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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

Commission file number 0-16244

VEECO INSTRUMENTS INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Registration S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by references in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    Yes ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2)    Yes ý    No o

        The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, based on the closing price of the common stock on June 27, 2003 as reported on The Nasdaq National Market, was approximately $270,003,335. Shares of common stock held by each officer and director and by each person who owns 5% or more of the outstanding common stock have been excluded from this computation in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

        At March 4, 2004, the registrant had 29,618,407 outstanding shares of common stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

        Portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 7, 2004 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

        This Annual Report on Form 10-K (the "Report") contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Discussions containing such forward-looking statements may be found in Items 1, 3, 7 and 7A hereof, as well as within this Report generally. In addition, when used in this Report, the words "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates," "plans," "intends," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the following:

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The cyclicality of the microelectronics industries we serve directly affects our business.



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We operate in a highly competitive industry characterized by rapid technological change.



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We depend on a limited number of customers that operate in highly concentrated industries.



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Our quarterly operating results fluctuate significantly.



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Our acquisition strategy subjects us to risks associated with evaluating and pursuing these opportunities and integrating these businesses.



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Our inability to attract, retain and motivate key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business.



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We are exposed to the risks of operating a global business.



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Our success depends on protection of our intellectual property rights. We may be subject to claims of intellectual property infringement by others.



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We rely on a limited number of suppliers.



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We may not obtain sufficient affordable funds to finance our future needs.



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We are subject to risks of non-compliance with environmental and safety regulations.



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We have adopted certain measures that may have anti-takeover effects which may make an acquisition of our company by another company more difficult.



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The matters set forth in this Report generally, including the risk factors set forth in "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."

        Consequently, such forward-looking statements should be regarded solely as the Company's current plans, estimates and beliefs. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

Available Information

        We file annual, quarterly and current reports, information statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is http://www.sec.gov.

Internet Address

        We maintain a website where additional information concerning our business and various upcoming events can be found. The address of our website is www.veeco.com. We provide a link on our website, under Investors—Financial Info—SEC Filings, through which investors can access our filings with the SEC, including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports. These filings are posted to our Internet site, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with the SEC.

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Item 1. Business.

The Company

        Veeco Instruments Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, "Veeco", the "Company" or "we") designs, manufactures, markets and services a broad line of equipment primarily used by manufacturers in the data storage, semiconductor, compound semiconductor/wireless and HB-LED (high brightness light emitting diode) industries. These industries help create a wide range of information age products such as computer integrated circuits, personal computers, hard disk drives, network servers, digital cameras, wireless phones, TV set-top boxes and personal digital assistants. Our broad line of products features leading edge technology and allows customers to improve time-to-market of their next generation products. Veeco's products are also enabling advancements in the growing field of nanoscience and other areas of scientific and industrial research.

        Our process equipment products precisely deposit or remove (etch) various materials in the manufacturing of advanced thin film magnetic heads ("TFMHs") for the data storage industry, semiconductor deposition of mask reticles, and compound semiconductor/wireless and LED devices. Our metrology equipment is used to provide critical surface measurements on semiconductor devices and TFMHs. These instruments allow customers to monitor their products throughout the manufacturing process in order to improve yields, reduce costs and enhance product quality. Our metrology solutions are also key instruments used by many universities, scientific laboratories and in a broad range of industrial applications.

        Demand for our products has been driven by the increasing miniaturization of microelectronic components; the need for manufacturers to meet reduced time-to-market schedules while ensuring the quality of those components; and, in the data storage industry, the introduction of giant magnetoresistive ("GMR") and tunneling magnetoresisitve ("TMR") TFMHs which require additional manufacturing steps and the ability to take critical measurements for quality control and other purposes during the manufacturing process. The ability of Veeco's products to precisely deposit thin films, and/or etch sub-micron patterns and make critical surface measurements in these components enables manufacturers to improve yields and quality in the fabrication of advanced microelectronic devices.

        Veeco serves its worldwide customers through our global sales and service organization located throughout the United States, Europe, Japan and Asia Pacific. At December 31, 2003, Veeco had 1,225 employees, with manufacturing, research and development and engineering facilities located in New York, Arizona, California, Colorado, Minnesota and New Jersey.

        Veeco was organized as a Delaware corporation in 1989.

Our Strategy

        Veeco's strategy is to:

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Capitalize on the long-term growth opportunities in the data storage and compound semiconductor/wireless and lighting industries by expanding our process equipment and metrology technology solutions;



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Pursue focused market opportunities in the semiconductor industry in which Veeco has specific technology leadership;



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Capitalize on the growth opportunities in scientific research instrumentation, specifically investment in nanoscience and nanotechnology on a global basis;



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Invest in internally generated new products through an active research and development program, and also pursue strategic acquisitions to further expand the Company's breadth of product lines to accommodate the needs of its customer base;

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Leverage Veeco's technology and strategic customer relationships and assist customers' time-to-market for their new products; and



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Utilize the Company's global sales and service network to further strengthen customer relationships.

Recent Events

Purchase of TurboDisc MOCVD Technology

        On November 3, 2003, Veeco acquired substantially all of the assets of the TurboDisc Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition ("MOCVD") business from Emcore Corporation. The acquisition makes Veeco the only company that provides both molecular beam epitaxy ("MBE") and MOCVD—two key compound semiconductor epitaxial deposition technologies. Emcore's TurboDisc revenue was $51.1 million for the twelve months ended June 30, 2003. Veeco paid $61.5 million in cash for the net assets of the TurboDisc business. The transaction also includes a two-year earn-out feature that would require payment of up to an additional $20 million if future revenue targets are achieved. The TurboDisc business includes the assets necessary for engineering, design and manufacturing of MOCVD systems ranging from research and development systems to high-volume production systems, a manufacturing facility and applications lab located in Somerset, New Jersey and significant intellectual property. As a result of this acquisition, approximately 120 employees of Emcore involved in the TurboDisc business became employees of Veeco.

        The ability to provide MBE and MOCVD technologies enables Veeco to address the full range of applications requiring the high performance aspects of compound semiconductor technologies, including lower power, higher frequency operation, and light-emitting characteristics. MOCVD tools are particularly well-suited for the critical first step in the growth of high speed electronic, wireless and optoelectronic compound semiconductor materials employed in advanced wireless telecommunications and rapidly growing HB-LED applications.

        Veeco's TurboDisc business is a recognized industry leader in MOCVD production systems, with over 500 TurboDisc reactors shipped worldwide. TurboDisc reactors are used in the growth of III-V compounds for numerous compound semiconductor applications, including data and telecommunications modules, cellular telephones and solar cells. Veeco's GaNzilla production systems are the recognized leader in growing gallium nitride-based devices, most notably green, blue and white HB-LEDs used in backlighting wireless mobile devices, specialty illumination, and automotive applications. Veeco's patented TurboDisc technology is known for its unique, high-speed rotating disc deposition technique ideal for high production rates. TurboDisc reactors are capable of depositing a wide variety of III-V materials—GaAs, AlGaAs, InP, InGaAlP, InGaN, AlGaN, SiC and GaN—onto a substrate to grow compound semiconductor materials on the atomic scale.

Purchase of Advanced Imaging Inc.

        On November 18, 2003, Veeco purchased Advanced Imaging, Inc. ("Aii"), the world's leading commercial manufacturer of precision bar lapping equipment for the production of advanced data storage thin film magnetic heads ("TFMHs"). Aii's technology is complementary to Veeco's broad line of ion beam process equipment and metrology solutions, and the combination enables Veeco to provide the broadest line of technology solutions for the production of TFMHs. Aii's revenues for the twelve months ended September 30, 2003 were $33 million. Veeco paid $60 million in cash for all the outstanding shares of Aii. The transaction also includes a three-year earn out feature that would require payment of up to an additional $9 million if future revenue targets are achieved.

        Aii is based in Camarillo, California, and has 105 employees. Aii's key products are the ROBO6 Lapping tool, which enables precise material removal within 3 nanometers and is necessary for next

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generation thin film heads, and the ADS 300 for slicing and dicing of TFMHs and rowbars. In the manufacture of TFMHs, dimensional tolerances, magnetic performance, and critical "fly height" are frequently achieved by the combined process steps of Aii's precision lapping and Veeco's ion milling and metrology.

Industry Background

        General Introduction:    The market for microelectronic components continues to be driven by corporate and consumer use of information age products such as networked personal computers (PCs), servers and the Internet, among others. While the Company believes that the PC and server markets are the primary drivers of disk drive unit growth, disk drives are also increasingly being used for emerging consumer applications such as television set-top boxes, video-on-demand systems, and small electronic devices such as digital cameras and personal digital assistants.

        Continued demand for smaller, faster and less expensive microelectronic components, particularly in the computer industry, has led to increasing miniaturization. This miniaturization is achieved through an increased number of manufacturing steps involving greater use of precise etching and deposition equipment. In addition, metrology systems are used throughout the manufacturing process in order to monitor process accuracy, product quality, repeatability, and to measure critical dimensions and other physical features such as film thickness, line width, step height, sidewall angle and surface roughness, thereby improving yields. Wireless components, semiconductor and compound semiconductor/wireless devices, TFMHs, LEDs and other electronic components often consist of many intricate patterns on circuits or film layers. Depending upon the specific design of any given integrated circuit, a variety of film thicknesses and a number of layers and film types will be used to achieve desired performance characteristics.

        Trends in the Data Storage Industry:    Worldwide storage demand continues to double every nine months, driven by intelligent internet storage, e-commerce, e-mail and new consumer applications now reaching higher volume including TV set-top boxes, personal video recorders, digital cameras, auto navigation and music distribution systems. Hard disk drives have continued to provide the best value for mass storage. The use of disk drives in many types of consumer applications has resulted in growth in hard drive units shipped, which is expected to continue. In November 2003, TrendFocus forecasted that the volume shipments of hard drives will increase from approximately 220 million units in 2003 to over 250 million units by 2006.

        In order to satisfy market demand for devices with greater storage capacity, the data storage industry developed new head designs incorporating higher areal densities, which enable storage of more data. The capacity of disk drives is largely determined by the capability of the magnetic recording heads, which read and write signals onto hard disks. The data storage industry continues to fund the development of new high-density thin film head technology, increasing areal density by approximately 50% every year. In November 2003, Peripheral Research forecasted that thin film head production (including both GMR and TMR) will grow from approximately 665 million heads in 2002 to 865 million heads in 2006. Disk drive manufacturers are now ramping production of new 80 GB platters and funding development of 120 GB and beyond technology. In fact, the data storage technology roadmap is more aggressive than the semiconductor industry's requirements for critical dimensions, film thickness, interface control and material selections.

        Next generation hard disk drives will require new magnetic materials, smaller dimensional tolerances and increased automation in manufacturing. The Company believes that despite capital spending constraints within the data storage industry, substantial investment continues to be made in GMR and more advanced TMR technology. Furthermore, consolidation in the disk drive industry has led to fewer more financially stable manufacturers. Veeco recently introduced several new process equipment products (including its NEXUS Ion Beam Etch and Ion Beam Deposition products) to

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respond to the data storage industry's continued technology advances. Additionally, the Company's purchase of Aii enables Veeco to address more steps of the TFMH manufacturing process including lapping, slicing and dicing, steps that it previously did not provide.

        Trends in the Semiconductor Industry:    Current semiconductor industry technology trends include smaller feature sizes (sub-0.13 micron line widths), larger substrates (i.e., the transition to 300mm wafers) and the increased use of metrology in the manufacturing process. According to VLSI, a semiconductor research organization, the percentage of capital expenditures being devoted to metrology tools by semiconductor manufacturers is the fastest growing part of the equipment business and in 2003,VLSI forecasted that these expenditures will increase from approximately $1.8 billion in 2002 (or 10% of the $17.3 billion wafer fab equipment market) to approximately $4.5 billion in 2005 (or 12% of the forecasted $37.1 billion wafer fab equipment market). Semiconductor manufacturers use metrology tools in their wafer fabrication facilities to detect process deviations as early in the manufacturing process as possible. These tools are critical for yield enhancement resulting in cost reduction in this increasingly competitive environment.

        Veeco has sold over 120 automated Atomic Force Microscope ("AFM") systems used in-line by manufacturers of semiconductor chips in their fabrication facilities. Veeco's AFMs are used by all of the top 10 integrated device manufacturers worldwide. Veeco's family of non-destructive AFM products include our Vx Series Atomic Force Profilers ("AFP"), which combine AFM resolution with long-scan capability and are well suited for etch depth measurements; our X3D AFM for CMP advanced lithography applications; and our newest Dimension X AFM for advanced etch measurements, which was introduced in late 2003.

        Research and development expenditures by semiconductor companies and photomask manufacturers to extend the capabilities of photomasks are increasing. Photomasks are used to create intricate patterns on semiconductor wafers. One example of this is the investment being made to develop extreme ultraviolet processes for use in the manufacturing of photomasks. In addition to our Dimension X3D AFM mentioned above, in 2002 and 2003 Veeco sold several NEXUS Low Defect Density ("LDD") Ion Beam Deposition ("IBD") systems for advanced photomask deposition.

        Trends in the Compound Semiconductor/Wireless and Lighting Industries:    In 2003, the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors ("ITRS") voted to include non-silicon, wireless components (gallium arsenide and indium phosphide) on its roadmap. Veeco believes that ultimately compound semiconductor and traditional silicon materials will be used to create tomorrow's "systems on a chip" devices. The Company believes that future growth in this industry will be tied to the trend toward convergence and integration of semiconductor, compound semiconductor and wireless devices to produce cheaper, faster integrated components.

        It is Veeco's intention to position itself as a leading supplier of process equipment and metrology solutions to be used to create a broad range of compound semiconductor based devices such as mobile cell phones, wireless local area networks, and high-brightness blue/green/white LEDs for backlighting applications. With our 2003 purchase of TurboDisc MOCVD technology from Emcore Corporation, Veeco is now the only supplier of the two key epitaxial deposition technologies used for compound semiconductor applications: MOCVD and MBE. MOCVD and MBE technologies are used to grow compound semiconductor materials (such as GaAs (gallium arsenide), GaN (gallium nitride), and InP (indium phosphide)) at the atomic scale. Epitaxy is the critical first step in compound semiconductor wafer fabrication and is considered to be the highest value added process, ultimately determining device functionality and performance. The combination of MOCVD and MBE increases Veeco's customer base and total available market, and provides us with unique market positioning opportunities. While the overall demand for compound semiconductors is expected to grow at a rate of 12% through 2006, the market for GaN devices (LEDs, laser diodes and other similar electronic

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devices) is expected to grow at a 24% compound annual growth rate from approximately $2.0 billion in 2003 to $4.5 billion in 2007 (source: Strategies Unlimited 2003).

        Trends in the Research Industry:    Veeco's broad based research business has historically tracked the growth of the economy and GDP, as our equipment and instruments are used in a wide range of industrial applications. A meaningful trend in the research industry is the growth in nanotechnology investment occurring at the scientific and university level. Nanotechnology is the "ability to design and control the structure of an object at all lengths from the atom up to the macro scale." Nanotechnology may lead to molecular level assembly allowing for the ability to build structures from the molecular level up, potentially eliminating waste, creating new compositions and materials, and enhancing the properties of materials. This could lead to the creation of computer chips and other devices that are thousands of times smaller than current technologies permit.

        Nanoscience and nanotechnology have received significant funding from the U.S. government and other countries, and are beginning to impact many industries, including life sciences, data storage, semiconductor, telecommunications and materials sciences. According to a report issued by the National Nanotechnology Institute ("NNI") in December 2003, worldwide nanotechnology funding has increased from approximately $400 million in 1997 to over $3 billion in 2003. Evolution Capital, an industry research company based in the United Kingdom, forecasted in 2002 that nanotechnology would grow to be a $1.5 trillion industry by 2010. Veeco's metrology instruments are used by nanotechnology researchers and Veeco currently sells to nearly every major scientific and research organization engaged in the field of nanotechnology. In 2002 and 2003, Veeco introduced several new AFMs and Scanning Probe Microscopes ("SPMs") to respond to the growing need for specialized scientific research metrology tools.

Veeco's Products

        Veeco offers two principal product lines: process equipment and metrology. Historical contribution to net sales by each of these product lines is shown below for the years indicated:

        See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for additional information regarding the Company's reportable segments and sales by geographic location.

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        Below is a matrix indicating the industries to which Veeco's Process Equipment and Metrology product families are primarily sold. This chart shows that Veeco's core technologies are applicable to multiple market opportunities:

Process Equipment

        Veeco produces and sells several types of process equipment products capable of precisely depositing or etching thin film products, primarily used in the manufacture of data storage components such as TFMHs and compound semiconductor/wireless devices. Veeco's process equipment product line includes:

        Ion Beam Deposition ("IBD") Systems:    Veeco's IBD systems utilize ion beam technology to deposit precise layers of thin films and may be included on Veeco's cluster system platform to allow either parallel or sequential etch/deposition processes. Ion beam deposition systems deposit high purity thin film layers and provide maximum uniformity and repeatability. In addition to IBD systems, Veeco provides a broad array of ion beam sources.

        Ion Beam Etch ("IBE") Systems:    Veeco develops and produces IBE systems which etch precise, complex features for use primarily by data storage and telecommunications device manufacturers in the fabrication of discrete and integrated microelectronic devices.

        Physical Vapor Deposition ("PVD") Systems:    Veeco's PVD systems deposit more than 20 types of materials, offering manufacturers a highly flexible platform for developing next-generation data storage and compound semiconductor applications. Veeco's PVD provides multiple targets, speeding the transition from development to high-volume production.

        Diamond-Like Carbon ("DLC") Deposition Systems:    Veeco's DLC deposition systems deposit protective coatings on advanced TFMHs. The system consists of a single cassette vacuum loadlock and a high vacuum processing chamber with two ion beam sources.

        Molecular Beam Epitaxy ("MBE") Systems:    MBE is the process of precisely depositing epitaxially aligned atomically thin crystal layers, or epilayers, of elemental materials onto a substrate in an ultra-high vacuum environment. For many compound semiconductors, MBE is the critical first step of the fabrication process, ultimately determining device functionality and performance. The performance characteristics of compound semiconductors are dependent on the crystalline structure, chemical composition, number, and precise thickness of the epilayers. As a result, MBE is considered to be one

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of the highest value added steps in the production of compound semiconductors. Veeco provides a broad array of MBE components and systems for research and production applications.

        Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition ("MOCVD"):    Veeco's newly acquired TurboDisc products are a recognized industry leader in MOCVD production systems—number one in the U.S. and the second largest worldwide. Over 500 TurboDisc reactors are installed worldwide and are used in the growth of III-V compounds for numerous compound semiconductor applications, including data and telecommunications modules, cellular telephones and solar cells. Our TurboDisc production systems are the recognized leader in growing gallium nitride-based devices, most notably green, blue and white HB-LEDs, which are used today in large area signage, mobile device backlighting, and specialty illumination.

        Precision Lapping, Dicing and Slicing:    Veeco's recently acquired Aii lapping tools enable precise material removal within 3 nanometers necessary for next generation TFMHs. We also manufacture instruments for slicing and dicing of TFMHs and rowbars.

Metrology

        Veeco's surface metrology product line includes atomic force/scanning probe microscopes, optical metrology tools and stylus profilers. These products offer a broad range of solutions to customers in the data storage and semiconductor industries, as well as versatile tools for use by research and development centers and universities.

        Atomic Force/Scanning Probe Microscopes (AFM/SPMs):    Veeco produces a broad range of AFM/SPM products designed for data storage, semiconductor, and research and other industrial applications. Veeco's family of automated, non-destructive AFM products include our Vx Series Atomic Force Profilers ("AFP") which combine AFM resolution with long-scan capability; our X3D AFM for CMP and photomask applications; and our newest Dimension X AFM for etch measurements which was introduced in late 2003. Veeco also has the world's broadest line of research AFMs and SPMs. Our NanoScope products are widely used by leading nanotechnology research centers worldwide. In 2002 and 2003, Veeco introduced several new products, including the NanoMan, PicoForce and Enviro-Scope systems, which were specifically designed for the nanoscience market. Veeco was a pioneer of AFM technology and continues to develop new products for production and research applications.

        The atomic force microscope "feels" the sample surface directly using a probe consisting of a very sharp tip mounted on a microscopic spring arm (a cantilever). The interaction of the probe with the surface is detected by measuring deflections of the cantilever with an optical beam system. AFMs, which permit non-destructive measurements and resolution at the molecular level, can directly measure both lateral and vertical shapes with nanometer resolution and with direct 3D capability. In contrast, light-based metrology instruments, including confocal microscopes, have limited lateral resolution for measurements of less than half the wavelength of light, or less than about 250 nanometers. In addition to topography, AFMs can also directly measure magnetic field (such as magnetic bits on a hard disk); electric field; hardness (such as thin film integrity); electric charge density (such as dopant concentrations in semiconductors); temperature (such as temperature distribution in disk drive recording head elements); and various chemical properties (such as the difference in binding preference among biological molecules). AFMs make these measurements on almost any surface; in air, vacuum or under fluids; and with minimal sample preparation.

        Stylus Profilers:    Stylus profilers are used to produce cross-sectional representations and/or quantitative measurements, which are displayed on a video monitor. Veeco's stylus profiler systems utilize a precision translation stage which creates relative motion between the sample and a diamond tipped stylus. As the sample moves under the stylus, surface variations cause vertical translation of the stylus, which is tracked and measured. Stylus profilers are widely used for height, width, pitch and

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roughness measurements of features on semiconductor devices, magnetic and optical storage media (e.g., hard drives), flat panel displays and hybrid circuits. Stylus profilers are often used for direct contact measurements and to measure larger feature sizes than Veecos' AFMs. Veeco believes that its stylus profiler products are recognized for their accuracy, repeatability, ease of use and technology features, and are designed to meet a range of industry specifications and customer requirements.

        Optical Metrology (Interferometry) Products:    Substantially all of Veeco's optical metrology instruments are designed to make non-contact surface measurements using interferometry technology. This process involves the use of either white light or laser sources to measure surface roughness and shape by creating interference patterns from the optical path difference between the test surface and a reference surface. Using a combination of phase shifting interferometry ("PSI") and vertical scanning interferometry ("VSI"), these instruments are designed to rapidly and precisely measure and characterize a range of surface sizes and shapes. Veeco's major optical products include the NT family and SP3000 and the HD-Seriesoptical profilers. The NT family product line measures surface roughness, heights and shapes. The HD-Series instruments are a line of microstructure measurement equipment used by manufacturers of mass memory components including manufacturers of TFMHs, disks, drives and suspensions. HD-Series instruments are used for research and development, production control, process improvement, incoming parts inspection, final parts inspection and field failure analysis.

Service and Sales

        Veeco recognizes that its customer service organization is a significant factor in the Company's success. The Company provides service and support on a warranty, service contract or an individual service-call basis. Veeco also offers enhanced warranty coverage and services, including preventative maintenance plans, on-call and on-site service plans and other comprehensive service arrangements, product and application training, consultation services and a 24-hour hotline service for certain products. The Company believes that offering 24 hour, 7 day per week worldwide support creates stronger relationships with customers and provides it with a significant competitive advantage. Approximately 17% of Veeco's net sales for the year ended December 31, 2003, constituted revenues from part sales, service and support.

        Veeco sells its products and services worldwide through various strategically located sales and service facilities located in the U.S., Europe, Asia Pacific, and Japan. As of December 31, 2003, Veeco employed 155 sales and marketing representatives, 152 field service representatives and 115 product support representatives. During the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, Veeco recorded approximately $44.4 million and $36.3 million, respectively, in revenues from independent sales representatives which represented approximately 16% and 12%, respectively, of total consolidated revenues. During 2003 and 2002, revenues generated by sales representatives related to the sale of process equipment units approximated $13.7 million and $9.9 million, respectively, and revenues related to the sale of metrology units approximated $30.7 million and $26.4 million, respectively.

Customers

        Veeco sells its products to many of the world's major data storage, semiconductor and compound semiconductor/wireless component manufacturers, and to customers in other industries, research centers and universities. For the year ended December 31, 2003, 39% of Veeco's sales were to scientific research and industrial customers, 33% to data storage customers, 14% to compound semiconductor/wireless customers, and 14% to semiconductor customers. We rely on certain principal customers for a significant portion of our sales including Seagate Technology, Inc., which has been one of our largest customers during the last three years. Sales to Seagate accounted for 11%, 13%, and 7% of Veeco's total net sales in the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. If any principal customer discontinues its relationship with us or suffers economic difficulties, our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results could be materially and adversely affected.

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Research and Development

        Veeco believes that continued and timely development of new products and enhancements to existing products are necessary to maintain its competitive position. Veeco works collaboratively with its customers to help ensure its technology and product roadmaps are aligned with customer requirements. Veeco's research and development programs are organized by product line and new or improved products have been introduced into each of Veeco's product lines in each of the past three years.

        Veeco's research and development expenses were approximately $48.9 million, $53.9 million and $59.7 million, or approximately 17.5%, 18.0% and 13.3% of net sales, for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. These expenses consisted primarily of salaries, project material and other product development and enhancement costs.

Manufacturing

        The Company's principal manufacturing activities, which consist principally of design, assembly, integration and test operations, are organized by product and take place at our facilities in Plainview, New York; Santa Barbara and Camarillo, California; Tucson, Arizona; Ft. Collins, Colorado; Somerset, New Jersey; and St. Paul, Minnesota.

        The Company's, sales, marketing, manufacturing and research and development functions are organized by product families. The Company believes that this organizational structure allows each product family manager to more closely monitor the products for which he is responsible, resulting in more efficient sales, marketing, manufacturing and research and development. The Company emphasizes customer responsiveness, customer service, high quality products and an interactive management style. By implementing these management philosophies, the Company believes that it has increased its competitiveness and positioned itself for future growth.

        Certain of the components and sub-assemblies included in the Company's products are obtained from a single source or a limited group of suppliers. Although the Company does not believe it is dependent upon any of these suppliers as a sole source or limited source for any critical components, the inability of the Company to develop alternative sources, if required, a prolonged interruption in supply or a significant increase in the price of one or more components could adversely affect the Company's operating results and Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Backlog

        Veeco's backlog increased from $89.1 million at December 31, 2002 to $124.4 million at December 31, 2003. Backlog adjustments during 2003 included order cancellations of $13.0 million. Veeco acquired $25.1 million of backlog from acquisitions in 2003. The Company's backlog generally consists of product orders for which a purchase order has been received and which are scheduled for shipment within twelve months. Veeco schedules production of its systems based on order backlog and customer commitments. Because certain of the Company's orders require products to be shipped in the same quarter in which the order was received, and due to possible changes in delivery schedules, cancellations of orders and delays in shipment, the Company does not believe that the level of backlog at any point in time is an accurate indicator of the Company's future performance. Due to changing business conditions and customer requirements, the Company may continue to experience cancellation and/or rescheduling of orders.

Competition

        In each of the markets that it serves, Veeco faces substantial competition from established competitors, some of which have greater financial, engineering, manufacturing and marketing resources than Veeco as well as from smaller competitors. In addition, many of Veeco's products face competition

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from alternative technologies, some of which are more established than those used in Veeco's products. Significant factors for customer selection of metrology and process equipment tools include system performance, accuracy, repeatability, ease of use, reliability, cost of ownership, and technical service and support. Veeco believes it competes favorably on the basis of these factors in each market Veeco serves. None of Veeco's competitors competes with Veeco across all of Veeco's product lines.

        Veeco competes with metrology product manufacturers such as KLA-Tencor, Seiko, Hitachi, Zygo Corporation and a variety of small manufacturers. Veeco competes with process equipment manufacturers such as Anelva, Unaxis, Hitachi, Shimadzu, Riber, Aixtron and Oxford Instruments.

Intellectual Property

        Veeco's success depends in part on its proprietary technology. Although Veeco attempts to protect its intellectual property rights through patents, copyrights, trade secrets and other measures, there can be no assurance that Veeco will be able to protect its technology adequately or that competitors will not be able to develop similar technology independently.

        Veeco has patents and exclusive and non-exclusive licenses to patents owned by others covering certain of its products, which Veeco believes provide it with a competitive advantage. Veeco has a policy of seeking patents on inventions concerning new products and improvements as part of its ongoing research, development and manufacturing activities. Veeco believes that there is no single patent which is critical to its operations, and that the success of its business depends primarily on the technical expertise, innovation, and experience of its employees.

        Veeco also relies upon trade secret protection for its confidential and propriety information. There can be no assurance that others will not independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information and techniques or otherwise gain access to Veeco's trade secrets or that Veeco can meaningfully protect its trade secrets. In addition, the Company cannot be certain that it will not be sued by third parties alleging that the Company has infringed their patents or other intellectual property rights. If any third party sues Veeco, the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

Employees

        At December 31, 2003, the Company had 1,225 employees, of which there were 377 in manufacturing and testing, 155 in sales and marketing, 152 in service, 115 in product support, 268 in engineering, research and development, and 158 in information technology, general administration and finance. The success of the Company's future operations depends in large part on the Company's ability to recruit and retain engineers, technicians and other highly-skilled professionals who are in considerable demand. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in recruiting or retaining key personnel. The Company believes that its relations with its employees are good.

        Other than Edward H. Braun, Don R. Kania and John F. Rein, Jr., the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the Company's President and the Company's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, respectively, the Company's executive officers are not, in general, subject to employment agreements or non-competition agreements with the Company.

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Item 2. Properties.

        The Company's headquarters office and its principal manufacturing, research and development and sales and service facilities, as well as the approximate size and the segments which utilize such facilities, are:

(1)

The land and building are classified as assets held for sale at December 31, 2003. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for further discussion.

(2)

The Company's compound semiconductor/wireless business utilizes approximately 95,000 square feet of this facility. The balance is available for expansion.

(3)

The Company's optical metrology business utilizes approximately 75,000 square feet of this facility. The balance is available for expansion.

(4)

Two facilities are currently leased by Veeco from the former principal shareholder of Aii, who is currently an employee of the Company. Management believes that the rental fees paid under these leases are at fair market value.

        The Santa Barbara, California and St. Paul, Minnesota facilities are subject to mortgages, which at December 31, 2003, had outstanding balances of $6.1 million and $4.1 million, respectively. The Company also leases small offices in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania and Edina, Minnesota, for sales and service. The Company's foreign subsidiaries lease space for use as sales and service centers in England, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, China and Taiwan. The Company believes its facilities are adequate to meet its current needs.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

Environmental

        The Company may, under certain circumstances, be obligated to pay up to $250,000 in connection with the implementation of a comprehensive plan of environmental remediation at its Plainview, New York facility. The Company has been indemnified for any liabilities it may incur in excess of $250,000 with respect to any such remediation. No comprehensive plan has been required to date. Even without consideration of such indemnification, the Company does not believe that any material loss or expense is probable in connection with any remediation plan that may be proposed.

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        The Company is aware that petroleum hydrocarbon contamination has been detected in the soil at the site of a facility formerly leased by the Company in Santa Barbara, California. The Company has been indemnified for any liabilities it may incur which arise from environmental contamination at the site. Even without consideration of such indemnification, the Company does not believe that any material loss or expense is probable in connection with any such liabilities.

        The former owner of the land and building in which the Company's Santa Barbara, California metrology operations are located has disclosed that there are hazardous substances present in the ground under the building. Management believes that the comprehensive indemnification clause that is part of the purchase contract relating to the purchase of such land provides adequate protection against any environmental issues that may arise.

Non-Environmental

        On September 17, 2003, the Company filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California against Asylum Research Inc., a privately-held company founded by former Veeco employees. The lawsuit alleges that the manufacture, use and sale of Asylum's MFP-3D AFM constitutes willful infringement of five patents owned by the Company, as well as other claims. The Company is suing for unspecified monetary damages and a permanent injunction to stop infringement. Asylum has asserted that the patents the Company is suing on are invalid and unenforceable, and has filed a counterclaim for infringement of a patent licensed by Asylum, and payment of royalties it believes it is owed. The Company believes that Asylum's claims are without merit.

        The Company is involved in various other legal proceedings arising in the normal course of its business. Based upon the advice of counsel, the Company does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

        None.

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PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.

        The Company's common stock is quoted on The NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "VECO". The 2003 and 2002 high and low closing bid prices are as follows:

        On March 4, 2004, the closing bid price for the Company's common stock on the NASDAQ National Market was $30.15. As of March 4, 2004, the Company had approximately 231 shareholders of record.

        In December 2001 and January 2002, the Company issued $220.0 million of 4.125% convertible subordinated notes, which are due in 2008, in a private placement. The notes are convertible, at the option of the holder, at any time on or prior to maturity into shares of common stock at a conversion price of $38.51 per share. The Company pays interest on these notes on June 21 and December 21 of each year. The notes will mature on December 21, 2008. The total $220.0 million of convertible subordinated notes are convertible into approximately 5,712,800 shares of Veeco common stock, which number is subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits and certain other transactions.

        The Company has not paid dividends on its common stock. The Company intends to retain future earnings, if any, for the development of its business and, therefore, does not anticipate that the Board of Directors will declare or pay any dividends on the common stock in the foreseeable future. In addition, the provisions of the Company's current credit facility limits the Company's ability to pay dividends. The Board of Directors will determine future dividend policy based on the Company's consolidated results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements and other circumstances.

        The following table gives information about our common stock that may be issued under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2003. See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for information regarding the material features of these plans.

(A)

Includes 38,221 stock options assumed in connection with the acquisition of CVC, Inc. ("CVC") on May 10, 2000, which merger was approved by stockholders.

(B)

Includes 298,847 stock options assumed in connection with the acquisition of Applied Epi, Inc. ("Applied EPI") on September 17, 2001.

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Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data.

        The financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.