| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business – Amtech Systems, Inc. (the “Company,” “Amtech,” “we,” “our” or “us”) is a leading, global manufacturer of capital equipment, including thermal processing and wafer handling automation, and related consumables used in fabricating semiconductor devices, light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, silicon carbide (SiC) and silicon power chips and solar cells. We sell these products to semiconductor and solar cell manufacturers worldwide, particularly in Asia, the United States and Europe. We serve niche markets in industries that are experiencing rapid technological advances and which historically have been very cyclical. Therefore, future profitability and growth depend on our ability to develop or acquire and market profitable new products and on our ability to adapt to cyclical trends. Our fiscal year is from October 1 to September 30. Unless otherwise stated, references to the years 2018 , 2017 and 2016 relate to the fiscal years ended September 30, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Acquisitions and Divestitures – In December 2014, we expanded our participation in the solar market by acquiring a 51% controlling interest in SoLayTec B.V. (“SoLayTec”), based in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, which provides ALD systems used in high efficiency solar cells. The acquisition of the controlling interest in SoLayTec supports our business model of growth through strategic acquisition. In July 2017, we purchased the remaining 49% interest in SoLayTec, pursuant to which SoLayTec became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Amtech. In September 2015, we sold a portion of our interest in Kingstone Technology Hong Kong Limited (“Kingstone Hong Kong”), which is the parent company of Shanghai Kingstone (collectively with Kingstone Hong Kong, “Kingstone”), a Shanghai-based technology company specializing in ion implant solutions for the solar and semiconductor industries (in which we acquired a 55% ownership in February 2011), to a China-based venture capital firm. Proceeds from this transaction shares were paid to Amtech and used to fund our core strategic initiatives. Effective June 29, 2018, we sold our remaining 15% ownership interest in Kingstone Hong Kong to the majority owner for approximately $5.7 million . See Note 13 for a discussion of our acquisition and Note 14 for a discussion of our divestitures. Principles of Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our wholly-owned subsidiaries and subsidiaries in which we have a controlling interest. We report non-controlling interests in consolidated entities as a component of equity separate from our equity. The equity method of accounting is used for i nvestments over which we have a significant influence but not a controlling financial interest. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Effective July 1, 2017, we purchased the non-controlling interest in SoLayTec, pursuant to which SoLayTec became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Amtech. Beginning July 1, 2017, the non-controlling interest will no longer be reported. Prior amounts have not been restated. Use of Estimates – The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Reclassifications – Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the previously reported Consolidated Financial Statements for any period. Cash and Cash Equivalents – We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Our cash and cash equivalents consist of amounts invested in U.S. money market funds and various U.S. and foreign bank operating and time deposit accounts. Restricted Cash – Restricted cash includes collateral for bank guarantees required by certain customers from whom deposits have been received in advance of shipment. Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts – Accounts receivable are recorded at the sales price of products sold to customers on trade credit terms. Accounts receivable are considered past due when payment has not been received from the customer within the normal credit terms extended to that customer. A valuation allowance is established for accounts when collection is no longer probable. Accounts are written off against the allowance when the probability of collection is remote. Accounts Receivable – Unbilled and Other – Unbilled and other accounts receivable consist mainly of the contingent portion of the sales price that is not collectible until successful installation of the product. These amounts are generally billed upon final customer acceptance. Inventory – We value our inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Costs for approximately 34% and 55% of inventory as of September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, are determined on an average cost basis with the remainder determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis. We regularly review inventory quantities and record a write-down to net realizable value for excess and obsolete inventory. The write-down is primarily based on historical inventory usage adjusted for expected changes in product demand and production requirements. Our industry is characterized by customers in highly cyclical industries, rapid technological changes, frequent new product developments and rapid product obsolescence. Changes in demand for our products and product mix could result in further write-downs. We must order components for our products and build inventory in advance of product shipments through issuance of purchase orders based on projected demand. These commitments typically cover our requirements for periods ranging from 30 to 180 days or longer when there is a significant increase in demand or lead-times from suppliers. These purchase commitments may result in accepting delivery of components not needed to meet current demand. We accrue for estimated cancellation fees related to component orders that have been cancelled or are expected to be cancelled, and for excess inventories that will likely result in our taking delivery of ordered inventory items in excess of our projected needs. If there is an abrupt and substantial decline in demand for one or more of our products, an unanticipated change in technological requirements for any of our products, or a change in our suppliers’ practice of not enforcing purchase commitments, we may be required to record additional charges for these items. This would negatively impact gross margin in the period when the charges are recorded. Property, Plant and Equipment – Property plant, and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. The cost of property retired or sold and the related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the applicable accounts when disposition occurs and any gain or loss is recognized. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset. Useful lives for equipment, machinery and leasehold improvements range from three to seven years; for furniture and fixtures from five to ten years; and for buildings from 20 to 30 years. Reviews are regularly performed to determine whether facts and circumstances exist which indicate that the useful life is shorter than originally estimated or the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. When an indication exists that the carrying amount of long-lived assets may not be recoverable, we assess the recoverability of our assets by comparing the projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their remaining lives against their respective carrying amounts. Such impairment test is based on the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. Impairment, if any, is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the estimated fair value of those assets. Intangible Assets – Intangible assets are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life, if the life is determinable. If the life is not determinable, amortization is not recorded. We regularly perform reviews to determine if facts and circumstances exist which indicate that the useful lives of our intangible assets are shorter than originally estimated or the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable. When an indication exists that the carrying amount of intangible assets may not be recoverable, we assess the recoverability of our assets by comparing the projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their remaining lives against their respective carrying amounts. Such impairment test is based on the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. Impairment, if any, is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the estimated fair value of those assets. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, we recorded a charge for impairment of intangible assets in our Solar segment. See Note 5 for a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the intangible asset impairment charge. Goodwill - Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price paid for an acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of net identified tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization, but are tested for impairment when it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, typically at the end of the fiscal year, or more frequently if circumstances dictate. If it is concluded that there is a potential impairment, we would recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value (although the loss would not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit). Impairment tests include the use of estimates and assumptions that are inherently uncertain. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value or goodwill impairment, or both. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, we recorded a charge for impairment of goodwill in our Solar segment. See Note 6 for a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the goodwill impairment charge. Revenue Recognition – We review product and service sales contracts with multiple deliverables to determine if separate units of accounting are present. Where separate units of accounting exist, revenue allocated to delivered items is the lower of the relative selling price of the delivered items in the sales arrangement or the portion of the selling price that is not contingent upon performance of the service. We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; the product has been delivered and title has transferred, or services have been rendered; and the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. For us, this policy generally results in revenue recognition at the following points: 1. For our equipment business, transactions where legal title passes to the customer upon shipment, we recognize revenue upon shipment for those products where the customer’s defined specifications have been met with at least two similarly configured systems and processes for a comparably situated customer. Our selling prices may include both equipment and services, i.e., installation and start-up services performed by our service technicians. The equipment and services are multiple deliverables. Certain equipment that has a positive track record of successful installation and customer acceptance are considered to be routine systems. Our recognition of revenue upon delivery of such equipment that has been routinely installed and accepted is equal to the total selling price minus the relative selling price of the undelivered services. Where the installation and acceptance of more than two similarly configured items of equipment have not become routine, recognition of revenue upon delivery of equipment is limited to the lesser of (i) the total selling price minus the relative selling price of the undelivered services or (ii) the non-contingent amount. Since we defer only those costs directly related to installation, or other unit of accounting not yet delivered, and the portion of the contract price is often considerably greater than the relative selling price of those items, our policy at times will result in deferral of profit that is disproportionate in relation to the deferred revenue. When this is the case, the gross margin recognized in one period will be lower and the gross margin reported in a subsequent period will improve. 2. For products where the customer’s defined specifications have not been met with at least two similarly configured systems and processes, the revenue and directly related costs are deferred at the time of shipment and later recognized at the time of customer acceptance or when this criterion has been met. We have, on occasion, experienced longer than expected delays in receiving cash from certain customers pending final installation or system acceptance. If some of our customers refuse to pay the final payment, or otherwise delay final acceptance or installation, the deferred revenue would not be recognized, adversely affecting our future cash flows and operating results. 3. Sales of certain equipment, spare parts and consumables are recognized upon shipment, as there are no post shipment obligations other than standard warranties. 4. Service revenue is recognized upon performance of the services requested by the customer. Revenue related to service contracts is recognized ratably over the period of the contract or in accordance with the terms of the contract, which generally coincides with the performance of the services requested by the customer. Deferred Profit – Revenue deferred pursuant to our revenue policy, net of the related deferred costs, if any, is recorded as deferred profit in current liabilities. The components of deferred profit are as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2018 2017 Deferred revenue $ 5,616 $ 6,822 Deferred costs 2,545 2,741 Deferred profit $ 3,071 $ 4,081 Warranty – A limited warranty is provided free of charge, generally for periods of 12 to 24 months to all purchasers of our new products and systems. Accruals are recorded for estimated warranty costs at the time revenue is recognized, generally upon shipment or acceptance, as determined under the revenue recognition policy above. On occasion, we have been required and may be required in the future to provide additional warranty coverage to ensure that the systems are ultimately accepted or to maintain customer goodwill. While our warranty costs have historically been within our expectations and we believe that the amounts accrued for warranty expenditures are sufficient for all systems sold through September 30, 2018 , we cannot guarantee that we will continue to experience a similar level of predictability with regard to warranty costs. In addition, technological changes or previously unknown defects in raw materials or components may result in more extensive and frequent warranty service than anticipated, which could result in an increase in our warranty expense. The following is a summary of activity in accrued warranty expense (in thousands): Years Ended September 30, 2018 2017 2016 Beginning balance $ 1,254 $ 795 $ 793 Additions for warranties issued during the period 1,567 1,723 1,074 Reductions in the liability for payments made under the warranty (910 ) (414 ) (832 ) Changes related to pre-existing warranties (865 ) (872 ) (250 ) Currency translation adjustment (6 ) 22 10 Ending balance $ 1,040 $ 1,254 $ 795 Shipping Expense – Shipping expenses of $2.4 million , $1.9 million and $2.3 million for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Advertising Expense – Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense of $0.7 million , $0.4 million and $0.6 million for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Stock-Based Compensation – We measure compensation costs relating to share-based payment transactions based upon the grant-date fair value of the award. Those costs are recognized as expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period, with forfeitures recognized as they occur. Prior to 2018, the expense recognized included an estimate for expected forfeitures, which was based upon historical experience. We estimate the fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes model requires us to apply highly subjective assumptions, including expected stock price volatility, expected life of the option and the risk-free interest rate. A change in one or more of the assumptions used in the model may result in a material change to the estimated fair value of the stock-based compensation. Research, Development and Engineering Expenses – Research, development and engineering expenses consist of the cost of employees, consultants and contractors who design, engineer and develop new products and processes as well as materials, supplies and facilities used in producing prototypes. Payments received for research and development grants prior to the meeting of milestones are recorded as unearned research and development grant liabilities and included in other accrued liabilities on the balance sheet. When certain contract requirements are met, governmental research and development grants are netted against research, development and engineering expenses. The following is a summary of our research, development and engineering expense (in thousands): Years Ended September 30, 2018 2017 2016 Research, development and engineering $ 9,237 $ 7,001 $ 9,535 Grants earned (1,437 ) (629 ) (1,531 ) Net research, development and engineering $ 7,800 $ 6,372 $ 8,004 Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation – We use the U.S. dollar as our reporting currency. Our operations in Europe, China and other countries are primarily conducted in their functional currencies, the Euro, Renminbi, or the local country currency, respectively. Accordingly, assets and liabilities of the subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet dates. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rate for each month within the year. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded directly in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax - foreign currency translation adjustments as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Net foreign currency transaction gains/losses, including transaction gains/losses on intercompany balances that are not of a long-term investment nature and non-functional currency cash balances, are reported as a separate component of non-operating (income) expense in our consolidated statements of operations. Income Taxes – We file consolidated federal income tax returns in the United States for all subsidiaries except those in the Netherlands, France, Hong Kong and China, where separate returns are filed. We compute deferred income tax assets and liabilities based upon cumulative temporary differences between financial reporting and taxable income, carryforwards available and enacted tax laws. We also accrue a liability for uncertain tax positions when it is more likely than not that such tax will be incurred. Deferred tax assets reflect the tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying value of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management and based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that a portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Each quarter, the valuation allowance is re-evaluated. In 2018 and 2017, we reversed a portion of the valuation allowance related to net operating loss carryforwards which we have determined will be utilized against net operating income in the current year. We will continue to monitor our cumulative income and loss positions in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions to determine whether full valuation allowances on net deferred tax assets are appropriate. Concentrations of Credit Risk – Our customers consist of solar cell and semiconductor manufacturers worldwide, as well as the lapping and polishing marketplace. Financial instruments that potentially subject us to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and trade accounts receivable. Credit risk is managed by performing ongoing credit evaluations of the customers’ financial condition, by requiring significant deposits where appropriate, and by actively monitoring collections. Letters of credit are required of certain customers depending on the size of the order, type of customer or its creditworthiness, and country of domicile. As of September 30, 2018 , one customer individually represented 23% of accounts receivable. As of September 30, 2017 , two customers individually represented 24% and 11% of accounts receivable. We maintain our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in multiple financial institutions. Balances in the United States (approximately 65% and 45% of total cash balances as of September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively) are primarily invested in US Treasuries or are in financial institutions insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The remainder of our cash is maintained with financial institutions with reputable credit in the Netherlands, France, China, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Malaysia. We maintain cash in bank accounts in amounts which at times may exceed federally insured limits. We have not experienced any losses on such accounts. Refer to Note 19, “Geographic Regions,” for information regarding revenue and assets in other countries subject to fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates. Fair Value of Financial Instruments – In accordance with the requirements of the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), we group our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are: Level 1 – Valuation is based upon quoted market price for identical instruments traded in active markets. Level 2 – Valuation is based on quoted market prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market. Level 3 – Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. Valuation techniques include use of discounted cash flow models and similar techniques. In accordance with the requirements of the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB ASC, it is our policy to use observable inputs whenever reasonably practicable in order to minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements. When available, we use quoted market prices to measure fair value. If market prices are not available, the fair value measurement is based on models that use primarily market based parameters including interest rate yield curves, option volatilities and currency rates. In certain cases, where market rate assumptions are not available, we are required to make judgments about assumptions market participants would use to estimate the fair value of a financial instrument. Changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect the results of current or future values. Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash – Included in Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are money market funds invested in treasury bills, notes and other direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury and foreign bank operating and time deposit accounts. The fair value of this cash equivalent is based on Level 1 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. Receivables and Payables – The recorded amounts of these financial instruments, including accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximate their fair value because of the short maturities of these instruments. If measured at fair value in the financial statements, these financial instruments would be classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Debt – The recorded amounts of these financial instruments, including long-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt, approximate fair value and are considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In November 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash.” The amendments address diversity in practice that exists in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash and require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. This ASU is effective retrospectively for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017. We plan to adopt this standard retrospectively effective October 1, 2018, the first quarter of our fiscal year 2019. As a result, the amount of the change in our net cash provided by operating activities will no longer include the impact of the change in restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in any period. Based on the significant restricted cash balances on our consolidated balance sheets, we anticipate the adoption of this standard will have a significant impact on the presentation of our consolidated statement of cash flows by removing the changes in restricted cash balances from our cash flows from operations. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” ASU 2016-13 amends the impairment model to utilize an expected loss methodology in place of the currently used incurred loss methodology, which will result in the more timely recognition of losses. The new standard applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost basis, including receivables that result from revenue transactions and held-to-maturity debt securities. The new guidance will be effective for us starting in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. Early adoption is permitted starting in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. We are in the process of determining the effects the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements as well as whether to adopt the new guidance early. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” which requires companies to generally recognize on the balance sheet operating and financing lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use-assets. ASU 2016-02 also requires improved disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. We will adopt the standard as of October 1, 2019, the start of our fiscal 2020. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements and we believe the adoption will slightly increase our assets and liabilities and will increase our financial statement disclosures. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which amends the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. An entity may choose to adopt the new standard either retrospectively or through a cumulative effect adjustment as of the start of the first period for which it applies the new standard. We are in the process of determining the effect that the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements. Based on our analysis to date, we have reached the following tentative conclusions regarding the new standard and how we expect it to affect our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures: • We will adopt the standard as of October 1, 2018, the start of our first quarter of fiscal 2019. • We believe that since substantially all of our revenue is contractual, substantially all of our revenue falls within the scope of ASU 2014-09, as amended. • We expect to use the cumulative effect transition method. Such method provides that upon applying the new standard, the cumulative effect from prior periods is recognized in our consolidated balance sheet as of the date of adoption, including an adjustment to retained earnings. Prior periods will not be retrospectively adjusted. • As discussed in our revenue recognition policy above, we currently have three categories of equipment revenue: routine equipment, non-routine equipment and new technology. Our routine equipment revenue is generally recognized upon shipment with a deferral equal to the relative selling price of the undelivered services (i.e. installation) which is typically recognized upon customer acceptance. Deferrals for non-routine equipment are generally equal to the contractual non-contingent amount. For new technology, all revenue and direct costs are deferred at the time of shipment and later recognized at the time of customer acceptance or when this criteria has been met. We have determined that under ASU 2014-09, our policy for deferrals related to non-routine equipment will no longer apply. Therefore, our new revenue recognition policy will consist of only two categories: routine equipment and new technology. Routine equipment revenue will continue to be recognized at shipment with a deferral equal to the relative selling price of the undelivered services (i.e. installation) which is recognized upon customer acceptance. Revenue and direct costs for new technology will continue to be deferred at the time of shipment and later recognized at the time of customer acceptance or when this criteria has been met. The elimination of the non-routine category affects a small percentage of our equipment sales (less than 5% of fiscal year 2018 revenue). In most contracts, this change will result in higher revenue recognized at shipment and lower revenue deferrals, which are recognized upon customer acceptance. • Sales commissions on contracts with performance periods that exceed one year will be recorded as an asset and amortized to expense over the related contract performance period in proportion to the revenue recognized as opposed to being expensed in the period the transaction is generated. • We expect that our disclosures in the notes to our consolidated financial statements related to revenue recognition will be significantly expanded under the new standard. Our analysis and evaluation of the new standard will continue through its effective date in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. A substantial amount of work has been completed, and findings and progress to date have been reported to managemen |
