constrained by lingering effects of COVID-19 on our suppliers, third-party service providers, and/or customers. These effects, alone or taken together, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, legal exposure, or financial condition. The duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, resurgences, the severity of newly identified strains of the virus and the timing, availability and efficacy of vaccines cannot be determined. A sustained or prolonged outbreak, or a delayed or slower-than-anticipated vaccine rollout, could exacerbate the adverse impact of such measures.
Our largest customers account for a substantial portion of our revenue, and our revenue and cash flows could decline considerably if one or more of these customers were to purchase significantly fewer of our systems or delay or cancel a large order.
Sales to end user customers that individually represent at least five percent of our revenue typically account for, in the aggregate, a considerable amount of our revenue. We operate in the highly concentrated, capital-intensive semiconductor device manufacturing industry. Historically, a substantial portion of our revenue in each quarter and year has been derived from sales to relatively few customers, and this trend is expected to continue. If any of our key customers were to purchase significantly fewer of our systems in the future, or if they delay or cancel a large order, our revenue and cash flows could meaningfully decline. We expect that we will continue to depend on a small number of large customers for a sizable portion of our revenue. In addition, as large semiconductor device manufacturers seek to establish closer relationships with their suppliers, we expect that our customer base will become even more concentrated.
Our customers may be unable to pay us for our products and services.
Our customers include some companies that may, from time to time, encounter financial difficulties. If a customer’s financial difficulties become severe, the customer may be unwilling or unable to pay our invoices in the ordinary course of business, which could adversely affect collections of both our accounts receivable balance and unbilled services. The bankruptcy of a customer with a substantial account balance owed to us could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if a customer declares bankruptcy after paying us certain invoices, a court may determine that we are not properly entitled to that payment and may require repayment of some or all of the amount we received, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Variations in the amount of time it takes for us to sell our systems may cause fluctuations in our operating results, which could cause our stock price to decline.
Variations in the length of our sales cycles could cause our revenue and cash flows, and consequently, our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows to fluctuate widely from period to period. This variation could cause our stock price to decline. Our customers generally take a long time to evaluate our inspection and/or film metrology systems and many people are involved in the evaluation process. We expend significant resources educating and providing information to our prospective customers regarding the uses and benefits of our systems in the semiconductor fabrication process. The length of time it takes for us to make a sale depends upon many factors, including, but not limited to:
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the efforts of our sales force;
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the complexity of the customer’s fabrication processes;
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the internal technical capabilities and sophistication of the customer;
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the customer’s budgetary constraints; and
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the quality and sophistication of the customer’s current metrology, inspection or lithography equipment.
Because of the number of factors influencing the sales process, the period between our initial contact with a customer and the time when we recognize revenue from that customer and receive payment, if ever, varies widely in length. Our sales cycles, including the time it takes for us to build a product to customer specifications after receiving an order to the time we recognize revenue, typically range from three to twenty-four months. Sometimes our sales cycles can be much longer, particularly with customers in Asia. During these cycles, we commit substantial resources to our sales efforts in advance of receiving any revenue, and we may never receive any revenue from a customer despite our sales efforts. If we do make a sale, our customers often purchase only one of our systems, the performance of which they then evaluate for a lengthy period before purchasing any more of our systems. The number of additional products a customer purchases, if any, depends on many factors, including the customer’s capacity requirements. The period between a customer’s initial purchase and any subsequent purchases can vary from three months to a year or longer, and variations in the length of this period could cause further fluctuations in our operating results and, possibly, in our stock price.
We are subject to order and shipment uncertainties. Our profitability will decline if we fail to accurately forecast customer demand when managing inventory.
We typically plan production and inventory levels based on internal forecasts of customer demand, which can be highly unpredictable and can fluctuate substantially, which could lead to excess inventory write-downs and resulting negative impacts on gross margin and net income. We have limited visibility into our customers’ inventories, future customer demand and the product mix that our customers will require, which could adversely affect our production forecasts and operating margins. In addition, innovation in our industry could render significant portions of our inventory obsolete. If we overestimate our customers’ requirements, we may have excess inventory, which could lead to obsolete inventory and unexpected costs.
Conversely, if we underestimate our customers’ requirements, we may have inadequate inventory, which could lead to foregone revenue opportunities, loss of potential market share and damage to customer relationships as product deliveries may not be made on a timely basis, disrupting our customers’ production schedules. In response to anticipated long lead times to obtain inventory and materials from outside suppliers and foundries, we periodically order materials in advance of customer demand. This advance ordering has in the past and may in the future result in excess inventory levels or unanticipated inventory write-downs if expected orders fail to materialize, or other factors make our products less saleable. In addition, any significant future cancellation or deferral of product orders could adversely affect our revenue and margins, increase inventory write-downs due to obsolete inventory, and adversely affect our operating results and stock price.
Our earnings could be negatively affected and our inventory levels could materially increase if we are unable to predict our inventory needs in an accurate and timely manner and adjust our orders for parts and subcomponents in the event that our needs increase or decrease materially due to unexpected increases or decreases in demand for our products. Any material increase in our inventories could result in an adverse effect on our financial position, while any material decrease in our ability to procure needed inventories could result in an inability to supply customer demand for our products, thus adversely affecting our revenue.
Most of our revenue has been derived from customers outside of the United States, subjecting us to operational, financial and political risks, such as unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, tariffs, political and economic instability, outbreaks of hostilities, natural disasters, climate change and difficulties in managing foreign sales representatives and foreign branch operations, as well as risks associated with foreign currency fluctuations.
Due to the significant level of our international sales, we are subject to a number of material risks, including:
Compliance with foreign laws. Our business is subject to risks inherent in doing business internationally, including compliance with, inconsistencies among, and unexpected changes in, a wide variety of foreign laws and regulatory environments with which we are not familiar, including, among other issues, with respect to employees, protection of our intellectual property, and a wide variety of operational regulations and trade and export controls under domestic, foreign, and international law.
Unexpected changes in legal and regulatory requirements including tariffs and other market barriers. The semiconductor device industry is a high-visibility industry in many of the European and Asian countries in which we sell our products. Because the governments of these countries have provided extensive financial support to our semiconductor device manufacturing customers in these countries, we believe that our customers could be disproportionately affected by any trade embargoes, excise taxes, tariffs or other restrictions imposed by their governments on trade with United States companies such as ourselves, particularly with respect to the ongoing trade negotiations between the United States and China.
Over the last several years and accelerating in 2020, the U.S. government has significantly expanded export controls on certain technologies and commodities to certain markets, particularly with respect to semiconductor and other high technology exports to China. For example, effective June 29, 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce imposed new export controls on the transfer of many U.S. products and technologies, including many commercial-grade electronics, to “military end users” or for “military end use” in China, which may include many Chinese commercial companies that sell products to or do business with the Chinese military. Likewise, beginning in May 2019, the U.S. Department of Commerce has imposed significant restrictions on the transfer of any products from the United States, as well as many products produced overseas that incorporate U.S. content or rely on U.S. software or technology, to Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., and a large number of its overseas affiliates, including HiSilicon, followed by a comparable action in December of 2020, related to Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC)., and a large number of its overseas affiliates, including Ningbo Semiconductor International Corporation (NSIC). The U.S. government is also engaged in an ongoing process of assessing which “emerging and foundational technologies” warrant new or additional controls, which could subject additional U.S.-origin products and services to more stringent export restrictions. It is possible that these modified regulations, and any future regulations could reduce demand for our products. In particular, these restrictive measures may reduce overall global demand for our customers’ products or for other products produced or manufactured in the United States or based on United States technology, in turn reducing demand for our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are faced with various risks that may be associated with our compliance with existing, new, different, inconsistent or conflicting laws, regulations and rules enacted by governments and/or their regulatory agencies in the countries in which we operate as well as rules and policies implemented at our customer sites. These laws, regulations, rules and policies could relate to any of an array of issues including, but not limited to, environmental, tax, intellectual property, trade secrets, product liability, contracts, antitrust, employment, securities, import/export and unfair competition. In the event that we fail to comply with or violate U.S. or foreign laws or regulations or customer policies, we could be subject to civil or criminal claims or proceedings
that may result in monetary fines, penalties or other costs against us or our employees, which may adversely affect our operating results, financial condition, customer relations and ability to conduct our business.
Political and economic instability. We are subject to various global risks related to political and economic instabilities in countries in which we derive sales. If terrorist activities, armed conflict, civil or military unrest or political instability occurs outside of the U.S., these events may result in reduced demand for our products. There is considerable political instability in Taiwan related to its disputes with China and in South Korea related to its disputes with North Korea. In addition, several Asian countries, particularly Japan, have experienced significant economic instability. An outbreak of hostilities or other political upheaval in China, Taiwan or South Korea, or an economic downturn in Japan or other countries, would likely harm the operations of our customers in these countries. The effect of these types of events on our revenue and cash flows could be material because we derive substantial revenue from sales to semiconductor device foundries in Taiwan such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd., from memory chip manufacturers in South Korea such as Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., and from semiconductor device manufacturers in Japan such as Toshiba Corporation.
Natural disasters and climate change. Natural disasters, changes in climate and geo-political events could materially adversely affect our worldwide operations (or those of our business partners). The occurrence of one or more natural disasters such as hurricanes, tropical storms, fires, cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, typhoons, volcanic eruptions and weather conditions such as major or extended winter storms, droughts and tornadoes, whether as a result of climate change or otherwise, may disrupt manufacturing or other operations. For example, our Milpitas operations are located near major earthquake fault lines in California. There may also be conflict or uncertainty in the countries in which we operate, including public health issues (for example, an outbreak of a contagious disease such as COVID-19, avian influenza, measles or Ebola), safety issues, natural disasters, fire, disruptions of service from utilities, nuclear power plant accidents or general economic or political unrest, including war, civil unrest or terrorist attacks.
Difficulties in staffing and managing foreign branch operations. During periods of tension between the governments of the United States and certain other countries, it is often difficult for United States companies such as ours to staff and manage operations in such countries. Language and other cultural differences may also inhibit our sales and marketing efforts and create internal communication problems among our U.S. and foreign research and development teams, increasing the difficulty of managing multiple remote locations performing various development, quality assurance, and yield ramp analysis projects.
Currency fluctuations as compared to the U.S. Dollar. A substantial portion of our international sales are denominated in U.S. dollars. As a result, if the dollar rises in value in relation to foreign currencies, our systems will become more expensive to customers outside the United States and less competitive with systems produced by competitors outside the United States. These conditions could negatively impact our international sales. Foreign sales also expose us to collection risk in the event it becomes more expensive for our foreign customers to convert their local currencies into U.S. dollars. Additionally, in the event a larger portion of our revenue becomes denominated in foreign currencies, we would be subject to a potentially significant exchange rate risk.
FCPA and Other Anti-Corruption Laws. We are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 ("FCPA"), and other laws that prohibit improper payments or offers of payments to foreign governments and their officials and political parties by U.S. persons and issuers as defined by the statute, for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Also, similar worldwide anti-bribery laws, such as the U.K. Bribery Act and Chinese anti-corruption laws, generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to non-U.S. officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Some of our distribution partners are located in parts of the world that have experienced governmental corruption to some degree and, in certain circumstances, strict compliance with anti-bribery laws may conflict with local customs and practices. The policies and procedures we have implemented to discourage these practices by our employees, our existing safeguards and any future improvements may prove to be less than effective, and our employees, consultants, sales agents or distributors may engage in conduct for which we might be held responsible. Violations of the FCPA or international anti-corruption laws may result in severe criminal or civil sanctions, and we may be subject to other liabilities, which could negatively affect our business, operating results and financial condition. In addition, the U.S. government may seek to hold us liable for successor liability FCPA violations committed by companies in which we invest or that we acquire. We cannot assure you that our internal control policies and procedures will protect us from reckless or negligent acts committed by our employees, distributors, partners, consultants or agents.
If we deliver systems with defects, our credibility will be harmed and the sales and market acceptance of our systems will decrease.
Our systems are complex and have occasionally contained errors, defects and bugs when introduced. Defects may be created during probing, bumping, dicing or general handling, and can have a major impact on device and process quality. When this occurs, our credibility and the market acceptance and sales of our systems could be harmed. Further, if our systems contain errors, defects or bugs, computer viruses or malicious code as a result of cyber-attacks to our computer networks, we may be
required to expend significant capital and resources to alleviate these problems. Defects could also lead to product liability as a result of product liability lawsuits against us or against our customers. We have agreed to indemnify our customers under certain circumstances against liability arising from defects in our systems. Our product liability insurance policy currently provides $2.0 million of aggregate coverage, with an overall umbrella limit of $14.0 million. In the event of a successful product liability claim, we could be obligated to pay damages significantly in excess of our product liability insurance limits.
If we are not successful in developing new and enhanced products for the semiconductor device manufacturing industry, we will lose sales and market share to our competitors.
We operate in an industry that is highly competitive and subject to evolving industry standards, rapid technological changes, rapid changes in consumer demands and the rapid introduction of new, higher performance systems with shorter product life cycles. To be competitive in our demanding market, we must continually design, develop and introduce in a timely manner new lithography, inspection and metrology process control systems that meet the performance and price demands of semiconductor device manufacturers. We must also continue to refine our current systems so that they remain competitive. We expect to continue to make significant investments in our research and development activities. We may experience difficulties or delays in our development efforts with respect to new systems, and we may not ultimately be successful in our product enhancement efforts to improve and advance products or in responding effectively to technological change, as not all research and development activities result in viable commercial products. In addition, we cannot provide assurance that we will be able to develop new products for the most opportunistic new markets and applications. Any significant delay in releasing new systems could cause our products to become obsolete, adversely affect our reputation, give a competitor a first-to-market advantage or cause a competitor to achieve greater market share.
In addition, our competitors may provide innovative technology that may have performance advantages over systems we currently offer or may offer in the future. They may be able to develop products comparable or superior to those that we offer or may adapt more quickly to new technologies or evolving customer requirements. In particular, while we currently are developing additional product enhancements that we believe will address future customer requirements, we may fail in a timely manner to complete the development or introduction of these additional product enhancements successfully, or these product enhancements may not achieve market acceptance or be competitive.
Further, customers that may otherwise desire to purchase our products from us and purchase other products from our competitors may nevertheless purchase competing products from our competitors rather than purchase our products due to a variety of reasons, including to gain favor or volume pricing from our competitors.
If new products developed by us do not gain general market acceptance, we will be unable to generate revenue and recover our research and development costs.
Inspection, lithography and metrology product development is inherently risky because it is difficult to foresee developments in semiconductor device manufacturing technology, coordinate technical personnel, and identify and eliminate system design flaws. Further, our products are complex and often the applications to our customers’ businesses are unique. Any new systems we introduce may not achieve or sustain a significant degree of market acceptance and sales.
We expect to spend a significant amount of time and resources developing new systems and refining our existing systems. In light of the long product development cycles inherent in our industry, these expenditures will be made well in advance of the prospect of deriving revenue from the sale of those systems. Our ability to commercially introduce and successfully market new systems are subject to a wide variety of challenges during the development cycle, including start-up bugs, design defects, and other matters that could delay introduction of these systems. In addition, since our customers are not obligated by long-term contracts to purchase our systems, our anticipated product orders may not materialize, or orders that are placed may be canceled. As a result, if we do not achieve market acceptance of new products, we may be unable to generate sufficient revenue and cash flow to recover our research and development costs and our market share, revenue, operating results or stock price would be negatively impacted.
Even if we are able to develop new products that gain market acceptance, sales of these new products could impair our ability to sell existing products.
Competition from our new systems could have a negative effect on sales of our existing systems and the prices that we could charge for these systems. We may also divert sales and marketing resources from our current systems in order to successfully launch and promote our new or next generation systems. This diversion of resources could have a further negative effect on sales of our current systems and the value of inventory.
Our integrated metrology systems are integrated with systems sold independently by wafer fabrication equipment suppliers, and a decrease in sales by these suppliers, or the development of competing systems by these suppliers, could harm our business.
We believe that sales of integrated metrology systems will continue to be an important source of our net revenues. Sales of our integrated metrology systems depend upon the ability of a small number of wafer fabrication equipment suppliers to sell semiconductor manufacturing equipment products that are compatible with our metrology systems as components. If these suppliers, such as Applied Materials, Inc., Ebara Corporation, Lam Research Corporation and Tokyo Electron, are unable to sell such products, if they choose to focus their attention on products that do not integrate our systems, or if they choose to develop competing systems, our business could suffer.
If our relationships with our large customers deteriorate, our product development activities could be adversely affected.
The success of our product development efforts depends on our ability to anticipate market trends and the price, performance and functionality requirements of semiconductor device manufacturers. In order to anticipate these trends and ensure that critical development projects proceed in a coordinated manner, we must continue to collaborate closely with our largest customers. Our relationships with these and other customers provide us with access to valuable information regarding trends in the semiconductor device industry, which enables us to better plan our product development activities. If our current relationships with our large customers are impaired, or if we are unable to develop similar collaborative relationships with important customers in the future, our product development activities could be adversely affected.
We may fail to adequately protect our intellectual property and, therefore, lose our competitive advantage.
Our future success and competitive position depend in part upon our ability to obtain and maintain proprietary technology for our principal product families, and we rely, in part, on patent and trade secret law and confidentiality agreements to protect that technology. If we fail to adequately protect our intellectual property, it will give our competitors a significant advantage. We own or have licensed a number of patents relating to our transparent and opaque thin film metrology, lithography and macro-defect inspection systems, and have filed applications for additional patents. Any of our pending patent applications may be rejected, and we may be unable to develop additional proprietary technology that is patentable in the future.
In addition, the patents that we do own or that have been issued or licensed to us may not provide us with competitive advantages and may be challenged by third parties. Further, third parties may also design around these patents. In addition to patent protection, we rely upon trade secret protection for our confidential and proprietary information and technology. We routinely enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees and other third parties. Even though these agreements are in place, there can be no assurances that trade secrets and proprietary information will not be disclosed, that others will not independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information and techniques or otherwise gain access to our trade secrets, or that we can fully protect our trade secrets and proprietary information. Violations by others of our confidentiality agreements and the loss of employees who have specialized knowledge and expertise could harm our competitive position and cause our sales and operating results to decline as a result of increased competition. Costly and time-consuming litigation might be necessary to enforce and determine the scope of our proprietary rights, and failure to obtain or maintain trade secret protection might adversely affect our ability to continue our research or bring products to market.
The laws of some foreign countries, including China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, where we do business, do not protect our proprietary rights to as great an extent as do the laws of the United States, and many U.S. companies have encountered substantial problems in protecting their proprietary rights against infringement abroad. For example, litigation discovery practice in China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan is not as robust as the U.S., so it can be more difficult to determine if a company is infringing on our patents and more challenging to bring a lawsuit. Similarly, China’s protection of intellectual property rights historically has been less stringent and robust compared to other countries such as the United States, and consequently intellectual property rights and confidentiality protections in China may not be as effective as in the United States or other countries. Monitoring and preventing unauthorized use are also difficult and the measures we take to protect our intellectual property rights may not be adequate. Accordingly, infringement of our intellectual property rights poses a serious risk of doing business in China. Consequently, there is a risk that we may be unable to adequately protect our proprietary rights in certain foreign countries. If this occurs, it would be easier for our competitors to develop and sell competing products in these countries.
Protection of our intellectual property rights, or the efforts of third parties to enforce their own intellectual property rights against us, may result in costly and time-consuming litigation, substantial damages, lost product sales and/or the loss of important intellectual property rights.
We may be required to initiate litigation in order to enforce any patents issued to or licensed by us or to determine the scope or validity of a third party’s patent or other proprietary rights. Any litigation, regardless of outcome, could be expensive and time consuming and could subject us to significant liabilities or require us to re-engineer our products or obtain expensive licenses from third parties. There can be no assurance that any patents issued to or licensed by us will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented, or that the rights granted thereunder will provide us with a competitive advantage.
In addition, our commercial success depends in part on our ability to avoid infringing or misappropriating patents or other proprietary rights owned by third parties. From time to time, we receive communications from third parties asserting that our products or systems infringe, or may infringe, on the proprietary rights of these third parties. These claims of infringement may lead to protracted and costly litigation, which could require us to pay substantial damages or have the sale of our products or systems stopped by an injunction. Infringement claims could also cause product or system delays or require us to redesign our products or systems, and these delays could result in the loss of substantial revenue. We may also be required to obtain a license from the third party or cease activities utilizing the third party’s proprietary rights. We may not be able to enter into such a license or such a license may not be available on commercially reasonable terms. Accordingly, the loss of important intellectual property rights could hinder our ability to sell our systems or to make the sale of these systems more expensive.
Some of our current and potential competitors have significantly greater resources than we do, and increased competition could impair sales of our products or cause us to reduce our prices.
The market for semiconductor capital equipment is highly competitive. We face substantial competition from established companies in each of the markets we serve. We principally compete with KLA Corporation, Nova Measuring Instruments, Camtek and Veeco Instruments. We compete to a lesser extent with Nikon. Each of our products also competes with products that use different metrology, inspection or lithography techniques. Some of our competitors have greater financial, engineering, manufacturing and marketing resources, broader product offerings and service capabilities and larger installed customer bases than we do. As a result, these competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies or market developments by devoting greater resources to the development, promotion and sale of products, which, in turn, could impair sales of our products. Further, there may be significant merger and acquisition activity among our competitors and potential competitors, which, in turn, may provide them with a competitive advantage over us by enabling them to rapidly expand their product offerings and service capabilities to meet a broader range of customer needs.
Many of our customers and potential customers in the semiconductor device manufacturing industry are large companies that require global support and service for their semiconductor capital equipment. We believe that our global support and service infrastructure is sufficient to meet the needs of our customers and potential customers. However, some of our competitors have more extensive infrastructures than we do, which could place us at a disadvantage when competing for the business of global semiconductor device manufacturers. Many of our competitors are investing heavily in the development of new systems that will compete directly with our systems. We have, from time to time, selectively reduced prices on our systems in order to protect our market share, and competitive pressures may necessitate further price reductions. We expect our competitors in each product area to continue to improve the design and performance of their products and to introduce new products with competitive prices and performance characteristics. These product introductions would likely require us to decrease the prices of our systems and increase the level of discounts that we grant our customers. Price reductions or lost sales as a result of these competitive pressures would reduce our total revenue and could adversely impact our financial results.
Because of the high cost of switching equipment vendors in our markets, it is sometimes difficult for us to win new customers from our competitors even if our systems are superior to theirs.
We believe that once a semiconductor device manufacturer has selected one vendor’s capital equipment for a production-line application, the manufacturer generally relies upon that capital equipment and, to the extent possible, subsequent generations of the same vendor’s equipment for the life of the application. Once a vendor’s equipment has been installed in a production line application, a semiconductor device manufacturer must often make substantial technical modifications and may experience production-line downtime in order to switch to another vendor’s equipment. Accordingly, unless our systems offer performance or cost advantages that outweigh a customer’s expense of switching to our systems, it will be difficult for us to achieve significant sales to that manufacturer once it has selected another vendor’s capital equipment for an application.
We must attract and retain experienced senior executives and other key personnel with knowledge of semiconductor device manufacturing and inspection, metrology or lithography equipment and related software to help support our future growth, and competition for such personnel in our industry is high.
Our success depends, to a significant degree, upon the continued contributions of our key executive management, engineering, sales and marketing, customer support, finance and manufacturing personnel. The loss of any of these key personnel through resignations, retirement or other circumstances, each of whom would be extremely difficult to replace, could harm our business and operating results. Although we have employment and noncompetition agreements with key members of our senior management team, these individuals or other key employees may still leave us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. We do not have key person life insurance on any of our executives. In addition, to support our future growth, we will need to attract and retain additional qualified employees. Competition for such personnel in our industry is intense, and we may not be successful in attracting and retaining qualified employees.
In order to attract and retain executives and other key employees, we must provide a competitive compensation package, including cash and stock-based compensation. If the anticipated value of the our stock-based incentive awards does not materialize so that they cease to be viewed as valuable, if our profits decrease, or if our total compensation package is not viewed as competitive, our ability to attract, retain and motivate executives and key employees could be weakened.
Any prolonged disruption in the operations of our manufacturing facilities could have a material adverse effect on our revenue.
We produce the majority of our systems in our manufacturing facilities located in Milpitas, California and Bloomington, Minnesota. We use contract manufacturers in China, Israel, Japan and the United States. Our manufacturing processes are highly complex and require sophisticated and costly equipment and a specially designed facility. As a result, any prolonged disruption in the operations of our manufacturing facilities could seriously harm our ability to satisfy our customer order deadlines. If we cannot timely deliver our systems, our results from operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.
We may outsource select manufacturing activities to third-party service providers, which decreases our control over the performance of these functions and may result in lower quality and functionality of our products.
We may outsource product manufacturing to third-party service providers. Outsourcing reduces our control over the performance of the outsourced functions. Dependence on outsourcing may also adversely affect our ability to bring new products to market. If we do not effectively manage our outsourcing strategy or if third party service providers do not perform as anticipated, we may experience operational difficulties, increased costs, manufacturing interruptions or inefficiencies in the operation of our supply chain, any or all of which could delay our delivery of products to our customers, and materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We are in the process of consolidating a world-wide enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system, and problems with the design or implementation of this ERP system could interfere with our business and operations.
We are currently engaged in a multi-year process of conforming all our operations to one global enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system. The ERP system is designed to accurately maintain the Company’s books and records and enhance the speed and quality of information provided to our management team for use in the operation and management of our business. The Company’s ERP transition has required, and will continue to require, the investment of significant human and financial resources. We may not be able to successfully implement the ERP transition without experiencing delays, increased costs and other difficulties. Beyond cost and scheduling, if there are flaws in the implementation of the ERP system, or if the ERP system does not operate as expected, this may pose risks to the Company’s ability to operate successfully and efficiently, including the risk that the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls over financial reporting may be negatively impacted, affecting our ability to make timely and accurate SEC filings. If we are unable to successfully implement the consolidated ERP system as planned, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows could be negatively impacted.
If our network security measures are breached and unauthorized access is obtained to a customer’s data, to our data, or to our information technology systems, we may incur significant legal and financial exposure and liabilities.
As part of our business, we store our data and certain data about our customers, vendors and employees in our information technology system. While we have security measures in place that are designed to protect this information and prevent data loss and other security breaches, if these measures are breached as a result of third-party action, employee error, malfeasance, break-ins or otherwise, and someone obtains unauthorized access to our customers’, vendors’ or employees’ data, we could face loss of business, regulatory investigations or court orders, our reputation could be severely damaged, we could be required
to expend significant capital and other resources to alleviate the problem, as well as incur significant costs and liabilities, including due to litigation, indemnity obligations, damages for contract breach, penalties for violation of applicable laws or regulations, and costs for remediation and other incentives offered to customers.
Cyber-attacks and other malicious internet-based activities continue to increase. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our expanded reliance on remote access to our information systems has further increased our exposure to potential cybersecurity breaches. As the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access or sabotage systems change frequently and generally are not identified until they are launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. In addition, third parties may attempt to fraudulently induce employees or users to disclose information to gain access to our data or our customers’ data. If any of these events occur, our or our customers’ and vendors’ information could be accessed or disclosed improperly. Any or all of these issues could negatively affect our ability to attract new customers, cause existing customers to choose to purchase from our competitors, result in reputational damage or subject us to third-party lawsuits, regulatory fines or other action or liability, which could adversely affect our operating results.
The General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) is a regulation in European Union (“EU”) law on data protection and privacy for all individuals within the EU and the European Economic Area (“EEA”). It also addresses the export of personal data outside the EU and EEA areas. Appropriate technical and organizational measures are necessary to implement these data protection principles. We may also be subject to other data privacy laws in the United States and the other countries in which we operate.
Our ability to fulfill our backlog may have an effect on our long-term ability to procure contracts and fulfill current contracts.
Our ability to fulfill our backlog may be limited by our ability to devote sufficient financial and human capital resources and may be limited by available material supplies. If we do not fulfill our backlog in a timely manner, we may experience delays in product delivery, which would postpone receipt of revenue from those delayed deliveries. Additionally, if we are consistently unable to fulfill our backlog, this may be a disincentive to customers to award large contracts to us in the future until they are comfortable that we can effectively manage our backlog.
If we do not manage our supply chain effectively, our operating results may be adversely affected.
We need to continually evaluate our global supply chains and assess opportunities to reduce costs. We must also enhance quality, speed and flexibility to meet changing demand for our products and product mix and uncertain market conditions. Our success also depends in part on refining our cost structure and supply chains so that we have flexibility and can maintain and improve profitability. Although the current tariff environment has not had a material adverse effect on our costs to date, further deterioration in the tariff environment, or changes in suppliers, may cause our costs to increase, which if we are not able to offset by charging higher sales prices, will cause a decline in our margins. To improve our margins on a product, we will need to establish high volume supply agreements with our vendors. We cannot be certain that we will be able to timely negotiate vendor supply agreements on improved terms and conditions, or at all. Failure to achieve the desired level of cost reductions could adversely affect our financial results. Despite our efforts to control costs and increase efficiency in our facilities, changes in demand could still cause us to realize lower operating margins and profitability.
We obtain some of the components and subassemblies included in our systems from a limited group of suppliers and do not have long-term contracts with many of our suppliers. Our dependence on limited source suppliers of components and our lack of long-term contracts with many of our suppliers expose us to several risks, including a potential inability to obtain an adequate supply of components, price increases, late deliveries and poor component quality. Disruption or termination of the supply of these components could delay shipments of our systems, damage our customer relationships and reduce our sales. From time to time in the past, we have experienced temporary difficulties in receiving shipments from our suppliers. The lead-time required for shipments of some of our components can be as long as six months. In addition, the lead time required to qualify new suppliers for lasers and certain optics could be as long as a year, and the lead time required to qualify new suppliers of other components could be as long as nine months. If we are unable to accurately predict our component needs, or if our component supply is disrupted, we may miss market opportunities by not being able to meet the demand for our systems. Further, a significant increase in the price of one or more of these components or subassemblies could seriously harm our results of operations and cash flows.
We may choose to acquire new and complementary businesses, products or technologies instead of developing them ourselves, and we may be unable to complete these acquisitions or may not be able to successfully integrate an acquired business in a cost-effective and non-disruptive manner.
Our success depends on our ability to continually enhance and broaden our product offerings in response to changing technologies, customer demands and competitive pressures. To this end, we have, from time to time, engaged in the process of
identifying, analyzing and negotiating possible acquisition transactions, and, from time to time, acquiring one or more businesses, and we expect to continue to do so in the future. We may choose to acquire new and complementary businesses, products, technologies and/or services instead of developing them ourselves. We may, however, face competition for acquisition targets from larger and more established companies with greater financial resources, making it more difficult for us to complete acquisitions. We cannot provide any assurance that we will be successful in consummating future acquisitions on favorable terms or that we will realize the benefits that we anticipate from one or more acquisitions that we consummate. Integrating any business, product, technology or service into our current operations could be expensive and time-consuming and/or disrupt our ongoing business. Further, there are numerous risks associated with acquisitions and potential acquisitions, including, but not limited to:
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diversion of management’s attention from day-to-day operational matters and current products and customers;
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lack of synergy or the inability to successfully integrate the new business or to realize expected synergies;
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failure to commercialize the new technology or business;
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failure to meet the expected performance of the new technology or business;
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failure to retain key employees and customer or supplier relationships;
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lower-than-expected market opportunities or market acceptance of any new products; and
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unexpected reduction of sales of existing products as a result of the introduction of new products.
Our inability to consummate one or more acquisitions on favorable terms, or our failure to realize the intended benefits from one or more acquisitions, could have a material adverse effect on our business, liquidity, financial position and/or results of operations, including as a result of our incurrence of indebtedness and related interest expense and our assumption of unforeseen contingent liabilities. We might need to raise additional funds through public or private equity or debt financings to finance any acquisition. In that event, we could be forced to obtain financing on terms that are not favorable to us and, in the case of equity financing, that result in dilution to our stockholders. In addition, any impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets, amortization of intangible assets, write-down of other assets or charges resulting from the costs of acquisitions and purchase accounting could harm our business and operating results.
If we cannot effectively manage growth, our business may suffer.
Over the long-term, we intend to grow our business by increasing our sales efforts and completing strategic acquisitions. To effectively manage growth, we must, among other things:
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engage, train and manage a larger sales force and additional service personnel;
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expand the geographic coverage of our sales force;
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expand our information systems;
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identify and successfully integrate acquired businesses into our operations; and
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administer appropriate financial and administrative control procedures.
Growth of our business will likely place a significant strain on our management, financial, operational, technical, sales and administrative resources. Any failure to effectively manage our growth may cause our business to suffer and our stock price to decline.
Risks Related to Tax Laws, Financial Markets and the Environment
Changes in tax rates or tax liabilities could affect results.
As a global company, we are subject to taxation in the United States and various other countries. Significant judgment is required to determine and estimate worldwide tax liabilities. Our future annual and quarterly tax rates could be affected by numerous factors, including changes in the (1) applicable tax laws; (2) composition of earnings in countries with differing tax rates; or (3) recoverability of our deferred tax assets and liabilities. In addition, we are subject to regular examination of our income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of favorable or unfavorable outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any final determination will not be materially different from the treatment reflected in our historical income tax provisions and accruals, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”), released guidance covering various topics, including country-by-country reporting, definitional changes to permanent establishment and Base Erosion and Profit Shifting
(“BEPS”), an initiative that aims to standardize and modernize global tax policy. Depending on the final form of guidance adopted by OECD members and legislation ultimately enacted, if any, there may be significant consequences for us due to our international business activities, including, but not limited to, an increase in our tax uncertainty and adverse effects on our provision for income taxes.
Turmoil or fluctuations in the credit markets and the financial services industry may negatively impact our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity, and our factoring arrangements may expose us to additional risks.
In the past, global credit markets and the financial services industry have experienced a period of unprecedented turmoil and upheaval characterized by the tightening of the credit markets, the weakening of the global economy and an unprecedented level of intervention from the United States and other governments. Adverse economic conditions, such as sustained periods of economic uncertainty or a crisis in the financial markets may have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and financial condition if our ability to obtain credit from the capital financial markets, or from trade creditors was impaired. In addition, a worsening economy or an economic crisis could also adversely impact our customers’ ability to finance the purchase of systems from us or our suppliers’ ability to provide us with product, either of which may negatively impact our business and results of operations. In addition, we enter into factoring arrangements with certain financial institutions to sell a certain portion of our trade receivables. If we were to stop entering into these factoring arrangements, our operating results, financial condition and cash flows could be adversely impacted by delays or failure to collect the trade receivables. However, by entering into these arrangements, we are exposed to additional risks. If any of these financial institutions experiences financial difficulties or is otherwise unable to honor the terms of our factoring arrangements, we may experience material financial losses due to the failure of such arrangements, which could have an adverse impact upon our operating results, financial condition and cash flows.
We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations that could impose substantial costs upon us and may harm our business, operating results and financial condition.
Some of our operations use substances regulated under various federal, state, local, and international laws governing the environment, including those relating to the storage, use, discharge, disposal, labeling, and human exposure to hazardous and toxic materials. We could incur costs, fines and civil or criminal sanctions, third-party property damage or personal injury claims, or could be required to incur substantial investigation or remediation costs, if we were to violate or become liable under environmental laws. Liability under environmental laws can be joint and several and without regard to comparative fault. Compliance with current or future environmental laws and regulations could restrict our ability to expand our facilities or require us to acquire additional expensive equipment, modify our manufacturing processes, or incur other significant expenses. We may unintentionally violate environmental laws or regulations in the future as a result of human error, equipment failure or other causes.
Risks Related to the 2019 Merger
Any ongoing actions related to the combination of the businesses of Rudolph and Nanometrics may be more difficult, costly or time-consuming than expected and we may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of the 2019 Merger, which may adversely affect our business results and negatively affect the value of our common stock.
The success of the 2019 Merger depends on, among other things, our ability to combine the businesses of Rudolph and Nanometrics in a manner that realizes cost savings and facilitates growth opportunities.
In addition, we must achieve the anticipated growth and cost savings without adversely affecting current revenues and investments in future growth. If we are not able to successfully achieve these objectives, the anticipated benefits of the 2019 Merger may not be realized fully, or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected.
An inability to realize the full extent of the anticipated benefits of the 2019 Merger, as well as any delays encountered in any remaining activities which are part of the integration process, could have an adverse effect upon our revenues, level of expenses and operating results, which may adversely affect the value of our common stock.
In addition, any remaining integration activities may result in additional and unforeseen expenses, and the anticipated benefits of the integration plan may not be realized. Actual growth and cost savings, if achieved, may be lower than what we
expect and may take longer to achieve than anticipated. If we are not able to adequately address any remaining integration challenges, we may be unable to realize the anticipated benefits of the integration of Rudolph and Nanometrics.
The failure to complete the successful integration of the businesses and operations of Rudolph and Nanometrics in the expected time frame may adversely affect our future results.
Prior to completion of the 2019 Merger, Rudolph and Nanometrics operated independently. There can be no assurances that their businesses can be fully integrated successfully. It is possible that the ongoing integration process could result in the loss of key employees, the loss of customers, the disruption of our ongoing businesses, inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies, unexpected integration issues, higher than expected integration costs or an overall post-completion integration process that takes longer than originally anticipated. Specifically, the following issues, among others, continue to be addressed in integrating the operations of Rudolph and Nanometrics in order to realize the anticipated benefits of the 2019 Merger so we perform as expected:
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integrating and unifying the offerings and services available to customers;
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harmonizing the companies’ operating practices, employee development and compensation programs, internal controls and other policies, procedures and processes;
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consolidating the companies’ administrative and information technology infrastructure; and
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coordinating geographically dispersed organizations.
In addition, at times the attention of certain members of management and resources may be focused on the integration of the businesses of the two companies and diverted from day-to-day business operations or other opportunities that may have been beneficial, which may disrupt our business.
Risks Related to the Global Economy and Semiconductor Industry
Cyclicality in the semiconductor device industry has led to substantial decreases in demand for our systems and may, from time to time, continue to do so.
Our operating results are subject to significant variation due to global economic conditions and the cyclical nature of the semiconductor device industry. Our business depends upon the capital expenditures of semiconductor device manufacturers, which, in turn, depend upon the current and anticipated market demand for semiconductors and products using semiconductors. The timing, length and severity of the up-and-down cycles in the semiconductor equipment industry are difficult to predict. In recent years, the industry has experienced significant downturns, generally in connection with declines in economic conditions. This cyclical nature of the industry in which we operate affects our ability to accurately predict future revenue and, thus, future expense levels. When cyclical fluctuations result in lower than expected revenue levels, operating results may be adversely affected, and cost reduction measures may be necessary in order for us to remain competitive and financially sound. During a down cycle, we must be in a position to adjust our cost and expense structure to prevailing market conditions and to continue to motivate and retain our key employees. In addition, during periods of rapid growth, we must be able to increase manufacturing capacity and personnel to meet customer demand. We can provide no assurance that these objectives can be met in a timely manner in response to industry cycles. If we fail to respond to industry cycles, our business could be seriously harmed.
We may also experience supplier or customer issues as a result of adverse macroeconomic conditions. If our customers have difficulties in obtaining capital or financing, this could result in lower sales. Customers with liquidity issues could also result in an increase in bad debt expense. These conditions could also affect our key suppliers, which could affect their ability to supply parts and result in delays of our customer shipments.
Our future rate of growth is highly dependent on the development and growth of the market for microelectronic device inspection, lithography and metrology equipment.
We target our products to address the needs of microelectronic device manufacturers for defect inspection, metrology and lithography. If for any reason the market for microelectronic device inspection, lithography or metrology equipment fails to grow in the long term, we may be unable to maintain current revenue levels in the short term and maintain our historical growth in the long term. Growth in the inspection market is dependent to a large extent upon microelectronic manufacturers replacing manual inspection with automated inspection technology. Growth in the metrology market is dependent to a large extent upon new chip designs and capacity expansion of microelectronic manufacturers. Growth in the lithography market is dependent on the development of cost-effective packaging with high fine pitch RDLs, ultimately migrating to multi-die, large, form-factor packages. There can be no assurance that manufacturers will undertake these actions at the rate we expect.
General Risk Factors
Provisions of our charter documents and of Delaware law could discourage potential acquisition proposals and/or delay, deter or prevent a change in control of our company.
Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and by-laws may inhibit changes in control of our company not approved by our Board of Directors. These provisions also limit the circumstances in which a premium can be paid for our common stock and in which a proxy contest for control of our board may be initiated. These provisions provide for:
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a prohibition on stockholder actions through written consent;
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a requirement that special meetings of stockholders be called only by our chief executive officer or Board of Directors;
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advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and director nominations by stockholders;
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limitations on the ability of stockholders to amend, alter or repeal our by-laws; and
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the authority of our board to issue, without stockholder approval, preferred stock with such terms as the board may determine; and
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The authority of our board, without stockholder approval, to adopt a stockholder rights plan.
We are also entitled to avail ourselves of the protections of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which could inhibit changes in control of the Company.
Our stock price is volatile.
The market price of our common stock has fluctuated widely. Consequently, the current market price of our common stock may not be indicative of future market prices, and we may be unable to sustain or increase the value of an investment in our common stock. Factors affecting our stock price may include:
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variations in operating results from quarter to quarter;
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changes in earnings estimates by analysts or our failure to meet analysts’ expectations;
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changes in the market price per share of our public company customers;
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market conditions in the semiconductor and other industries into which we sell products;
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general economic conditions;
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political changes, hostilities or natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods;
•
the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, or other future infectious disease pandemics, on the global economy and on our customers, suppliers, employees, and business
•
low trading volume of our common stock; and
•
the number of firms making a market in our common stock.
In addition, the stock market has experienced periods of significant price and volume fluctuations. These fluctuations have particularly affected the market prices of the securities of high technology companies like ours. Any such market fluctuations in the future could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

---

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.

---

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2.
Properties.
Our principal executive office building is located at 16 Jonspin Road in Wilmington, Massachusetts. We own our Milpitas and Richardson facilities and lease facilities for corporate, engineering, manufacturing, sales and service-related purposes in the United States and seven other countries - China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Germany and France. The following table indicates the location, the general purpose and the square footage of our material facilities. Our leases expire at various times through July 1, 2029.
Location
Facility Purpose
Approximate
Square
Footage
Wilmington, Massachusetts
Corporate Headquarters, Engineering, Manufacturing and Service
50,000
Milpitas, California
Engineering, Manufacturing, Service and Administration
134,000
Budd Lake, New Jersey
Engineering, Service and Administration
49,000
Bloomington, Minnesota
Engineering, Manufacturing, Service and Administration
98,500
Bend, Oregon
Engineering and Service
13,000
Hillsboro, Oregon
Engineering and Service
27,000
Richardson, Texas
Engineering
21,000
Snoqualmie, Washington
Engineering and Service
20,500
Tucson, Arizona
Engineering, Manufacturing and Service
19,000
Taiwan
Sales and Service
27,500
China
Sales, Service and Engineering
26,700
South Korea
Sales and Service
26,000
Japan
Sales and Service
20,000
Singapore
Sales and Service
12,000
We also lease office space for other smaller sales and service offices in several locations throughout the world.
We believe that our existing facilities and capital equipment are adequate to meet our current requirements and that suitable additional or substitute space is available on commercially reasonable terms if needed.

---

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings.
The information set forth under Note 9, “Commitments and Contingencies” to the Consolidated Financial Statements is incorporated herein by reference.

---

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures.
None.
PART II

---

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Our common stock is quoted on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “ONTO.” Prior to the 2019 Merger, Nanometrics’ common stock was quoted on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “NANO” and Rudolph’s common stock was quoted on the NYSE under the symbol “RTEC.” Set forth below is a line graph comparing the annual percentage change in the cumulative return to the stockholders of the Company’s common stock with the cumulative return of the NYSE Composite Index and the industry specific index, PHLX Semiconductor Index, for the period commencing on December 31, 2015 and ending on December 31, 2020. Historical data for Onto Innovation in the line graph for the period commencing on December 31, 2015 and ending on October 25, 2019 reflects the cumulative return to the stockholders of Nanometrics.
The information contained in the performance graph shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into such filing.
The graph assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2015 in the Company’s common stock and in each index. No cash dividends have been declared or paid on the Company’s common stock. Stockholder returns over the indicated period should not be considered indicative of future stockholder returns.
12/15
12/16
12/17
12/18
12/19
12/20
Onto Innovation Inc.
100.00
165.52
164.60
180.52
241.35
314.07
NYSE Composite
100.00
111.94
132.90
121.01
151.87
162.49
PHLX Semiconductor
100.00
139.32
195.81
183.97
300.35
461.53
As of February 4, 2021, there were 123 stockholders of record of our common stock and approximately 20,277 beneficial stockholders.
We have never declared or paid a cash dividend on our common stock and we currently do not intend to. The declaration of any future dividends by us is within the discretion of our Board of Directors and will be dependent on our earnings, financial condition and capital requirements as well as any other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.
In November 2020, the Onto Innovation Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase authorization, which allows us to repurchase up to $100 million worth of shares of our common stock. This share repurchase authorization replaces the remaining balance of $28 million from the prior share repurchase authorization. Repurchases may be made through both public market and private transactions from time to time. At December 26, 2020, there was $100 million available for future share repurchases.
For further information, see Note 17 in the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
In addition to our share repurchase program, we withhold common stock shares associated with net share settlements to cover tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock unit awards and stock option exercises under the Company’s equity incentive program. During the three and twelve months ended December 26, 2020, we withheld 12 thousand and 118 thousand shares through net share settlements, respectively. For the three and twelve month periods ended December 26, 2020, net share settlements cost $0.5 million and $4.1 million, respectively. Please refer to Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding our equity incentive plan.
The following table provides details of common stock purchased during the three month period ended December 26, 2020 (in thousands, except per share data):
Period
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
Average
Price
Paid per
Share
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Program
Maximum
Approximate Dollar Value of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Program
September 27, 2020 to October 26, 2020
$
40.21
-
$
28,000
October 27, 2020 to November 26, 2020
$
37.66
-
$
100,000
November 27, 2020 to December 26, 2020
$
44.54
-
$
100,000
Three Months Ended December 26, 2020
$
42.22
-
1 Includes shares withheld through net share settlements.

---

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data.
Not required.

---

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Executive Summary
We are a worldwide leader in the design, development, manufacture and support of process control tools that perform macro-defect inspection and metrology, lithography systems, and process control analytical software used by semiconductor and advanced packaging device manufacturers. We deliver comprehensive solutions throughout the semiconductor fabrication process with our families of proprietary products that provide critical yield-enhancing information, enabling microelectronic device manufacturers to drive down costs and time to market of their devices. We provide process and yield management solutions used in both wafer processing facilities, often referred to as “front-end,” and in device packaging and test facilities, commonly referred to as “back-end” manufacturing. Our advanced process control software portfolio includes powerful solutions for standalone tools, groups of tools, or factory-wide suites to enhance productivity and achieve significant cost savings.
Our principal market is semiconductors, primarily semiconductors packaged as integrated circuits within electronic devices, including consumer electronics, server and enterprise systems, mobile computing (including smart phones and tablets), data storage devices, and embedded automotive and control systems. Our core focus is the measurement and control of the structure, composition, and geometry of the devices as they are fabricated on silicon wafers to improve device performance and manufacturing yields.
Our products and services are used by our customers who manufacture many types of integrated circuits for a multitude of applications, each having unique manufacturing challenges. This includes integrated circuits to enable information processing and management (logic integrated circuits), memory storage (NAND, 3D-NAND, NOR, and DRAM), analog devices (Wi-Fi and 5G radio integrated circuits, power devices) MEMS sensor devices (accelerometers, pressure sensors, microphones), image sensors, and other end markets including components for hard disk drives, LEDs, and power management.
The semiconductor and electronics industries have also been characterized by constant technological innovation. We believe that, over the long term, our customers will continue to invest in advanced technologies and new materials to enable smaller design rules and higher density applications that fuel demand for process control equipment.
During 2020, we completed certain integration activities and launched four new metrology systems into the marketplace. These new products were introduced as logic and foundry customers were increasing their capacity while following aggressive plans to transition their manufacturing to smaller nodes. Customer interactions centered around satisfying the immediate demand for logic devices with our existing product portfolio, while partnering with R&D groups to prepare for the process controls needed for the next generation of semiconductors that will require the latest systems from us. Our strong engineering teams have, and will continue to, deliver new products to our customers, followed by our field engineers providing customer support, while simultaneously achieving and surpassing our cost synergy targets that were established at the onset of the 2019 Merger.
On February 28, 2020, our Board of Directors determined that it is in the best interests of the Company to change its fiscal year end from December 31 to a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. The change is intended to align our fiscal periods more closely with industry peers and improve comparability. We made the fiscal year change on a prospective basis and have not adjusted operating results for prior periods. The fiscal year of 2020 began on January 1, 2020 and ended December 26, 2020.
The following table summarizes certain key financial information for the periods indicated below (in thousands, except per share and percent data):
Year Ended
December 26,
December 31,
December 31,
2019(1)
2018(1)
Revenue
$
556,496
$
305,896
$
273,784
Gross profit
$
278,453
$
135,028
$
148,279
Gross profit as a percent of revenue
%
%
%
Total operating expenses
$
251,776
$
140,071
$
97,195
Net income
$
31,025
$
1,910
$
45,096
Diluted earnings per share
$
0.63
$
0.06
$
1.74
(1)
On October 25, 2019, the merger of Nanometrics with Rudolph was consummated and resulted in the combined company, which was renamed Onto Innovation Inc. Rudolph is treated as the accounting acquirer in the 2019 Merger
and therefore the financial results include Rudolph for all periods presented and the financial results of the former Nanometrics for the periods on or after October 26, 2019.
Our business is affected by the annual spending patterns of our customers on semiconductor capital equipment. The amount that our customers devote to capital equipment spending depends on a number of factors, including general worldwide economic conditions as well as other economic drivers such as personal computers, mobile devices, data centers, artificial intelligence and automotive sales. Current forecasts by industry analysts for the semiconductor device manufacturing industry project capital equipment spending to increase approximately 14% to 16% for 2021 as compared to 2020. Our revenue and profitability tend to follow the trends of certain segments within the semiconductor market.
Historically, a significant portion of our revenue in each quarter and year has been derived from sales to relatively few customers, and we expect this trend to continue. For the years ended December 26, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, aggregate sales to customers that individually represented at least five percent of our revenue accounted for 54.6%, 42.7%, and 18.3% of our revenue, respectively.
Our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balance increased to $373.7 million at the end of fiscal 2020 compared to $320.2 million at the end of the fiscal 2019. This increase was primarily the result of $106.0 million of cash generated from operating activities. In addition, the Company used approximately $52.0 million to repurchase 1.9 million shares of common stock during 2020.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our results of operations as percentages of our revenue. Our results of operations are reported as one business segment.
Year Ended December 26,
Year Ended December 31,
Revenue
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
Cost of revenue
50.0
%
55.9
%
45.8
%
Gross profit
50.0
%
44.1
%
54.2
%
Operating expenses:
Research and development
15.2
%
15.8
%
14.6
%
Sales and marketing
8.6
%
9.2
%
8.0
%
General and administrative
11.7
%
17.4
%
12.3
%
Amortization
9.7
%
3.4
%
0.6
%
Total operating expenses
45.2
%
45.8
%
35.5
%
Operating income (loss)
4.8
%
(1.7
)%
18.7
%
Interest income, net
0.5
%
1.2
%
0.8
%
Other income (expense), net
(0.5
)%
0.3
%
-
%
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
4.8
%
(0.2
)%
19.5
%
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
(0.7
)%
(0.8
)%
3.0
%
Net income
5.5
%
0.6
%
16.5
%
Results of Operations for 2020, 2019 and 2018
Revenue. Our revenue is derived from the sale of our systems and software, spare parts, and services. Our revenue was $556.5 million, $305.9 million and $273.8 million for the years ended December 26, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. This represents an increase of 81.9% from 2019 to 2020 and an increase of 11.7% from 2018 to 2019. The increase in revenue of 81.9% in the fiscal year ended December 26, 2020 compared to the prior year is primarily attributable to revenue from the 2019 Merger now including revenue from the legacy Nanometrics business for the full fiscal year and increased investments from our foundry and logic customers. The increase in revenue from 2018 to 2019 was primarily due to the inclusion of revenue from legacy Nanometrics business for the period from October 25, 2019, the effective date of the 2019 Merger, through December 31, 2019.
The following table lists, for the periods indicated, the different sources of our revenue in dollars (thousands) and as percentages of our total revenue:
Year Ended December 26,
Year Ended December 31,
Systems and software
$
450,459
%
$
255,723
%
$
234,241
%
Parts
65,444
%
34,892
%
28,658
%
Services
40,593
%
15,281
%
10,885
%
Total revenue
$
556,496
%
$
305,896
%
$
273,784
%
Total systems and software revenue increased $194.7 million for the year ended December 26, 2020 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily due to the inclusion of revenue from legacy Nanometrics for the period. The year-over-year change in systems revenue was primarily due to an increase of $178.6 million of revenue from legacy Nanometrics for the period and increased investment from our foundry and logic customers. The year-over-year increase in parts and services revenue in absolute dollars from 2019 to 2020 was primarily due to an increase of $54.3 million of parts and service revenue from legacy Nanometrics for 2020. Parts and services revenue is generated from part sales, maintenance service contracts, system upgrades, as well as time and material billable service calls.
Total systems and software revenue increased $21.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily due to the inclusion of revenue from legacy Nanometrics for the period from the effective date of the 2019 Merger. The year-over-year change in systems revenue was driven by an increase of $29.9 million in process control systems revenue due to inclusion of $56.0 million of revenue from legacy Nanometrics for the period from the effective date of the 2019 Merger. This increase was partially offset by decreased demand for our products in both advanced packaging and front-end systems. Software licensing, support and maintenance revenue decreased $4.0 million, primarily due to a decrease in revenue from our process control and yield management software. The year-over-year increase in parts and services revenue in absolute dollars from 2018 to 2019 was primarily due to the inclusion of $10.3 million of parts and service revenue from legacy Nanometrics for the period from the effective date of the 2019 Merger. Parts and services revenue is generated from part sales, maintenance service contracts, system upgrades, as well as time and material billable service calls.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our revenue by geographic region as percentages of our revenue.
Year Ended December 26,
Year Ended December 31,
Revenue
$
556,496
$
305,896
$
273,784
China
%
%
%
Taiwan
%
%
%
South Korea
%
%
%
United States
%
%
%
Japan
%
%
%
Europe
%
%
%
Southeast Asia
%
%
%
Total revenue
%
%
%
The overall Asia region continues to account for a majority of our revenues as a substantial amount of the worldwide capacity investments for semiconductor manufacturing continue to occur in this region and we expect that trend to continue.
Gross Profit. Our gross profit has been and will continue to be affected by a variety of factors, including inventory step-up from purchase accounting, manufacturing efficiencies, provision for excess and obsolete inventory, pricing by competitors or suppliers, new product introductions, production volume, customization and reconfiguration of systems, international and domestic sales mix, system and software product mix, and parts and services margins. Our gross profit was $278.5 million, $135.0 million and $148.3 million for the years ended December 26, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Our gross profit represented 50.0%, 44.1% and 54.2% for the years ended December 26, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The increase in gross profit as a percentage of revenue from 2019 to 2020 was primarily due to a favorable impact from higher revenue volume of products and services from the 2019 Merger with inclusion of legacy Nanometrics results for the full fiscal year, partially offset by additional charges for excess and obsolete inventory. During the fourth quarter of the year ended December 26, 2020, we recognized a write-down of inventory in the amount of $8.1 million for our JetStep X300 product line to net realizable value based on future demand and market conditions. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of revenue from 2018 to 2019 was primarily due to charges to cost of goods sold
including a $15.4 million charge for the sale of inventory written-up to fair value upon the 2019 Merger and $7.8 million in additional charges related to excess and obsolete inventory.
Operating Expenses.
Our operating expenses consist of:
•
Research and Development. We believe that it is critical to continue to make substantial investments in research and development to ensure the availability of innovative technology that meets the current and projected requirements of our customers’ most advanced designs. We have maintained and intend to continue our commitment to investing in research and development in order to continue to offer new products and technologies. Accordingly, we devote a significant portion of our technical, management and financial resources to research and development programs. Research and development expenditures consist primarily of salaries and related expenses of employees engaged in research, design and development activities. They also include consulting fees, the cost of related supplies and legal costs to defend our patents. Our research and development expenses were $84.6 million, $48.4 million and $40.0 million in fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The year-over-year dollar increases from 2018 through 2020 were primarily due to the 2019 Merger where research and development expenses for legacy Nanometrics was included for the full 2020 fiscal year and in 2019 included from October 25, 2019 to December 31, 2019. We continue to maintain our commitment to investing in new product development and enhancement to existing products.
•
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses are primarily comprised of salaries and related costs for sales and marketing personnel, as well as commissions and other non-personnel related expenses. Our sales and marketing expenses were $48.1 million, $28.3 million and $22.0 million in fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The year-over-year dollar increases from 2018 through 2020 were primarily due to the 2019 Merger where sales and marketing expenses for legacy Nanometrics was included for the full 2020 fiscal year and in 2019 included from October 25, 2019 to December 31, 2019.
•
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses are primarily comprised of salaries and related costs for general administrative personnel, as well as other non-personnel related expenses. Our general and administrative expenses were $65.3 million, $53.0 million and $33.7 million in fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The year-over-year dollar increases from 2018 through 2020 were primarily due to the 2019 Merger where general and administrative expenses for legacy Nanometrics was included for the full 2020 fiscal year and in 2019 included from October 25, 2019 to December 31, 2019.
•
Amortization of Identifiable Intangible Assets. Amortization of identifiable intangible assets was $53.7 million, $10.4 million and $1.5 million in fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The year-over-year dollar increases from 2018 through 2020 were primarily due to additional amortization recorded associated with additional purchased intangible assets recorded as a result of the 2019 Merger where such amortization expense was included for the full 2020 fiscal year and in 2019 included from October 25, 2019 to December 31, 2019.
Interest income (expense), net. In fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018, net interest income was $2.9 million, $3.7 million and $2.2 million, respectively. The decrease in net interest income from 2019 to 2020 was due to lower interest rates during the 2020 period, partially offset by additional interest income on a higher marketable securities balance following the 2019 Merger. The increase in net interest income from 2018 to 2019 was due to interest earned on our marketable securities and additional interest income on a higher marketable securities balance following the 2019 Merger.
Income taxes. The following table provides details of income tax (dollars in millions):
Year Ended December 26,
Year Ended December 31,
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
$
26.9
$
(0.6
)
$
53.3
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
$
(4.2
)
$
(2.5
)
$
8.3
Effective tax rate
(15.5
)%
(419.9
)%
15.5
%
The income tax provision differs from the federal statutory income tax rate of 21% for 2020 primarily due to a benefit related to the Foreign Derived Intangible Income Deduction (“FDII”) of $4.3 million, tax benefits for research and development credits of $4.9 million, and a one-time benefit related to the closure of an IRS audit for tax years 2016 through 2018 of $2.9 million. These benefits were partially offset by the inclusion of Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) of $2.0 million.
The income tax provision differs from the federal statutory income tax rate of 21% for 2019 primarily due to a benefit related to the FDII of $2.3 million and tax benefits for research and development credits of $2.1 million, partially offset by non-deductible transaction costs of $1.1 million and Section 162(m) limitation on the deductibility of executive compensation of $0.8 million.
The income tax provision differs from the federal statutory income tax rate of 21% for 2018 primarily due to FDII from Public law No. 115-97, known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) of $2.2 million, tax benefits for research and development credits of $2.3 million, offset by a Section 162(m) limitation on the deductibility of executive compensation of $0.5 million and additional Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740-10 tax reserves of $0.6 million.
Our future effective income tax rate depends on various factors, such as future impacts of the Tax Act, possible further tax legislation, the geographic composition of our pre-tax income, the amount of our pre-tax income as business activities fluctuate, non-deductible expenses incurred in connection with acquisitions and research and development credits as a percentage of aggregate pre-tax income.
On March 27, 2020, the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act” (the “CARES Act”) was enacted. The CARES Act includes provisions relating to refundable payroll tax credits, deferral of the employer portion of certain payroll taxes, net operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credit refunds, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property. The Company filed a claim for a refund of prior years’ income taxes paid under the provisions of the CARES Act which resulted in a tax benefit of $1.1 million as the 2019 net operating loss was carried back to a year with higher tax rates.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At December 26, 2020, we had $373.7 million of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities and $611.6 million in working capital. At December 31, 2019, our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $320.2 million, while working capital amounted to $555.9 million.
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities for the years ended December 26, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 totaled $106.0 million, $18.1 million and $35.1 million, respectively.
•
Cash provided by operating activities increased in fiscal 2020 compared to fiscal 2019 primarily due to higher net income, adjusted to exclude the effect of non-cash charges, of $81.3 million, an increase in accrued and other liabilities of $24.5 million, a decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets of $16.5 million and an increase in accounts payable of $23.5 million, partially offset by an increase in inventories of $33.1 million, an increase in accounts receivable of $16.1 million and a decrease in income taxes of $8.8 million.
•
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities decreased in fiscal 2019 compared to fiscal 2018 primarily due to lower net income, adjusted to exclude the effect of non-cash charges, of $10.8 million, a decrease in accounts payable of $15.7 million, an increase in accounts receivable of $10.4 million and a decrease in accrued and other liabilities of $6.8 million and an increase in prepaid expenses and other assets of $2.0 million, which were partially offset by an increase in inventories of $22.2 million and a decrease in income taxes of $6.6 million.
Net cash and cash equivalents used in investing activities for the year ended December 26, 2020 was $48.6 million. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, investing activities provided net cash and cash equivalents of $4.1 million and $33.8 million, respectively.
•
During the year ended December 26, 2020, net cash used in investing activities included purchases of marketable securities, net of proceeds from sales of marketable securities of $47.6 million and purchases of property, plant and equipment of $3.8 million, partially offset by cash received from convertible note receivable of $2.8 million.
•
During the year ended December 31, 2019, net cash provided by investing activities included cash acquired in the 2019 Merger of $43.9 million, partially offset by purchases of marketable securities, net of proceeds from marketable securities of $33.0 million and purchases of property, plant and equipment of $6.8 million.
•
During the year ended December 31, 2018, net cash provided by investing activities included proceeds from sales of marketable securities, net of purchases of marketable securities of $46.3 million, partially offset by purchases of property, plant and equipment of $7.5 million and cash advanced on a convertible note receivable of $5.0 million.
Net cash used in financing activities was $53.7 million, $4.2 million and $23.9 million for the years ended December 26, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
•
During the year ended December 26, 2020, financing activities used cash to primarily purchase shares of our common stock under the share repurchase authorization of $52.0 million.
•
During the year ended December 31, 2019, financing activities used cash to primarily pay taxes related to shares withheld for share based compensation plans of $2.5 million and pay contingent consideration for acquired business of $1.8 million.
•
During the year ended December 31, 2018, financing activities used cash to primarily purchase shares of our common stock under share repurchase authorizations of $21.1 million and pay taxes related to shares withheld for share based compensation plans of $1.9 million.
From time to time, we evaluate whether to acquire new or complementary businesses, products and/or technologies. We may fund all of or a portion of the price of these investments or acquisitions in cash, stock, or a combination of cash and stock.
In November 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase authorization, which allows the Company to repurchase up to $100 million worth of shares of its common stock. This share repurchase authorization replaces the remaining balance of $28 million from the prior share repurchase authorization. Repurchases may be made through both public market and private transactions from time to time. At December 26, 2020, there was $100 million available for future share repurchases.
For further information regarding our share repurchases, see Note 17 in the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
We have a credit agreement with a bank that provides for a line of credit that is secured by the marketable securities we have with the bank. We are permitted to borrow up to 70% of the value of eligible securities held at the time the line of credit is accessed. As of December 26, 2020, the available line of credit was approximately $78.4 million with an available interest rate of 1.8%. The credit agreement is available to us until such time that either party terminates the arrangement at its discretion. To date, we have not utilized the line of credit.
Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including the timing and amount of our revenue and our investment decisions, which will affect our ability to generate additional cash. In addition, although the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our future results remains uncertain, we believe our business model and our current cash reserves leave us well-positioned to manage our business through this crisis as it continues to unfold. We expect that our existing cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and availability under our line of credit will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash requirements for working capital, capital expenditures and other cash needs for the next 12 months following the filing of this Form 10-K. Thereafter, if cash generated from operations and financing activities is insufficient to satisfy our working capital requirements, we may seek additional funding through bank borrowings, sales of securities or other means. Market conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic may have an impact on our ability to access such additional funding. Our borrowing capacity under our existing line of credit is tied to the value of eligible securities held at the time of borrowing, which may be negatively impacted by market conditions due to COVID-19 and government responses thereto. In addition, a reduction in or volatility with respect to our stock price or a general market downturn could materially impact our ability to sell securities on favorable terms or at all. There can be no assurance that we will be able to raise any such capital on terms acceptable to us or at all.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations at December 26, 2020, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods. This table excludes the liability for unrecognized tax benefits that totaled approximately $8.9 million at December 26, 2020. We are currently unable to provide a reasonably reliable estimate of the amount or periods when cash settlement of this liability may occur (dollars in thousands).
Payments due by period
Total
Less than 1
year
1-3
years
3-5
years
More than
5 years
Operating lease obligations
$
24,242
$
5,185
$
10,850
$
4,832
$
3,375
Open and committed purchase orders
137,819
136,526
-
1,020
Total
$
162,061
$
141,711
$
11,123
$
4,832
$
4,395
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company does not have any off balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Critical Accounting Policies
Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. We review the accounting policies we use in reporting our financial results on a regular basis. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, accounts receivable, inventories, business acquisitions, intangible assets, share-based payments, income taxes and warranty obligations. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Results may differ from these estimates due to actual outcomes being different from those on which we based our assumptions. These estimates and judgments are regularly reviewed by management on an ongoing basis at the end of each quarter prior to the public release of our financial results. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to our customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services. We account for a contract when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties and payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is probable.
We account for shipping and handling activities as the fulfillment of a promise to transfer goods to the customer and therefore record these activities under the caption “Cost of revenue.” Sales tax and any other taxes collected concurrent with revenue producing activities are excluded from revenue. Incidental items that are immaterial in the context of the contract are recognized as expense.
Contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, we allocate revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. We generally determine standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers or the expected cost-plus margin.
Revenue from systems is recognized when we transfer control of the product to our customer. To indicate transfer of control, we must have a present right to payment, legal title must have passed to the customer and the customer must have the significant risks and rewards of ownership. We generally transfer control for system sales when the customer or the customer’s agent picks up the system at our facility. We provide an assurance warranty on our systems for a period of twelve to fourteen months against defects in material and workmanship. We provide for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized.
Depending on the terms of the systems arrangement, we may also defer the recognition of a portion of the consideration expected to be received because we have to satisfy a future obligation (e.g., installation, training and extended warranties). We use an observable price to determine the standalone selling price for separate performance obligations or a cost-plus margin approach when one is not available.
Revenue from software licenses is recognized upfront at the point in time when the software is made available to the customer. Software licenses provide the customer with limited rights to use the software. Revenue from licensing support and maintenance is recognized as the support and maintenance are provided, which is over the contract period.
Revenue from parts is recognized when we transfer control of the product, which typically occurs when we ship the product from our facilities to the customer.
Revenue from services primarily consists of service contracts, which provide additional maintenance coverage beyond our assurance warranty on our products, service labor, consulting and training. Revenue from service contracts is recognized ratably over the term of the service contract. Revenue from service labor, consulting and training is recognized as services are performed.
We record contract liabilities when the customer has been billed in advance of completing our performance obligations. These amounts are recorded as deferred revenue in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Business combinations. We account for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting, which requires us to recognize separately from goodwill the assets acquired, and the liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values. While we use our best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date as well as contingent consideration, where applicable, our estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of
the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recognized in our consolidated statements of operations. Accounting for business combinations requires our management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially at the acquisition date including our estimates for intangible assets, contractual obligations assumed, restructuring liabilities, pre-acquisition contingencies, and contingent consideration, where applicable. Although we believe the assumptions and estimates we have made in the past have been reasonable and appropriate, they are based, in part, on historical experience and information obtained from the management of the acquired companies and are inherently uncertain. Estimates in valuing certain acquired intangible assets under the income approach include growth in future expected cash flows from product sales, acquired technologies, technology obsolescence rates, estimated cash flows from the projects when completed and discount rates. Unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that may affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates or actual results.
Excess and Obsolete Inventory. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. Cost is generally determined on a first-in, first-out basis, and includes material, labor and manufacturing overhead costs. We review and set standard costs as needed, but at a minimum, on an annual basis, at current manufacturing costs in order to approximate actual costs. We maintain reserves for our excess and obsolete inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future product lifecycles, product demand and market conditions. If actual product lifecycles, product demand and market conditions are less favorable than those originally projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.
Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets. Goodwill is tested for impairment during the fourth quarter, or whenever events or circumstances indicate that its carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill impairment is tested at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below the operating segment. The Company has one operating segment. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment using either a qualitative assessment or a quantitative goodwill impairment test. If the Company chooses to perform a qualitative assessment and determine the fair value more likely than not exceeds the carrying value, no further evaluation is necessary. When the Company performs the quantitative goodwill impairment test, it compares fair value to carrying value, which includes goodwill. If fair value exceeds carrying value, the goodwill is not considered impaired. If the carrying value is higher than the fair value, the difference would be recognized as an impairment loss.
Intangible assets with indefinite lives, including in-process research and development (“IPR&D”), are tested for impairment if impairment indicators arise and, at a minimum, annually. However, the Company is permitted to first assess qualitative factors to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. Further testing is only required if the entity determines, based on the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. Otherwise, no further impairment testing is required. The indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test consists of a one-step analysis that compares the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. We consider many factors in evaluating whether the value of intangible assets with indefinite lives may not be recoverable, including, but not limited to estimates of future cash flows, the discount rate, terminal growth rates, general economic conditions, our outlook and market performance of our industry and recent and forecasted financial performance.
There was no impairment of goodwill or IPR&D for the years presented.
Long-Lived Assets and Finite-Lived Acquired Intangible Assets. We periodically review long-lived assets, other than goodwill, for impairment whenever changes in events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Assumptions and estimates used in the determination of impairment losses, such as future cash flows and disposition costs, may affect the carrying value of long-lived assets and the impairment of such long-lived assets, if any, could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized a $0.5 million impairment loss on long-lived assets. No such indicators were noted in 2020 or 2018.
Accounting for Income Taxes. As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our actual current tax exposure together with our temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our consolidated balance sheet. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we must establish a valuation allowance. Management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes and any valuation allowance recorded against our deferred tax assets. The need for a valuation allowance is based on our estimates of taxable income by jurisdiction in which we operate and the period over which our deferred taxes will be recoverable. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates or we adjust these estimates in future periods, we may need to adjust the valuation allowance, which could materially impact our financial position and results of operations. At December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had recorded valuation allowances of $14.2 million and $14.2 million on certain of our deferred tax assets to reflect the deferred tax assets
at the net amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We evaluated the realizability of the deferred tax assets based on positive earnings as well as the projected earnings in future years and believe it is more likely than not that the substantial majority of our deferred tax asset will be realized in the future years. We will continue to monitor the realizability of the deferred tax assets and evaluate the valuation allowance.
We recognize liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step requires us to determine if the weight of available evidence indicates that the tax position has met the threshold for recognition; therefore, we must evaluate whether it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. The second step requires us to measure the tax benefit of the tax position taken, or expected to be taken, in an income tax return as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized when effectively settled. This measurement step is inherently difficult and requires subjective estimations of such amounts to determine the probability of various possible outcomes. We reevaluate the uncertain tax positions each quarter based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues, and new audit activity. Such a change in recognition or measurement could result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision in the period.
Although we believe the measurement of our liabilities for uncertain tax positions is reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of these matters will not be different than what is reflected in the historical income tax provisions and accruals. If additional taxes are assessed as a result of an audit or litigation, it could have a material effect on our income tax provision and net income in the period or periods for which that determination is made.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Interest Rate and Credit Market Risk
We are exposed to changes in interest rates and market liquidity including our investments in certain available-for-sale securities. Our available-for-sale securities consist of fixed and variable rate income investments, such as municipal notes, municipal bonds and corporate bonds. We continually monitor our exposure to changes in interest rates, market liquidity and credit ratings of issuers for our available-for-sale securities. It is possible that we are at risk if interest rates, market liquidity or credit ratings of issuers change in an unfavorable direction. The magnitude of any gain or loss will be a function of the difference between the fixed or variable rate of the financial instrument and the market rate, and our financial condition and results of operations could be materially affected. Based on a sensitivity analysis performed on our financial investments held as of December 26, 2020, an immediate adverse change of 10% in interest rates (e.g. 1.00% to 1.10%) would result in a decrease of $1.5 million in the fair value of our available-for-sale debt securities and would not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Foreign Currency Risk
A substantial portion of our systems and software revenues are denominated in U.S. dollars. However, our international operations are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations arising from U.S. dollar denominated intercompany balances between our U.S. headquarters and that of our foreign owned entities. Since each foreign entity’s functional currency is generally denominated in its local currency, there is exposure to foreign exchange risk when the foreign entity’s intercompany balance is remeasured at a reporting date, resulting in transaction gains or losses. The intercompany balance, exposed to foreign currency risk, as of December 26, 2020 was approximately $29.6 million. A hypothetical change of 10% in the relative value of the U.S. dollar versus local functional currencies could result in approximately $0.5 million in foreign currency exchange losses / (gains).
We enter into foreign currency forward contracts to minimize the short-term impact of exchange rate fluctuations on certain foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities, primarily cash and intercompany receivables and payables. In addition, we hedge certain anticipated foreign currency cash flows, primarily on revenues denominated in Japanese yen. These forward contracts are not designated as accounting hedges, so the change in fair value of the forward exchange contracts is recognized under the caption “Other (income) expense” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for each reporting period. As of December 26, 2020, and December 31, 2019, we had eight and seventeen outstanding forward contracts with a total notional contract value of $37.6 million and $38.9 million, respectively. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The consolidated financial statements and related information required by this Item are set forth on the pages indicated in Item 15(a) of this Form 10-K.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in SEC rules and forms. These controls and procedures are also designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating disclosure controls and procedures, we have recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Management is required to apply judgment in evaluating its controls and procedures.
We performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to assess the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures under the Exchange Act as of December 26, 2020. Based on that evaluation, our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 26, 2020 at the reasonable assurance level.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (“COSO”). Based on our evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 26, 2020.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may be circumvented or deteriorate.
Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
Our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 26, 2020 have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Ernst & Young LLP has also audited our internal control over financial reporting as of December 26, 2020, as stated in its attestation report included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
In October 2019, we completed the merger with Nanometrics which operated under its own set of systems and internal controls. During the year ended December 26, 2020, we completed the integration of Nanometrics into our financial reporting processes and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. In addition, in January 2020, we implemented a new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system in our domestic legacy Rudolph business to provide better support for our changing business needs and plans for future growth. As a result of this implementation, we modified certain existing internal controls over financial reporting and implemented certain new controls relating to the ERP system. We will continue to evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of our internal controls during subsequent periods.
Other than noted above, there have been no additional changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the Company’s year ended December 26, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting. We have not experienced any material impact to our internal controls over financial reporting due to the fact that most of our employees responsible for financial reporting are working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are continually monitoring and assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our internal controls to minimize the impact to their design and operating effectiveness.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B.
Other Information.
None.
PART III
Certain information required by Part III is omitted from this Form 10-K because we expect to file a definitive proxy statement within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of our fiscal year pursuant to Regulation 14A (the “Proxy Statement”) for our Annual Meeting of Stockholders currently scheduled for May 11, 2021, and the information included in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
The information required by this Item with respect to directors and executive officers is included under the headings “Proposal One: Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers” and “Corporate Governance Principles and Practices” in the Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference. Information regarding compliance with Section 16 of the Exchange Act is incorporated by reference to the information under the heading “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” in the Proxy Statement.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. We have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and controller. This code of business conduct and ethics is posted on our internet website address at http://investors.ontoinnovation.com. We will post on our website any amendment to or waiver from a provision of our code of business conduct and ethics as may be required, and within the time period specified, by applicable SEC rules.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11.
Executive Compensation.
The information required by this Item is included under the headings “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation of Directors,” “Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation,” “Stock Ownership/Retention Guidelines for Directors” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in the Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The information required by this Item is included under the headings “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
The information required by this Item is included under the headings “Related Persons Transactions Policy” and “Board Independence” in the Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
The information required by this Item is included under the heading “Proposal 3: Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule.
(a)
The following documents are filed as part of this Form 10-K:
1.
Financial Statements
The consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement information required by this Item are included on pages through of this report. The Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm appear on pages through of this report.
2.
Financial Statement Schedule
See Index to financial statements on page of this report.
3.
Exhibits
Exhibits are as set forth in the “Exhibit Index”, provided below. Where so indicated, exhibits, which were previously filed, are incorporated by reference.
Exhibit No.
Exhibit Description
Form
File Number
Date of First Filing
Exhibit No./Appendix Reference
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 23, 2019, by and among Nanometrics Incorporated, Rudolph Technologies, Inc. and PV Equipment Inc.
8-K
000-13470
June 24, 2019
2.1
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Onto Innovation Inc.
8-K
001-39110
October 28, 2019
3.2
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Onto Innovation Inc.
8-K
001-39110
January 27, 2020
3.1
4.1
Description of Securities
10-K
001-39110
February 25, 2020
4.1
4.2
Form of Common Stock Certificate
10-K
001-39110
February 25, 2020
4.2
10.1
Nanometrics Incorporated Amended and Restated 2003 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
DEF14A
000-13470
April 4, 2016
Appendix 1
10.1.1
Form of Subscription Agreement Under the Nanometrics Incorporated Amended and Restated 2003 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
S-8
333-40866
June 24, 2019
4.1
10.2*
Nanometrics Incorporated Amended and Restated 2005 Equity Incentive Plan
DEF14A
000-13470
April 4, 2017
Appendix B
10.2.1*
Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement
8-K
000-13470
March 24, 2015
99.1
10.2.2*
Nanometrics Incorporated Amended and Restated 2005 Equity Incentive Plan forms of Stock Option and Restricted Stock Unit Agreements
10-K
000-13470
March 13, 2008
10.8
10.3*
Rudolph Technologies, Inc. 2009 Stock Plan
DEFR14A
000-27965
May 8, 2009
Appendix A
10.3.1*
Amended form of Employee Restricted Stock Unit Purchase Agreement pursuant to the Rudolph Technologies, Inc. 2009 Stock Plan
10-Q
001-36226
August 3, 2017
10.12
10.4*
Rudolph Technologies, Inc. 2018 Stock Plan
8-K
001-36226
May 16, 2018
10.1
10.4.1*
Form of Employee Performance Stock Unit Purchase Agreement pursuant to the Rudolph Technologies, Inc. 2018 Stock Plan
10-Q
001-36226
August 2, 2018
10.1
Exhibit No.
Exhibit Description
Form
File Number
Date of First Filing
Exhibit No./Appendix Reference
10.4.2*
Form of Employee Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the Rudolph Technologies, Inc. 2018 Stock Plan
10-Q
001-36226
August 2, 2018
10.2
10.5*
Onto Innovation Inc. 2020 Stock Plan and forms of restricted stock units purchase agreements, performance stock unit purchase agreements and stock option agreements.
8-K
001-39110
May 14, 2020
10.1
10.6*
Onto Innovation Inc. 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
S-8
333-238492
May 19, 2020
10.2
10.7*
Compensation Arrangements with Named Executive Officers
8-K
000-13470
March 1, 2018
5.02
10.8*
Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Nanometrics Incorporated and each of its directors and executive officers
8-K
000-13470
February 20, 2013
10.1
10.9*
Form of Indemnity Agreement
8-K
001-36226
June 24, 2019
10.1
10.10*
Form of Indemnification Agreement
8-K
001-39110
November 6, 2019
10.1
10.11*
General Severance Benefits and Change in Control Severance Benefits Agreement between Kevin Heidrich and Nanometrics Incorporated, dated May 19, 2015.
8-K
000-13470
May 22, 2015
10.4
10.12*
General Severance Benefits and Change in Control Severance Benefits Agreement between Rollin Kocher and Nanometrics Incorporated, dated November 10, 2016.
10-K
000-13470
March 3, 2017
10.22
10.13*
Management Agreement, dated as of July 24, 2000 by and between Rudolph Technologies, Inc. and Steven R. Roth as restated and amended on July 29, 2014.
10-Q
001-36226
August 6, 2014
10.2
10.14*
Employment Agreement, dated as of November 9, 2015, by and between Rudolph Technologies, Inc. and Michael Plisinski.
8-K
001-36226
November 9, 2015
10.1
Exhibit No.
Exhibit Description
Form
File Number
Date of First Filing
Exhibit No./Appendix Reference
10.15*
Executive Change of Control Agreement, dated August 20, 2009, by and between Rudolph Technologies, Inc. and Robert A. Koch.
10-Q
000-27965
November 6, 2009
10.3
10.16
License Agreement, dated June 28, 1995, between Rudolph Technologies Inc. and Brown University Research Foundation.
S-1
333-86821
September 9, 1999
10.1
21.1+
Subsidiaries.
-
-
-
-
23.1+
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
-
-
-
-
31.1+
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
-
-
-
-
31.2+
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
-
-
-
-
32.1+
Certification of the 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 the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
-
-
-
-
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
*
Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.
+
Filed herewith.
ONTO INNOVATION INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
Page
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 26, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 26, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2019
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 26, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 26, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule:
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Onto Innovation Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Onto Innovation Inc. (the Company) as of December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 26, 2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 26, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 26, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 19, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosure to which it relates.
Excess Inventory Reserve
Description of the Matter
As described in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company had net inventories of $191.2 million as of December 26, 2020, which included materials of $124.9 million, work-in-progress of $44.8 million, and finished goods of $21.5 million. The valuation of certain of the Company's inventory is subject to risks associated with supply and demand. As described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company maintains reserves for excess and obsolete inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and its estimated net realizable value based upon assumptions about historical and future demand for the Company’s products and market conditions.
Auditing management’s estimate of the excess and obsolete inventory reserve was subjective and required significant judgment as the excess and obsolete inventory reserve is sensitive to changes in the Company’s operations and assumptions used to estimate the reserve including management’s assumptions with regards to product life-cycles, product demand and market conditions, which includes historical usage, expected future usage, on-hand quantities of individual materials, and anticipated engineering design changes or advancements.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Company’s excess and obsolete inventory reserve process, including those over the validity and reasonableness of the data and assumptions used in estimating the excess and obsolete inventory reserve.
To test the adequacy of the Company’s excess and obsolete inventory reserve, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, assessing methodologies and assumptions used, testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used by management in its analysis including the usage of historical materials, considering potential product obsolescence, observing physical inventory on-hand and inspecting historical gross margins to assess whether any items are being sold at a loss or lower margins that may need to be included in the reserve. We assessed the historical accuracy of management’s estimated excess and obsolete inventory reserve and performed sensitivity analyses to evaluate changes in the estimate that result from changes in the Company’s significant assumptions.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2008.
Iselin, New Jersey
February 19, 2021
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Onto Innovation Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Onto Innovation Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 26, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Onto Innovation Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 26, 2020, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 26, 2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) and our report dated February 19, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Iselin, New Jersey
February 19, 2021
ONTO INNOVATION INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended December 26,
Year Ended December 31,
Revenue
$
556,496
$
305,896
$
273,784
Cost of revenue
278,043
170,868
125,505
Gross profit
278,453
135,028
148,279
Operating expenses:
Research and development
84,584
48,358
39,953
Sales and marketing
48,136
28,251
22,010
General and administrative
65,310
53,017
33,698
Amortization
53,746
10,445
1,534
Total operating expenses
251,776
140,071
97,195
Operating income (loss)
26,677
(5,043
)
51,084
Interest income, net
2,899
3,666
2,206
Other income (expense), net
(2,708
)
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
26,868
(597
)
53,346
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
(4,157
)
(2,507
)
8,250
Net income
$
31,025
$
1,910
$
45,096
Earnings per share:
Basic
$
0.63
$
0.06
$
1.77
Diluted
$
0.63
$
0.06
$
1.74
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic
49,136
29,729
25,470
Diluted
49,475
30,007
25,895
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ONTO INNOVATION INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 26,
Year Ended December 31,
Net income
$
31,025
$
1,910
$
45,096
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale marketable securities
(44
)
Change in currency translation adjustments
5,043
(194
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
5,166
(58
)
Total comprehensive income
$
36,191
$
2,575
$
45,038
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ONTO INNOVATION INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share data)
December 26,
December 31,
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
136,720
$
130,673
Marketable securities
237,002
189,563
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $784 in 2020 and $1,247 in 2019
149,251
123,656
Inventories
191,217
176,134
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
17,471
21,638
Total current assets
731,661
641,664
Property, plant and equipment, net
87,950
98,420
Goodwill
306,632
307,148
Identifiable intangible assets, net
318,357
371,953
Deferred income taxes
2,235
1,456
Other assets
21,337
27,939
Total assets
$
1,468,172
$
1,448,580
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$
40,183
$
27,738
Accrued liabilities
37,075
26,204
Deferred revenue
14,334
12,629
Other current liabilities
28,499
19,172
Total current liabilities
120,091
85,743
Deferred and other tax liabilities
55,623
67,040
Other non-current liabilities
27,712
31,771
Total liabilities
203,426
184,554
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 3,000 shares authorized, no shares
issued and outstanding
-
-
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 97,000 shares authorized, 48,758
and 50,184 issued and outstanding at December 26, 2020 and
December 31, 2019, respectively.
Additional paid-in capital
1,233,967
1,269,437
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
4,568
(598
)
Accumulated earnings (deficit)
26,162
(4,863
)
Total stockholders’ equity
1,264,746
1,264,026
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
1,468,172
$
1,448,580
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ONTO INNOVATION INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 26,
Year Ended December 31,
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$
31,025
$
1,910
$
45,096
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash and cash equivalents provided
by operating activities:
Depreciation
13,832
5,965
4,848
Amortization of intangibles
53,746
10,445
1,534
Share-based compensation
17,662
10,585
6,062
Acquired inventory step-up amortization
10,678
15,370
-
Provision for inventory valuation
14,703
10,841
3,042
Deferred income taxes
(11,631
)
(4,116
)
2,163
Other, net
4,711
2,459
1,558
Change in operating assets and liabilities net of assets acquired and liabilities
assumed in merger:
Accounts receivable
(25,816
)
(9,721
)
Income taxes
(1,196
)
7,648
1,056
Inventories
(42,409
)
(9,338
)
(31,545
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
11,409
(5,079
)
(3,101
)
Accounts payable
11,403
(12,138
)
3,512
Accrued and other liabilities
17,867
(6,685
)
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities
105,984
18,146
35,094
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of marketable securities
(313,027
)
(127,462
)
(140,018
)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities
265,409
94,486
186,332
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(3,829
)
(6,802
)
(7,542
)
Cash acquired from merger
-
43,882
-
Cash received from (advanced on) convertible note receivable
2,848
-
(5,000
)
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) investing activities
(48,599
)
4,104
33,772
Cash flows from financing activities:
Purchases of common stock
(52,000
)
(744
)
(21,069
)
Tax payments related to shares withheld for share-based compensation plans
(4,052
)
(2,540
)
(1,921
)
Payment of contingent consideration for acquired business
(569
)
(1,758
)
(1,543
)
Issuance of shares through share-based compensation plans
2,919
Net cash and cash equivalents used in financing activities
(53,702
)
(4,198
)
(23,909
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
2,364
(339
)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
6,047
18,285
44,618
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
130,673
112,388
67,770
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
136,720
$
130,673
$
112,388
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Income taxes paid (received), net
$
6,415
$
(3,848
)
$
4,301
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ONTO INNOVATION INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the years ended December 26, 2020,
December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018
(In thousands)
Common Stock
Additional Paid-in
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Accumulated Earnings /
Shares
Amount
Capital
Income / (Loss)
(Deficit)
Total
Balance at December 31, 2017
25,416
$
$
386,196
$
(1,205
)
$
(51,869
)
$
333,154
Issuance of shares through share-based
compensation plans, net
-
-
-
Repurchase of common stock
(853
)
(1
)
(21,068
)
-
-
(21,069
)
Net income
-
-
-
-
45,096
45,096
Share-based compensation
-
-
6,062
-
-
6,062
Share-based compensation plan
withholdings
(66
)
-
(1,921
)
-
-
(1,921
)
Currency translation
-
-
-
(194
)
-
(194
)
Unrealized gain on investments
-
-
-
-
Balance at December 31, 2018
24,855
369,893
(1,263
)
(6,773
)
361,888
Effect of merger
25,060
890,112
-
-
890,131
Issuance of shares through share-based
compensation plans, net
-
2,131
-
-
2,131
Repurchase of common stock
(30
)
-
(744
)
-
-
(744
)
Net income
-
-
-
-
1,910
1,910
Share-based compensation
-
-
10,585
-
-
10,585
Share-based compensation plan
withholdings
(78
)
-
(2,540
)
-
-
(2,540
)
Currency translation
-
-
-
-
Unrealized loss on investments
-
-
-
(44
)
-
(44
)
Balance at December 31, 2019
50,184
1,269,437
(598
)
(4,863
)
1,264,026
Issuance of shares through share-based
compensation plans, net
2,918
-
-
2,919
Repurchase of common stock
(1,882
)
(2
)
(51,998
)
-
-
(52,000
)
Net income
-
-
-
-
31,025
31,025
Share-based compensation
-
-
17,662
-
-
17,662
Share-based compensation plan
withholdings
(118
)
-
(4,052
)
-
-
(4,052
)
Other
(94
)
-
-
-
-
-
Currency translation
-
-
-
5,043
-
5,043
Unrealized gain on investments
-
-
-
-
Balance at December 26, 2020
48,758
$
$
1,233,967
$
4,568
$
26,162
$
1,264,746
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
ONTO INNOVATION INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except per share data)
1.
Organization and Nature of Operations:
Onto Innovation Inc. (“Onto Innovation” or the “Company”) is a worldwide leader in the design, development, manufacture and support of process control tools that perform macro-defect inspection and metrology, lithography systems, and process control analytical software used by semiconductor and advanced packaging device manufacturers. The Company delivers comprehensive solutions throughout the semiconductor fabrication process with our families of proprietary products that provide critical yield-enhancing information, enabling microelectronic device manufacturers to drive down costs and time to market of their devices. The Company provides process and yield management solutions used in both wafer processing facilities, often referred to as “front-end,” and in device packaging and test facilities, commonly referred to as “back-end” manufacturing. The Company’s advanced process control software portfolio includes powerful solutions for standalone tools, groups of tools, or factory-wide suites to enhance productivity and achieve significant cost savings. Onto Innovation’s systems are backed by worldwide customer service and applications support. The Company has branch sales and service offices or subsidiaries in Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore and in several countries in Europe. The Company operates in a single reportable segment and is a provider of process characterization equipment and software for wafer fabs and advanced packaging facilities.
2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements reflect the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Fiscal Year. In the first quarter of 2020, the Company changed its fiscal year end from December 31 to a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. The Company made the fiscal year change on a prospective basis and has not adjusted operating results for prior periods. The fiscal year of 2020 began on January 1, 2020 and ended December 26, 2020. Financial statements for 2019 and 2018 continue to be presented on the basis of our previous calendar year end.
Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to the Company’s customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The Company accounts for a contract when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties and payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is probable.
The Company has elected to account for shipping and handling activities as the fulfillment of a promise to transfer goods to the customer and therefore records these activities under the caption “Cost of revenue.” Sales tax and any other taxes collected concurrent with revenue producing activities are excluded from revenue. Incidental items that are immaterial in the context of the contract are recognized as expense. These accounting policy elections are consistent with the manner in which the Company has historically recorded these items.
Contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, the Company allocates revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. The Company generally determines standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers or the expected cost-plus margin.
Systems and Software Revenue
Revenue from systems is recognized when the Company transfers control of the product to the customer. To indicate transfer of control, the Company must have a present right to payment, legal title must have passed to the customer and the customer must have the significant risks and rewards of ownership. The Company generally transfers control for system sales when the customer or the customer’s agent picks up the system at the Company’s facility. The Company provides an assurance warranty on its systems for a period of twelve to fourteen months against defects in material and workmanship. The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized.
Depending on the terms of the systems arrangement, the Company may also defer the recognition of a portion of the consideration expected to be received because the Company has to satisfy a future obligation (e.g., installation, training and extended warranties). The Company uses an observable price to determine the standalone selling price for separate performance obligations or a cost-plus margin approach when one is not available.
Revenue from software licenses provides the customer with a right to use the software as it exists when made available to the customer. Revenue from software licenses are recognized upfront at the point in time when the software is made available to the customer. Revenue from licensing support and maintenance is recognized as the support and maintenance are provided, which is over the contract period.
Parts Revenue
Revenue from parts is recognized when the Company transfers control of the product, which typically occurs when the Company ships the product from its facilities to the customer.
Services Revenue
Revenue from services primarily consists of service contracts, which provide additional maintenance coverage beyond the Company’s assurance warranty on its products, service labor, consulting and training. Revenue from service contracts is recognized ratably over the term of the service contract. Revenue from service labor, consulting and training is recognized as services are performed. Revenue from installation services is recognized at a point in time when installation is complete.
Practical Expedients
The Company generally expenses sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period is one year or less. These costs are recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses.
The Company does not adjust the amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component as the payment terms are generally one year or less.
The Company does not disclose the value of remaining performance obligations for contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and contracts for which the Company recognizes revenue in the amount to which it has the right to invoice.
For additional information on the Company’s revenue recognition, see Note 10 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Business Combinations. The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting, which requires us to recognize separately from goodwill the assets acquired, and the liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values. While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date as well as contingent consideration, where applicable, the Company’s estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, the Company records adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recognized in its consolidated statements of operations. Accounting for business combinations requires the Company’s management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially at the acquisition date including its estimates for intangible assets, contractual obligations assumed, restructuring liabilities, pre-acquisition contingencies, and contingent consideration, where applicable. Although the Company believes the assumptions and estimates it has made in the past have been reasonable and appropriate, they are based, in part, on historical experience and information obtained from the management of the acquired companies and are inherently uncertain. Estimates in valuing certain acquired intangible assets under the income approach include growth in future expected cash flows from product sales, acquired technologies, technology obsolescence rates, estimated cash flows from the projects when completed and discount rates. Unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that may affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates or actual results.
For additional information on the Company’s business combinations, see Note 3 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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 as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates made by management include the allowance for credit losses, excess and obsolete inventory, fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination, recoverability and useful lives of property, plant and equipment and identifiable intangible assets, recoverability of goodwill,
recoverability of deferred tax assets, liabilities for product warranty, contingencies, including litigation reserves and share-based payments and liabilities for tax uncertainties. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
These estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and on various other factors which the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Company may engage third-party valuation specialists to assist with estimates related to the valuation of financial instruments, assets and stock awards associated with various contractual arrangements. Such estimates often require the selection of appropriate valuation methodologies and significant judgment. Actual results could differ from these estimates under different assumptions or circumstances and such differences could be material.
The Company also assessed the impacts of COVID-19 on the above accounting matters as of December 26, 2020 and through the date of this report. While there was not a material impact as of and for the year ended December 26, 2020 and through the date of this report, future actual magnitude and duration of COVID-19, as well as other associated factors, could result in material negative impacts to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements in future reporting periods.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased.
Marketable Securities. The Company determined that all of its investment securities are to be classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale debt securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses reported in stockholders’ equity under the caption “Accumulated other comprehensive loss.” Realized gains and losses and, interest and dividends on available-for-sale securities are included in interest income and other, net. Available-for-sale securities are classified as current assets regardless of their maturity date if they are available for use in current operations. The Company reviews its investment portfolio to identify and evaluate investments that have indications of possible impairment. Factors considered in determining whether a loss is other-than-temporary include the length of time and extent to which fair value has been less than the cost basis, credit quality and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. When a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary, unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities are charged against earnings. The specific identification method is used to determine the gains and losses on marketable securities.
For additional information on the Company’s marketable securities, see Note 5 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Allowance for Credit Losses. The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses that is estimated based on a combination of factors including write-off history, aging analysis, forecast of future economic conditions and any specific known troubled accounts. The Company believes the allowance is adequate to cover expected losses on trade receivables. Provisions for expected credit losses are classified as selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, including as a result of COVID-19, additional allowances may be required.
Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. Cost is generally determined on a first-in, first-out basis, and includes material, labor and manufacturing overhead costs. The Company reviews and sets standard costs as needed, but at a minimum, on an annual basis, at current manufacturing costs in order to approximate actual costs.
The Company evaluates inventories for excess quantities and obsolescence. The Company establishes inventory reserves when conditions exist that suggest that inventory may be in excess of anticipated demand or is obsolete based upon assumptions about historical and future demand for the Company’s products and market conditions. In addition, inventories are evaluated for potential obsolescence due to the effect of known and anticipated engineering design changes. Once a reserve has been established, it is maintained until the item to which it relates is scrapped or sold. The Company regularly evaluates its ability to realize the value of inventory based on a combination of factors including the following: historical usage rates, forecasted sales of usage, product end-of-life dates, estimated current and future market values and new product introductions. When recorded, reserves are intended to reduce the carrying value of the Company’s inventory to its net realizable value. If actual demand for the Company’s products deteriorates, or market conditions are less favorable than those that the Company projects, additional reserves may be required.
Property, Plant and Equipment. Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are five to twenty-two years for buildings, three to ten years for machinery and equipment, three to ten years for furniture and fixtures, three years for computer equipment, and three to seven years for software. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the related asset. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred and major renewals and betterments are capitalized.
Long-Lived Assets and Finite-Lived Acquired Intangible Assets. Long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and identifiable acquired intangible assets with finite useful lives, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset, which is generally based on discounted cash flows. For the year ended December 31, 2019, there was an impairment to an item in property, plant and equipment of $507, which was recorded in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. There were no impairments of long-lived assets for the years ended December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2018.
Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets. Goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis or when an event or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill impairment is tested at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below the operating segment. The Company has one operating segment. No goodwill impairment occurred in fiscal years 2020, 2019, or 2018. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment using either a qualitative assessment or a quantitative goodwill impairment test. If the Company chooses to perform a qualitative assessment and determine the fair value more likely than not exceeds the carrying value, no further evaluation is necessary. When the Company performs the quantitative goodwill impairment test, it compares fair value to carrying value, which includes goodwill. If fair value exceeds carrying value, the goodwill is not considered impaired. If the carrying value is higher than the fair value, the difference would be recognized as an impairment loss.
Intangible assets with indefinite lives, including in-process research and development (“IPR&D”), are tested for impairment if impairment indicators arise and, at a minimum, annually. However, the Company is permitted to first assess qualitative factors to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. Further testing is only required if the entity determines, based on the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. Otherwise, no further impairment testing is required. The indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test consists of a one-step analysis that compares the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. We consider many factors in evaluating whether the value of intangible assets with indefinite lives may not be recoverable, including, but not limited to estimates of future cash flows, the discount rate, terminal growth rates, general economic conditions, our outlook and market performance of our industry and recent and forecasted financial performance.
There was no impairment of goodwill or IPR&D for the years ended December 26, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
For additional information on the Company’s goodwill and purchased intangible assets, see Note 6 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Concentration of Credit Risk. Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist primarily of accounts receivable, cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities.
The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities with higher credit quality issuers and monitors the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer. The Company's investment policy provides guidelines and limits regarding credit quality, investment concentration, investment type, and maturity that the Company believes will provide liquidity while reducing risk of loss of capital. Investments are of a short-term nature and include investments in commercial paper, corporate debt securities, asset-backed securities, U.S. Treasury, U.S. Government, and U.S. Agency debt.
The Company’s accounts receivable result primarily from the sale of semiconductor equipment, related accessories and replacement parts. The Company’s customer base is highly concentrated and historically, a relatively small number of customers have accounted for a significant portion of its revenues. Write-offs of uncollectible accounts have historically not been material. The Company actively monitors its customers' financial strength to reduce the risk of loss, including as a result of COVID-19.
Warranties. The Company generally provides a warranty on its products for a period of twelve to fourteen months against defects in material and workmanship. The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. The estimated future warranty obligations are affected by the warranty periods, sales volumes, product failure
rates, material usage and labor and replacement costs incurred in correcting a product failure. If actual product failure rates, material usage, labor or replacement costs differ from the Company’s estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty obligations would be required. The warranty accrual represents the best estimate of the amount necessary to settle future and existing claims on products sold as of the balance sheet date. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty reserve and adjusts the amounts in accordance with changes in these factors.
Income Taxes. The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability approach for deferred taxes which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements or tax returns. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce a deferred tax asset to that portion which more likely than not will be realized.
For additional information on the Company’s income taxes, see Note 13 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Translation of Foreign Currencies. The Company’s international branches and subsidiaries primarily generate and expend cash in their local functional currency. Accordingly, all balance sheet accounts of these local functional currency branches and subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the fiscal period-end exchange rate, and income and expense accounts are translated into U.S. dollars using average rates in effect for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as cumulative translation adjustments and are recorded directly as a separate component of stockholders’ equity under the caption, “Accumulated other comprehensive loss.” The Company had accumulated exchange losses resulting from the translation of foreign operation financial statements of $4,479 and $564 as of December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
Share-based Compensation. The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for the award of equity instruments based on the fair value of the award at the date of grant. Compensation expense is recognized using the straight-line attribution method to recognize share-based compensation over the service period of the award, with adjustments recorded for forfeitures as they occur.
For additional information on the Company’s share-based compensation plans, see Note 11 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Research and Development Costs. Expenditures for research and development are expensed as incurred.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The Company’s policy is to mitigate the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on certain foreign currency denominated business exposures. The Company has a policy that allows the use of derivative financial instruments to hedge foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on forecasted revenue and net monetary assets or liabilities denominated in various foreign currencies. The Company carries derivative financial instruments (derivatives) on the balance sheet at their fair values, in either prepaid expenses and other current assets or other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. The Company does not believe that it is exposed to more than a nominal amount of credit risk in its foreign currency hedges, as counterparties are large, global and well-capitalized financial institutions. The Company’s exposures are in liquid currencies (Japanese yen, euros, Korean won, Taiwanese dollars, Chinese renminbi, British pound sterling, Singapore dollars and Israeli shekel), so there is minimal risk that appropriate derivatives to maintain the Company’s hedging program would not be available in the future.
To hedge foreign currency risks, the Company uses foreign currency exchange forward contracts, where possible and prudent. These hedge contracts are valued using standard valuation formulas with assumptions about future foreign currency exchange rates derived from existing exchange rates, interest rates, and other market factors.
The dollar equivalent of the U.S. dollar forward contracts and related fair values as of December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were as follows:
December 26,
December 31,
Notional amount
$
37,580
$
38,887
Fair value of asset (liability)
(36
)
During the year ended December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company recognized a gain of $510 and $343 on maturities of forward contracts, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded a loss of $81 on maturities of forward contracts. The aggregate notional amounts of matured contracts were $373,749, $58,522 and $8,465 for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Contingencies and Litigation. The Company is subject to the possibility of losses from various contingencies, including certain legal proceedings, lawsuits and other claims. The Company accrues for a loss contingency when it concludes that the likelihood of a loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. If the Company concludes that loss contingencies that could be material to any one of its financial statements are not probable, but are reasonably possible, or are probable, but cannot be estimated, then the Company discloses the nature of the loss contingencies, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss or a statement that such loss is not reasonably estimable. The Company expenses as incurred the costs of defending legal claims against the Company. The Company does not recognize gain contingencies until realized. See Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Commitments and Contingencies” for a detailed description.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements.
Recently Adopted
Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” This ASU is part of the Financial Accounting Standard Board’s (“FASB”) larger disclosure framework project intended to improve the effectiveness of financial statement footnote disclosure. ASU No. 2018-13 modifies required fair value disclosures related primarily to Level 3 investments. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those annual periods. The adoption of ASU No. 2018-13 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU No. 2017-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting.” This ASU amends the scope of modification accounting for share-based payment arrangements and provides guidance on the types of changes to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards to which an entity would be required to apply modification accounting under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718. The ASU is effective for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of ASU No. 2017-09 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” which represents a credit loss standard that changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other financial instruments. Specifically, this guidance requires entities to utilize a new “expected loss” model as it relates to trade receivables, notes receivable and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity. In addition, entities are required to recognize an allowance for estimated credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities, regardless of the length of time that a security has been in an unrealized loss position. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
Recently Issued
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.” This standard simplifies the accounting for income taxes by eliminating certain exceptions to the guidance in Topic 740 related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. The new guidance also simplifies aspects of the accounting for franchise taxes and enacted changes in tax laws or rates and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill and allocating consolidated income taxes to separate financial statements of entities not subject to income tax. ASU No. 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. Upon adoption, the Company must apply certain aspects of this standard retrospectively for all periods presented while other aspects are applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new standard on its consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
Recently issued accounting guidance not discussed above is not applicable or did not have, or is not expected to have, a material impact to the Company.
3.
Business Combination:
On October 25, 2019, the Company became Onto Innovation Inc. and accounted for the merger (“2019 Merger”) as a reverse acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
(“GAAP”). GAAP requires that either Nanometrics Incorporated (“Nanometrics”) or Rudolph Technologies, Inc. (“Rudolph”) is designated as the acquirer for accounting and financial reporting purposes (“Accounting Acquirer”). Based on the evidence available, Rudolph was designated as the Accounting Acquirer while Nanometrics was the acquirer for legal purposes. Therefore, Rudolph’s historical results of operations replaced Nanometrics’ historical results of operations for all periods prior to the 2019 Merger.
The aggregate purchase price of $890,131 consisted of 25,060 shares of common stock valued at $884,801 and the fair value of assumed Nanometrics equity awards of $5,330. Under ASC 805, acquisition-related transaction costs (e.g., advisory, legal, investment banking and other professional fees) are not included as a component of consideration transferred but are accounted for as expenses in the periods in which such costs are incurred. Total transaction costs incurred by the Company were $9,907 during the year ended December 31, 2019 and are included in general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
During the quarter ended December 26, 2020, the Company finalized its fair value determination of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. The following table summarizes the final allocation of the total purchase consideration to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the merger date.
Cash and cash equivalents
$43,882
Marketable securities
94,389
Account receivables
49,917
Inventories
98,478
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
6,659
Property, plant and equipment
77,451
Operating lease right-of-use assets
9,658
Identifiable intangible assets
374,900
Deferred income taxes
2,191
Other assets
Total assets acquired
758,375
Accounts payable
(23,361)
Payroll and related expenses
(20,290)
Deferred revenue
(5,931)
Other current liabilities
(10,679)
Income taxes payable
(2,007)
Other non-current liabilities
(90,113)
Net assets acquired
605,994
Goodwill
284,137
Total purchase consideration
$890,131
The inventory acquired consisted primarily of work in process, for which fair value was measured based on determining its net realizable value as such value represents an exit price in an orderly transaction between market participants, and raw materials. Factors that required judgment in determining the net realizable value for the inventory included determining estimated selling prices, cost to complete, costs to dispose, operating profit, and discount rates, among others. The Company recorded a $26,486 step-up of inventory to its fair value as of the 2019 Merger date.
The allocation of the intangible assets subject to amortization is as follows:
Estimated
Fair Value
Weighted Average
Useful Life (years)
Developed technology
$260,500
6.6
In-process research and development
46,600
indefinite
Customer relationships
53,000
13.1
Backlog
6,700
1.1
Trademarks and trade names
8,100
7.5
Total intangible assets
$374,900
Acquired intangible assets reported above are being amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which approximates the pattern of how the economic life is expected to be used. This includes amounts allocated to
customer relationships because of anticipated high customer retention rates that are common in the semiconductor capital equipment industry.
Developed technology relates to Nanometrics’ product family and was valued using the multi-period excess earnings method under the income approach. This method reflects the present value of the projected cash flows that are expected to be generated by the developed technology less charges representing the contribution of other assets to those cash flows. The average estimated useful life of developed technologies was determined to be 6.6 years and was based on the technology cycle related to each developed technology, as well as the cash flows over the respective forecast period.
The fair value of the in-process research and development (“IPRD”) was determined using the multi-period excess earnings method under the income approach. Such method reflects the present value of the projected cash flows that are expected to be generated by the IPRD, less costs to complete the development and charges representing the contribution of other assets to those cash flows. The Company has determined that the estimated useful life of the acquired in-process research and development is currently indeterminate; thus, it has been categorized as indefinite and will be reviewed annually for impairment, along with the Company’s other long-lived assets with indefinite lives, unless its estimated useful life is known.
Customer relationships represent the fair value of future projected revenue that will be derived from sales of products to new and existing customers and was valued using the distributor method under the income approach. This method reflects the present value of projected distributor margins to be derived from sales to existing customers less charges representing the contribution of other assets to those cash flows. The estimated useful life of the customer relationships was determined to be 13.1 years and was based on historical customer turnover rates.
Order backlog represents the fair value of future projected revenue that will be derived from outstanding orders from customers that have not yet been shipped and was valued using the multi-period excess earnings method under the income approach, which reflects the present value of such outstanding orders less charges representing the contribution of other assets to those cash flows. The estimated useful life of the order backlog was determined to be 1.1 years and was based on historical order fulfilment rates.
Trademarks and trade names relate to the “Nanometrics” trademarks and trade names and were fair valued by applying the relief-from-royalty method under the income approach. This method is based on the application of a royalty rate to forecasted revenue under the trademarks and trade names. The estimated useful life of the trademarks and trade names was determined to be 7.5 years and was based on the expected life of the trademarks and trade names and the cash flows anticipated over the forecast period.
The results of operations of Nanometrics are reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of the 2019 Merger and included $66,261 of total net sales and an operating loss of $7,065 for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information
The following unaudited pro forma financial information summarizes the combined results of operations of Rudolph and Nanometrics, on a pro forma basis, as if the companies had combined at the beginning of fiscal year 2018. The pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and may not necessarily reflect the actual results of operations that would have been achieved if the 2019 Merger had taken place on January 1, 2018, nor are they necessarily reflective of future results of operations. The pro forma information for all periods presented also includes adjustments to amortization charges for acquired intangible assets, depreciation charges for stepped-up fair value of acquired fixed assets, related tax effects and other adjustments.
The reported financial information for the year ended December 31, 2019 includes the results of Rudolph for the year then-ended and the results of Nanometrics from the merger date through December 31, 2019. The reported financial information for the year ended December 31, 2018 is the historical results of Rudolph:
Year Ended
December 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
Reported
Pro Forma
Reported
Pro Forma
Net revenue
$
305,896
$
525,455
$
273,784
$
598,307
Net income attributable to Onto Innovation
1,910
45,096
36,246
4.
Fair Value Measurements:
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company has evaluated the estimated fair value of financial instruments using available market information and valuations as provided by third-party sources. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies could have a significant effect on the estimated fair value amounts. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments.
Fair Value Hierarchy
The Company applies a three-level valuation hierarchy for fair value measurements. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on management’s assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A financial asset’s or liability’s fair value measurement classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
The following tables provide the assets and liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis at December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
Fair Value Measurements Using
Carrying
Value
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
December 26, 2020
Assets:
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Municipal notes and bonds
$
124,640
$
-
$
124,640
$
-
Asset-backed securities
11,708
-
11,708
-
Certificates of deposit
36,373
-
36,373
-
Commercial paper
32,699
-
32,699
-
Corporate bonds
31,582
-
31,582
-
Total assets
$
237,002
$
-
$
237,002
$
-
Liabilities:
Foreign currency forward contracts
$
$
-
$
$
-
Total liabilities
$
$
-
$
$
-
December 31, 2019
Assets:
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Municipal notes and bonds
$
81,108
$
-
$
81,108
$
-
Asset-backed securities
10,779
-
10,779
-
Certificates of deposit
30,507
-
30,507
-
Commercial paper
30,708
-
30,708
-
Corporate bonds
36,461
-
36,461
-
Foreign currency forward contracts
-
-
Total assets
$
189,683
$
-
$
189,683
$
-
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration - acquisitions
$
$
-
$
-
$
Total liabilities
$
$
-
$
-
$
Available-for-sale debt securities classified as Level 2 are valued using observable inputs to quoted market prices, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. The foreign currency forward contracts are primarily measured based on the foreign currency spot and forward
rates quoted by the banks or foreign currency dealers. Investment prices are obtained from third party pricing providers, which model prices utilizing the above observable inputs, for each asset class.
Level 3 liabilities consisted of contingent consideration related to an acquisition for which the Company uses a discounted cash flow model to value these liabilities. The Level 3 assumptions used in the discounted cash flow model for the contingent consideration included projected revenue, timing of cash flows and estimates of discount rates.
See Note 5 for additional discussion regarding the fair value of the Company’s marketable securities.
5.
Marketable Securities:
At December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2019, marketable securities are categorized as follows:
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Holding Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Holding Losses
Fair
Value
December 26, 20120
Municipal notes and bonds
$
124,387
$
$
$
124,640
Asset-backed securities
11,679
-
11,708
Certificates of deposit
36,349
-
36,373
Commercial paper
32,690
32,699
Corporate bonds
31,544
31,582
Total marketable securities
$
236,649
$
$
$
237,002
December 31, 2019
Municipal notes and bonds
$
80,926
$
$
$
81,108
Asset-backed securities
10,767
-
10,779
Certificates of deposit
30,500
-
30,507
Commercial paper
30,707
-
30,708
Corporate bonds
36,409
-
36,461
Total marketable securities
$
189,309
$
$
$
189,563
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of marketable securities classified by the maturity date listed on the security, regardless of the Consolidated Balance Sheet classification, is as follows at December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
December 26, 2020
December 31, 2019
Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
Due within one year
$
170,099
$
170,321
$
152,649
$
152,852
Due after one through five years
66,550
66,681
36,660
36,711
Due after five through ten years
-
-
-
-
Due after ten years
-
-
-
-
Total marketable securities
$
236,649
$
237,002
$
189,309
$
189,563
The following table summarizes the estimated fair value and gross unrealized holding losses of marketable securities, aggregated by investment instrument and period of time in an unrealized loss position, at December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
In Unrealized Loss Position
For Less Than 12 Months
In Unrealized Loss Position
For Greater Than 12 Months
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
December 26, 2020
Municipal notes and bonds
$
8,641
$
$
-
$
-
Asset-backed securities
-
-
-
-
Certificates of deposit
-
-
-
-
Commercial paper
8,862
-
-
Corporate bonds
14,947
-
-
Total marketable securities
$
32,450
$
$
-
$
-
December 31, 2019
Municipal notes and bonds
$
14,166
$
$
-
$
-
Total marketable securities
$
14,166
$
$
-
$
-
See Note 4 for additional discussion regarding the fair value of the Company’s marketable securities.
6.
Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets:
Goodwill and purchased intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are reviewed for impairment annually during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill and intangible assets requires significant judgment. The Company regularly monitors current business conditions and considers other factors including, but not limited to, adverse industry or economic trends, restructuring actions and lower projections of profitability that may impact future operating results. The Company performed its annual assessment in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 and concluded that no impairment charge was required.
Goodwill
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:
Balance at December 31, 2018
$
22,495
Acquired goodwill (Note 3)
284,653
Balance at December 31, 2019
307,148
Goodwill adjustments (Note 3)
(516
)
Balance at December 26, 2020
$
306,632
Purchased Intangible Assets
Purchased intangible assets as of December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are as follows:
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Net
December 26, 2020
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Developed technology
$
326,877
$
110,851
$
216,026
Customer and distributor relationships
69,261
20,654
48,607
Trademarks and trade names
12,461
5,337
7,124
Total finite-lived intangible assets
408,599
136,842
271,757
In-process research and development
46,600
-
46,600
Total identifiable intangible assets
$
455,199
$
136,842
$
318,357
December 31, 2019
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Developed technology
$
326,726
$
67,861
$
258,865
Customer and distributor relationships
69,261
11,078
58,183
Trademarks and trade names
12,461
4,156
8,305
Total finite-lived intangible assets
408,448
83,095
325,353
In-process research and development
46,600
-
46,600
Total identifiable intangible assets
$
455,048
$
83,095
$
371,953
Intangible asset amortization expense amounted to $53,746, $10,445 and $1,534 for the years ended December 26, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Assuming no change in the gross carrying value of identifiable intangible assets and estimated lives, estimated amortization expenses are $48,024 for 2021, $47,625 for 2022, $47,150 for 2023, $41,465 for 2024, and $24,915 for 2025.
7.
Leasing Arrangements:
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at its inception. Operating lease arrangements are comprised primarily of real estate and equipment agreements for which the right-of-use assets are included in “Other assets” and the corresponding lease liabilities, depending on their maturity, are included in “Other current liabilities” or “Other non-current liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Right-of-use assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the estimated present value of lease payments over the lease term. The lease term includes options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Lease agreements frequently require the Company to pay real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs. Leases with a term of one year or less are not recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and lease expense for these leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Company uses its estimated incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of lease payments considering the term of the lease, which is derived from information available at the lease commencement date, giving consideration to publicly available data for instruments with similar characteristics. The Company accounts for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.
Lease costs for operating leases were $6,756 and $4,124 for the years ended December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Operating lease costs are generally recognized over the lease term. The Company elected the practical expedient to not provide comparable presentation for periods prior to adoption.
Details of the Company’s operating leases are as follows:
Year Ended
Cash Flow Information
December 26, 2020
December 31, 2019
Cash paid for operating lease liabilities
$
6,700
$
3,872
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities
$
$
2,946
December 26,
December 31,
Operating Lease Information
Weighted average remaining lease term
6.0
6.7
Weighted average discount rate
4.7
%
4.5
%
As of December 26, 2020, there was an insignificant amount of commitments for operating leases that have not yet commenced. The reconciliation of the maturities of operating leases to the lease liabilities recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 26, 2020 is as follows:
Fiscal Year
$
5,186
4,446
3,460
2,943
2,912
Thereafter
5,295
Total undiscounted operating lease payments
24,242
Less: imputed interest
3,317
Present value of operating lease liabilities
$
20,925
8.
Balance Sheet Components:
Inventories
Inventories are comprised of the following:
December 26,
December 31,
Materials
$
124,926
$
108,492
Work-in-process
44,829
42,694
Finished goods
21,462
24,948
Total inventories
$
191,217
$
176,134
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment, net, is comprised of the following:
December 26,
December 31,
Land and building
$
47,544
$
47,222
Machinery and equipment
52,833
56,504
Furniture and fixtures
4,013
3,968
Computer equipment and software
15,549
15,770
Leasehold improvements
12,927
13,069
132,866
136,533
Accumulated depreciation
(44,916
)
(38,113
)
Total property, plant and equipment, net
$
87,950
$
98,420
Depreciation expense amounted to $13,832, $5,965 and $4,848 for the years ended December 26, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
Other assets
Other assets is comprised of the following:
December 26,
December 31,
Convertible notes receivable, net of allowance of $2,000 at December 31, 2019
$
-
$
3,000
Operating lease right-of-use assets
19,669
23,588
Other
1,668
1,351
Total other assets
$
21,337
$
27,939
Accrued liabilities
Accrued liabilities is comprised of the following:
December 26,
December 31,
Payroll and related expenses
$
30,270
$
19,365
Warranty
6,062
6,348
Other
Total accrued liabilities
$
37,075
$
26,204
Other current liabilities
Other current liabilities is comprised of the following:
December 26,
December 31,
Contingent consideration - acquisitions
$
-
$
Income tax payable
4,109
2,783
Current operating lease obligations
4,470
4,906
Customer deposits
15,177
1,994
Accrued professional fees
1,184
1,520
Other
3,559
7,400
Total other current liabilities
$
28,499
$
19,172
Other non-current liabilities
Other non-current liabilities is comprised of the following:
December 26,
December 31,
Unrecognized tax benefits (including interest)
$
3,812
$
6,384
Non-current operating lease obligations
16,455
19,970
Deferred revenue
1,292
2,464
Other
6,153
2,953
Total non-current liabilities
$
27,712
$
31,771
9.
Commitments and Contingencies:
Factoring
The Company maintains arrangements under which eligible accounts receivable in Japan are sold without recourse to unrelated third-party financial institutions. These receivables were not included in the consolidated balance sheets as the criteria for sale treatment had been met. The Company sold $17,703 of receivables during the year ended December 26, 2020. There were no material gains or losses on the sale of such receivables. There were no amounts due from such third-party financial institutions at December 26, 2020.
Intellectual property Indemnification Obligations
The Company has entered into agreements with customers that include limited intellectual property indemnification obligations that are customary in the industry. These guarantees generally require the Company to compensate the other party for certain damages and costs incurred as a result of third-party intellectual property claims arising from these transactions. The nature of the intellectual property indemnification obligations prevents the Company from making a reasonable estimate of the maximum potential amount it could be required to pay to its customers. Historically, the Company has not made any indemnification payments under such agreements and no amount has been accrued in the accompanying consolidated financial statements with respect to these indemnification guarantees.
Warranty Reserves
The Company generally provides a warranty on its products for a period of 12 to 14 months against defects in material and workmanship. The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred during the warranty period and records a liability in the amount of such costs at the time revenue is recognized. The Company’s estimate is based primarily on historical experience. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary. Settlements of warranty reserves are generally associated with sales that occurred during the 12 to 14 months prior to the year-end and warranty accruals are related to sales during the same year.
Changes in the Company’s warranty reserves are as follows:
Year Ended
December 26, 2020
December 31, 2019
Balance, beginning of the period
$
6,348
$
2,441
Accruals
7,707
4,265
Warranty liability assumed in Merger
-
4,227
Usage
(7,570
)
(4,585
)
Balance, end of the period
$
6,485
$
6,348
Legal Matters
From time to time, the Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business. The following reflects an overview of the material activities with regard to these matters.
Optical Solutions Inc. v. Nanometrics Incorporated (Case No. 18-cv-00417-BLF): On August 2, 2017, Nanometrics was named as defendant in a complaint filed in New Hampshire Superior Court (the “Complaint”). The Complaint, brought by Optical Solutions, Inc. (“OSI”), alleges claims arising from a purported exclusive purchase contract between OSI and Nanometrics pertaining to certain products. On September 18, 2017, Nanometrics removed the action to the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire (the “District of New Hampshire”). On September 25, 2017, Nanometrics moved to transfer the Complaint to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California (the “Northern District of California”). On December 20, 2017, Nanometrics filed its complaint against OSI in the California Superior Court for the County of Santa Clara alleging claims arising from OSI’s breach of certain purchase orders. Nanometrics’ complaint was later removed by OSI to the Northern District of California. On May 29, 2018, the District of New Hampshire issued an order granting Nanometrics’ motion to transfer the Complaint to the Northern District of California and denying Nanometrics’ motion to dismiss the Complaint without prejudice. On June 14, 2018, the Complaint was consolidated with Nanometrics’ complaint against OSI. On August 9, 2018, OSI filed an Amended Complaint. On September 19, 2018, Nanometrics filed a motion to dismiss OSI’s Amended Complaint for failure to state a claim. Nanometrics’ motion to dismiss was heard on February 28, 2019. On March 5, 2019, the Northern District of California granted Nanometrics’ motion to dismiss with leave to amend. OSI filed a Second Amended Complaint on March 29, 2019. Nanometrics filed a motion to dismiss OSI’s Second Amended Complaint on May 31, 2019. In October 2019, Nanometrics was renamed Onto Innovation Inc. as a result of the 2019 Merger. Thereafter, the Company’s second motion to dismiss was heard on November 14, 2019. On November 26, 2019, the Northern District of California granted the Company’s motion to dismiss with leave for OSI to amend the Complaint. OSI filed a Third Amended Complaint on January 21, 2020. On March 2, 2020, the Company filed a motion to dismiss OSI’s Third Amended Complaint and a hearing on the motion was held on June 11, 2020. On June 23, 2020, the Northern District of California granted the Company’s motion to dismiss with prejudice with regard to two claims asserted by OSI and dismissed two other claims asserted by OSI with leave to amend. Thereafter, on July 7, 2020, OSI filed a Fourth Amended Complaint. On August 14, 2020, the Company filed a motion to dismiss with regard to one of the two remaining claims. On December 1, 2020, the Northern District of California denied this final motion to dismiss and as a result the Company filed its Answer in this matter on December 22, 2020. This matter is currently in discovery which is stipulated to extend to September of 2021. Trial has been set for May 16, 2022. At this time, the loss contingency in this matter is remote and the Company does not anticipate the outcome of the matter to have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Royalty Agreements
Under various licensing agreements, the Company is obligated to pay royalties based on net sales of products sold. There are no minimum annual royalty payments. Royalty expense amounted to $1,329, $1,429 and $1,904 for the years ended December 26, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
Open and Committed Purchase Orders
The Company has open and committed purchase orders of $137,819 as of December 26, 2020.
Line of Credit
The Company has a credit agreement with a bank that provides for a line of credit which is secured by the marketable securities the Company has with the bank. The Company is permitted to borrow up to 70% of the value of eligible securities held at the time the line of credit is accessed. The available line of credit as of December 26, 2020 was approximately $78,366 with an available interest rate of 1.8%. The credit agreement is available to the Company until such time that either party terminates the arrangement at their discretion. The Company has not utilized the line of credit to date.
10.
Revenue
The following table represents a disaggregation of revenue by timing of revenue:
Year Ended
December 26, 2020
December 31, 2019
Point-in-time
$
527,677
$
286,130
Over-time
28,819
19,766
Total revenue
$
556,496
$
305,896
See Note 15 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of the Company’s disaggregated revenue in detail.
Contract Liabilities
The Company records contract liabilities when the customer has been billed in advance of the Company completing its performance obligations. These amounts are recorded as deferred revenue in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Changes in deferred revenue were as follows:
Year Ended
December 26, 2020
December 31, 2019
Balance, beginning of the period
$
15,093
$
8,080
Deferred revenue assumed in Merger
-
5,931
Deferral of revenue
43,398
28,651
Recognition of deferred revenue
(42,864
)
(27,569
)
Balance, ending of the period
$
15,627
$
15,093
11.
Share-Based Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans:
Share-Based Compensation Plans
The Company’s share-based compensation plans are intended to attract and retain employees and to provide an incentive for them to assist the Company to achieve long-range performance goals and to enable them to participate in long-term growth of the Company. The Company settles restricted stock unit awards and stock option exercises with newly issued common shares.
Onto Innovation Inc. 2020 Stock Plan (the “2020 Plan”). The 2020 Plan provides for the grant of 3,613 stock options and other stock awards to employees, directors and consultants at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. Options granted under the 2020 Plan typically grade vest over a three-year period and expire ten years from the date of grant. Restricted stock units granted under the 2020 Plan typically vest over a three-year period for employees and one year for directors; however, other vesting periods are allowable under the 2020 Plan. Restricted stock units granted to employees have time based or performance based vesting. As of December 26, 2020, there were 3,555 shares of common stock available for issuance pursuant to future grants under the 2020 Plan.
The following table reflects share-based compensation expense by type of award:
Year Ended December 26,
Year Ended December 31,
Share-based compensation expense:
Restricted stock units, including all performance and market
based awards
$
15,780
$
10,421
$
6,062
Stock options and employee stock purchase options
1,882
-
Total share-based compensation
17,662
10,585
6,062
Tax effect on share-based compensation
3,849
2,283
1,362
Net effect on net income
$
13,813
$
8,302
$
4,700
Effect on earnings per share:
Basic
$
(0.28
)
$
(0.28
)
$
(0.18
)
Diluted
$
(0.28
)
$
(0.28
)
$
(0.18
)
Restricted Stock Unit Activity
A summary of the Company’s restricted stock unit activity with respect to the years ended December 26, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 follows:
Number of
Shares
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2017
$
18.50
Granted
$
34.80
Vested
(325
)
$
17.73
Forfeited
(80
)
$
22.12
Nonvested at December 31, 2018
$
24.26
Granted
$
29.58
Assumed in Merger
$
31.43
Vested
(366
)
$
25.69
Forfeited
(35
)
$
26.44
Nonvested at December 31, 2019
1,107
$
28.89
Granted
$
34.71
Vested
(498
)
$
29.46
Forfeited
(143
)
$
29.99
Nonvested at December 26, 2020
$
31.37
As of December 26, 2020, there was $19,135 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock units granted under the plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.
Stock Option Activity
A summary of the Company’s stock option activity with respect to the years ended December 26, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 follows:
Shares
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Per Share
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2017
$
15.20
Granted
-
-
Exercised
(22
)
15.20
Expired
-
-
Forfeited
-
-
Outstanding at December 31, 2018
15.20
Granted
-
-
Assumed in Merger
16.27
Exercised
(2
)
14.96
Expired
-
-
Forfeited
-
-
Outstanding at December 31, 2019
$
15.49
Granted
-
-
Exercised
(19
)
15.84
Expired
-
-
Forfeited
-
-
Outstanding at December 26, 2020
$
15.25
1.9
$
Vested or expected to vest at December 26, 2020
$
15.25
1.9
$
Exercisable at December 26, 2020
$
15.25
1.9
$
The total intrinsic value of the stock options exercised during fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $420, $51 and $384, respectively. As of December 26, 2020, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options granted under the plans.
The options outstanding and exercisable at December 26, 2020 were in the following exercise price ranges:
Options Outstanding
Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices
Shares
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (years)
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Shares
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
$15.20 - $18.79
1.9
$
15.25
$
15.25
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Onto Innovation Inc. 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2020 ESPP”). Under the terms of the 2020 ESPP, eligible employees may have up to 10% of eligible compensation deducted from their pay and applied to the purchase of shares of Company common stock. The price the employee pays for each share of stock is 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of Company common stock at the beginning or the end of the applicable six-month purchase period. The 2020 ESPP is intended to qualify under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code and is a compensatory plan as defined by FASB ASC 718, “Stock Compensation.”
Through the Company’s employee stock purchase plans, employees purchased 91, 72 and 13 shares during the twelve months ended December 26, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. As of December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there were 1,500 and 236, shares available for issuance under the Company’s employee stock purchase plans, respectively.
401(k) Savings Plan
The Company has a 401(k) savings plan that allows employees to contribute up to 100% of their annual compensation to the Plan on a pre-tax or after-tax basis, limited to a maximum annual amount as set periodically by the Internal Revenue Service. The plan provides a 50% match of all employee contributions up to 6 percent of the employee’s salary. Matching contributions to the plan totaled $2,315, $1,317 and $1,118 for the years ended December 26, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
12.
Other Income (Expense), Net:
Other income (expense), net is comprised of the following:
Year Ended December 26,
Year Ended December 31,
Foreign currency exchange gains (losses), net
$
(3,070
)
$
$
(255
)
Gain on casualty insurance claim
-
-
Other
Total other income (expense), net
$
(2,708
)
$
$
13.
Income Taxes:
The components of income tax expense are as follows:
Year Ended December 26,
Year Ended December 31,
Current:
Federal
$
1,466
$
(27
)
$
4,423
State
1,038
Foreign
5,637
1,548
7,474
1,609
6,087
Deferred:
Federal
(10,355
)
(4,730
)
1,961
State
(1,036
)
(73
)
Foreign
(240
)
(11,631
)
(4,116
)
2,163
Total income tax expense (benefit)
$
(4,157
)
$
(2,507
)
$
8,250
The income before tax is comprised of the following:
Year Ended December 26,
Year Ended December 31,
Domestic operations
$
(120
)
$
(7,087
)
$
49,089
Foreign operations
$
26,988
$
6,490
$
4,257
The provision for income taxes differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the applicable U.S. federal income tax rate of 21% for the years ended December 26, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, to income before provision for income taxes as follows:
Year Ended December 26,
Year Ended December 31,
Federal income tax provision (benefit) at statutory rate
$
5,642
$
(125
)
$
11,203
State taxes, net of federal effect
Foreign taxes, net of federal effect
(1,277
)
Foreign Derived Intangible Income ("FDII") Deduction
(4,262
)
(2,278
)
(2,217
)
Global Intangible Low-Taxes Income ("GILTI") inclusion
2,013
1,786
Non-deductible officer's compensation
Research & development tax credit
(4,858
)
(2,126
)
(2,298
)
Tax impact of IRS audit closure
(2,905
)
-
-
Impact of the Tax Act
-
-
Impact of the CARES Act
(1,141
)
-
-
Other
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
$
(4,157
)
$
(2,507
)
$
8,250
Effective tax rate
(16
)%
(420
)%
%
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the following:
December 26,
December 31,
Deferred Tax Assets:
Reserves and accruals
$
13,874
$
8,254
Deferred revenue
1,648
1,219
Share-based compensation
2,556
2,955
Tax credit carryforward
10,801
11,307
Net operating losses
4,849
6,008
Depreciation and amortization
Operating lease liabilities
4,261
4,965
Other
1,877
Gross deferred tax assets
40,553
36,426
Less: valuation allowance
(14,238
)
(14,160
)
Total deferred tax assets after valuation allowance
26,315
22,266
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization
(75,608
)
(83,082
)
Operating lease right of use assets
(3,960
)
(4,709
)
Other
(135
)
(59
)
Gross deferred tax liabilities
(79,703
)
(87,850
)
Net deferred tax liabilities
$
(53,388
)
$
(65,584
)
At December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company had recorded valuation allowances of $14,238 and $14,160, respectively, on a certain portion of the Company’s deferred tax assets to reflect the deferred tax assets at the net amount that is more likely than not to be realized. The Company maintained a full valuation allowance against its Switzerland and United Kingdom deferred tax assets of $2,797 and $467, respectively. The Company also maintained a valuation allowance against a portion of its federal and California deferred tax assets of $3,150 and $7,824, respectively.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company uses a more likely than not standard. If it is determined that it is more-likely-than-not that deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance must be established against the deferred tax assets. The ultimate realization of the assets is dependent on the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which the associated temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred income tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies when making this assessment. In making the determination that it is more likely than not that the Company’s deferred tax assets will be realized as of
December 26, 2020, the Company relied primarily on the reversal of deferred tax liabilities as well as projected future taxable income.
At December 26, 2020, the Company had federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $85, $1,892 and $2,873, respectively. The federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards expire on various dates beginning in 2020 through 2035.
At December 26, 2020, the Company had federal and state research & development credits and foreign tax credit carryforwards of $5,731, $10,664 and $3,150, respectively. The state research & development credits are set to expire at various dates beginning in 2039. The foreign tax credit is set to expire at various dates through December 31, 2029.
As of December 26, 2020, the Company has provided U.S. income taxes on all its foreign earnings. The Company continues to permanently reinvest the cash held offshore to support its working capital needs. Accordingly, no additional foreign withholding taxes that may be required from certain jurisdictions in the event of a cash distribution have been provided for.
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits are as follows:
December 26,
December 31,
Balance, beginning of the period
$
15,143
$
5,528
$
4,880
Gross increases-tax positions in prior period
9,989
Gross decreases-tax positions in prior period
-
(932
)
(61
)
Gross increases-current-period tax positions
1,048
Closure of audit/statute limitation
(3,052
)
-
-
Balance, end of the period
$
13,486
$
15,143
$
5,528
The unrecognized tax benefit at December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were $13,486 and $15,143, respectively, of which $8,863 and $10,649, respectively, would be reflected as an adjustment to income tax expense if recognized. The year over year decrease from 2019 to 2020 is primarily due to the closure of IRS audit for tax years 2016 through 2018, offset by additional unrecognized tax benefits related to federal tax exposures. It is reasonably possible that certain amounts of unrecognized tax benefits may reverse in the next 12 months; however, the Company does not expect such reversals to have a significant impact on its results of operations or financial position.
The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. During the years ended December 26, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company recognized approximately $(193), $236 and $199, respectively, in interest and penalties (benefit) expense associated with uncertain tax positions. As of December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company had accrued interest and penalties expense included in the table of unrecognized tax benefits of $1,487 and $1,681, respectively.
The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax in multiple state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is subject to ordinary statute of limitation rules of three and four years for federal and state returns, respectively. However, due to tax attribute carryforwards, the Company is subject to examination for tax years 2003 forward for U.S. federal tax purposes with respect to carryforward amounts. The Company is also subject to examination in various states for tax years 2002 forward with respect to carryforward amounts. The Company is subject to examination for tax years 2010 forward for various foreign jurisdictions. The Company believes that adequate amounts have been reserved for any adjustments that may ultimately result from any future examinations of these years.
In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to tax audits in various jurisdictions, and such jurisdictions may assess additional income taxes or other taxes against it. Although the Company believes its tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits and any related litigation could be materially different from the Company’ s historical income tax provisions and accruals. The results of an audit or litigation could have a material adverse effect on the Company’ s results of operations or cash flows in the period or periods for which that determination is made.
14.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss:
Comprehensive income includes net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, and net unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale debt securities. See the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the effect of the components of comprehensive income on the Company’s net income.
The components of accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax, are as follows:
Foreign currency
translation
adjustments
Net unrealized
(gains) losses on
marketable
securities
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss (income)
Balance at December 31, 2018
$
1,273
$
(10
)
$
1,263
Net current period other comprehensive (income) loss
(709
)
(665
)
Reclassifications
-
-
-
Balance at December 31, 2019
Net current period other comprehensive income
(5,043
)
(123
)
(5,166
)
Reclassifications
-
-
-
Balance at December 26, 2020
$
(4,479
)
$
(89
)
$
(4,568
)
15.
Segment Reporting and Geographic Information:
The Company is engaged in the design, development, manufacture and support of high-performance control metrology, defect inspection, lithography and data analysis systems used by microelectronics device manufacturers. The Company and its subsidiaries currently operate in a single operating segment: the design, development, manufacture and support of high-performance process control defect inspection and metrology, lithography and process control software systems used by microelectronics device manufacturers. Therefore, the Company has one reportable segment. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is the Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”). The CEO allocates resources and assesses performance of the business and other activities at the reportable segment level.
The following table lists the different sources of revenue:
Year Ended December 26,
Year Ended December 31,
Systems and software
$
450,459
%
$
255,723
%
$
234,241
%
Parts
65,444
%
34,892
%
28,658
%
Services
40,593
%
15,281
%
10,885
%
Total revenue
$
556,496
%
$
305,896
%
$
273,784
%
The Company’s significant operations outside the United States include sales, service and application offices in Asia and Europe. For geographical revenue reporting, revenue is attributed to the geographic location to which the product is shipped. Revenue by geographic region is as follows:
Year Ended December 26,
Year Ended December 31,
Revenue from third parties:
China
$
125,023
$
80,017
$
63,243
Taiwan
120,959
66,601
45,312
South Korea
90,193
43,997
51,750
United States
81,708
46,717
43,944
Japan
59,295
29,816
22,361
Europe
49,697
23,023
27,173
Southeast Asia
29,621
15,725
20,001
Total revenue
$
556,496
$
305,896
$
273,784
The following chart identifies our customers that represented 10% or more of total revenue for each of the last three fiscal years:
Samsung Semiconductor
%
^
^
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
%
%
^
SK Hynix Inc.
^
%
%
^ The customer accounted for less than 10% of total revenue during the period.
At December 26, 2020, three customers, Samsung Semiconductor, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd., and SK Hynix Inc., accounted for more than 10% of net accounts receivable. At December 31, 2019, one customer, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd., accounted for more than 10% of net accounts receivable.
Substantially all of the Company’s long-lived assets are located within the United States of America.
16.
Earnings Per Share:
Basic income per share is calculated using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Restricted stock units and stock options are included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share, except when their effect would be anti-dilutive.
The Company’s basic and diluted earnings per share amounts are as follows:
December 26,
December 31,
Numerator:
Net income
$
31,025
$
1,910
$
45,096
Denominator:
Basic earnings per share - weighted average shares
outstanding
49,136
29,729
25,470
Effect of potential dilutive securities:
Restricted stock units, employee stock purchase grants and stock
options - dilutive shares
Diluted earnings per share - weighted average shares
outstanding
49,475
30,007
25,895
Earnings per share:
Basic
$
0.63
$
0.06
$
1.77
Diluted
$
0.63
$
0.06
$
1.74
17.
Share Repurchase Authorization:
In November 2020, the Onto Innovation Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase authorization, which allows the Company to repurchase up to $100,000 worth of shares of its common stock. This share repurchase authorization replaces the remaining balance of $28,000 from the prior share repurchase authorization. Repurchases may be made through both public market and private transactions from time to time. At December 26, 2020, there was $100,000 available for future share repurchases.
The following table summarizes the Company’s stock repurchases:
Year Ended December 26,
Year Ended December 31,
Shares of common stock repurchased
1,882
1,061
Cost of stock repurchased
$
52,000
$
$
21,069
Average price paid per share
$
27.62
$
19.85
$
19.86
18.
Subsequent Event
On December 31, 2020, the Company acquired Inspectrology, LLC, headquartered in Sudbury, Massachusetts. Inspectrology, LLC. is a leading supplier of overlay metrology for controlling lithography and etch processes in the compound semiconductor market. The impact of the acquisition is not expected to be material to the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and operating cash flows.
ONTO INNOVATION INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE OF VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(In thousands)
Column A
Column B
Column C
Column D
Column E
Description
Balance at
Beginning of
Period
Charged to (Recovery
of) Costs and Expense
Charged to Other
Accounts (net)
Deductions
Balance at
End of Period
Fiscal Year 2020:
Allowance for credit losses
$
1,247
$
$
-
$
$
Deferred tax valuation
allowance
14,160
-
-
14,238
Allowance for convertible
notes receivable
2,000
-
-
2,000
-
Fiscal Year 2019:
Allowance for doubtful
accounts
$
$
$
-
$
(193
)
$
1,247
Deferred tax valuation
allowance
3,172
10,046
-
14,160
Allowance for convertible
notes receivable
-
2,000
-
-
2,000
Fiscal Year 2018:
Allowance for doubtful
accounts
$
$
$
-
$
$
Deferred tax valuation
allowance
2,447
-
-
3,172