AEHR TEST SYSTEMS

Previous wording

The semiconductor manufacturing industry is highly concentrated, with a relatively small number of large semiconductor manufacturers and contract test and assembly companies accounting for a substantial portion of the purchases of semiconductor equipment. Sales to our five largest customers accounted for approximately 77%, 93%, and 97% of our net sales in fiscal 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. During fiscal 2025, two customers accounted for approximately 39% and 15% of the Company’s net sales. During fiscal 2024, two customers accounted for approximately 67% and 17% of the Company’s net sales. During fiscal 2023, two customers accounted for approximately 79% and 10% of our net sales. No other customers accounted for more than 10% of our net sales for any of these periods.

Current wording

The semiconductor manufacturing industry is highly concentrated, with a relatively small number of large semiconductor manufacturers and contract test and assembly companies accounting for a substantial portion of the purchases of semiconductor equipment. Sales to our five largest customers accounted for approximately 70%, 77%, and 93% of our net sales in fiscal 2026, 2025, and 2024, respectively. During fiscal 2026, three customers accounted for approximately 26%, 14% and 11% of our net sales. During fiscal 2025, two customers accounted for approximately 39% and 15% of our net sales. During fiscal 2024, two customers accounted for approximately 67% and 17% of our net sales. No other customers accounted for more than 10% of our net sales for any of these periods.

Previous wording

We derive a substantial portion of our net sales from the sale of a relatively small number of systems with high dollar value. As a result, the loss or deferral of a limited number of system sales could have a material adverse effect on our net sales and operating results in a particular period. Most customer purchase orders are subject to cancellation or rescheduling by the customer with limited penalties, and, therefore, backlog at any particular date is not necessarily indicative of actual sales for any succeeding period. From time to time, cancellations and rescheduling of customer orders have occurred, and delays by our suppliers in providing components or subassemblies to us have caused delays in our shipments of our own products. For example, in the second half of fiscal 2025, global tariff announcements created uncertainty in the global economy that impacted customer demand and orders. There can be no assurance that we will not be materially adversely affected by future cancellations or rescheduling by our customers or other delays in our shipments.

Current wording

We derive a substantial portion of our net sales from the sale of a relatively small number of systems with high dollar value. As a result, the loss or deferral of a limited number of system sales could have a material adverse effect on our net sales and operating results in a particular period. Most customer purchase orders are subject to cancellation or rescheduling by the customer with limited penalties, and, therefore, backlog at any particular date is not necessarily indicative of actual sales for any succeeding period. From time to time, cancellations and rescheduling of customer orders have occurred, and delays by our suppliers in providing components or subassemblies to us have caused delays in our shipments of our own products. For example, since the second half of fiscal 2025, global tariff announcements had created uncertainty in the global economy that impacted customer demand and orders. There can be no assurance that we will not be materially adversely affected by future cancellations or rescheduling by our customers or other delays in our shipments.

Previous wording

For non-standard products where we have not effectively demonstrated the ability to meet specifications in the customer environment, we defer revenue until we have met such customer specifications. Any delay in meeting customer specifications could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. A substantial portion of net sales typically are realized near the end of each quarter. A delay or reduction in shipments near the end of a particular quarter, due, for example, to unanticipated shipment rescheduling, cancellations or deferrals by customers, customer credit issues, unexpected manufacturing difficulties experienced by us or delays in deliveries by suppliers, could cause net sales in a particular quarter to fall significantly.

Current wording

For non-standard products where we have not effectively demonstrated the ability to meet specifications in the customer environment, we defer revenue until we have met such customer specifications. Any delay in meeting customer specifications could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. A substantial portion of net sales typically is realized near the end of each quarter. A delay or reduction in shipments near the end of a particular quarter, due, for example, to unanticipated shipment rescheduling, cancellations, or deferrals by customers, customer credit issues, unexpected manufacturing difficulties experienced by us or delays in deliveries by suppliers, could cause net sales in a particular quarter to fall significantly.

Previous wording

Our FOX wafer-level and singulated die/module test and burn in systems and packaged part burn-in systems face competition from larger systems manufacturers that have significant technological know-how and manufacturing capability. Some users of our systems, such as independent test labs, build their own burn-in systems, while others, particularly large IC manufacturers in Asia, acquire burn-in systems from captive or affiliated suppliers. Our WaferPak products are facing and are expected to face increasing competition. Several companies have developed or are developing full-wafer and single-touchdown probe cards. The Company expects that its DiePak products for burning-in and testing multiple singulated die and small modules face significant competition. The Company believes that several companies have developed or are developing products which are intended to enable test and burn-in of multiple bare die, and small modules.

Current wording

Our FOX wafer-level and singulated die/module test and burn-in systems and package level burn-in systems face competition from larger systems manufacturers that have significant technological know-how and manufacturing capability. Some users of our systems, such as independent test labs, build their own burn-in systems, while others, particularly large IC manufacturers in Asia, acquire burn-in systems from captive or affiliated suppliers. Our WaferPak products are facing and are expected to face increasing competition. Several companies have developed or are developing full-wafer and single-touchdown probe cards. We expect that our DiePak products for burning-in and testing multiple singulated die and small modules face significant competition. We believe that several companies have developed or are developing products which are intended to enable test and burn-in of multiple bare die, and small modules.

Previous wording

We expect our competitors to continue to improve the performance of their current products and to introduce new products with improved price and performance characteristics. New product introductions by our competitors or by new market entrants could cause a decline in sales or loss of market acceptance of our products. We have observed price competition in the systems market, particularly with respect to its less advanced products. Increased competitive pressure could also lead to intensified price-based competition, resulting in lower prices which could adversely affect our operating margins and results. We believe that to remain competitive we must invest significant financial resources in new product development and expand our customer service and support worldwide. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully in the future.

Current wording

Additionally, the semiconductor industry has experienced significant consolidation over the past several years, and such consolidation may further increase competitive factors within the industry. We also expect our competitors to continue to improve the performance of their current products and to introduce new products with improved price and performance characteristics. New product introductions by our competitors or by new market entrants could cause a decline in sales or loss of market acceptance of our products. We have observed price competition in the systems market, particularly with respect to its less advanced products. Increased competitive pressure could also lead to intensified price-based competition, resulting in lower prices which could adversely affect our operating margins and results. We believe that to remain competitive we must invest significant financial resources in new product development and expand our customer service and support worldwide. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully in the future.

Previous wording

A principal element of our business strategy is to increase our presence in the test equipment market through system sales in our FOX wafer-level burn-in product family and Sonoma packaged parts burn-in solutions. Market acceptance of the FOX and Sonoma systems is subject to a number of risks. Before a customer incorporates the FOX or Sonoma system into a production line, lengthy qualification and correlation tests must be performed. We anticipate that potential customers may be reluctant to change their procedures in order to transfer burn-in and test functions to the FOX or Sonoma system. Initial purchases are expected to be limited to systems used for these qualifications and for engineering studies. Market acceptance of the FOX and Sonoma systems also may be affected by the reluctance of IC manufacturers to rely on relatively small suppliers such as us. As is common with new complex products incorporating leading-edge technologies, we may encounter reliability, design and manufacturing issues as we begin volume production and initial installations of FOX and Sonoma systems at customer sites. The failure of the FOX or Sonoma system to achieve increased market acceptance would have a material adverse effect on our future operating results.

Current wording

A principal element of our business strategy is to increase our presence in the test equipment market through system sales in our FOX wafer-level burn-in product family and Sonoma package level burn-in solutions. Market acceptance of the FOX and Sonoma systems is subject to a number of risks. Before a customer incorporates the FOX or Sonoma system into a production line, lengthy qualification and correlation tests must be performed. We anticipate that potential customers may be reluctant to change their procedures in order to transfer burn-in and test functions to the FOX or Sonoma system. Initial purchases are expected to be limited to systems used for these qualifications and for engineering studies. Market acceptance of the FOX and Sonoma systems also may be affected by the reluctance of IC manufacturers to rely on relatively small suppliers such as us. As is common with new complex products incorporating leading-edge technologies, we may encounter reliability, design, and manufacturing issues as we begin volume production and initial installations of FOX and Sonoma systems at customer sites. The failure of the FOX or Sonoma system to achieve increased market acceptance would have a material adverse effect on our future operating results.

Previous wording

As is common with new complex products incorporating leading-edge technologies, we have encountered reliability, design and manufacturing issues as we begin volume production and initial installations of certain products at customer sites. Some of these issues in the past have been related to components and subsystems supplied to us by third parties who have in some cases limited the ability of us to address such issues promptly. This process in the past required and in the future is likely to require us to incur un-reimbursed engineering expenses and to experience larger than anticipated warranty claims which could result in product returns. In the early stages of product development there can be no assurance that we will discover any reliability, design and manufacturing issues or, that if such issues arise, that they can be resolved to the customers’ satisfaction or that the resolution of such problems will not cause us to incur significant development costs or warranty expenses or to lose significant sales opportunities.

Current wording

As is common with new complex products incorporating leading-edge technologies, we have encountered reliability, design, and manufacturing issues as we begin volume production and initial installations of certain products at customer sites. Some of these issues in the past have related to components and subsystems supplied to us by third parties, which in certain cases has limited our ability to address such issues promptly. This process in the past required and in the future is likely to require us to incur unreimbursed engineering expenses and to experience larger than anticipated warranty claims which could result in product returns. In the early stages of product development there can be no assurance that we will discover any reliability, design, and manufacturing issues or, that if such issues arise, that they can be resolved to the customers’ satisfaction or that the resolution of such problems will not cause us to incur significant development costs or warranty expenses or to lose significant sales opportunities.

Previous wording

We collect, maintain, and transmit data on information systems. These systems include those owned and maintained by the Company or by third parties. In addition, we use cloud-based enterprise resource planning, ERP, software to manage the business integrating all facets of operations, including manufacturing, finance, and sales and marketing. The data maintained on these systems includes confidential and proprietary information belonging to us, our customers, suppliers, and others. While the Company devotes significant resources to protect its systems and data from unauthorized access or misuse, we are exposed to cybersecurity risks. Our systems are subject to computer viruses, data breach, phishing schemes, and other malicious software programs or attacks. We have experienced cyber threats and incidents in the past. Although past threats and incidents have not resulted in a material adverse effect, cybersecurity incidents may result in business disruption, loss of data, or unauthorized access to intellectual property which could adversely affect our business.

Current wording

We collect, maintain, and transmit data on information systems. These systems include those owned and maintained by the Company or by third parties. In addition, we use cloud-based enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) software to manage the business integrating all facets of operations, including manufacturing, finance, and sales and marketing. The data maintained on these systems includes confidential and proprietary information belonging to us, our customers, suppliers, and others. While the Company devotes significant resources to protect its systems and data from unauthorized access or misuse, we are exposed to cybersecurity risks. Our systems are subject to computer viruses, data breaches, phishing schemes, and other malicious software programs or cyberattacks. Such cybersecurity incidents may result in business disruption, loss of data, or unauthorized access to intellectual property, which could adversely affect our business.

Previous wording

We attempt to operate our business in accordance with a business plan that is established annually, revised as appropriate, and reviewed by management even more frequently. Our business plan is developed based on a number of factors, many of which require estimates and assumptions, such as our expectations of the economic environment, future business levels, our customers’ willingness and ability to place orders, lead-times, and future revenue and cash flow. Our budgeted operating expenses, for example, are based in part on our future revenue expectations. However, our ability to achieve our anticipated revenue levels is a function of numerous factors, including the volatile and historically cyclical nature of our primary industry, customer order cancellations, macroeconomic changes, operational matters regarding particular agreements, our ability to manage customer deliveries, the availability of resources for the installation of our products, delays or accelerations by customers in taking deliveries and the acceptance of our products (for products where customer acceptance is required before we can recognize revenue from such sales), our ability to operate our business and sales processes effectively, and a number of the other risk factors as described in this Item 1A.

Current wording

We attempt to operate our business in accordance with a business plan that is established annually, revised as appropriate, reviewed with our Board of Directors on a periodic basis, and reviewed by management even more frequently. Our business plan is developed based on a number of factors, many of which require estimates and assumptions, such as our expectations of the economic environment, future business levels, our customers’ willingness and ability to place orders, lead-times, and future revenue and cash flow. Our budgeted operating expenses, for example, are based in part on our future revenue expectations. However, our ability to achieve our anticipated revenue levels is a function of numerous factors, including the volatile and historically cyclical nature of our primary industry, customer order cancellations, macroeconomic changes, operational matters regarding particular agreements, our ability to manage customer deliveries, the availability of resources for the installation of our products, delays or accelerations by customers in taking deliveries and the acceptance of our products (for products where customer acceptance is required before we can recognize revenue from such sales), our ability to operate our business and sales processes effectively, and a number of the other risk factors as described in this Item 1A.

Previous wording

Our success depends on our ability to continually enhance and broaden our product offerings in response to customer-anticipated process changes, strategic opportunities for growth, and industry technology trends. We may choose to acquire new and complementary businesses, products, technologies and/or services instead of developing them ourselves. If we are unable to successfully integrate and manage acquired businesses, if the costs associated with integrating the acquired business exceeds our expectations, or if acquired businesses perform poorly, then our business and financial results may suffer. It is possible that the businesses we have acquired may perform worse than expected or prove to be more difficult to integrate and manage than anticipated.

Current wording

Our success depends on our ability to continually enhance and broaden our product offerings in response to customer-anticipated process changes, strategic opportunities for growth, and industry technology trends. We may choose to acquire new and complementary businesses, products, technologies and/or services instead of developing them ourselves. If we are unable to successfully integrate and manage acquired businesses, if the costs associated with integrating the acquired business exceed our expectations, or if acquired businesses perform poorly, then our business and financial results may suffer. It is possible that the businesses we have acquired may perform worse than expected or prove to be more difficult to integrate and manage than anticipated.

Previous wording

We are increasingly incorporating AI capabilities into the development of our technologies. AI technology is complex and rapidly evolving, and may subject us to significant competitive, legal, regulatory and other risks. The implementation of AI can be costly and there is no guarantee that our use of AI will enhance our technologies, benefit our business operations or produce products and services that are preferred by our customers. Our competitors may be more successful in their AI strategy and develop superior products and services with the aid of AI.

Current wording

We are increasingly incorporating AI capabilities into the development of our technologies and into our products and services. AI technology is complex and rapidly evolving, and may subject us to significant competitive, legal, regulatory, and other risks. The implementation of AI can be costly and there is no guarantee that our use of AI will enhance our technologies, benefit our business operations or produce products and services that are preferred by our customers. Our competitors may be more successful in their AI strategy and develop superior products and services with the aid of AI.

Previous wording

We purchase materials from suppliers worldwide, which subjects the Company to increased risk; t****ariff uncertainty, trade restrictions, and global supply chain risks could adversely affect our business.

Current wording

We purchase materials from suppliers worldwide, which subjects the Company to increased supply chain, trade policy, and foreign sourcing risks** that could adversely affect our business.**

Previous wording

We purchase components, sub-assemblies, and chambers from suppliers outside the United States. Increases in tariffs, uncertainty surrounding current and future tariff regulations, additional taxes, rising inflation in the supply chain or new trade barriers may result in an increase in our manufacturing costs. Fluctuations in tariff and trade policies, particularly those that may change without significant notice, create instability in our supply chain and limit our ability to plan for future cost structures. A decrease in the value of the U.S. Dollar relative to foreign currencies would increase the cost of our materials. Should the Company increase its sales prices to recover the increase in costs, this could result in a decrease in the competitiveness of our products. In addition, we are subject to other risks associated with purchasing materials from suppliers worldwide. Government authorities may also implement protectionist policies or impose limitations on the transfer of intellectual property. This may limit our ability to obtain products from certain geographic regions and require us to identify and qualify new suppliers. The process of qualifying suppliers could be lengthy, and no assurance can be given that any additional sources would be available to us on a timely basis. Changes in trade relations, tariff structures, currency fluctuations, or protectionist policies could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Current wording

We purchase components, sub-assemblies, and chambers from suppliers outside the United States. Our reliance on global suppliers exposes us to risks associated with international sourcing, including supply chain disruptions, rising costs due to inflationary pressures, foreign currency fluctuations, and changes in trade or regulatory policies. A decrease in the value of the U.S. Dollar relative to foreign currencies would increase the cost of our materials. Should the Company increase its sales prices to recover the increase in costs, this could result in a decrease in the competitiveness of our products. In addition, we are subject to other risks associated with purchasing materials from suppliers worldwide. Government authorities may also implement protectionist policies or impose limitations on the transfer of intellectual property. This may limit our ability to obtain products from certain geographic regions and require us to identify and qualify new suppliers. The process of qualifying suppliers could be lengthy, and no assurance can be given that any additional sources would be available to us on a timely basis. Changes in trade relations, currency fluctuations, or protectionist policies could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Previous wording

Approximately 70%, 95%, and 86% of our net sales in fiscal 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively, were attributable to sales to customers for delivery outside of the United States. We provide sales and service globally with resources in North America, Taiwan, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and a service organization in the Philippines, as well as direct support through third party agreements in China. We expect that sales of products for delivery outside of the United States will continue to represent a substantial portion of our future sales. Our future performance will depend, in significant part, upon our ability to continue to compete in foreign markets which in turn will depend, in part, upon a continuation of current trade relations between the United States and foreign countries in which semiconductor manufacturers or assemblers have operations. A change toward more protectionist trade legislation in either the United States or such foreign countries, such as a change in the current tariff structures, export compliance or other trade policies, could adversely affect our ability to sell our products in foreign markets. In addition, we are subject to other risks associated with doing business internationally, including longer receivable collection periods and greater difficulty in accounts receivable collection, the burden of complying with a variety of foreign laws, difficulty in staffing and managing global operations, risks of civil disturbance or other events which may limit or disrupt markets, international exchange restrictions, changing political conditions and monetary policies of foreign governments.

Current wording

Approximately 59%, 70%, and 95% of our net sales in fiscal 2026, 2025, and 2024, respectively, were attributable to sales to customers for delivery outside of the United States. We provide sales and service globally with resources in North America, Taiwan, Germany, Japan, and a service organization in the Philippines, as well as direct support through third-party agreements in China and South Korea. We expect that sales of products for delivery outside of the United States will continue to represent a substantial portion of our future sales. Our future performance will depend, in significant part, upon our ability to continue to compete in foreign markets which in turn will depend, in part, upon a continuation of current trade relations between the United States and foreign countries in which semiconductor manufacturers or assemblers have operations. A change toward more protectionist trade legislation in either the United States or such foreign countries, such as a change in the current tariff structures, export compliance or other trade policies, could adversely affect our ability to sell our products in foreign markets. Geopolitical tensions involving the United States, China and Taiwan, or changes in U.S., Chinese, Taiwanese or other foreign trade policies, tariffs, export controls, sanctions, technology-transfer restrictions or diplomatic relations, could also adversely affect our ability to sell products in certain foreign markets, support customers, obtain materials or components, or compete effectively. In addition, we are subject to other risks associated with doing business internationally, including longer receivable collection periods and greater difficulty in accounts receivable collection, the burden of complying with a variety of foreign laws, difficulty in staffing and managing global operations, risks of civil disturbance or other events which may limit or disrupt markets, international exchange restrictions, changing political conditions and monetary policies of foreign governments.

Previous wording

Our net sales for fiscal 2025 were primarily denominated in U.S. Dollars. However, because a substantial portion of our net sales is from sales of products for delivery outside the United States, an increase in the value of the U.S. Dollar relative to foreign currencies would increase the cost of our products compared to products sold by local companies in such markets. In addition, since the price is determined at the time a purchase order is accepted, we are exposed to the risks of fluctuations in the U.S. Dollar exchange rate during the lengthy period from the date a purchase order is received until payment is made. This exchange rate risk is partially offset to the extent our foreign operations incur expenses in the local currency. To date, we have not invested in any instruments designed to hedge currency risks. Our operating results could be adversely affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. Dollar relative to other currencies.

Current wording

Our net sales were primarily denominated in U.S. Dollars. However, because a substantial portion of our net sales is from sales of products for delivery outside the United States, an increase in the value of the U.S. Dollar relative to foreign currencies would increase the cost of our products compared to products sold by local companies in such markets. In addition, since the price is determined at the time a purchase order is accepted, we are exposed to the risks of fluctuations in the U.S. Dollar exchange rate during the lengthy period from the date a purchase order is received until payment is made. This exchange rate risk is partially offset to the extent our foreign operations incur expenses in the local currency. To date, we have not invested in any instruments designed to hedge currency risks. Our operating results could be adversely affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. Dollar relative to other currencies.

Previous wording

Global economic uncertainty and financial market volatility caused by political instability, changes in international trade relationships and conflicts, such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the political climate in China and Taiwan, the Israel-Hamas war, the Israel-Iran conflict and the tensions in the Red Sea in connection with the attacks to disrupt shipments may result in limited access to these markets for sales and material purchases. Periods of macroeconomic weakness or recession and heightened market volatility caused by adverse geopolitical developments could increase these risks, potentially resulting in adverse impacts on our business operations. Increased energy costs in Europe, resulting from Russia’s limiting energy supplies in the region, may result in an economic downturn or an increase in the cost of materials. The on-going decline in relations between the United States and China, and relations between China and Taiwan, may result in the imposition of trade restrictions with China or Taiwan. While we have limited sales in Europe and Taiwan, and procurement from these regions, unrest in these areas may result in a decrease in sales of our products, or an increase in costs of materials and services.

Current wording

Periods of macroeconomic weakness or recession and heightened market volatility caused by adverse geopolitical developments could increase these risks, potentially resulting in adverse impacts on our business operations. Increased energy costs in Europe, resulting from Russia’s limiting energy supplies in the region, may result in an economic downturn or an increase in the cost of materials. The ongoing decline in relations between the United States and China, and relations between China and Taiwan, may result in the imposition of trade restrictions with China or Taiwan. While we have limited sales in Europe, the Middle East and Taiwan, and procurement from these regions, unrest in these areas may result in a decrease in sales of our products, or an increase in costs of materials and services.

Previous wording

We rely on subcontractors to manufacture many of the components or subassemblies used in our products. Our FOX systems, WaferPak Contactors, DiePak Carriers, WaferPak Aligners, and DiePak Loaders contain several components, including environmental chambers, power supplies, high-density interconnects, wafer contactors, module contactors, signal distribution substrates, and certain ICs that are currently supplied by only one or a limited number of suppliers. Our reliance on subcontractors and single source suppliers involves a number of significant risks, including the loss of control over the manufacturing process, the potential absence of adequate capacity and reduced control over delivery schedules, manufacturing yields, quality and costs. In the event that any significant subcontractor or single source supplier is unable or unwilling to continue to manufacture subassemblies, components or parts in required volumes, we would have to identify and qualify acceptable replacements. The process of qualifying subcontractors and suppliers could be lengthy, and no assurance can be given that any additional sources would be available to us on a timely basis. Any delay, interruption or termination of a supplier relationship could adversely affect our ability to deliver products, which would harm our operating results.

Current wording

We rely on subcontractors to manufacture many of the components or subassemblies used in our products. Our FOX systems, WaferPak Contactors, DiePak Carriers, WaferPak Aligners, and DiePak Loaders contain several components, including environmental chambers, power supplies, high-density interconnects, wafer contactors, module contactors, signal distribution substrates, and certain ICs that are currently supplied by only one or a limited number of suppliers. Our reliance on subcontractors and sole-source suppliers involves a number of significant risks, including the loss of control over the manufacturing process, the potential absence of adequate capacity and reduced control over delivery schedules, manufacturing yields, quality and costs. In the event that any significant subcontractor or sole-source supplier is unable or unwilling to continue to manufacture subassemblies, components or parts in required volumes, we would have to identify and qualify acceptable replacements. The process of qualifying subcontractors and suppliers could be lengthy, and no assurance can be given that any additional sources would be available to us on a timely basis. Any delay, interruption or termination of a supplier relationship could adversely affect our ability to deliver products, which would harm our operating results.

Previous wording

Our suppliers manufacture components, tooling, and provide engineering services. During this process, our suppliers are allowed access to our intellectual property. While we maintain patents to protect from intellectual property infringement, there can be no assurance that technological information gained in the manufacture of our products will not be used to develop a new product, improve processes or techniques which compete against our products. Litigation may be necessary to enforce or determine the validity and scope of our proprietary rights, and there can be no assurance that our intellectual property rights, if challenged, will be upheld as valid.

Current wording

Our suppliers manufacture components, tooling, and provide engineering services. During this process, our suppliers are allowed access to our intellectual property. While we maintain patents to protect us from intellectual property infringement, there can be no assurance that technological information gained in the manufacture of our products will not be used to develop a new product, improve processes or techniques which compete against our products. Litigation may be necessary to enforce or determine the validity and scope of our proprietary rights, and there can be no assurance that our intellectual property rights, if challenged, will be upheld as valid.

Previous wording

Historically, our common stock has experienced substantial price volatility. For example, during the two-year period ended May 30, 2025, the price of our common stock has ranged from $6.27 to $54.10. If our future operating results or margins are below the expectations of stock market analysts or our investors, our stock price will likely decline. Factors such as announcements of developments related to our business, fluctuations in our operating results, general conditions in the semiconductor and semiconductor equipment industries as well as the worldwide economy, announcement of technological innovations, new systems or product enhancements by us or our competitors, fluctuations in the level of cooperative development funding, acquisitions, changes in governmental regulations, developments in patents or other intellectual property rights and changes in our relationships with customers and suppliers could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate substantially. In addition, in recent years the stock market in general, and the market for small capitalization and high technology stocks in particular, have experienced extreme price fluctuations which have often been unrelated to the operating performance of the affected companies. Such fluctuations could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

Current wording

Historically, our common stock has experienced substantial price volatility. For example, during the two-year period ended May 29, 2026, the price of our common stock has ranged from $6.27 to $112.00. If our future operating results or margins are below the expectations of stock market analysts or our investors, our stock price will likely decline. Factors such as announcements of developments related to our business, fluctuations in our operating results, general conditions in the semiconductor and semiconductor equipment industries as well as the worldwide economy, announcement of technological innovations, new systems or product enhancements by us or our competitors, fluctuations in the level of cooperative development funding, acquisitions, changes in governmental regulations, developments in patents or other intellectual property rights and changes in our relationships with customers and suppliers could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate substantially. In addition, in recent years the stock market in general, and the market for small capitalization and high technology stocks in particular, have experienced extreme price fluctuations which have often been unrelated to the operating performance of the affected companies. Such fluctuations could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

Previous wording

While these lawsuits have been resolved without adverse judgments, there is no assurance that we will not face similar litigation in the future. Defending against shareholder class actions or derivative lawsuits can be costly, disruptive, and time-consuming, and may divert the attention of our management and Board of Directors. Such proceedings, regardless of their outcome, could also harm our reputation, impact investor confidence, and result in increased scrutiny of our public disclosures, internal controls, and corporate governance practices. If we are subject to future litigation and do not prevail, we could be required to pay substantial damages or incur other significant costs, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Current wording

Defending against shareholder class actions or derivative lawsuits can be costly, disruptive, and time-consuming, and may divert the attention of our management and Board of Directors. Such proceedings, regardless of their outcome, could also harm our reputation, impact investor confidence, and result in increased scrutiny of our public disclosures, internal controls, and corporate governance practices. If we are subject to future litigation and do not prevail, we could be required to pay substantial damages or incur other significant costs, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Previous wording

Our success depends to a significant extent upon the continued service of Gayn Erickson, our President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as other executive officers and key employees. We do not maintain key person life insurance for our benefit on any of our personnel, and none of our employees are subject to a non-competition agreement with us. The loss of the services of any of our executive officers or a group of key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Our future success will depend in significant part upon our ability to attract, retain and motivating highly skilled technical, management, sales and marketing personnel. There are a limited number of personnel with the requisite skills to serve in these positions, and it has become increasingly difficult for us to hire such personnel. Competition for such personnel in the semiconductor equipment industry is intense, and there can be no assurance that we will be successful in attracting, retaining or motivating such personnel. Changes in management could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our operating results.

Current wording

Our success depends to a significant extent upon the continued service of Gayn Erickson, our President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as other executive officers and key employees. We do not maintain key person life insurance for our benefit on any of our personnel, and none of our employees are subject to a non-competition agreement with us. The loss of the services of any of our executive officers or a group of key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Our future success will depend in significant part upon our ability to attract, retain and motivate highly skilled technical, management, sales and marketing personnel. There are a limited number of personnel with the requisite skills to serve in these positions, and it has become increasingly difficult for us to hire such personnel. Competition for such personnel in the semiconductor equipment industry is intense, and there can be no assurance that we will be successful in attracting, retaining or motivating such personnel. Changes in management could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our operating results.

Previous wording

We are required to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The provisions of the act require, among other things, that we maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. Preparing our financial statements involves a number of complex processes, many of which are done manually and are dependent upon individual data input or review. These processes include, but are not limited to, calculating revenue, deferred revenue and inventory costs. While we continue to automate our processes and enhance our review and put in place controls to reduce the likelihood for errors, we expect that for the foreseeable future, many of our processes will remain manually intensive and thus subject to human error.

Current wording

We are required to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The provisions of the act require, among other things, that we maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. Preparing our financial statements involves a number of complex processes, many of which are done manually and are dependent upon individual data input or review. These processes include, but are not limited to, calculating revenue, deferred revenue and inventory costs. While we continue to automate our processes and enhance our review and put in place controls to reduce the likelihood for errors, we expect that for the foreseeable future, many of our processes will remain manually intensive and thus subject to human error. In addition, maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and complying with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act require significant management time, attention, and financial resources. Compliance with these requirements may increase our operating costs, require the hiring of additional personnel or external advisors, and divert management's attention from other business priorities.