MKS Instruments Reports Fourth Quarter And Full Year 2020 Financial Results

• Record quarterly revenue of $660 million, up 32% year-over-year
• Record quarterly Non-GAAP net earnings of $130 million, up 96% year-over-year, and quarterly net income of $116 million, up 170% year-over-year
• Record annual operating cash flow of $513 million, up 110% year-over year, and record annual free cash flow of $428 million, up 137% year-over-year
  

ANDOVER, Mass., Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MKS Instruments, Inc. (NASDAQ: MKSI), a global provider of technologies that enable advanced processes and improve productivity, today reported fourth quarter and full year 2020 financial results.

“We delivered record quarterly and full year revenue. Our results were underpinned by strong demand in our Semiconductor Market and a continued recovery in our Advanced Markets. In our Semiconductor Market, we not only achieved record revenue from our Power Solutions products but also strong year-over-year growth across the remainder of our Semiconductor portfolio. This is a clear affirmation of our differentiated Surround the Chamber ® strategy, which was put in place to drive technology and market leadership.” said John T.C. Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Lee added, “We are pleased to return to strong year-over-year growth in Advanced Markets in the fourth quarter and are encouraged with the demand trends in Advanced Electronics applications. As we highlighted at our Analyst Day in December, the secular trends of miniaturization, complexity and new materials are driving the need for precision laser processing where we are well positioned with our Surround the Workpiece ® portfolio.”

“The fourth quarter marked a strong finish to 2020, as we achieved record quarterly Non-GAAP operating income. We generated strong operating leverage in our model, while continuing to make targeted investments to drive long-term organic growth,” said Seth H. Bagshaw, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

Mr. Bagshaw added, “We generated record free cash flow in 2020, and I am pleased to announce we exited the year with a net cash position, within 24 months of the acquisition of Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. (“ESI”). Our strong cash position provides us with added balance sheet flexibility.”

First Quarter 2021 Outlook

Based on current business levels, the Company expects revenue in the first quarter of 2021 of $650 million, plus or minus $25 million. At these volumes, the Company expects GAAP net income per diluted share of $1.91, plus or minus $0.20 and Non-GAAP net earnings per diluted share of $2.16, plus or minus $0.20.

Conference Call Details

A conference call with management will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time). To access a live webcast of the conference call and related presentation materials management will refer to during the call, visit MKS’ website at mksinst.com and click on Company – Investor Relations. The webcast and related presentation materials will be listed in the calendar of events. To participate by telephone, please dial (877) 212-6076 for domestic callers or (707) 287-9331 for international callers, provide the operator with Conference ID (6863387), and access the presentation materials on MKS’ website. Participants are asked to access the live webcast or dial in at least 15 minutes in advance to ensure a timely connection. An archive of the webcast and related presentation materials will be available on MKS’ website.

About MKS Instruments

MKS Instruments, Inc. is a global provider of instruments, systems, subsystems and process control solutions that measure, monitor, deliver, analyze, power and control critical parameters of advanced manufacturing processes to improve process performance and productivity for our customers. Our products are derived from our core competencies in pressure measurement and control, flow measurement and control, gas and vapor delivery, gas composition analysis, electronic control technology, reactive gas generation and delivery, power generation and delivery, vacuum technology, lasers, photonics, optics, precision motion control, vibration control and laser-based manufacturing systems solutions. We also provide services relating to the maintenance and repair of our products, installation services and training. Our primary served markets include semiconductor, industrial technologies, life and health sciences, research and defense. Additional information can be found at mksinst.com .

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Results

This press release includes financial measures that are not in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“Non-GAAP financial measures”). These Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as a substitute for, MKS’ reported GAAP results, and may be different from Non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. In addition, these Non-GAAP financial measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. MKS management believes the presentation of these Non-GAAP financial measures is useful to investors for comparing prior periods and analyzing ongoing business trends and operating results. For further information regarding these Non-GAAP financial measures, please refer to the tables presenting reconciliations of our Non-GAAP results to our U.S. GAAP results and the “Notes to our Non-GAAP Financial Information” at the end of this press release.

Selected GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(In millions, except per share data)

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Financial Results

Fourth Quarter 2020 Financial Results

Net revenues in the fourth quarter of 2020 were $660 million, an increase of 12% from $590 million in the third quarter of 2020, and an increase of 32% from $500 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. Net revenues in the Semiconductor Market were $393 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, a sequential increase of 9%. Net revenues in Advanced Markets were $267 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, a sequential increase of 16%.

Net income in the fourth quarter of 2020 was $116 million, or $2.08 per diluted share, compared to net income of $92 million, or $1.66 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2020, and $43 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Net income in the fourth quarter of 2020 included restructuring and other costs of $3 million, an asset impairment charge of $1 million, and acquisition and integration costs of $0.4 million, which were related to the acquisition of ESI.

Non-GAAP net earnings, which exclude special charges and credits, were $130 million, or $2.34 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $107 million, or $1.93 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2020, and $66 million or $1.20 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Full Year 2020 Financial Results

Net revenues in 2020 were $2.3 billion, an increase of 23% from $1.9 billion in 2019. Net revenues in the Semiconductor Market were $1.4 billion, an increase of 49% compared to 2019, while net revenues from Advanced Markets, were $944 million, a decrease of 3% compared to 2019.

Net revenues for the Vacuum and Analysis Division were $1.4 billion in 2020, an increase of 42% from $990 million in 2019. Net revenues for the Light and Motion Division were $690 million in 2020, a decrease of 5% from $726 million in 2019. Net revenues for the Equipment and Solutions Division were $234 million in 2020, an increase of 28% from $184 million in 2019.

Net income in 2020 was $350 million, or $6.33 per diluted share, compared to net income of $140 million, or $2.55 per diluted share, in 2019.

Non-GAAP net earnings, which exclude special charges and credits, were $411 million, or $7.43 per diluted share in, 2020, compared to $249 million, or $4.52 per diluted share, in 2019.

Additional Financial Information

At December 31, 2020, the Company had $836 million in cash and short-term investments, $833 million of secured term loan principal outstanding and $100 million of incremental borrowing capacity under an asset-based line of credit, subject to certain borrowing base requirements. During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company paid a cash dividend of $11 million or $0.20 per diluted share.

SAFE HARBOR FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 regarding the future financial performance, business prospects and growth of MKS Instruments, Inc. (“MKS” or the “Company”). These statements are only predictions based on current assumptions and expectations. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words “will,” “projects,” “intends,” “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “continues” and similar expressions) should be considered to be forward-looking statements. Actual events or results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements set forth herein. Among the important factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are the conditions affecting the markets in which MKS operates, including the fluctuations in capital spending in the semiconductor industry and other advanced manufacturing markets, fluctuations in sales to our major customers, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy and financial markets, including any restrictions on MKS’ operations and the operations of MKS’ customers and suppliers resulting from public health requirements and government mandates, the terms of our term loan, competition from larger or more established companies in MKS’ markets, MKS’ ability to successfully grow our business and particularly that of ESI’s business, the challenges, risks and costs involved with integrating the operations of the companies we have acquired, potential fluctuations in quarterly results, dependence on new product development, rapid technological and market change, acquisition strategy, manufacturing and sourcing risks, volatility of stock price, international operations, financial risk management, and the other factors described in MKS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as filed with the SEC. MKS is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this press release.

Company Contact :
David Ryzhik
Vice President, Investor Relations
Telephone: (978) 557-5180
Email: david.ryzhik@mksinst.com

MKS Instruments, Inc.
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In millions, except per share data)

MKS Instruments, Inc.
Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet
(In millions)

MKS Instruments, Inc.
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In millions)

The following supplemental Non-GAAP earnings information is presented to aid in understanding MKS’ operating results:

MKS Instruments, Inc.
Schedule Reconciling Selected Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(In millions, except per share data)

MKS Instruments, Inc.
Schedule Reconciling Selected Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(In millions)

MKS Instruments, Inc.
Reconciliation of GAAP Income Tax Rate to Non-GAAP Income Tax Rate
(In millions)

MKS Instruments, Inc.
Reconciliation of GAAP Income Tax Rate to Non-GAAP Income Tax Rate
(In millions)

MKS Instruments, Inc.
Schedule Reconciling Selected Non-GAAP Financial Measures – Q1’21 Guidance
(In millions, except per share data)

MKS Instruments, Inc.
Notes to Our Non-GAAP Financial Information

Non-GAAP financial measures adjust GAAP financial measures for the items listed below. These Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as a substitute for, MKS' reported GAAP results, and may be different from Non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. In addition, these Non-GAAP financial measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. MKS management believes the presentation of these Non-GAAP financial measures is useful to investors for comparing prior periods and analyzing ongoing business trends and operating results.

Note 1: During the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, we recorded COVID-19 related costs and credits that were direct, incremental and not expected to recur. The amounts consisted of payroll-tax credits for maintaining our workforce during the pandemic, offset by shift premiums and bonuses.

Note 2: Cost of revenues during the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 includes the amortization of the step-up of inventory to fair value as a result of the acquisition of Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. (the “ESI Acquisition”).

Note 3: During the three months ended September 30, 2020 and twelve months ended December 31, 2020, we recorded inventory charges related to the exit of certain product groups.

Note 4: Acquisition and integration costs were related to the ESI Acquisition, which closed on February 1, 2019.

Note 5: We recorded additional interest expense related to the amortization of debt issuance costs related to our Term Loan Credit Agreement and our ABL Credit Agreement (each credit agreement, as defined in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as filed with the SEC on February 28, 2020).

Note 6: Restructuring and other costs during the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and the three months ended September 30, 2020 included duplicate facility costs attributed to entering into new facility leases, costs related to the exit of certain product groups and costs related to the pending closure of a facility in Europe. Such costs for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 were offset by an insurance reimbursement related to a legal settlement. Restructuring and other costs recorded during the three months ended December 31, 2019 resulted from the closure of a facility in Europe. Additional restructuring costs recorded during the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 consisted primarily of severance costs related to an organization-wide reduction in workforce, the consolidation of service functions in Asia and the movement of certain products to low cost regions. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, we also recorded a legal settlement from a contractual obligation we assumed as part of the Newport acquisition (the “Legal Settlement”).

Note 7: During the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, we recorded an asset impairment charge for the write-down of long-lived assets, related to the pending closure of a facility in Europe. During the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2020, we recorded the write-off of goodwill, related to the pending closure of a facility in Europe. During the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019, we recorded an impairment charge related to a minority interest investment in a private company.

Note 8: We recorded fees and expenses during the three months ended December 31, 2019 related to Amendment No. 6 to our Term Loan Credit Agreement and we recorded fees and expenses during the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 related to Amendment No. 5 and Amendment No. 6 to our Term Loan Credit Agreement (each amendment as defined in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 as filed with the SEC on February 28, 2020).

Note 9: During the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, we recorded a net gain on the sale of two properties in Boulder, Colorado and three properties in Portland, Oregon.

Note 10: We recorded windfall tax benefits on the vesting of stock-based compensation.

Note 11: We recorded a write-off of a deferred tax asset related to foreign net operating losses.

Note 12: We recorded tax adjustments during the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 related to the 2017 U.S. Tax Cut and Jobs Act.

Note 13: During the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019, we recorded taxes on the inter-company sales of assets.

Note 14: Non-GAAP adjustments are tax effected at applicable statutory rates resulting in a difference between the GAAP and Non-GAAP tax rates. For the three months ending March 31, 2021, we forecast a GAAP and Non-GAAP tax rate of approximately 18%.