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EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES INCex-322certificationofchief.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES INCex-321certificationofchief.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES INCex-312certificationofthech.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES INCex-311certificationofthech.htm

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended July 2, 2016
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 0-12853
 
 
 
ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
 
 

Oregon
 
93-0370304
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation
or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
13900 N.W. Science Park Drive, Portland, Oregon
 
97229
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 503-641-4141
Registrant’s web address: www.esi.com
 

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  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
¨    
 
Accelerated  filer 
ý
Non-accelerated filer
¨    
 
Smaller reporting company
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s Common Stock as of August 5, 2016 was 31,687,175 shares.
 



ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
2017 FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Part I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Part II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 






ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
July 2, 2016
 
April 2, 2016
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
62,463

 
$
42,413

Short-term investments
4,506

 
15,252

Trade receivables, net of allowances of $924 and $1,039
34,272

 
42,770

Inventories, net
59,522

 
60,470

Shipped systems pending acceptance
2,319

 
1,181

Other current assets
5,219

 
5,340

Total current assets
168,301

 
167,426

Non-current assets:
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $109,276 and $107,910
24,775

 
24,543

Non-current deferred income taxes, net
951

 
914

Goodwill
7,445

 
7,445

Acquired intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $21,425 and $21,146
6,866

 
7,146

Other assets
14,556

 
12,626

Total assets
$
222,894

 
$
220,100

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
19,031

 
$
16,061

Accrued liabilities
15,024

 
18,334

Deferred revenue
8,812

 
6,373

Total current liabilities
42,867

 
40,768

Non-current liabilities:
 
 
 
Income taxes payable
1,343

 
1,266

Deferred income tax liability, net
227

 
234

Other liabilities
7,676

 
7,801

Total liabilities
52,113

 
50,069

Commitments and contingencies (See Note 13 "Commitments & Contingencies")


 


Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, without par value; 1,000 shares authorized; no shares issued

 

Common stock, without par value; 100,000 shares authorized; 32,175 and 31,613 issued and outstanding
196,077

 
195,024

Accumulated deficit
(24,116
)
 
(23,998
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(1,180
)
 
(995
)
Total shareholders’ equity
170,781

 
170,031

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
222,894

 
$
220,100

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


3


ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
 
Fiscal quarter ended
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
July 2, 2016
 
June 27, 2015
Net sales:
 
 
 
Systems
$
38,200

 
$
32,062

Services
9,468

 
11,029

Total net sales
47,668

 
43,091

Cost of sales:
 
 
 
Systems
22,422

 
21,285

Services
4,438

 
6,429

Total cost of sales
26,860

 
27,714

Gross profit
20,808

 
15,377

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
12,871

 
12,617

Research, development and engineering
7,630

 
8,645

Acquisition and integration costs

 
154

Restructuring costs

 
62

Net operating expenses
20,501

 
21,478

Operating profit (loss)
307

 
(6,101
)
Non-operating expense:
 
 
 
Interest and other expense, net
(78
)
 
(5
)
Total non-operating expense
(78
)
 
(5
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
229

 
(6,106
)
Provision for income taxes
347

 
258

Net loss
$
(118
)
 
$
(6,364
)
Net loss per share - basic
$

 
$
(0.20
)
Net loss per share - diluted
$

 
$
(0.20
)
Weighted average number of shares - basic
31,815

 
31,177

Weighted average number of shares - diluted
31,815

 
31,177

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


4



ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Unaudited)

 
Fiscal quarter ended
(In thousands)
July 2, 2016
 
June 27, 2015
Net loss
$
(118
)
 
$
(6,364
)
Other comprehensive loss:
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $0 and $17
(186
)
 
31

Accumulated other comprehensive income related to benefit plan obligation, net of taxes of $(4) and $2
4

 
4

Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes of $0 and $0
(3
)
 

Other comprehensive loss:
(185
)
 
$
35

Comprehensive loss
$
(303
)
 
$
(6,329
)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

5



ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
Fiscal quarter ended
(In thousands)
July 2, 2016
 
June 27, 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(118
)
 
$
(6,364
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
1,710

 
1,900

Amortization of acquired intangible assets
279

 
357

Share-based compensation expense
1,462

 
1,387

Loss on disposition of property and equipment, net

 
3

Provision for doubtful accounts
(115
)
 
127

Charges for asset write-off of damaged product
1,216

 

Decrease (increase) in deferred income taxes
15

 
(44
)
Changes in operating accounts, net of acquisitions:

 

Decrease (increase) in trade receivables, net
8,463

 
(5,338
)
Increase in inventories
(2,313
)
 
(552
)
(Increase) decrease in shipped systems pending acceptance
(1,138
)
 
389

Decrease in other current assets
141

 
961

(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(593
)
 
6,916

Increase in deferred revenue
2,439

 
2,585

Net cash provided by operating activities
11,448

 
2,327

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Purchase of investments
(96,691
)
 
(162,395
)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments
107,148

 
164,346

Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(1,469
)
 
(1,344
)
Increase in other assets
(9
)
 
(138
)
Net cash provided by investing activities
8,979

 
469

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Payment of withholding taxes on stock-based compensation
(730
)
 
(531
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
332

 
401

Net cash used in financing activities
(398
)
 
(130
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
21

 
171

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
20,050

 
2,837

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
42,413

 
50,994

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
$
62,463

 
$
53,831

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest
$
(25
)
 
$
(57
)
Cash paid for income taxes
(132
)
 
(299
)
Income tax refunds received

 
83

Net increase in property, plant and equip. & other assets related to transfers from inventory
1,987

 

Non-cash additions to property, plant and equipment
1,050

 
196

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

6


ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. Basis of Presentation
These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") have been condensed or omitted in these interim statements. Accordingly, these condensed consolidated financial statements are to be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended April 2, 2016. These interim statements include all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments and accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim periods presented. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the entire year.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of commitments and contingencies at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Management believes that the estimates used are reasonable. Significant estimates made by management include: revenue recognition; inventory valuation; product warranty reserves; allowance for doubtful accounts; accrued restructuring costs; share-based compensation; income taxes including the valuation of deferred tax assets; fair value measurements; valuation of long-lived assets; valuation of goodwill; and valuation of acquired technology.
There have been no significant changes to the Company's significant accounting policies from those presented in Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended April 2, 2016. All references to years or quarters relate to fiscal years or fiscal quarters unless otherwise noted. The fiscal quarters ended July 2, 2016, April 2, 2016, and June 27, 2015 consisted of 13-week periods.
2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606 (ASU 2014-09), to supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date, which deferred the effective date for implementation of ASU 2014-09 by one year and are now effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted but not earlier than the original effective date. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) (ASU 2016-08), which clarifies the implementation guidance of principal versus agent considerations. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing (ASU 2016-10), which clarifies the identification of performance obligations and licensing implementation guidance. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients (ASU 2016-12), to improve guidance on assessing collectability, presentation of sales taxes, noncash consideration, and completed contracts and contract modifications at transition. The effective date and transition requirements in ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, and ASU 2016-12 are the same as the effective date and transition requirements of ASU 2015-14. We have not yet selected a transition method and we are currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The new standard is effective for the Company's fiscal year ending March 30, 2019.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation – Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” ASU 2016-09 simplifies the accounting for several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods, which would be the Company's fiscal year ending March 31, 2018. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-09 to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.


7


In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases.” ASU 2016-02 increases transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and requires disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those annual periods, which would be the Company's fiscal year ending March 29, 2020.We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-02 to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
3. Share-Based Compensation
The Company's share-based compensation consists of stock-settled stock appreciation rights (SARs), time-based restricted stock unit awards (time-based RSUs), performance-based restricted stock unit awards (performance-based RSUs), and an employee stock purchase plan. The performance-based RSUs specify certain performance or market-based conditions that must be achieved in order for the awards to vest.
The Company recognizes expense related to the fair value of SARs and employee stock purchase plan using the Black-Scholes model to estimate the fair value of awards on the date of grant. SARs grant the right to receive shares of the Company's stock equivalent to the increase in stock value of a specified number of shares over a specified period of time, divided by the stock price at the time of exercise. The fair value of time-based RSUs and performance-based RSUs contingent on performance criteria are measured on the grant date based on the market value of our common stock. The performance-based RSUs contingent on market conditions must achieve the total shareholder return (TSR) measures in order for the awards to vest, and the fair value of the awards is calculated on the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation model.
The Company recognizes compensation expense for all share-based compensation awards, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. The compensation cost on performance-based RSUs contingent on TSR measure is recognized over the related service period, even if the market condition is never satisfied.
The Company granted a total of 495,500 time-based RSUs and 195,000 performance-based RSUs contingent on a TSR measure during the first quarter of 2017, but did not grant any SARs.
Share-based compensation expense was included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows:
 
Fiscal quarter ended
(In thousands)
July 2, 2016
 
June 27, 2015
Cost of sales
$
120

 
$
129

Selling, general and administrative
977

 
715

Research, development and engineering
194

 
219

Total share-based compensation expense
$
1,291

 
$
1,063

The Company does not capitalize share-based compensation costs. As of July 2, 2016, the Company had $9.9 million of total unrecognized share-based compensation costs, net of estimated forfeitures, which are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years.
4. Fair Value Measurements
Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
ASC Topic 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include the following:
Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2, defined as inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active and other inputs that can be corroborated by observable market data; and
Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.
The Company’s fair value hierarchy for its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of July 2, 2016 and April 2, 2016 was as follows (in thousands):

8


July 2, 2016
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market securities
$
3,081

 
$

 
$

 
$
3,081

Commercial paper

 
16,891

 

 
16,891

Total cash equivalents
$
3,081

 
$
16,891

 
$

 
$
19,972

Short term investments - available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury fund
$
1,007

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,007

Commercial paper
$

 
$
1,546

 
$

 
$
1,546

Government agencies
$

 
$
1,953

 
$

 
$
1,953

Total short-term investments - available for sale
$
1,007

 
$
3,499

 
$

 
$
4,506

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward purchase or (sale) contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Japanese Yen
$

 
$
(122
)
 
$

 
$
(122
)
New Taiwan Dollar

 
(5
)
 

 
(5
)
Korean Won

 
(6
)
 

 
(6
)
Euro

 
189

 

 
189

British Pound

 
(100
)
 

 
(100
)
Chinese Renminbi

 
(34
)
 

 
(34
)
Singapore Dollar

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Total forward contracts
$

 
$
(79
)
 
$

 
$
(79
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred compensation plan assets:*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual funds and exchange traded funds
$
2,060

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,060

Money market securities
730

 

 

 
730

Total deferred compensation plan assets
$
2,790

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,790

April 2, 2016
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market securities
$
4,643

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,643

Commercial paper

 
12,140

 

 
12,140

Total cash equivalents
$
4,643

 
$
12,140

 
$

 
$
16,783

Short term investments - available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury fund
$
1,003

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,003

Commercial paper
$

 
$
997

 
$

 
$
997

Government agencies

 
13,252

 

 
13,252

Total short-term investments - available for sale
$
1,003

 
$
14,249

 
$

 
$
15,252

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward purchase or (sale) contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Japanese Yen
$

 
$
(31
)
 
$

 
$
(31
)
New Taiwan Dollar

 
5

 

 
5

Korean Won

 
129

 

 
129

Euro

 
(367
)
 

 
(367
)
Chinese Renminbi

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Singapore Dollar

 
20

 

 
20

Total forward contracts
$

 
$
(245
)
 
$

 
$
(245
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred compensation plan assets:*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual funds and exchange traded funds
$
1,916

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,916

Money market securities
588

 

 

 
588

Total deferred compensation plan assets
$
2,504

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,504

*These investments represent assets held in trust for the deferred compensation plan

9


For Level 1 assets, the Company utilized quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
For Level 2 assets, exclusive of forward contracts, the Company utilized quoted prices in active markets for similar assets. For forward contracts, spot prices at July 2, 2016 and April 2, 2016 were utilized to calculate fair values.
During the first quarter of 2017 and 2016, there were no transfers between Level 1, 2 or 3 assets.
Investments
The Company’s investments at July 2, 2016 and April 2, 2016 were as follows (in thousands): 
 
 
 
Unrealized
 
 
July 2, 2016
Cost
 
Gain
 
Loss
 
Fair Value
Available-for-sale securities (current):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government agencies
1,951

 
2

 

 
1,953

Commercial paper
18,437

 

 

 
18,437

Total investments (current)
$
20,388

 
$
2

 
$

 
$
20,390

Available-for-sale securities (non-current):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual funds, exchange traded funds and money market securities*
2,740

 
50

 

 
2,790

Total investments (non-current)
$
2,740

 
$
50

 
$

 
$
2,790

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized
 
 
April 2, 2016
Cost
 
Gain
 
Loss
 
Fair Value
Available-for-sale securities (current):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial paper
$
13,137

 
$

 
$

 
$
13,137

Government agencies
13,247

 
5

 

 
13,252

Total investments (current)
$
26,384

 
$
5

 
$

 
$
26,389

Available-for-sale securities (non-current):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual funds, exchange traded funds and money market securities*
$
2,507

 
$

 
$
(3
)
 
$
2,504

Total investments (non-current)
$
2,507

 
$

 
$
(3
)
 
$
2,504

*These investments represent assets held in trust for the deferred compensation plan
For purposes of determining gross realized gains and losses and reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), the cost of securities sold is based on specific identification. Net unrealized holding gains and losses on current available-for-sale securities included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were insignificant as of July 2, 2016 and April 2, 2016.
5. Business Acquisitions
Fiscal 2015
On January 15, 2015, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Wuhan Topwin Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd. (Topwin), a Chinese manufacturer of laser-based systems for $7.6 million in cash and 748,944 shares of ESI common stock issuable over a three year period, valued at approximately $2.9 million as of the acquisition date. Out of the $2.9 million in equity, one-half, or 374,472 shares, is contingent-based consideration and one-half, or 374,472 shares, is non-contingent and will be issued over a three year period beginning June 30, 2015. The contingent consideration is based on future performance of Topwin, as evaluated against targets for net income for each year over a three year period. One-third of the contingent shares will be issued after each year if the target is met for that year. However, failing to meet stated targets will result in none of the contingent shares being issued for that year. As of the acquisition date, the fair value of 374,472 shares of contingent consideration was estimated to be $0.4 million and the fair value of 374,472 shares of non-contingent consideration was estimated to be $2.5 million. The fair value of the non-contingent and contingent shares to be issued over the three year period was determined based on the estimated share price as of the issuance date derived through Monte Carlo simulation, discounted back to the acquisition date. The value of the contingent shares included an estimate of the probability of attainment of the net income targets. Analysis supporting the purchase price allocation included a valuation of assets and liabilities as of the closing date, an analysis of intangible assets and a detailed review of the opening balance sheet to determine other significant adjustments required to recognize assets and liabilities at fair value. Through the first quarter of 2017, zero and 212,217 shares of ESI common stock have been issued in connection with contingent and non-contingent consideration under the purchase agreement, respectively.

10


Additionally, the Company agreed to issue, on the same terms described above, up to approximately 513,328 shares valued at $2.0 million, which, together with cash amounts of $0.2 million, is treated as compensation to an employee in the Company who was also a former shareholder of Topwin. The compensation expense will be recognized over a three year period. Through the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company has recognized $1.2 million in compensation expense related to this agreement. This expense was comprised of $1.1 million of share-based compensation and $0.1 million of amortization. Through the first quarter of fiscal 2017, zero and 145,427 shares of ESI common stock have been issued in connection with contingent and non-contingent components of compensation expense, respectively.
The total purchase price of approximately $10.5 million, net of cash acquired, was allocated to the underlying assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values, as shown in the following table:
(In thousands)
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $268
$
454

Inventory
544

Prepaid expense and other current assets
295

Property, plant and equipment
23

Acquired intangibles
3,618

Goodwill
7,445

Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities
(1,859
)
Total purchase price, net of cash acquired
$
10,520

The acquisition is expected to enable the Company to gain entry into the low total-cost-of-ownership solutions market in China and the goodwill of approximately $7.4 million recognized as a result of the acquisition was assigned to the Topwin reporting unit. The premium paid over the fair value of the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed reflects the Company’s view that this acquisition was the result of a competitive bid process and has provided the Company with innovative design and manufacturing capabilities for laser-based manufacturing solutions across a variety of complementary applications, together with direct access to local China market, supply chain and opto-electronics knowledge center. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
As a result of the acquisition, the Company recorded approximately $4.9 million of identifiable assets, including $3.6 million of identifiable intangible assets and $1.9 million of identifiable liabilities. The acquired intangible assets consisted primarily of $3.5 million of developed technology to be amortized over their useful lives, which range from one to ten years.
In the first quarter of 2017 the Company did not incur any Topwin acquisition-related costs while it incurred approximately $154 thousand in the first quarter of 2016; these costs are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The operating results of this acquisition are included in the Company’s results of operations since the date of acquisition. Pro forma financial information has not been provided for the acquisition of Topwin as it is not material to the Company’s operations and overall financial position.
In the first quarter of 2017, the Company entered into an agreement with former Topwin shareholders to settle claims against withheld shares. Pursuant to the purchase agreement and the subsequent settlement agreement all shares withheld as escrow were released to the Company. As a result, the withheld shares initially treated as stock compensation were deemed to have forfeited in the current period and the shares representing contingent consideration and included as a component of purchase price were accounted for within equity and this subsequent settlement represents a non-cash investing and financing activity. Together these items represent the effective recovery of 63,114 shares, which at the date of recovery had a closing price of $6.30 per share. The purchase price of Topwin was not adjusted as the measurement period had elapsed.
6. Inventories
Inventories are principally valued at standard costs, which approximate the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out basis. Components of inventories were as follows:
(In thousands)
July 2, 2016
 
April 2, 2016
Raw materials and purchased parts
$
38,703

 
$
38,957

Work-in-process
14,582

 
14,270

Finished goods
6,237

 
7,243

 
$
59,522

 
$
60,470

In the first quarter of 2017, the Company recorded a $1.1 million estimated impairment to inventory at our manufacturing facility in Wuhan resulting from flooding in central China.
7. Trade Accounts Receivable
Trade accounts receivable consisted of the following:
(In thousands)
July 2, 2016
 
April 2, 2016
Current trade accounts receivable, net
$
34,272

 
$
42,770

Non-current trade accounts receivable
214

 
320

 
$
34,486

 
$
43,090

Non-current trade accounts receivable are included in Other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
8. Other Current Assets
Other current assets consisted of the following:
(In thousands)
July 2, 2016
 
April 2, 2016
Prepaid expenses
$
2,285

 
$
2,747

Value added tax receivable
908

 
1,353

Other
2,026

 
1,240

 
$
5,219

 
$
5,340

Included in "Other" Other current assets are non-trade receivables, derivative sale proceeds receivable and other similar items.
9. Other Assets
Other assets consisted of the following:
(In thousands)
July 2, 2016
 
April 2, 2016
Consignment and demo equipment, net
$
8,915

 
$
7,242

Long term deposits
2,620

 
2,543

Non-current trade accounts receivable, net
214

 
320

Other non-current assets
2,807

 
2,521

 
$
14,556

 
$
12,626


11


Depreciation expense for demo and leased equipment totaled $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2017 and 2016.
Included in "Other" Other assets are long-term investments and other similar items.
10. Accrued Liabilities (Current) & Other Liabilities (Non-current)
Accrued liabilities (current) consisted of the following:
(In thousands)
July 2, 2016
 
April 2, 2016
Product warranty accrual
$
4,103

 
$
3,666

Payroll-related liabilities
3,919

 
5,717

Purchase order commitments and receipts
1,485

 
2,588

Customer deposits
1,436

 
1,731

Professional fees payable
980

 
1,052

Restructuring costs payable
460

 
757

Other current liabilities
2,641

 
2,823

 
$
15,024

 
$
18,334

Included in other current liabilities above are accrued amounts for value-added taxes, income taxes, freight, and other similar items.
Other liabilities (non-current) consisted of the following:
(In thousands)
July 2, 2016
 
April 2, 2016
Deferred compensation
$
2,790

 
$
2,504

Product warranty accrual
1,844

 
2,068

Other non-current liabilities
3,042

 
3,229

 
$
7,676

 
$
7,801

Other non-current liabilities include long-term deferred revenue, long-term deposits and other similar items.
11. Product Warranty
The following is a reconciliation of the changes in the aggregate product warranty accrual:
 
Fiscal quarter ended
(In thousands)
July 2, 2016
 
June 27, 2015
Product warranty accrual, beginning
$
5,734

 
$
3,342

Warranty charges incurred, net
(2,051
)
 
(1,484
)
Provision for warranty charges
2,264

 
2,163

Product warranty accrual, ending
$
5,947

 
$
4,021

Net warranty charges incurred include labor charges and costs of replacement parts for system repairs under warranty. These costs are recorded net of any estimated cost recoveries resulting from either successful repair of damaged parts or from warranties offered by the Company’s suppliers for defective components. The provision for warranty charges reflects the estimate of future anticipated net warranty costs to be incurred for all products under warranty at quarter end and is recorded to cost of sales. Of the total of $5.9 million in product warranty accrual at July 2, 2016, $1.8 million is non-current and is included in Other liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
12. Deferred Revenue

Generally, revenue is recognized upon fulfillment of acceptance criteria at the Company's factory and transfer of risk and title. Revenue is deferred whenever title transfer is pending, risk has not transferred, and/or acceptance criteria have not yet been fulfilled. Deferred revenue arises from, among other factors, sales to Japanese customers, shipments of substantially new products and shipments with custom specifications and acceptance criteria where the Company cannot demonstrate a track record of acceptance. For sales involving multiple element arrangements, the relative selling price of any undelivered elements, including installation services and similar items, is deferred until the elements are delivered and acceptance criteria are met. Revenue related to maintenance and service contracts is deferred and recognized ratably over the duration of the contracts.

12


The following is a reconciliation of the changes in deferred revenue:
 
Fiscal quarter ended
(In thousands)
July 2, 2016
 
June 27, 2015
Deferred revenue, beginning
$
7,685

 
$
12,376

Revenue deferred
10,353

 
15,720

Revenue recognized
(8,281
)
 
(13,135
)
Deferred revenue, ending
$
9,757

 
$
14,961

Of the total of $9.8 million in deferred revenue at July 2, 2016, $0.9 million is non-current and is included in Other liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
13. Commitments & Contingencies
The Company is party to a loan and security agreement ("Loan Agreement") with Silicon Valley Bank, which was amended on July 12, 2016. The amendments, among other things, included the modification of certain financial covenants, including the removal of Tangible Net Worth covenant for periods ending after March 31, 2016. Instead, the Company must now comply with two new financial covenants, including a quick ratio and an EBITDA loss threshold measured on a trailing twelve month basis. The Loan Agreement provides for a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with up to $30 million available on a revolving basis, including a $15 million sublimit for letters of credit. The credit agreement expires March 20, 2018. At July 2, 2016, the Company had no revolving loans or letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility, was in compliance with all covenants, and was not in default under the Loan Agreement. The commitment fee on the amount of unused credit was 0.3 percent.
The Company mitigates credit risk by transacting with highly rated counterparties for foreign exchange contracts, letters of credit and other transactions where counterparty risk is a factor. The Company has evaluated the non-performance risks associated with the Company's lenders and other parties and believe them to be insignificant.
From time to time the Company may be party to litigation arising in the normal course of business. Currently, the Company is not party to any litigation it believes would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
14. Earnings (Loss) Per Share
The following is a reconciliation of weighted average shares outstanding used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
 
Fiscal quarter ended
(In thousands, except per share data)
July 2, 2016
 
June 27, 2015
Net loss
$
(118
)
 
$
(6,364
)
Weighted average shares used for basic earnings per share
31,815

 
31,177

Incremental diluted shares

 

Weighted average shares used for diluted earnings per share
31,815

 
31,177

Net loss per share:
 
 
 
Basic
$

 
$
(0.20
)
Diluted
$

 
$
(0.20
)
Awards of options, SARs and RSUs representing an additional 2.3 million and 3.6 million shares of stock for the first quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, were not included in the calculation of diluted net earnings per share because their effect would have been antidilutive.
15. Segment and Geographic Information
Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The chief operating decision maker ("CODM") is the Company's Chief Executive Officer. The Company operates in two segments, Component Processing and Micromachining. Included within Component Processing are interconnect products, semiconductor products and component test products. The interconnect, semiconductor and component test products are sold primarily to manufacturers of electronic components and are used to drill, cut, trim,

13


ablate, test and mark features that improve the yield or functionality of the component. Micromachining products are sold primarily to manufacturers of end devices across multiple industries and are used primarily to drill, cut or mark features on a variety of materials, generally on the casing or external surface of the end device. In addition, micromachining products tend to serve markets that require fewer features, less stringent design requirements, and lower cost. The Company uses U.S. GAAP for segment reporting, consistent with the accounting policies of the consolidated entity.
Segment disclosures are presented to the gross profit level as this is the primary performance measure for which the segment management are responsible. Corporate and other charges include amortization of acquired intangible assets, stock-based compensation, restructuring and other costs. Selling, general and administrative and other operating expenses are managed at the functional and corporate levels, and because allocation to the market segments would be arbitrary, have not been allocated to the market segments. See the consolidated statements of operations for reconciliations from gross profit to income before taxes. These reconciling items are not included in the measure of profit and loss for each reportable segment.
In the quarter ended July 2, 2016, we revised the method we use to determine segment gross margin amounts used by the CODM. Previously the profit on the laser (or more specifically, the difference between an estimated third-party purchase price of a similar laser and the cost for the Company to produce these lasers) was associated with only a single segment where the internal lasers were primarily employed or expected to be employed. However, with recent introduction of new products, certain of the Company's internal lasers are now used in both the Component Processing and Micromachining segments. The change in method was made refine the allocation of profit to the segments given this new dynamic, and to ensure that the margin associated with the use of internal lasers is reflected in the profit of the segment generating the third-party sale. No revisions to segment gross margins were made for quarters prior to the current quarter as the changes were deemed immaterial.
Net sales by segment were as follows:
 
Fiscal quarter ended
(In thousands)
July 2, 2016
 
June 27, 2015
Component Processing
$
43,129

 
$
38,284

Micromachining
4,539

 
4,807

 
$
47,668

 
$
43,091

Gross profits by segment were as follows:
 
Fiscal quarter ended
(In thousands)
July 2, 2016
 
June 27, 2015
Component Processing
$
22,258

 
$
14,110

Micromachining
15

 
1,662

Corporate and other
(1,465
)
 
(395
)
 
$
20,808

 
$
15,377

Net sales by geographic area, based on the location of the end user, were as follows:
 
Fiscal quarter ended
(In thousands)
July 2, 2016
 
June 27, 2015
Asia
$
40,448

 
$
33,536

Americas
3,018

 
6,356

Europe
4,202

 
3,199

 
$
47,668

 
$
43,091

16. Restructuring and Cost Management Plans
    
In March 2015, as a part of the plan to streamline manufacturing and development activities, the Company initiated a restructuring plan that included the closure of the assembly plant and development center located in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, which was part of the Component Processing segment. The original estimated completion date of the plan was the end of fiscal 2016 at a total estimated pre-tax cost of $5.5 million.
There were no net restructuring costs incurred related to the above mentioned restructuring plan in the first quarter of 2017. Since the inception of the plan, $5.8 million have been recognized in restructuring costs. The plan was effectively complete as of the end of the fourth quarter of 2016. Included in these costs were write-offs of leasehold improvements

14


associated with the abandoned manufacturing facility, employee severance and related payments, and other wind-down costs. The Company expects to pay the remaining costs and accrued expenses related to the leased facility until December 2019, which is the end of the lease term.
At July 2, 2016 and April 2, 2016, the amount of unpaid restructuring costs included in accrued liabilities was $0.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively.
The following table presents the amounts related to restructuring costs payable (in thousands):
Restructuring & cost management amounts payable as of April 2, 2016
$
757

Employee severance and related benefits:
 
Cash payments
(297
)
Restructuring & cost management amounts payable as of July 2, 2016
$
460

17. Shareholders’ Equity
Share Repurchase Program
In December 2011, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program totaling $20.0 million to acquire shares of the Company's outstanding common stock. The repurchases are to be made at management’s discretion in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions in compliance with applicable securities laws and other legal requirements and are subject to market conditions, share price and other factors. The Company did not repurchase any shares during the first quarter of 2017 or 2016. There is no fixed completion date for the repurchase program.
18. Subsequent Events
Acquisition of Visicon
On July 29, 2016, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger among the Company, ESI Vista Sub, Inc., Visicon Technologies, Inc. (“Visicon”) and the Stockholders’ Representative (the “Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to acquire Visicon for 784,559 shares of the Company's common stock, valued at $5 million for purposes of the Merger Agreement, and $3 million in cash, subject to adjustment for indebtedness, transaction expenses, working capital and other items. The merger closed on August 1, 2016.
Due to the adjustments referenced above, including the payment of $1.5 million to retire Visicon indebtedness, no cash remained to pay Visicon stockholders at closing and the aggregate number of shares of common stock to be issued was reduced to 745,159 shares. Of those shares, 141,220 shares were placed in escrow to serve as a source of payment for any purchase price adjustment or indemnity claims by the Company. The amount of cash paid by the Company at closing in the second quarter of 2017 was approximately $2.1 million.
As the acquisition recently closed on August 1, 2016, the Company is still in the process of performing initial accounting for the business combination. Disclosures regarding amounts recognized for major classes of assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be provided once the initial accounting is completed. The acquired subsidiary is not expected to be material to the Company’s operations and overall financial position.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The statements contained in this report that are not statements of historical fact, including without limitation, statements containing the words “believes”, “expects”, “projects”, "anticipates" and similar words, constitute forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. From time to time we may make other forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are subject to an inherent risk that actual results may materially differ as a result of many factors, including the risks described in Part II, Item 1A “Risk Factors.”
Overview of Business
Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries (ESI) is a leading supplier of innovative laser-based micro-manufacturing solutions for industries reliant on microtechnologies. ESI's integrated solutions allow industrial designers and process engineers to control the power of laser light to transform materials in ways that differentiate their consumer electronics, wearable devices, semiconductor circuits and high-precision components for market advantage. Founded in 1944, ESI is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with global operations and subsidiaries in Asia, Europe and North America.

15


Laser microfabrication is comprised of a set of precise micron-level processes, including drilling, scribing, dicing, singulation, cutting, ablating, trimming, and precision marking on multiple types of materials. These processes require application-specific laser systems that are able to meet our customers’ exacting performance and productivity requirements. Our laser-based systems are utilized in the production of consumer electronics, flexible and rigid printed circuit boards, semiconductor devices, advanced semiconductor packaging, electronic sensors, touch-panel glass, flat panel liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and other high value components and devices to enable functionality, increase performance and improve production yields.
Additionally, we produce high-capacity test and inspection equipment that is critical to the quality control process during the production of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs). Our equipment ensures that each component meets the electrical and physical tolerances required to perform properly.
The first quarter of 2017 ended July 2, 2016, the fourth quarter of 2016 ended April 2, 2016, and the first quarter of 2016 ended June 27, 2015 were all 13-week periods.
Summary of Sequential Quarterly Results
First Quarter 2017 Ended July 2, 2016 Compared to Fourth Quarter 2016 Ended April 2, 2016.
The financial results of the first quarter of 2017 reflected a significant sequential decline in order volume with total orders declining to $30.4 million from $55.6 million in the previous quarter, driven primarily by a decline in Component Processing (CP) orders. CP orders decreased 48%, primarily due to a $27.9 million decrease in Interconnect Products as a result of overcapacity in the flex via drilling market, after several quarters of strong technology and capacity buys. This was partially offset by a $2.8 million increase in Semiconductor Products due to increased demand for wafer trim products and LCD repair products. Orders in the Micromachining (MM) segment were roughly flat with the last quarter, with no significant new design wins or capacity addition.
Total sales declined from $51.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 to $47.7 million. By segment, CP sales decreased by $0.6 million from $43.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 to $43.1 million in first quarter of 2017. Within the CP segment, Interconnect Product sales increased by $1.8 million as a result of increased shipments of our GemStoneTM flex via drilling product and higher service activity. This was offset by a decrease of $1.4 million in the Semiconductor Products primarily due to a $1.3 million decrease in sales of memory repair systems and a $1.0 million decrease in the Component Test Product sales. MM segment sales decreased to $4.5 million in the first quarter of 2017 from $7.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, primarily due to lower micromachining orders in the fourth quarter of 2016, partially offset by $1.7 million increase in service sales.
Gross profit was $20.8 million in the first quarter of 2017 compared to $21.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. Gross margin was 43.7% on net sales of $47.7 million in the first quarter of 2017 compared to a gross margin of 41.1% on net sales of $51.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. The improvement in gross margin was primarily due to favorable product mix with higher number of flex via drilling product sales, higher service margins and decreases in service repair expenses. Total margin improvements were partially offset by a $1.1 million estimated impairment of inventory that was damaged in our Wuhan, China facility due to flooding in Central China and decreased absorption of fixed costs resulting from lower production volumes in the first quarter.
Net operating expenses of $20.5 million in the first quarter of 2017 represent an increase of $0.4 million from $20.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased $0.7 million, primarily due to $0.4 million of lower employee benefit costs in the fourth quarter of 2016 which did not repeat this quarter and a $0.3 million increase in share based compensation expense due to higher grant date fair value of shares issued in the first quarter of 2017 and forfeitures in the fourth quarter of 2016 that did not repeat in the current quarter. Research, development and engineering (RD&E) expenses decreased $0.1 million due to lower project development costs as various new products moved to production. Restructuring costs decreased $0.2 million from the previous quarter primarily due to the closure of the Chelmsford manufacturing facility in 2016.
Operating profit was $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2017 compared to $1.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Provision for income taxes was $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2017 compared to a benefit of $0.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. The change in income taxes was due to change in the mix of income from foreign jurisdictions and due to a discrete tax benefit related to pretax losses in the Topwin subsidiary in the fourth quarter of 2016, which did not repeat in the current quarter.
Net loss was $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2017 compared to net income of $2.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

16


First Quarter 2017 Ended July 2, 2016 Compared to First Quarter 2016 Ended June 27, 2015
Results of Operations
The following table presents results of operations data as a percentage of net sales:
 
Fiscal quarter ended
 
July 2, 2016
 
June 27, 2015
Net sales
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
Cost of sales
56.3

 
64.3

Gross profit
43.7

 
35.7

Selling, general and administrative
27.0

 
29.3

Research, development and engineering
16.0

 
20.1

Acquisition and integration costs

 
0.4

Restructuring costs

 
0.1

Operating profit (loss)
0.6

 
(14.2
)
Interest and other (expense) income, net
(0.3
)
 

Total non-operating (expense) income
(0.3
)
 

Income (loss) before income taxes
0.5

 
(14.2
)
Provision for income taxes
0.7

 
0.6

Net loss
(0.2
)%
 
(14.8
)%
Net Sales
The following table presents net sales information by product group:
 
Fiscal quarter ended
  
July 2, 2016
 
June 27, 2015
(In thousands, except percentages)
Net Sales
 
% of Net Sales
 
Net Sales
 
% of Net Sales
Component Processing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interconnect Products (IP)
$
30,918

 
64.8
%
 
$
20,645

 
47.9
%
Component Test Products (CTP)
4,602

 
9.7

 
6,498

 
15.1

Semiconductor Products (SP)
7,609

 
16.0

 
11,141

 
26.0

 
$
43,129

 
90.5

 
$
38,284

 
89.0

Micromachining
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Micromachining Products (MP)
$
4,539

 
9.5

 
$
4,807

 
11.2

Net Sales
$
47,668

 
100.0
%
 
$
43,091

 
100.0
%
Net sales for the first quarter of 2017 increased $4.6 million or 10.6% from net sales for the first quarter of 2016. By segment, sales in the CP increased by 12.7% and MM decreased by 5.6%.
CP segment sales for the first quarter of 2017 increased $4.8 million compared to the first quarter of 2016. The increase in CP segment sales was driven by demand for our flex via drilling products, primarily the new GemStoneTM product, and sales of the memory repair systems. This increase was partially offset by lower semiconductor service sales, and decreased sales of wafer mark, wafer trim and MLCC systems due to the timing of demand for these products.
MM segment sales for the first quarter of 2017 decreased $0.3 million compared to the first quarter of 2016. The decrease was primarily due to low follow-on demand for our micromachining systems.

17


The following table presents net sales information by geographic region:
 
Fiscal quarter ended
  
July 2, 2016
 
June 27, 2015
(In thousands, except percentages)
Net Sales
 
% of Net Sales
 
Net Sales
 
% of Net Sales
Asia
$
40,448

 
84.9
%
 
$
33,536

 
77.8
%
Americas
3,018

 
6.3

 
6,356

 
14.8

Europe
4,202

 
8.8

 
3,199

 
7.4

Net Sales
$
47,668

 
100.0
%
 
$
43,091

 
100.0
%
Net sales to Asia increased by 20.6% to $40.4 million primarily due to increased placements of flex via drilling products in Vietnam and China.
Gross Profit
 
Fiscal quarter ended
  
July 2, 2016
 
June 27, 2015
(In thousands, except percentages)
Gross Profit
 
% of Net Sales
 
Gross Profit
 
% of Net Sales
Component Processing
$
22,258

 
51.6
 %
 
$
14,110

 
36.9
 %
Micromachining
15

 
0.3

 
1,662

 
34.6

Corporate and other
(1,465
)
 
(3.1
)
 
(395
)
 
(0.9
)
Gross Profit
$
20,808

 
43.7
 %
 
$
15,377

 
35.7
 %
Gross profit was $20.8 million for the first quarter of 2017, an increase of $5.4 million compared to the first quarter of 2016. The gross profit increase was primarily driven by increased sales of $4.6 million. Gross margin was 43.7% and 35.7% for the first quarters of 2017 and 2016, respectively. The gross margin increase was primarily driven by favorable product mix in our flex via drilling products and memory repair systems, improved warranty costs and a decrease in manufacturing expenses due to the restructuring activities. The margin improvement was partially offset by a $1.1 million write-off of inventory that was damaged in our Wuhan, China facility due to flooding in Central China in the first quarter of 2017.
Gross margin for the CP segment increased from 36.9% to 51.6% or an increase of $8.1 million, primarily due to increased sales volume and associated favorable absorption of fixed costs and improved product mix. MM segment gross margins decreased from 34.6% to 0.3% due principally to lower production and sales volumes.
Corporate and other cost of sales include expenses not allocated to our two operating segments, including stock compensation, amortization of intangibles, restructuring and other expense. The change in the first quarter of 2017, is due to a $1.1 million estimated impairment to inventory at our manufacturing facility in Wuhan resulting from flooding in central China.
Operating Expenses
 
Fiscal quarter ended
  
July 2, 2016
 
June 27, 2015
(In thousands, except percentages)
Expense
 
% of Net Sales
 
Expense
 
% of Net Sales
Selling, general and administrative
$
12,871

 
27.0
%
 
$
12,617

 
29.3
%
Research, development and engineering
7,630

 
16.0

 
8,645

 
20.1

Acquisition and integration costs

 

 
154

 
0.4

Restructuring costs

 

 
62

 
0.1

Operating Expenses
$
20,501

 
43.0
%
 
$
21,478

 
49.9
%
Selling, general and administrative
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses primarily consist of labor and other employee-related expenses including share-based compensation expense, travel expenses, professional fees, sales commissions and facilities costs. SG&A expenses for the first quarter of 2017 increased $0.3 million compared to the first quarter of 2016. This increase was primarily attributable to a $0.3 million increase in share-based compensation expense due to higher grant date fair value of shares issued in the first quarter of 2017 and an increase of $0.2 million in commission expense due to increased sales activity.

18


Research, Development and Engineering
Research, development and engineering (RD&E) expenses are primarily comprised of labor and other employee-related expenses including share-based compensation expense, professional fees, project materials costs, equipment costs and facilities costs. RD&E expenses for the first quarter of 2017 decreased $1.0 million compared to the first quarter of 2016. This decrease was primarily due to a $0.6 million decrease in project development costs as various new products moved to production and a $0.4 million decrease in labor expenses due to cost reduction activities.
Restructuring Costs
During the fourth quarter of 2015, we initiated restructuring plans to consolidate and shift our manufacturing activities to Asia and other cost reduction actions. The $0.1 million of restructuring costs in 2016 relate primarily to the labor charges for the closure of the Chelmsford, Massachusetts manufacturing plant associated with these restructuring plans. We ceased our use of that facility in 2016, and no further restructuring charges were incurred in the first quarter of 2017.
Non-operating Income and Expense
 
Fiscal quarter ended
  
July 2, 2016
 
June 27, 2015
(In thousands, except percentages)
Interest and Other (Expense) Income, net
 
% of Net Sales
 
Interest and Other (Expense) Income, net
 
% of Net Sales
Interest and other expense, net
$
(78
)
 
(0.3
)%
 
$
(5
)
 
%
Total non-operating expense
$
(78
)
 
(0.3
)%
 
$
(5
)
 
%
Non-operating income and expense consists of interest income and expense, market gains and losses on assets held in employees’ deferred compensation accounts, realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses, bank charges, investment management fees, and other miscellaneous non-operating items. Net non-operating expense was $78 thousand in the first quarter of 2017 and $5 thousand in the first quarter of 2016. The change in non-operating expense is primarily attributable to foreign exchange losses in the first quarter of 2017 due to a weakened British Pound.
Income Taxes
 
Fiscal quarter ended
 
July 2, 2016
 
June 27, 2015
(In thousands, except percentages)
Income Tax Provision
 
Effective
Tax Rate
 
Income Tax Provision
 
Effective
Tax Rate
Provision for income taxes
$
347

 
151.5
%
 
$
258

 
(4.2
)%
The income tax provision for the first quarter of 2017 was $347 thousand on pretax income of $0.2 million, an effective tax rate of 151.5%. For the first quarter of 2016, the income tax provision was $258 thousand on pretax loss of $6.1 million, an effective rate of (4.2)%. The change in provision for taxes relates to the mix of income taxes arising in foreign jurisdictions.
Financial Condition and Liquidity
At July 2, 2016, our principal sources of liquidity were cash and cash equivalents of $62.5 million, short-term investments of $4.5 million, accounts receivable of $34.5 million and our credit facility. At July 2, 2016, we had a current ratio of 3.93 and had no long-term debt. Working capital of $125.4 million decreased $1.2 million compared to the April 2, 2016 balance of $126.7 million. Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments increased $9.6 million as compared to March 28, 2015 primarily due to a decrease in accounts receivable of $8.5 million.
Sources and Uses of Cash
Net cash provided by operating activities of $11.4 million for the quarter ended July 2, 2016 was a result of a $0.1 million net loss adjusted for non-cash items of $4.6 million. Working capital changes consisted primarily of an $8.5 million decrease in accounts receivables due to timing of shipments and improved payment terms and a $3.0 million increase in accounts payable driven by normalization of timing of inventory receipts and extension of payment terms with vendors, partially offset by a $2.3 million increase in inventory due to investments in inventory for new product placements in the first quarter of 2017.
For the quarter ended July 2, 2016, net cash provided by investing activities of $9.0 million was primarily due to $10.5 million of net sales of investments and $1.5 million of capital expenditures for purchases of property, plant and equipment (PP&E). The accounts receivable balance at July 2, 2016 includes $0.1 million of proceeds receivable on sales of PP&E.

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For the quarter ended July 2, 2016, net cash used in financing activities of $0.4 million related to issuances from employee stock plans, net of payments of associated withholding taxes.
We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments are adequate to fund our operations and contractual obligations for at least the next twelve months.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We reaffirm the “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in Part II Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations reported in our Form 10-K for the year ended April 2, 2016.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

There have been no material changes in the market risk disclosure contained in our Form 10-K for the year ended April 2, 2016.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Attached to this quarterly report as exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 are the certifications of our President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and our Chief Financial Officer (CFO) required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the Section 302 Certifications). This portion of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q is our disclosure of the conclusions of our management regarding the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report based on management’s evaluation of those disclosure controls and procedures. This disclosure should be read in conjunction with the Section 302 Certifications for a more complete understanding of the topics presented.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management has evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our CEO and CFO, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the first quarter of 2017 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various legal matters, either asserted or unasserted, and investigations. In the opinion of management, ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The statements contained in this report that are not statements of historical fact, including without limitation statements containing the words “believes”, “expects”, “projects”, "anticipates" and similar words, constitute forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. From time to time, we may make other forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are subject to an inherent risk that actual results may differ materially. The following information highlights some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should be considered in light of these factors. Factors that may result in such variances include, but are not limited to, the following:
Risks Related to Our Competition and Customers
Volatility of Our Customers’ Industries and Capital Spending
Our business is dependent upon the capital expenditures of manufacturers of microelectronics, PCB's, semiconductors, computers, wireless communications and other electronic products. The capital equipment market for microelectronics, semiconductor, and consumer electronics manufacturers has historically been characterized by sudden and severe cyclical variations in product supply and demand due to a number of factors including capacity utilization, timing of customers’ new product introductions and demand for their products, inventory levels relative to demand and access to affordable capital. The timing, severity and duration of these market cycles are difficult or impossible to predict. As a result, business levels can vary significantly from quarter to quarter or year to year. Significant volatility in investment cycles in the market for microelectronics, PCB's and semiconductors used in electronic devices or in the market for consumer electronics reduce demand for our products and may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 we began to experience a significant decline in orders due to reduced demand from PCB manufacturers. The degree of the impact of any downturn on our business depends on a number of factors, including: the strength of the global economies, particularly those of Asia and the United States; the overall level of demand for consumer electronics products; the stability of global financial systems; and the overall health of the microelectronics, semiconductor, and consumer electronics industries.
Expansion into New Markets
Our future success depends in large part on our successful penetration of new markets adjacent to our existing markets and of the Chinese market for lower cost systems. These markets are new to us and our success is dependent on our displacing entrenched competitors who are familiar with these markets and are known to customers. In many cases we are attempting to penetrate these new markets with newly introduced products which are not yet proven in the industry. In addition, in some cases we will need to develop or expand our sales channels and customer relationships in order to execute on this strategy. There is no assurance that we will be successful in penetrating these new markets significantly or at all. If we fail to successfully penetrate these markets our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Highly Competitive Markets
We face substantial competition from established competitors throughout the world, some of which have greater financial, engineering, manufacturing and marketing resources than we do. Those competitors with greater resources may, in addition to other things, be able to better withstand periodic downturns, compete more effectively on the basis of price and technology, or more quickly develop enhancements to, and new generations of, products that compete with the products we manufacture and market. New companies may enter the markets in which we compete, or industry consolidation may occur, further increasing competition in those markets. We have also experienced new entrants to our markets offering aggressive price and payment terms in an attempt to gain market share. Some competitors, particularly in China, also develop low cost products employing processes or technology developed by us. In addition, because we price our products in U.S. dollars, a strong U.S. dollar can make our products less price-competitive outside of the United States to products priced in other currencies. We believe that to be competitive we must continue to expend significant financial resources in order to, among other things, invest in new product development and enhancements. We may not be able to compete successfully in the future and increased competition may result in price reductions, reduced profit margins and loss of market share.

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Revenues are Largely Dependent on Few Customers
We depend on a few significant customers for a large portion of our revenues. In 2016, our top ten customers accounted for approximately 51% of total net sales. We anticipate that sales of our products to a relatively small number of customers will continue to account for a significant portion of our revenues. Consolidation between customers, changes in technologies or solutions used by customers, changes in products manufactured by customers or in end-user demand for those products, selection of suppliers other than us, customer bankruptcies or customer departures from their respective industries all may result in even fewer customers accounting for a high percentage of our revenue and reduced demand from any single major customer. Also, business levels with several of our top customers are dependent on our winning new designs and features each product cycle, and there is no guarantee of future business based on past design wins. Furthermore, none of our customers have any long-term obligation to continue to buy our products or services and may therefore delay, reduce or cease ordering our products or services at any time. The cancellation, reduction or deferral of purchases of our products by even a single customer could significantly reduce our revenues in any particular quarter. If we were to lose any of our significant customers or suffer a material reduction in their purchase orders, revenue could decline and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Increased Price Pressure
We have experienced and continue to experience pricing pressure in the sale of our products, from both competitors and customers. Pricing pressures typically have become more intense during cyclical downturns when competitors seek to maintain or increase market share, reduce inventory or introduce more technologically advanced products or lower cost products. In addition, we may agree to pricing concessions or extended payment terms with our customers in connection with penetrating new markets, volume orders or to improve cost of ownership in highly competitive applications. Our business, financial condition, margins or results of operations may be materially and adversely affected by competitive pressure and price-based competition.
Revenues are Largely Based on the Sale of a Small Number of Product Units
We derive a substantial portion of our revenue from the sale of a relatively small number of products. Accordingly, our revenues, margins and other operating results could fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter depending upon a variety of factors in addition to those described above, including:
changes in the timing of orders and terms or acceptance of product shipments by our customers;
changes in the mix of products and services that we sell;
timing and market acceptance of our new product introductions; and
delays or problems in the planned introduction of new products, or in the performance of any such products following delivery to customers.
As a result of these risks, we believe that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our revenue and operating results may not be meaningful, and that these comparisons may not be an accurate indicator of our future performance.
Risks Related to Our Supply Chain and Production
Variability of Production Capacity
To meet rapidly changing demand in the industries we serve, we must effectively manage our resources and production capacity. During periods of decreasing demand for our products, we must be able to appropriately align our cost structure with prevailing market conditions and effectively manage our supply chain. Our ability to rapidly and effectively reduce our cost structure in response to such downturns is limited by the fixed nature of many of our expenses in the near term and by our need to continue our investment in product technology and to support and service our products. Conversely, when upturns occur in the markets we serve, we may have difficulty rapidly and effectively increasing our manufacturing capacity or procuring sufficient materials to meet sudden increases in customer demand that could result in the loss of business to our competitors and harm to our relationships with our customers. In addition, our new manufacturing capability with the acquisition of Topwin in China has not been proven at the high volumes we anticipate for that facility. If we are not able to timely and appropriately adapt to changes in our business environment, our business, financial condition or results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

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Reliance on Critical Suppliers
We use a wide range of components from numerous suppliers in the manufacture of our products, including custom electronic, laser, optical and mechanical components. We generally do not have guaranteed supply arrangements with our suppliers. We seek to reduce the risk of production and service interruptions and shortages of key parts by selecting and qualifying alternative suppliers for key parts, monitoring the financial stability of key suppliers and maintaining appropriate inventories of key parts. Although we make reasonable efforts to ensure that parts are available from multiple suppliers, some key parts are available only from a single supplier or a limited group of suppliers in the short term. In addition, some of the lasers we use in our products are difficult to manufacture, and as a result we may not receive an adequate supply of lasers in a timely fashion to fill orders. Operations at our suppliers’ facilities are subject to disruption or discontinuation for a variety of reasons, including changes in business relationships, competitive factors, financial difficulties, work stoppages, fire, natural disasters or other causes. Any such disruption or discontinuation to our suppliers’ operations could interrupt or reduce our manufacturing activities and delay delivery of our products, any or all of which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, when markets recover from economic downturns, there is a heightened risk that one or more of our suppliers may not be able to meet our increased demand requirements, adversely impacting our ability to fulfill orders and win business with our customers.
Utilization of Contract Manufacturers
We have arrangements with contract manufacturers to complete the manufacturing of certain of our product subcomponents. Any significant interruption in our contract manufacturers’ ability to provide manufacturing services to us as a result of contractual disputes with us or another party, labor disruptions, financial difficulties, natural disasters, delay or interruption in the receipt of inventory, customer prioritization or other causes could result in reduced manufacturing capabilities or delayed deliveries for certain of our products, any or all of which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
Charges for Excess or Obsolete Inventory
One factor on which we compete is the ability to ship products on schedules required by customers. In order to facilitate timely shipping, management forecasts demand, both in type and amount of products, and these forecasts are used to determine inventory to be purchased. We also order materials based on our technology roadmap, which represents management’s assessment of technology that will be utilized in new products that we develop. Certain types of inventory, including lasers and optical equipment, are particularly expensive and may only be used in the production of a single type of product. If actual demand is lower than forecast with respect to the type or amount of products actually ordered, or both, our inventory levels may increase. As a result, there is a risk that we may have to incur material accounting charges for excess and obsolete inventory if inventory cannot be used, which would negatively affect our financial results. Also, if we alter our technology or product development strategy, we may have inventory that may not be usable under the new strategy, which may also result in material accounting charges. For example, during 2016, we recorded approximately $1.4 million of charges in cost of sales for inventory written off associated with discontinued products.
Uncertainties Resulting from Conflict Minerals Regulation
Many countries, including the United States and those in the European Union and China, have implemented directives that restrict the sale of new electrical and electronic equipment containing certain hazardous substances, and require a disclosure if certain metals used in products are not from a conflict free source.
Risks Related to Our Organization
Operating a Global Business
International shipments accounted for 90% of net shipments in 2016, with 83% of our net shipments to customers in Asia. We expect that international shipments will continue to represent a significant percentage of net sales in the future. We also have significant foreign operations, including manufacturing facilities in Singapore and China, research and application development facilities in Canada, France, China and Korea, and sales and service offices in various countries. Under our globalization strategy, we intend to increase our foreign operations in the future. Our non-U.S. sales, purchases and operations are subject to risks inherent in conducting business abroad, many of which are outside our control, including the following:
periodic local or geographic economic downturns and unstable political conditions;
price and currency exchange controls;
fluctuation in the relative values of currencies;
difficulty in repatriating money, whether as a result of tax laws or otherwise;
difficulties protecting intellectual property;

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compliance with labor laws and other laws governing employees;
local labor disputes;
shipping delays and disruptions;
unexpected changes in trading policies, regulatory requirements, tariffs and other barriers; and
difficulties in managing a global enterprise, including staffing, collecting accounts receivable, and managing suppliers, distributors and representatives.
Our business and operating results could also be impacted, directly or indirectly, by natural disasters, outbreaks of infectious disease, military action, international conflicts, terrorist activities, civil unrest and associated political instability. Many of our facilities, including our Portland, Oregon headquarters, are in areas with known earthquake risk. Some of these events or circumstances may also result in heightened security concerns with respect to domestic and international travel and commerce, which may further affect our business and operating results. In particular, due to these uncertainties, we are subject to the following additional risks:
future tightening of immigration controls may adversely affect the residence status of non-U.S. engineers and other key technical employees in our U.S. facilities or our ability to hire new non-U.S. employees in such facilities;
more frequent instances of shipping delays;
demand for our products may not increase or may decrease; and
our customers or suppliers may experience financial difficulties or cease operations.
Implementation and Modification of Globalization Strategy
We are continuing to implement and expand our globalization strategy in which we are moving certain operational resources and capabilities to different countries in Asia to be closer to many of our significant customers to reduce costs and to develop low-cost follow-on solutions to our products. As part of this strategy, we opened a manufacturing facility in Singapore in the fourth quarter of 2010, which manufactures certain IP, MP, SP and CTP products and is now our primary system manufacturing facility. We also acquired Topwin, a Chinese manufacturer of laser-based systems, in January 2015 to gain entry into the low-cost solutions market in China. In 2016, we opened an applications development center in Korea in order to increase responsiveness and increase access to local customers.
We believe this strategy will enhance customer relationships, improve our responsiveness, reduce our manufacturing costs for certain products and allow us to compete with low-cost competitors, including those who develop systems employing processes developed by us.
Our globalization strategy is subject to a variety of complexities and risks, many of which may divert a substantial amount of management’s time. These risks include:
challenges in designing facilities that can be scaled for future expansion, replicating current processes and bringing new facilities up to full operation;
unpredictable costs, redundancy costs and cost overruns for developing facilities and acquiring equipment;
building local management teams, technical personnel and other staff for functions that we have not previously conducted outside of the United States;
technical obstacles such as poor production or process yield and loss of quality control during the ramp of a new facility;
re-qualifications and other procedures that may be required by our customers;
our ability to bring up local suppliers to meet our quality and cycle-time needs;
our ability to reduce costs in the United States as we add costs elsewhere;
rapidly changing business conditions that may require plans to be changed or abandoned before they are fully implemented; and
challenges posed by distance and by differences in language and culture.
These and other factors could delay the continuing development, expansion and implementation of our strategy, as well as impair our gross margins, delay shipments and deliveries, cause us to lose sales, require us to write off investments already made, damage our reputation and harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we decide to change our globalization strategy, we may incur charges for certain costs incurred. For example, the Company announced a restructuring plan in 2015 which led to the impairment of associated leasehold improvements and other assets for our Chelmsford facility. The estimated future liability associated with the lease commitments was accrued net of estimated sublease rental income. However, to the extent the property is vacated or payments are not made by the sub-lessee, the Company will incur the full amounts of the ongoing lease obligation.

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Acquisitions and Divestitures
We may make acquisitions of, or significant investments in, other businesses with complementary products, services or technologies, such as our June 2012 acquisition of Eolite Systems, our May 2013 acquisition of the Semiconductor Systems business from GSI Group, Inc., our January 2015 acquisition of Topwin and our August 2016 acquisition of Visicon Technologies, Inc. Acquisitions involve numerous risks, many of which are unpredictable and beyond our control, including:
difficulties and increased costs in connection with integration of personnel, operations, technologies and products of the acquired businesses;
difficulties in implementation of our enterprise resource planning (ERP) system into the acquired company’s operations;
diversion of management’s attention from other operational matters;
the potential loss of key employees of the acquired company;
lack of synergy or inability to realize expected synergies resulting from the acquisition;
the inability to successfully enter new markets expected to result from the acquisition;
acquired assets becoming impaired as a result of technological advancements or worse-than-expected performance by the acquired company;
difficulties establishing satisfactory internal controls and accounting practices at the acquired company;
difficulties implementing internal manufacturing processes at the acquired company;
risks related to the culture, language, and local practices of the acquired company;
risks and uncertainties relating to the performance of the combined company following the transaction; and
acquiring unanticipated liabilities for which we will not be indemnified.
Furthermore, the accounting for an acquisition could result in significant charges resulting from amortization or write-off of intangible assets and goodwill we acquire. Our inability to effectively manage these risks or lower levels of revenue, profitability or cash flows for acquired businesses and assets could result in our inability to realize the anticipated benefits of an acquisition on a timely basis, or at all, and materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, all acquisition transaction costs must be expensed as incurred rather than capitalized, which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
The means by which we finance an acquisition may also significantly affect our business or the value of the shares of our common stock. If we issue common stock to pay for an acquisition, the ownership percentage of our existing shareholders will be diluted and the value of the shares held by our existing shareholders could be reduced. If we use cash on hand to pay for an acquisition, the payment could significantly reduce the cash that would be available to fund our operations or to use for other purposes. If we borrow funds in connection with an acquisition, we would be required to use cash to service the debt and to comply with financial and other covenants.
Security Breaches
 We store sensitive data, including intellectual property, our proprietary business information and that of our customers, suppliers and business partners, and personally identifiable information of our employees, on our networks. The secure maintenance and transmission of this information is critical to our operations and business strategy. Despite our security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance or other actions. Any such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen. Any such access, disclosure or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, disrupt our operations and damage our reputation, which could adversely affect our business, revenues and competitive position.
Hiring and Retention of Personnel
Our continued success depends in part upon the services of our key managerial, financial and technical personnel. The loss of key personnel, or our inability to attract, assimilate and retain qualified personnel, could result in the loss of customers, inhibit our ability to operate and grow our business and otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. We have previously had to, and may in the future have to, impose salary reductions on employees during economic downturns in an effort to maintain our financial position. On several occasions in recent years executives and other employees have received limited or no annual bonuses due to our financial performance relative to the performance parameters in our annual bonus plans. These events may have an adverse effect on employee loyalty and may make it more difficult for us to attract and retain key personnel. Competition for qualified personnel in the industries and locations in which we compete for talent is intense, and we may not be successful in attracting and retaining qualified personnel. We may incur significant costs in our efforts to recruit and retain key personnel, which could affect our financial position and results of operations.

25


Risks Related to Technology
Markets Characterized by Rapid Technological Change
The markets for our products are characterized by rapid technological change and innovation, frequent new product introductions, changes in customer requirements and evolving industry standards. Our future performance will depend on the successful development, introduction and market acceptance of new and enhanced products that address technological changes and the requirements of current and potential customers. The development of new, technologically advanced products is a complex and uncertain process, requiring high levels of innovation and highly skilled engineering and development personnel, as well as the accurate anticipation of technological and market trends. We cannot assure you that we will be able to identify, develop, manufacture, market or support new or enhanced products successfully, if at all, or on a timely basis. The introduction by us or by our competitors of new or enhanced products, or alternative technologies, may cause our customers to defer, change or cancel orders for our existing products or cease purchasing our products altogether. Further, we cannot assure that our new products will gain timely market acceptance or that we will be able to respond effectively to product announcements by competitors, technology changes or emerging industry standards. If we are unable to develop new or enhanced products to address product or technology changes or new industry standards on a timely basis or at all, or if our new or enhanced products are not accepted by the market, or if our customers adopt alternative technologies, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
Need to Invest in Research and Development
Our industry is characterized by the need for continued investment in research and development. Because of intense competition in the industries in which we compete, if we were to fail to invest sufficiently in research and development, our products could become less attractive to our current and potential customers or obsolete, and our business and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. As a result of our need to maintain our spending levels in this area, our operating results could be materially harmed if our net sales decline. In addition, as a result of our emphasis on research and development and technological innovation, our operating costs may increase in the future, and research and development expenses may increase as a percentage of total operating expenses and as a percentage of net sales.
Need to Broaden our Marketing and Channel Capability
The laser microfabrication industry is comprised of broad set of markets and applications and represents significant opportunities for growth. In order to access these opportunities, we are broadening our approach from customer centric to market based. This will require the hiring, development, and application of new marketing capability and channel access. Our ability to successfully access and compete in these broader markets will be partially dependent on our development of these new skills, capabilities and customer relationships. Our inability to do so would harm our business and adversely affect our revenues and profitability.
Products are Highly Complex
Our products are highly complex, and our extensive product development, manufacturing and testing processes may not be adequate to detect all defects, errors, failures and quality issues that could impact customer satisfaction or result in claims against us. As a result, we may have to replace certain components or provide remediation in response to the discovery of defects in products after they are shipped. The occurrence of any defects, errors, failures or quality issues could result in cancellation of orders, product returns, diversion of our resources, legal actions by our customers and other losses to us or to our customers. These occurrences could also result in the loss of, or delay in, market acceptance of our products, loss of sales and increased expenses and warranty costs, which would harm our business and adversely affect our revenues and profitability.
Risks Related to Legal Matters
Protection of Proprietary Rights – Generally
Our success depends significantly upon the protection of our proprietary rights. We attempt to protect our proprietary rights through patents, copyrights, trademarks, maintenance of trade secrets and other measures, including entering into confidentiality agreements. We incur substantial costs to obtain and maintain patents and to defend our intellectual property rights. We rely upon the laws of the United States and foreign countries where we develop, manufacture or sell our products to protect our proprietary rights. We may not be successful in protecting these proprietary rights, these rights may not provide the competitive advantages that we expect, or other parties may challenge, invalidate or circumvent these rights.

26


Protection of Proprietary Rights – Foreign Jurisdictions
Our efforts to protect our intellectual property may be less effective in some foreign countries where intellectual property rights are not as well protected as in the United States. Many United States companies have encountered substantial problems in protecting their proprietary rights against infringement in foreign countries. If we fail to adequately protect our intellectual property in these countries, it could be easier for our competitors to sell competing products in foreign countries, which could result in reduced sales and gross margins.
Intellectual Property Infringement Claims
Several of our competitors hold patents covering a variety of technologies, applications and methods of use similar to some of those used in our products. While we attempt in our designs to avoid patent infringement, from time to time we and our customers have received correspondence from our competitors claiming that some of our products, as used by our customers, may be infringing one or more of these patents. Competitors or others have in the past and may in the future assert infringement claims against our customers or us with respect to current or future products or uses, and these assertions may result in costly litigation or require us to obtain a license to use intellectual property rights of others. If claims of infringement are asserted against our customers, those customers may seek indemnification from us for damages or expenses they incur.
If we become subject to infringement claims, we will evaluate our position and consider the available alternatives, which may include seeking licenses to use the technology in question or defending our position. These licenses, however, may not be available on satisfactory terms or at all. If we are not able to negotiate the necessary licenses on commercially reasonable terms or successfully defend our position, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
We also defend our patent and intellectual property portfolio. For example, we initiated litigation in 2014 against Humo Laboratory, LTD. in Japan and against Eo Technics Co., Ltd., in South Korea for infringement of key patents. There is no assurance that this litigation will be successful, and we may incur significant legal fees to prosecute these claims.
Tax Audits and Changes in Tax Law
We are periodically under audit by United States and foreign tax authorities and may have exposure to additional tax liabilities as a result. Significant judgment is required in determining our provision for income and other tax liabilities. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final outcome of tax audits and the impact of changes in tax laws or the interpretation of tax laws could result in material differences from what is reflected in historical income tax accruals. If additional taxes are assessed as a result of an examination, a material effect on our financial results, tax positions or cash flows could occur in the period or periods in which the determination is made.
We currently benefit from a tax incentive program in Singapore pursuant to which we pay no Singapore income tax with respect to our manufacturing income. The incentive period ends on June 30, 2016. While the Company has failed to meet certain of the associated requirements for the incentive in the past, it has obtained a waiver for certain periods and believes that it is more likely than not the Company will continue to receive the associated tax incentives for balance of the incentive period. Although the Company has applied for an extension of benefits beyond the incentive period, there is no assurance that these benefits will be extended.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time we are subject to various legal proceedings, including breach of contract claims and claims that involve possible infringement of patent or other intellectual property rights of third parties or by third parties. It is inherently difficult to assess the outcome of litigation matters, and there can be no assurance that we will prevail in any litigation. Any litigation could result in substantial cost and diversion of management’s attention, which by itself could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Further, adverse determinations in such litigation could result in loss of our property rights, subject us to significant liabilities, require us to seek licenses from others or prevent us from manufacturing or selling our products, any of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

27


Provisions Restricting Our Acquisition
Our articles of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that could make it harder for a third party to acquire us without the consent of our Board of Directors. In addition, the Oregon Control Share Act and the Oregon Business Combination Act limit the ability of parties who acquire a significant amount of voting stock to exercise control over us. These provisions may have the effect of lengthening the time required for a person to acquire control of us through a proxy contest or the election of a majority of our Board of Directors, may deter efforts to obtain control of us and may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us without negotiation. These provisions may apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by our shareholders.
Risks Related to Financial Matters
Liquidity
We may require greater working capital to operate than similar size businesses in many other industries. At July 2, 2016, we had working capital of $125.4 million, including $67.0 million in cash and short-term investments. Our operating cash flows were negative for most quarters from September 2013 through March 2015 and could be negative again in future periods. If revenues were to grow, we would expect increased working capital needs for receivables and inventory.
As of April 2, 2016, we have permanently reinvested $37.0 million of foreign earnings primarily related to manufacturing operations in Singapore and China (Topwin). The Company’s net investment exposure in foreign subsidiaries translated into U.S. dollars using the period-end exchange rates at April 2, 2016 and March 28, 2015 was approximately $56.9 million and $64.3 million, respectively. The potential loss in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in foreign exchange rates would be approximately $5.7 million and $6.4 million at April 2, 2016 and March 28, 2015, respectively. Foreign exchange rate gains or losses on foreign investments as of April 2, 2016 were reflected as a cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax, and do not affect the Company’s results of operations.
While we have a credit facility in place, the level of availability and cost are based on meeting perfected cash and availability requirements. If this is not met our ability to access the facility may be limited based upon eligible accounts receivables. In addition, if we fail to meet the covenants in our credit facility, including a quick ratio and an EBITDA loss threshold measured on a trailing twelve month basis, access to the facility may be limited. If we were to require additional financing, there is no assurance it would be available on terms that are acceptable to us or at all. In addition, if we were to obtain financing by selling stock or convertible securities, the ownership of existing shareholders would be diluted. If we were to require additional financing and were unable to do so on acceptable terms or at all, our business and our ability to continue operations could be materially and adversely affected.

In addition, most of our contracts to acquire inventory represent purchase commitments. As a result, if we experience lower than anticipated demand for our products, in many cases we would not be able to avoid the cost of purchasing the associated inventory, which could negatively impact our results of operations and liquidity.
Unfavorable Currency Exchange Rate Fluctuations
Currency exchange rate fluctuations could have an adverse effect on our sales and results of operations and we could experience losses with respect to forward exchange contracts into which we may enter. Unfavorable currency fluctuations could require us to increase prices to foreign customers, which could result in lower net sales by us to those customers. Alternatively, if we do not adjust the prices for our products in response to unfavorable currency fluctuations, our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, some of our foreign sales are denominated in the currency of the country in which these products are sold and the currency we receive in payment for such sales could be less valuable at the time of receipt as a result of exchange rate fluctuations. From time to time, we enter into forward exchange contracts to hedge the value of accounts receivable primarily denominated in euros and other currencies. However, we cannot be certain that our efforts will be adequate to protect us against significant currency fluctuations or that such efforts will not expose us to additional exchange rate risks, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

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Fluctuations in Effective Tax Rate
As a global company, we are subject to taxation in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Our effective tax rate is subject to fluctuation from one period to the next because the income tax rates for each year are a function of many factors, including: (a) taxable income levels and the effects of a mix of profits (losses) earned by ESI and our subsidiaries in numerous tax jurisdictions with a broad range of income tax rates; (b) our ability to utilize deferred tax assets; (c) taxes, refunds, interest or penalties resulting from tax audits; (d) the magnitude of various credits and deductions as a percentage of total taxable income; (e) the ability to maintain our Pioneer Status in Singapore; and (f) changes in tax laws or the interpretation of such tax laws. In addition, we currently have a valuation allowance against domestic tax assets as a result of historic losses recorded in the United States. Changes in the mix of these items may cause our effective tax rate to fluctuate between periods, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.
Impairment of Goodwill, Intangible and Long-Lived Assets
We held a total of $6.9 million in acquired intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, and $7.4 million in goodwill at July 2, 2016. Events may occur or circumstances change such that the carrying value is not recoverable or it becomes more likely than not that the fair value of long-lived assets is reduced below the carrying value of the reporting unit.
For example, in the fourth quarter of 2015 we realigned our products into two segments as a result of changes in our go-to-market strategies, common customer characteristics, and information utilized to manage our business. This reorganization required the Company to reassign goodwill to the new reporting units based on the relative fair value of the respective reporting units, and as a result we concluded that $7.9 million of goodwill was impaired as of March 28, 2015.
We performed a review of our acquired definite-lived intangible assets in the fourth quarter of 2016, including a review for impairment based on certain triggering events and no significant impairments of intangible assets were identified, other than a $0.4 million intangible associated with developed technology for our Topwin reporting unit. We performed our annual goodwill impairment analysis of the associated reporting unit and determined that the goodwill was not impaired. The estimated fair value of the Topwin reporting unit exceeded the carrying value of the reporting unit by approximately $1.7 million or over 18%. The assessment of whether goodwill is impaired is sensitive to many financial and valuation assumptions, including projections of future performance, the determination of weighted average cost of capital, and estimates of terminal value. Our projections include assumptions regarding the adoption of new products, expected margins, and other factors, and a significant deterioration or deviation between expectations and actual performance may trigger impairment.  For example, should the performance of our Topwin reporting unit not meet our expectations, impairment of goodwill associated with that reporting unit may be triggered, which could have a material impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, certain of our long-lived assets such as machinery and equipment may experience impairment as a result of such events as the introduction of new products, changes in technology or changes in customer demand patterns. We depreciate our machinery and equipment at levels we believe are adequate; however, there can be no assurance that there will not be a future impairment that could have a material impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Stock Price Volatility
The market price of our common stock has fluctuated widely. During the first quarter of 2017, our stock price fluctuated between a high of $7.44 per share and a low of $5.75 per share. 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, many of which are outside of our control, may include:
variations in operating results from quarter to quarter;
changes in earnings estimates by analysts or our failure to meet analysts’ expectations;
changes in the market price per share of our public company customers;
market conditions in the consumer electronics, semiconductor and other industries into which we sell products;
general economic conditions;
political changes, hostilities or natural disasters;
low trading volume of our common stock;
the number of analysts covering our common stock;
being added or removed from market indices;
policies of institutional investors restricting or prohibiting investments in stock with a market price below certain thresholds;
stock price volatility based on one or a few investors buying or selling a large number of shares over days or weeks, due to relatively low volumes of trading in our stock; and
the number of firms making a market in our common stock.

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In addition, the stock market has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations in recent years. These fluctuations have particularly affected the market prices of the securities of high-technology companies like ours. These market fluctuations could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
Impairment of Investments
Our investment portfolio is primarily comprised of commercial paper, debt securities issued by U.S. governmental agencies and money market securities. These investments are intended to be highly liquid and low risk. If the markets for these securities were to deteriorate for any reason, including as a result of a downgrade in the credit rating of U.S. government securities, the liquidity and value of these investments could be negatively affected, which could result in impairment charges. Any such impairment charges may have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud and our stock price may be adversely affected.
Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and effectively prevent fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our operating results could be harmed.
In connection with our 2015 audit we identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting related to the accounting and disclosure of complex, judgmental accounting matters and non-routine transactions. The matters involving internal controls and procedures that our management considered to be material weaknesses included the risk assessment and certain process and review level controls associated with complex and non-routine transactions affecting goodwill, disclosures related to the Topwin acquisition, disclosures related to operating segments, and presentation of service revenue and associated cost of sales on the statements of operations.
Management believes that it identified and implemented additional controls, which remediated these material weaknesses by the end of 2016.
The requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act are ongoing and also apply to future years. We expect that our internal control over financial reporting will continue to evolve as our business develops. Although we are committed to continue to improve our internal control processes and we will continue to diligently and vigorously review our internal control over financial reporting in order to ensure compliance with the Section 404 requirements, any control system, regardless of how well designed, operated and evaluated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that its objectives will be met. Therefore, we cannot be certain that in the future additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies will not exist or otherwise be discovered. If such weaknesses or deficiencies occur, they could result in misstatements of our results of operations, additional restatements of our consolidated financial statements, a decline in our stock price and investor confidence, or other material effects on our business, reputation, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable.

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Item 6. Exhibits
This list is intended to constitute the exhibit index.

3.1
  
Third Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 3, 2010.
3.2
  
2009 Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 9, 2012.
31.1
  
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
  
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
  
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
  
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS
  
XBRL Instance Document *
101.SCH
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document *
101.CAL
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document *
101.DEF
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document *
101.LAB
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document *
101.PRE
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document *
 
* Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.





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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
Date:
August 9, 2016
ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
 
By:
/s/    Edward C. Grady   
 
 
 
Edward C. Grady
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/    Paul Oldham        
 
 
 
Paul Oldham
 
 
 
Senior Vice President of Administration, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary
 
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 




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