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

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

graphic
 Pursuant To Section 13 Or 15(d) Of The Securities Exchange Act Of 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported) 
 
August 29, 2024
 

PHOTRONICS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Connecticut
001-39063
06-0854886
(State or Other Jurisdiction of) Incorporation
 (Commission File Number)    
 (IRS Employer Identification No.)

15 Secor Road, Brookfield, CT
 
 06804
(Address of principal executive offices)

 (Zip Code)

Registrant's Telephone Number, including area code
 (203) 775-9000


(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:


Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 
Title of each class
 
Trading Symbol(s)
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
COMMON STOCK, $0.01 par value per share
PLAB
NASDAQ Global Select Market



Item 2.02.
Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
 
On August 29, 2024, Photronics, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release reporting third quarter fiscal 2024 results.

A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.  The information contained in this Item 2.02 and the attached Exhibits 99.1, 99.2, 99.3, 99.4, 99.5 and 99.6, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and shall not be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

On August 29, 2024, the Company conducted a conference call during which certain unaudited, non-GAAP financial information related to the Company’s operations for the three months ended July 28, 2024 was disclosed. This information is set forth in Exhibit 99.6.

Item 9.01.
Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
(d)
Exhibits
  Press Release August 29, 2024.
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
 Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Information.
 Photronics Q3 2024 Financial Results Conference Call August 29, 2024 slides.


SIGNATURE
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 
PHOTRONICS, INC. (Registrant)
   
 
By:
/s/ Eric Rivera
 
Name:
Eric Rivera
 
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
   
Date:  August 29, 2024
 




Exhibit 99.1


For Further Information:
Eric Rivera
Chief Financial Officer
203.740.5301
investorrelations@photronics.com


Photronics Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results
and Share Repurchase Authorization

BROOKFIELD, Conn. August 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Photronics, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLAB), a worldwide leader in photomask technologies and solutions, today reported financial results for its third quarter of fiscal year 2024 ended July 28, 2024.
 
“Market softness in some segments during the quarter impacted photomask demand, reducing both IC and FPD revenue,” said Frank Lee, chief executive officer. “The photomask demand recovery that started to take shape early in the third quarter slowed during the period due to select regional and end-use customer order patterns. This was combined with broader customer focus on rising semiconductor channel inventory that limited chip design activity through the quarter. In response, we tuned our mix and sales strategy, allowing us to optimize margins despite lower demand. Megatrends such as AI, supply chain regionalization, and edge computing are driving secular photomask value and demand, supporting our optimistic view of the long-term global photomask industry outlook. Our leadership position gives us confidence we can drive future margins while at the same time execute smart investment and deployment strategies that can deliver top line growth and shareholder value.”
 
Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results

Revenue was $211.0 million, down 6% year-over-year and 3% sequentially.

GAAP Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders was $34.4 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, compared with $27.0 million, or $0.44 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2023 and $36.3 million, or $0.58 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2024.

Non-GAAP Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders was $32.0 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, compared with $31.6 million, or $0.51 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2023 and $28.7 million, or $0.46 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2024.

IC revenue was $155.9 million, down 4% year-over-year and 3% sequentially.

FPD revenue was $55.1 million, down 10% from the same quarter last year and 2% sequentially.

Cash generated from operating activities was $75.1 million, and cash invested in organic growth through capital expenditures was $24.4 million.

Cash and Short-term investments at the end of the quarter were $606.4 million, and Debt was $20.1 million.
 

Share Repurchase
 
In addition, the Board of Directors has authorized an increase of the Company’s existing share repurchase program from the $31.7 million remaining up to a total of $100 million of its common stock. Any purchases will occur pursuant to a repurchase plan under SEC Rule 10b5-1.
 
“This announcement is a testament to our ability to generate strong cash flows and maintain a solid balance sheet over various economic conditions,” continued Mr. Lee. “We are taking this step to demonstrate our commitment to enhancing shareholder returns by returning cash to our shareholders and investing in the value we see in our equity.”
 
This authorization does not obligate the Company to repurchase any dollar amount or number of shares of common stock. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
 
Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2024 Guidance
 
For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, Photronics expects Revenue to be between $213 million and $221 million and non-GAAP Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders to be between $0.48 and $0.54 per diluted share.
 
Webcast
 
A webcast to discuss these results is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Eastern time on Thursday, August 29, 2024.  The call will be broadcast live and on-demand on the Events and Presentations link on the Photronics website. Analysts and investors who wish to participate in the Q&A portion of the call should click here. It is suggested that participants register fifteen minutes prior to the call's scheduled start time.
 
About Photronics
 
Photronics is a leading worldwide manufacturer of integrated circuit (IC) and flat panel display (FPD) photomasks. High precision quartz plates that contain microscopic images of electronic circuits, photomasks are a key element in the IC and FPD manufacturing process. Founded in 1969, Photronics has been a trusted photomask supplier for over 50 years.  As of October 31, 2023, the company had approximately 1,885 employees. The company operates 11 strategically located manufacturing facilities in Asia, Europe, and North America. Additional information on the company can be accessed at www.photronics.com.
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” regarding our industry, our strategic position, and our financial and operating results.  These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially.  Please refer to the documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These documents contain and identify important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements. These certain factors can be found in our most recent SEC filings.  Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. We are under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this release to conform these statements to actual results.
 
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
Non-GAAP Net Income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders and non-GAAP earnings per share are "non-GAAP financial measures" as such term is defined by Regulation G of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and may differ from similarly named non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. The attached financial supplement reconciles Photronics, Inc. financial results under GAAP to non-GAAP financial information. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures that exclude certain items are useful for analysts and investors to evaluate our future on-going performance because they enable a more meaningful comparison of our projected performance with our historical results. These non-GAAP metrics are not a measure of consolidated operating results under U.S. GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to Net income (loss), Net income (loss) per share, or any other measure of consolidated results under U.S. GAAP. The items excluded from these non-GAAP metrics, but included in the calculation of their closest GAAP equivalent, are significant components of the condensed consolidated statement of income and must be considered in performing a comprehensive assessment of overall financial performance. Please refer to the non-GAAP reconciliations below.




Exhibit 99.2

PHOTRONICS, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
     
July 28,
2024
     
April 28,
2024
     
July 30,
2023
     
July 28,
2024
    
July 30,
2023
  
 
                               
Revenue
 
$
210,984
   
$
217,000
   
$
224,206
   
$
644,318
   
$
664,603
 
                                         
Cost of goods sold
   
135,846
     
137,749
     
137,405
     
410,674
     
413,323
 
                                         
Gross Profit
   
75,138
     
79,251
     
86,801
     
233,644
     
251,280
 
                                         
Operating Expenses:
                                       
                                         
Selling, general and administrative
   
19,436
     
18,996
     
18,032
     
56,753
     
52,728
 
                                         
Research and development
   
3,555
     
4,292
     
3,505
     
11,291
     
10,287
 
                                         
Total Operating Expenses
   
22,991
     
23,288
     
21,537
     
68,044
     
63,015
 
                                         
Other operating gain
   
1
     
89
     
-
     
90
     
-
 
                                         
Operating Income
   
52,148
     
56,052
     
65,264
     
165,690
     
188,265
 
                                         
Non-operating (loss) income, net
   
10,145
     
20,534
     
(911
)
   
26,931
     
(1,764
)
                                         
Income Before Income Tax Provision
   
62,293
     
76,586
     
64,353
     
192,621
     
186,501
 
                                         
Income tax provision
   
14,124
     
20,214
     
16,098
     
48,998
     
50,023
 
                                         
Net Income
   
48,169
     
56,372
     
48,255
     
143,623
     
136,478
 
                                         
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
   
13,781
     
20,121
     
21,296
     
46,804
     
55,604
 
                                         
Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders
 
$
34,388
   
$
36,251
   
$
26,959
   
$
96,819
   
$
80,874
 
                                         
Earnings per share:
                                       
                                         
Basic
 
$
0.56
   
$
0.59
   
$
0.44
   
$
1.57
   
$
1.32
 
                                         
Diluted
 
$
0.55
   
$
0.58
   
$
0.44
   
$
1.55
   
$
1.31
 
                                         
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
                                       
                                         
Basic
   
61,815
     
61,771
     
61,233
     
61,681
     
61,089
 
                                         
Diluted
   
62,414
     
62,409
     
61,974
     
62,369
     
61,650
 




Exhibit 99.3

PHOTRONICS, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)

   
July 28,
   
October 31,
 
   
2024
   
2023
 
Assets
           
             
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
537,331
   
$
499,292
 
Short-term investments
   
69,046
     
12,915
 
Accounts receivable
   
199,926
     
194,927
 
Inventories
   
55,472
     
49,963
 
Other current assets
   
30,865
     
28,353
 
                 
Total current assets
   
892,640
     
785,450
 
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
722,638
     
709,244
 
Other assets
   
29,823
     
31,527
 
                 
Total assets
 
$
1,645,101
   
$
1,526,221
 
                 
Liabilities and Equity
               
                 
Current liabilities:
               
Current portion of long-term debt
 
$
20,090
   
$
6,621
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
   
171,036
     
178,602
 
                 
Total current liabilities
   
191,126
     
185,223
 
                 
Long-term debt
   
28
     
17,998
 
Other liabilities
   
40,518
     
47,391
 
                 
Equity:
               
Photronics, Inc. shareholders' equity
   
1,067,994
     
975,008
 
Noncontrolling interests
   
345,435
     
300,601
 
Total equity
   
1,413,429
     
1,275,609
 
                 
Total liabilities and equity
 
$
1,645,101
   
$
1,526,221
 

 

Exhibit 99.4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)

   
Nine Months Ended
 
     
July 28,
2024
     
July 30,
2023
  
             
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
 
$
143,623
   
$
136,478
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
               
provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
61,613
     
59,523
 
Share-based compensation
   
9,841
     
5,874
 
Changes in operating assets, liabilities and other
   
(22,003
)
   
(6,319
)
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
193,074
     
195,556
 
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
   
(87,733
)
   
(78,813
)
Purchases of short-term investments
   
(100,558
)
   
(9,837
)
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments
   
44,696
     
22,500
 
Government incentives
   
1,541
     
2,033
 
Other
   
(4
)
   
(116
)
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(142,058
)
   
(64,233
)
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Repayments of debt
   
(4,500
)
   
(16,351
)
Proceeds from share-based arrangements
   
1,074
     
1,241
 
Net settlements of restricted stock awards
   
(3,002
)
   
(1,292
)
                 
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(6,428
)
   
(16,402
)
                 
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
   
(6,454
)
   
13,813
 
                 
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
   
38,134
     
128,734
 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period
   
501,867
     
322,409
 
                 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period
 
$
540,001
   
$
451,143
 

 

Exhibit 99.5

PHOTRONICS, INC.
Reconciliation of GAAP Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders to Non-GAAP Net income
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months ended
 
     
July 28,
2024
     
April 28,
2024
     
July 30,
2023
  
                   
GAAP Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders
 
$
34,388
   
$
36,251
   
$
26,959
 
FX (gain) loss
   
(4,068
)
   
(14,766
)
   
4,543
 
Estimated tax effects of FX (gain) loss
   
914
     
3,743
     
(1,193
)
Estimated noncontrolling interest effects of above
   
681
     
3,489
     
1,328
 
Non-GAAP Net income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders
 
$
31,915
   
$
28,717
   
$
31,637
 
                         
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding - Diluted
   
62,414
     
62,409
     
61,974
 
                         
                         
GAAP Diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.55
   
$
0.58
   
$
0.44
 
Effects of non-GAAP adjustments above
   
(0.04
)
   
(0.12
)
   
0.07
 
Non-GAAP Diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.51
   
$
0.46
   
$
0.51
 

 


Exhibit 99.6

 August 29, 2024  Q3 2024 Financial Results Conference Call 
 

 Safe Harbor Statement  This presentation and some of our comments during this presentation may contain projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events, our future financial performance, and/or the future performance of the industry. These statements are predictions and contain risks and uncertainties. We refer you to the documents the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These documents contain and identify important factors that could cause the actual results for the Company to differ materially from those contained in our projections or forward-looking statements. These certain factors can be found in our most recent SEC filings. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of any forecasts or estimates, and we are not obligated to update any forward-looking statements if our expectations change. 
 

 Q3 2024 Summary  Positioned for Long-Term Profitable Growth and Sustainable Shareholder Value Creation  $211.0M  Revenue  24.7%  Operating Margin  $0.55  EPS  $0.51  Non-GAAP EPS1  $75.1M  OCF  $606.4M  Cash2 and Short-term investments  (6%) Y/Y  (3%) Q/Q  (440) bps Y/Y  (110) bps Q/Q  25% Y/Y  (5%) Q/Q  Flat Y/Y  11% Q/Q  (13%) Y/Y  (2%) Q/Q  27% Y/Y  8% Q/Q  Revenue lower due to market demand softness in some IC and FPD segments; slowing demand in select regional and end-use customer order patterns combined with focus on rising semiconductor channel inventory.  Operating margin compression due to impact from operating leverage on gross margin; lower sequential opex helped conserve profitability, resulting in higher non-GAAP EPS.  Maintaining strong balance sheet due to cash flow generation, manageable debt, and effective management of working capital.  Investing in IC capacity to capitalize on market growth driven by megatrends such as AI, IoT, and supply chain regionalization.  Announced an increase of existing share repurchase program to $100M to enhance shareholder returns, backed by our confidence in generating strong cash flows and maintaining a healthy balance sheet.  1See reconciliation included in this presentation; 2Includes cash equivalents 
 

 Semiconductor: growing capacity and design activity  More extensive use of semiconductors across multiple applications, driven by megatrends such as AI and IoT.  Supply chain regionalization driving investments in semiconductor fabs that creates redundant production capacity and drives photomask demand.  Differentiation by design becoming competitive factor in mainstream (ASIC) and leading-edge applications.  Expanding EUV adoption drives semi manufacturer photomask outsourcing of legacy technology nodes, increasing TAM for merchant suppliers.  Display: advanced displays driving innovation  Global panel makers innovating to win AMOLED market share.  Growing competition drives innovation and greater mask value.  AMOLED manufacturing moving to larger G8.6 form factor, requiring high-quality, advanced photomasks.  Long-Term Trends Driving Photomask Demand  Innovative Designs and Manufacturing Complexity is Good for Photomask Demand 
 

 Revenue by Product Line  $M  Q324  Q/Q  Y/Y  High-End*  49.5  (15%)  9%  Mainstream  106.4  3%  (10%)  Total  155.9  (3%)  (4%)  High-end down Q/Q on lower demand from Asia foundries; Y/Y up on strong US sales; memory up both Q/Q and Y/Y.  Mainstream up Q/Q primarily in US; soft Asia demand caused Y/Y decline.  Long-term growth drivers:  New designs by customers to gain market share and support technology roadmap for megatrends such as AI.  Regionalization driving investments for global chip capacity.  Able to maintain pricing in favorable supply / demand dynamic.  *IC: 28nm and smaller; FPD: ≥G10.5, AMOLED and LTPS   Totals may differ due to rounding  High-end up Q/Q on improved AMOLED sales; mobile display demand lower Y/Y.  Mainstream lower due to lingering soft design activity on legacy LCD technology.  Long-term growth drivers:  Technology development drives higher-value mask demand.  Mobile demand is expected to remain strong with rollout of new designs and emerging panel makers winning market share.  AMOLED moving to larger form factors driving need to collaborate on mask development.  $M  Q324  Q/Q  Y/Y  High-End*  48.4  1%  (3%)  Mainstream  6.7  (17%)  (40%)  Total  55.1  (2%)  (10%)  IC  FPD 
 

 Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Metrics  Balance Sheet Provides Resilience, Enables Growth Strategy and Shareholder Value Creation  $M  Q324  Y/Y  Q/Q  Cash, cash equivalents, and Short-term investments  606.4  27%  8%  Debt  20.1  (25%)  (8%)  Operating Cash Flow  75.1  (13%)  (2%)  Capital Expenditures  24.4  16%  22%  Continued strong operating cash flow from income generation and working capital management.  Actively controlling cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments to maintain liquidity and optimize returns.  Debt comprised of US equipment leases.  Capex targets growth in IC capacity & facility expansion.  Strong balance sheet able to fund growth investments, return cash to shareholders, and remain resilient to effects of industry downturns. 
 

 Q4 2024 Guidance   Revenue ($M)  213 – 221  Operating Margin  25% - 27%  Taxes ($M)  15 – 17  Diluted non-GAAP EPS  $0.48 - $0.54  Diluted Shares (M)  ~62  Full-year Capex (M)  ~130  Incorporation of chips in AI, IoT, 5G, and consumer products.  New designs to capture market share.  Advanced display technologies.  Outlook clouded by geopolitical uncertainty and macro-economic headwinds.  Controlling costs and managing cash to maximize returns and deliver long-term shareholder value. 
 

 Appendix 
 

 Revenue by Product Group ($M)  Total may differ due to rounding  IC  FPD  Mainstream  High-End  Mainstream  High-End  Total Revenue  IC Revenue  FPD Revenue  High-End: 28nm and smaller  High-End: ≥G10.5, AMOLED and LTPS 
 

 Non-GAAP Financial Measures  Non-GAAP Net Income attributable to Photronics, Inc. shareholders and non-GAAP earnings per share are "non-GAAP financial measures" as such term is defined by Regulation G of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and may differ from similarly named non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. The attached financial supplement reconciles Photronics, Inc. financial results under GAAP to non-GAAP financial information. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures that exclude certain items are useful for analysts and investors to evaluate our future on-going performance because they enable a more meaningful comparison of our projected performance with our historical results. These non-GAAP metrics are not a measure of consolidated operating results under U.S. GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to Net income (loss), Net income (loss) per share, or any other measure of consolidated results under U.S. GAAP. The items excluded from these non-GAAP metrics, but included in the calculation of their closest GAAP equivalent, are significant components of the condensed consolidated statement of income and must be considered in performing a comprehensive assessment of overall financial performance. Please refer to the non-GAAP reconciliations on the following page.  
 

 Non-GAAP Financial Measures