Aehr Test Systems Reports Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 2016
Begins Fiscal 2017 With Strong Bookings Momentum

FREMONT, Calif., July 26, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aehr Test Systems (NASDAQ:AEHR), a worldwide supplier of semiconductor test and burn-in equipment, today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended May 31, 2016.

Fiscal Year Financial Results:

  • Net sales were $14.5 million, up 45% from $10.0 million in fiscal 2015.
  • GAAP net loss was $6.8 million, or $0.52 loss per diluted share, compared to a GAAP net loss of $6.6 million, or $0.55 loss per diluted share, in fiscal 2015.
  • Non-GAAP net loss was $5.8 million, or $0.44 loss per diluted share, compared to a non-GAAP net loss of $5.7 million, or $0.47 loss per diluted share, in fiscal 2015.

Fiscal Fourth Quarter Results:

  • Net sales were $1.6 million, compared to $1.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.
  • GAAP net loss was $3.1 million, or $0.23 loss per diluted share, compared to a GAAP net loss of $1.9 million, or $0.15 loss per diluted share, in the same quarter a year ago.
  • Non-GAAP net loss was $2.8 million, or $0.21 loss per diluted share, compared to a non-GAAP net loss of $1.6 million, or $0.13 loss per diluted share, in the same quarter a year ago.

An explanation of the use of non-GAAP financial information and a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures can be found in this release.

Recent Business Highlights:

  • Received order for new FOX-XPTM production test cell totaling over $4.5 million that includes a FOX-XP Multi-Wafer Test and Burn-in System, a FOX-XP WaferPakTM Aligner, and an initial set of FOX-XP WaferPak Contactors.
  • Shipped initial FOX-1P Single-Wafer Test System to lead customer for final on-site qualification and acceptance.
  • Received follow-on order of more than $500,000 for multiple WaferPak full-wafer contactors for FOX-15 Multi-Wafer Burn-In and Test Systems from a leading supplier of automotive and industrial integrated circuits.
  • Received $4 million in follow-on orders for multiple ABTS™ Burn-in and Test Systems from a leading multi-national integrated circuit manufacturer.

Gayn Erickson, President and CEO of Aehr Test Systems, commented:

“We continue to make significant progress on the rollout of our next generation FOX-P platform of wafer level test and burn-in products, and we move into fiscal 2017 with greater optimism and expectations for a stronger year with significant bookings and revenue growth.

“We delivered to and received customer acceptance of our first FOX-XP Wafer Level Test and Burn-in System, multiple WaferPak Contactor designs and applications programs from our initial lead customer last quarter. This system and the WaferPak Contactors are being used for reliability and qualification test of integrated devices intended for a very high volume application. With the initial single slot system ordered, delivered and approved, and the success of the device qualification tests that are being run on this system, we are expecting production orders from this customer to meet their first quarter of calendar 2017 capacity needs, with a capacity ramp continuing through calendar 2018.

“In early June, we received the first order for our FOX-XP production test cell, totaling over $4.5 million, which includes a FOX-XP system configured to enable up to 18 wafers to be burned in and tested simultaneously. This second lead customer is one of the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturers and is forecasting device capacity growth that will drive the need for additional production burn-in capacity for multiple years into the future.

“During the quarter, we also received approval from our lead customer for our initial FOX-1P Single Wafer Test System and we have now shipped this system to the customer’s facility for final acceptance. While our development and checkout of this next generation system with this customer has taken longer than planned, the pre-shipment qualification testing by the customer was very thorough and we expect a smooth acceptance of this initial system at the customer’s site. Shipment of the multiple follow-on production systems already in backlog and in final integration and test on our manufacturing floor is expected within the next quarter.

“As we announced in a separate release today, we have received $4 million in follow-on orders for our Advanced Burn-in and Test Systems (ABTS) from a major semiconductor customer, which is encouraging for our base business. The customer is running at full capacity in their production burn-in area and needed to add capacity both to satisfy increasing demand for existing products and for products that are just beginning their production ramp.

“We are off to a strong start for fiscal 2017 and see bookings momentum building with over $8.5 million in bookings this fiscal quarter, which began June 1st.  We are excited to have two top tier lead customers for our FOX-XP systems that represent a significant opportunity for Aehr Test, not only with the initial applications but also with other application areas at both of these customers.

“With our new product offerings, Aehr Test offers a differentiated solution and compelling value proposition with our full turnkey application to address the new opportunities in the mobile, automotive, sensors, and IOT markets. Our ability to cost effectively test devices in wafer form or devices that are too small to handle in traditional packaged part burn-in system creates a significant opportunity for us moving forward.”

Management Conference Call and Webcast
Aehr Test Systems will host a conference call and webcast today at 5:00 p.m. Eastern (2:00 p.m. PT) to discuss its fiscal 2016 fourth quarter and full year operating results. To access the call dial 888-510-1785 (+1 719-457-2661 outside the United States) and give the participant pass code 4651520. In addition, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available over the Internet at www.aehr.com in the Investor Relations section. A replay of the conference call will also be available via telephone beginning approximately two hours after conclusion of the call through 8:00 p.m. ET on August 2, 2016. To access the replay dial-in information, please click here.

About Aehr Test Systems
Headquartered in Fremont, California, Aehr Test Systems is a worldwide provider of test systems for burning-in and testing logic and memory integrated circuits and has an installed base of more than 2,500 systems worldwide. Increased quality and reliability needs of the Automotive and Mobility integrated circuit markets are driving additional test requirements, capacity needs and opportunities for Aehr Test products in package and wafer level test. Aehr Test has developed and introduced several innovative products, including the ABTSTM and FOX families of test and burn-in systems and WaferPak contactors. The ABTS systems are used in production and qualification testing of packaged parts for both low-power and high-power logic as well as memory devices. The FOX family of systems includes single and multi-wafer full wafer contact test and burn-in systems used for burn-in and functional test of complex devices, such as leading-edge memories, digital signal processors, microprocessors, microcontrollers and systems-on-a-chip. The WaferPak contactor contains a unique full wafer probe card capable of testing wafers up to 300mm that enables IC manufacturers to perform test and burn-in of full wafers on Aehr Test FOX systems. For more information, please visit Aehr Test’s website at www.aehr.com.

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on information available to Aehr Test as of the date hereof and actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied due to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding Aehr Test’s expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future including statements regarding future market opportunities and conditions, expected product shipment dates, customer orders or commitments and future operating results. The risks and uncertainties that could cause Aehr Test’s results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, general market conditions, customer demand and acceptance of Aehr Test’s products and Aehr Test’s ability to execute on its business strategy. See Aehr Test’s recent 10-K, 10-Q and other reports from time to time filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a more detailed description of the risks facing Aehr Test’s business. Aehr Test disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

– Financial Tables to Follow

AEHR TEST SYSTEMS AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended Year Ended
May 31, Feb 29, May 31, May 31, May 31,
2016 2016 2015 2016 2015
Net sales $ 1,571 $ 1,677 $ 1,818 $ 14,501 $ 10,018
Cost of sales 1,669 1,508 1,136 9,356 6,180
Gross (loss) profit (98 ) 169 682 5,145 3,838
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative 1,722 1,695 1,526 6,975 6,470
Research and development 1,046 1,293 967 4,324 4,062
Total operating expenses 2,768 2,988 2,493 11,299 10,532
Loss from operations (2,866 ) (2,819 ) (1,811 ) (6,154 ) (6,694 )
Interest expense (168 ) (165 ) (101 ) (605 ) (130 )
Other (expense) income, net (23 ) (24 ) 10 (16 ) 211
Loss before income tax
benefit (expense) (3,057 ) (3,008 ) (1,902 ) (6,775 ) (6,613 )
Income tax benefit (expense) 1 33 2 (10 ) (34 )
Net loss (3,056 ) (2,975 ) (1,900 ) (6,785 ) (6,647 )
Less:  Net income attributable to the
noncontrolling interest
Net loss attributable to Aehr Test
Systems common shareholders $ (3,056 ) $ (2,975 ) $ (1,900 ) $ (6,785 ) $ (6,647 )
Net loss per share
Basic $ (0.23 ) $ (0.23 ) $ (0.15 ) $ (0.52 ) $ (0.55 )
Diluted $ (0.23 ) $ (0.23 ) $ (0.15 ) $ (0.52 ) $ (0.55 )
Shares used in per share calculations:
Basic 13,190 13,164 12,751 13,091 12,047
Diluted 13,190 13,164 12,751 13,091 12,047

 

AEHR TEST SYSTEMS AND SUBSIDIARIES
Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended Year Ended
May 31, Feb 29, May 31, May 31, May 31,
2016 2016 2015 2016 2015
GAAP net loss $ (3,056 ) $ (2,975 ) $ (1,900 ) $ (6,785 ) $ (6,647 )
Stock-based compensation expense 230 213 303 1,016 997
Non-GAAP net loss $ (2,826 ) $ (2,762 ) $ (1,597 ) $ (5,769 ) $ (5,650 )
GAAP net loss per diluted share $ (0.23 ) $ (0.23 ) $ (0.15 ) $ (0.52 ) $ (0.55 )
Non-GAAP net loss per diluted share $ (0.21 ) $ (0.21 ) $ (0.13 ) $ (0.44 ) $ (0.47 )
Shares used in diluted shares calculation 13,190 13,164 12,751 13,091 12,047
Shares used in non-GAAP diluted shares calculation 13,190 13,164 12,751 13,091 12,047
Non-GAAP net loss is a non-GAAP measure and should not be considered a replacement for GAAP results.  Non-GAAP net loss is a financial measure the Company uses to evaluate the underlying results and operating performance of the business.  The limitation of this measure is that it excludes items that impact the Company’s current period net income.  This limitation is best addressed by using this measure in combination with net loss (the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure).  These measures are not in accordance with GAAP and may differ from non-GAAP methods of accounting and reporting used by other companies.
We believe these measures enhance investors’ ability to review the company’s business from the same perspective as the company’s management and facilitate comparisons of this period’s results with prior periods.

 

AEHR TEST SYSTEMS AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
May 31, February 29, May 31,
2016 2016 2015
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 939 $ 2,472 $ 5,527
Accounts receivable, net 522 1,947 1,383
Inventories 7,033 7,378 7,123
Prepaid expenses and other 254 297 262
Total current assets 8,748 12,094 14,295
Property and equipment, net 1,204 1,251 478
Other assets 94 94 95
Total assets $ 10,046 $ 13,439 $ 14,868
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
Line of credit $ 1,100 $ 2,000 $
Current portion of long-term debt 4,862
Accounts payable 1,413 1,883 724
Accrued expenses 1,553 1,458 1,045
Customer deposits and deferred revenue, short-term 1,714 2,026 4,750
Total current liabilities 10,642 7,367 6,519
Long-term debt 3,917 3,791
Income taxes payable 8
Deferred revenue, long-term 127 127
Total liabilities 10,769 11,411 10,318
Aehr Test Systems shareholders’ equity (deficit) (703 ) 2,047 4,568
Noncontrolling interest (20 ) (19 ) (18 )
Total shareholders’ equity (deficit) (723 ) 2,028 4,550
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity (deficit) $ 10,046 $ 13,439 $ 14,868

 

Contacts:
Aehr Test Systems
Ken Spink
Chief Financial Officer
(510) 623-9400 x309
MKR Investor Relations Inc.
Todd Kehrli or Jim Byers
Analyst/Investor Contact
(213) 277-5550
aehr@mkr-group.com