Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 FORM 10-K/A
(Amendment No. 1)
 
ý
    ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
 
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017  
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
 
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from                  to                    .
 
Commission File No. 0-121
 
KULICKE AND SOFFA INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
PENNSYLVANIA
23-1498399
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
 
23A Serangoon North Avenue 5, #01-01 K&S Corporate Headquarters, Singapore
554369
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(215) 784-6000
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
 
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
 
COMMON STOCK, WITHOUT PAR VALUE
(Title of each class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ý
 No ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No ý
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ¨No x



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K/A or any amendment to this Form 10-K/A. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company ¨
 
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. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No ý
As of March 31, 2017, the aggregate market value of the registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $1,442.2 million based on the closing sale price as reported on The NASDAQ Global Market (reference is made to Part II, Item 5 herein for a statement of assumptions upon which this calculation is based).
As of November 14, 2017 there were 70,603,793 shares of the registrant's common stock, without par value, outstanding.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed on or about January 25, 2018 are incorporated by reference into Part II, Item 5 and Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 herein of this Report. Such Proxy Statement, except for the parts therein which have been specifically incorporated by reference, shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of this Report on Form 10-K/A.
 








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KULICKE AND SOFFA INDUSTRIES, INC.
 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A
September 30, 2017
 Index 
 
 
Page Number
 
 
 
 
Explanatory Note
 
 
 
 
 
Part I
 
Item 1.
Business
 
 
 
Item 1A.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
 
 
 
 
Part II
 
 
 
 
Item 6.
Selected Consolidated Financial Data
 
 
 
Item 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
 
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
 
 
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
 
 
 
 
Part IV
 
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
 
 
 
Signatures


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Explanatory Note
Restatement of Consolidated Financial Statements
Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc. ("We", the "Company" or "K&S") is filing this Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A ("Form 10-K/A") to our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, which was originally filed on November 16, 2017 ("Original Filing"), to restate the following: our Consolidated Statements of Operations, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and the related notes for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017, October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015, our Consolidated Balance Sheets and the related notes as of September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, and our unaudited quarterly data included in this Form 10-K/A, including the financial information included in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. We are also providing restated disclosures regarding our internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures.
As previously disclosed, on May 10, 2018, the Company’s Audit Committee, in consultation with the Board of Directors, concluded that the Company’s previously issued financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 could no longer be relied upon. This decision was reached after discussions with the Company’s senior management and outside advisers.
The above was a result of the Company’s determination that the warranty expense and warranty accrual accounts had been misstated for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 as a result of inaccurate and unsupported journal entries recorded due to management override of controls. The management override of controls was identified during an internal investigation, which was concluded in May 2018, related to an unauthorized payment based on falsified accounting records that had been initiated by a senior finance employee to an unapproved vendor in the second quarter of fiscal 2018. Management has determined this to be a misappropriation of the Company's assets. The unauthorized payment was subsequently recovered in full. We determined that the manual journal entries, initiated by this employee to correct the Company's failure to properly include labor costs in our warranty accrual, lacked supporting documentation and were accounted for incorrectly. In addition, the Company also identified adjustments that were required to be made to retained earnings, warranty expense and accrual accounts to correct the inappropriate exclusion of the estimated labor costs related to warranty repairs from its historical warranty accounting. While the latter adjustments are not deemed material, the Company is adjusting retained earnings, warranty expense and warranty accrual accounts as part of the restatement.
To correct these misstatements and to address matters related to the foregoing with respect to our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting, we have restated the following: our Consolidated Statements of Operations, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and the related notes for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017, October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015, our Consolidated Balance Sheets and the related notes as of September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, and our unaudited quarterly data included in this Form 10-K/A, including the financial information included in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. We believe that presenting all of the restated information in this Form 10-K/A allows investors to review all pertinent data in a single presentation. See Note 2 - Restatement of Consolidated Financial Statements included in "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" in Item 8 of this Form 10-K/A for more detail.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
In light of the foregoing, management has reassessed its evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2017, based on the framework established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). As a result of that reassessment, management identified a material weakness related to the recording and review of manual journal entries related to our warranty accrual and, accordingly, has concluded that the Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2017. Management is therefore restating its report on internal control over financial reporting. For a description of the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting and remediation efforts, see "Part II - Item 9A - Controls and Procedures."
Amended Items in this Form 10K/A
The following items in the Original Filing have been amended:
Part I, Item 1. Business
Part I, Item 1A. Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
Part II, Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data
Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Part II, Item 9A. Controls and Procedures


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Part IV, Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
We are also filing a Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm as Exhibit 23.1, currently dated signatures from our directors and currently dated certifications from our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer as Exhibits 31.1, 31.2, 32.1, 32.2, as well as various exhibits related to XBRL.
This Form 10-K/A does not reflect events occurring after the Original Filing on November 16, 2017, or modify or update those disclosures affected by subsequent events, except for the effects of the restatement. Disclosures not affected by the restatement are unchanged and reflect the disclosures made at the time of Original Filing.



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PART I

Forward-Looking Statements
In addition to historical information, this filing contains statements relating to future events or our future results. These statements are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and are subject to the safe harbor provisions created by statute. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our future revenue, increasing, continuing or strengthening, or decreasing or weakening, demand for our products, replacement demand, our research and development efforts, our ability to identify and realize new growth opportunities, our ability to control costs and our operational flexibility as a result of (among other factors):
projected growth rates in the overall semiconductor industry, the semiconductor assembly equipment market, and the market for semiconductor packaging materials; and
projected demand for ball, wedge bonder, advanced packaging and electronic assembly equipment and for tools, spares and services.
Generally, words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “plan,” “continue,” “goal” and “believe,” or the negative of or other variations on these and other similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this filing. We do not undertake to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties. Our future results could differ significantly from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those described below and under the heading “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 (the “Annual Report” or "Form 10-K/A") and our other reports and registration statements filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
We operate in a rapidly changing and competitive environment. New risks emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all risks that may affect us. Future events and actual results, performance and achievements could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by or underlying the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they were made. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect actual results or changes in, or additions to, the factors affecting such forward-looking statement. Given those risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as predictions of actual results.
Item 1. BUSINESS
Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc. ("We", the "Company" or "K&S") designs, manufactures and sells capital equipment and tools used to assemble semiconductor devices, including integrated circuits (“ICs”), high and low powered discrete devices, light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”), and power modules. We also service, maintain, repair and upgrade our equipment. Our customers primarily consist of semiconductor device manufacturers, integrated device manufacturers (“IDMs”), outsourced semiconductor assembly and test providers (“OSATs”), other electronics manufacturers and automotive electronics suppliers.
K&S was incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1956. Our principal offices are located at 23A Serangoon North Avenue 5, #01-01, Singapore 554369 and our telephone number in the United States is (215) 784-6000. We maintain a website with the address www.kns.com. We are not including the information contained on our website as a part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this filing. We make available free of charge (other than an investor's own Internet access charges) on or through our website our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to these reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after the material is electronically filed with or otherwise furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports are also available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov and at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549 or by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
Our year end for each of fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 was September 30, 2017, October 1, 2016, and October 3, 2015, respectively.


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Key Events in Fiscal 2017
Impairment Charges
During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company concluded that a triggering event had occurred in connection with the EA/APMR reporting unit (the former Assembléon) based on the results of an updated long-term financial outlook for that business that was conducted as part of the Company’s strategic review due to lower demand as compared to forecast. The projection used in the fiscal 2016 annual impairment test had been developed based on the fiscal 2016 actual results, where the actual revenue had exceeded the forecast. This updated outlook projected that the near-term projected cash flows are expected to be lower than previously forecasted due to softer near-term demand in the System-in-package market. Under ASC 350, the Company is required to test its goodwill and intangible assets for impairment annually or when a triggering event has occurred that would indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value including goodwill and intangible assets. Accordingly, the Company has performed the first step of the goodwill impairment test for the EA/APMR reporting unit.
The Company used a discounted cash flow model to determine the fair value of the EA/APMR reporting unit. The cash flow projections used in the discounted cash flow model were prepared using the forecasted financial results of the reporting unit, which was based upon underlying estimates of the total market size using independent third party industry reports, and market share data developed using the combination of independent third party data and our internal data. Significant assumptions used to determine fair value of the EA/APMR reporting unit include terminal growth rate of 2.5%, cost reduction initiatives including restructuring, working capital, tax rate and a weighted average cost of capital (discount rate) of 10.45%. Our calculation of the estimated fair value of goodwill was based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. Any changes in the assumptions may result in additional impairment.
Following the Company's early adoption in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 of ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, the requirement to perform a hypothetical purchase price allocation to measure goodwill impairment (i.e. Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test) was eliminated. Accordingly, the Company's impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. Based on the calculation, the Company determined that the carrying amount of the EA/APMR reporting unit exceeded its fair value by $35.2 million as of July 1, 2017, requiring an impairment charge of this amount. The goodwill impairment charge, which is a non-cash charge, has been reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for fiscal 2017.
In connection with the evaluation of the goodwill impairment in the EA/APMR reporting unit, the Company assessed tangible and intangible assets for impairment prior to performing the first step of the goodwill impairment test. As a result of this analysis, it was determined that there were no impairment charges to record relating to these assets.
Business Combinations
On July 2, 2017, Kulicke and Soffa Holland Holdings B.V. (“KSHH”), the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, entered into a Share Sale and Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) with the shareholders of Liteq to purchase all of the outstanding equity interests of Liteq. Liteq is a lithography solutions provider for advanced packaging.
The purchase price consisted of EUR 25.0 million (approximately $28.6 million) cash paid at closing and additional potential earn-out payments based on Liteq's cumulative pre-tax earnings and cumulative engineering expenses for 2018 to 2022. The acquisition expands the Company's presence in the advanced packaging market.
Share Repurchase Program
On August 15, 2017, the Company announced that it fully executed its $100 million share repurchase program (the "Program"), originally announced on August 27, 2014. In addition, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program (the "New Program") that authorizes the repurchase of up to $100 million of the Company's common shares, from time to time over the three year period ending August 1, 2020. The Company may purchase shares of its common stock through open market and privately negotiated transactions at prices deemed appropriate by management. The Company has entered into a written trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act to facilitate repurchases under the New Program. The New Program is effective immediately, may be suspended or discontinued at any time and will be funded using the Company's available cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. The timing and amount of repurchase transactions under the New Program depend on market conditions as well as corporate and regulatory considerations. During the year ended September 30, 2017, the Company repurchased a total of 0.9 million shares of common stock at a cost of $18.2 million. As of September 30, 2017, our remaining share repurchase authorization under the New Program was approximately $88.8 million.


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Segments
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, we reorganized our reporting structure into two reportable segments consisting of: (i) Capital Equipment; and (ii) Aftermarket Products and Services ("APS"). Subsequently, we recasted financial results for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015 based on the revised segment structure. The change in the segments was a result of changes to our organizational structure effected during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 to streamline business operations to improve profitability and competitiveness and reflects a change in the manner in which our chief operating decision maker reviews information to assess our performance and make decisions about resource allocation. As part of these actions, we transitioned to a new internal management structure whereby the operating management responsible for tools used to assemble semiconductor devices, including integrated circuits (“ICs”), high and low powered discrete devices, light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”) and power modules, services, spares, maintenance, repair and upgrading operating segments, was brought under common leadership in the APS segment. Subsequent to the reorganization, the Capital Equipment segment comprises of the manufacturing and selling of ball bonders, wafer level bonders, wedge bonders, advanced packaging and electronic assembly solutions to semiconductor device manufacturers, IDMs, OSATs, other electronics manufacturers and automotive electronics suppliers.
For further information on our operating segments and the reorganization actions, please refer to Note 16, "Segment Information," to our Consolidated Financial Statements included under "Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K/A. Our prior period reportable segment information has been recasted to reflect the current segment structure and conform to the current period presentation.
Business Environment
The semiconductor business environment is highly volatile and is driven by internal dynamics, both cyclical and seasonal, in addition to macroeconomic forces. Over the long term, semiconductor consumption has historically grown, and is forecast to continue to grow. This growth is driven, in part, by regular advances in device performance and by price declines that result from improvements in manufacturing technology. In order to exploit these trends, semiconductor manufacturers, both IDMs and OSATs, periodically invest aggressively in latest generation capital equipment. This buying pattern often leads to periods of excess supply and reduced capital spending—the so-called semiconductor cycle. Within this broad semiconductor cycle there are also, generally weaker, seasonal effects that are specifically tied to annual, end-consumer purchasing patterns. Typically, semiconductor manufacturers prepare for heightened demand by adding or replacing equipment capacity by the end of the September quarter. Occasionally, this results in subsequent reductions in the December quarter. This annual seasonality can be overshadowed by effects of the broader semiconductor cycle. Macroeconomic factors also affect the industry, primarily through their effect on business and consumer demand for electronic devices, as well as other products that have significant electronic content such as automobiles, white goods, and telecommunication equipment.
Our Capital Equipment segment is primarily affected by the industry's internal cyclical and seasonal dynamics in addition to broader macroeconomic factors that can positively and negatively affect our financial performance. The sales mix of IDM and OSAT customers in any period also impacts financial performance, as changes in this mix can affect our products' average selling prices and gross margins due to differences in volume purchases and machine configurations required by each customer type.
Our APS segment is less volatile than our Capital Equipment segment. APS sales are more directly tied to semiconductor unit consumption rather than capacity requirements and production capability improvements. 
We continue to position our business to leverage our research and development leadership and innovation and to focus our efforts on mitigating volatility, improving profitability and ensuring longer-term growth. We remain focused on operational excellence, expanding our product offerings and managing our business efficiently throughout business cycles. Our visibility into future demand is generally limited, forecasting is difficult, and we generally experience typical industry seasonality.
To limit potential adverse cyclical, seasonal and macroeconomic effects on our financial position, we have continued our efforts to maintain a strong balance sheet. As of September 30, 2017, our total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments were $608.9 million, a $61.0 million increase from the prior fiscal year end. We believe this strong cash position will allow us to continue to invest in product development and pursue non-organic opportunities.
Technology Leadership
We compete largely by offering our customers advanced equipment and tools available for the interconnect processes. We believe our technology leadership contributes to the strong market positions of our ball bonder, wedge bonder and tools products. To maintain our competitive advantage, we invest in product development activities designed to produce improvements to existing products and to deliver next-generation products. These investments often focus as much on improvements in the semiconductor assembly process as on specific pieces of assembly equipment or tools. In order to generate these improvements, we typically


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work in close collaboration with customers, end users, and other industry members. In addition to producing technical advances, these collaborative development efforts strengthen customer relationships and enhance our reputation as a technology leader and solutions provider.
In addition to gold, silver alloy wire and aluminum wire, our leadership in the industry's use of copper wire for the bonding process is an example of the benefits of our collaborative efforts. By working with customers, material suppliers, and other equipment suppliers, we have developed a series of robust, high-yielding production processes, which have made copper wire widely accepted and significantly reduced the cost of assembling an integrated circuit.
Our leadership also has allowed us to maintain a competitive position in the latest generations of gold and copper ball bonders, which enables our customers to handle the leading technologies in terms of bond pad pitch, silicon with the latest node and complex wire bonding requirement. We continue to see demand for our large bondable area (“LA” and “ELA”) configured machines. Both LA and ELA options are now available on all of our Power Series (PS) models and allow our customers to gain added efficiencies and to reduce the cost of packaging.
We optimize our bonder platforms to deliver variants of our products to serve emerging high-growth markets. For example, we have developed extensions of our main ball bonding platforms (IConnPS MEM PLUS) to address opportunities in memory assembly, in particular for NAND Flash storage.   
Our leading technology for wedge bonder equipment uses ribbon or heavy wire for different applications such as power electronics, automotive and semiconductor applications. The advanced interconnect capabilities of PowerFusionPS improve the processing of high-density power packages, due to an expanded bondable area, wider leadframe capability, indexing accuracy and teach mode. In all cases, we are making a concerted effort to develop commonality of subsystems and design practices, in order to improve performance and design efficiencies. We believe this will benefit us as it will increase synergies between the various engineering product groups. Furthermore, we continually research adjacent market segments where our technologies could be used. Many of these initiatives are in the early stages of development and some have yielded results.
Another example of our developing equipment for high-growth niche markets is our AT Premier PLUS. This machine utilizes a modified wire bonding process to mechanically place bumps on devices in a wafer format, for variants of the flip chip assembly process. Typical applications include complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (“CMOS”) image sensors, surface acoustical wave (“SAW”) filters and high brightness LEDs. These applications are commonly used in most, if not all, smartphones available today in the market. We also have expanded the use of AT Premier PLUS for wafer level wire bonding for micro-electro-mechanical systems (“MEMS”) and other sensors.
Our technology leadership and bonding process know-how have enabled us to develop highly function-specific equipment with high throughput and accuracy. This forms the foundation for our advanced packaging equipment development. We established a dedicated team to develop and manufacture advanced packaging bonders for the emerging 2.5 dimensional integrated circuit (“2.5D IC”) and 3 dimensional integrated circuit (“3D IC”) markets. By reducing the interconnect dimensions, 2.5D ICs and 3D ICs are expected to provide form factor, performance and power efficiency enhancements over traditional flip-chip packages in production today. High-performance processing and memory applications, in addition to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, are anticipated to be earlier adopters of this new packaging technology.
We have also broadened our advanced packaging solutions for mass reflow to include flip chip, wafer level packaging ("WLP"), fan-out wafer level packaging ("FOWLP"), advanced package-on-package, embedded die, and System-in-Package ("SiP"). These solutions enable us to diversify our business while further expanding market reach into the automotive, LED lighting, medical and industrial segments with electronic assembly solutions.
We bring the same technology focus to our tools business, driving tool design and manufacturing technology to optimize the performance and process capability of the equipment in which our tools are used. For all our equipment products, tools are an integral part of their process capability. We believe our unique ability to simultaneously develop both equipment and tools is a core strength supporting our products' technological differentiation.


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Products and Services
The Company operates two segments: Capital Equipment and APS. The following table reflects net revenue by segment for fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015:
 

Fiscal
 

2017

2016

2015
(dollar amounts in thousands)

Net revenues

% of total net revenue

Net revenues

% of total net revenue

Net revenues

% of total net revenue
Capital Equipment

$
651,934


80.6
%

$
488,925


78.0
%

$
411,099


76.6
%
APS

157,107


19.4
%

138,267


22.0
%

125,372


23.4
%
 

$
809,041


100.0
%

$
627,192


100.0
%

$
536,471


100.0
%
 
See Note 16 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report for our financial results by segment.
Capital Equipment Segment
In our Capital Equipment segment, we manufacture and sell a line of ball bonders, wafer level bonders, wedge bonders, advanced packaging and electronic assembly solutions that are sold to semiconductor device manufacturers, IDMs, OSATs, other electronics manufacturers and automotive electronics suppliers.




























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Our principal Capital Equipment segment products include:
Business Unit
 
Product Name (1)
 
Typical Served Market
 
 
 
 
 
Ball bonders
 
IConnPS PLUS series (2) (3) (4)
 
Advanced and ultra fine pitch applications
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IConnPS ProCu PLUS series (2) (3) (4)
 
High-end copper wire applications demanding advanced process capability and high productivity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IConnPS MEM PLUS series (2) (3) (4)
 
Memory applications
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ConnXPS PLUS series (2) (3) (4)
 
Bonder for low-to-medium pin count applications

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ConnXPS LED PLUS
 
LED applications
 
 
 
 
 
Wedge bonders
 
3600PLUS
 
Power hybrid and automotive modules using either heavy aluminum wire or PowerRibbon®
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3700PLUS
 
Hybrid and automotive modules using thin aluminum wire
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PowerFusionPS  TL
 
Power semiconductors using either aluminum wire or PowerRibbon®
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PowerFusionPS  HL
 
Smaller power packages using either aluminum wire or PowerRibbon®
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AsterionTM
 
Power hybrid and automotive modules with larger area using heavy and thin aluminum
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AsterionTM EV
 
Extended area for battery bonding and dual lane hybrid module bonding
 
 
 
 
 
Advanced Packaging
 
AT Premier PLUS
 
Advanced wafer level bonding application
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
APAMA C2S
 
Thermo-compression for chip-to-substrate, chip-to-chip and high accuracy flip chip ("HA FC") bonding applications
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
APAMA C2W
 
Thermo-compression for chip-to-wafer, HA FC and high density fan-out wafer level packaging ("HD FOWLP") bonding applications
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
APAMA DA
 
High performance and productivity die attach bonder for single or stack die bonding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LITEQ 500A
 
Lithographic stepper for the formation of redistribution layer ("RDL") in FOWLP, fan-in wafer level packaging ("FIWLP") and flip chip ("FC")
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LITEQ 500B
 
Lithographic stepper for the formation of RDL in FOWLP, FIWLP and FC with higher throughput
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hybrid Series
 
Advanced packages assembly applications requiring high throughput such as flip chip, WLP, FOWLP, embedded die, SiP, package-on-package ("POP"), and modules
(1) Power Series (PS)
(2) Standard version
(3) Large area version
(4) Extended large area version


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Business Unit
 
Product Name (1)
 
Typical Served Market
 
 
 
 
 
Electronics Assembly
 
iX Series
 
Advanced Surface Mount Technology ("SMT") applications requiring extremely high output of passive and active components
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
iFlex Series
 
Advanced SMT applications requiring multi-lane or line balancing solutions for standard or oddform passive and active components
Ball Bonders
Automatic ball bonders represent the largest portion of our semiconductor equipment business. Our portfolio of ball bonding products includes:
The IConnPS PLUS series: high-performance ball bonders which can be configured for either gold or copper wire.
The IConnPS ProCu PLUS series: high-performance copper wire ball bonders for advanced wafer.
The IConnPS MEM PLUS series: ball bonders designed for the assembly of stacked memory devices.
The ConnXPS PLUS series: cost-performance ball bonders which can be configured for either gold or copper wire.
The ConnXPS LED PLUS: ball bonders targeted specifically at the fast growing LED market.
Our ball bonders are capable of performing very fine pitch bonding, as well as creating the complex loop shapes needed in the assembly of advanced semiconductor packages and bonding on the latest silicon. Most of our installed base of gold wire bonders can also be retrofitted for copper applications through kits we sell separately.
Wedge Bonders
We design and manufacture wedge bonders for the power semiconductor and automotive markets. Wedge bonders may use either aluminum wire or aluminum ribbon to connect semiconductor chips in power packages, power hybrids and automotive modules for products such as motor control modules or inverters for hybrid cars. In addition, our wedge bonder products can be used in the high reliability interconnections of rechargeable batteries in hybrid and electric automotive applications.
Our portfolio of wedge bonding products includes:
The 3600PLUS:  high speed, high accuracy wire bonders designed for power modules, automotive packages and other heavy wire multi-chip module applications.
The 3700PLUS: wire bonders designed for hybrid and automotive modules using thin aluminum wire.
The PowerFusionPS Semiconductor Wedge Bonders - Configurable in single, dual and multi-head configurations using aluminum wire and PowerRibbon®:
The PowerFusionPS TL: designed for single row leadframe and high volume power semiconductor applications.
The PowerFusionPS HL and PowerFusionPS HLx: designed for advanced power semiconductor applications.
The AsterionTM and AsterionTM EV: Hybrid wedge bonder designed for larger area, higher speed and accuracy wedge bonders for power modules, automotive packages, battery applications and other aluminum wedge interconnect applications.
While wedge bonding traditionally utilizes aluminum wire, all of our wedge bonders may be modified to bond aluminum ribbon using our proprietary PowerRibbon® process. Aluminum ribbon offers device makers performance advantages over traditional round wire and is increasingly used for high current packages and automotive applications.
Our PowerFusionPS series are driven by new powerful direct-drive motion systems and expanded pattern recognition capabilities. PowerFusionPS series improve the processing of high-density power packages, due to an expanded bondable area, wider leadframe capability, indexing accuracy and teach mode.


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Advanced Packaging
Our AT Premier PLUS utilize a modified wire bonding process to mechanically place bumps on devices, while still in a wafer format for variants of the flip chip assembly process. Typical applications include CMOS image sensors, SAW filters, MEMS and high brightness LEDs. These applications are commonly used in most, if not all, smartphones available today in the market.
Our APAMA (Advanced Packaging with Adaptive Machine Analytics) C2S (chip-to-substrate) bonder is designed for high accuracy and high throughput flip chip, thermo-compression bonding ("TCB") applications. It delivers die-stacking solutions for 2.5D and 3D or through silicon via ("TSV") ICs.
Our APAMA Chip-to-Wafer (“C2W”) bonder enables APAMA's high throughput architecture to be applied to 2.5D and 3D packages using silicon or glass interposers. The C2W dual head system also provides an adaptable manufacturing platform addressing applications which require highly accurate die placement such as High Density FOWLP. The C2W platform, combined with the capacity of the C2S platform, enables the APAMA TCB systems to support assembly for the full range of stacked TSV products.
Our APAMA DA provides high-accuracy and high-throughput die attach targeting advanced single and multi-die applications supporting the image sensor, memory as well as other advanced packaging markets.
With the acquisition of Liteq, we have broadened our product offering with Lithographic stepper typically used for the formation of RDL in FOWLP, FIWLP and FC.
Electronic Assembly
Our iX and iFlex series machines enable us to diversify our business with SMT placement technologies, thereby expanding market reach into the automotive, LED lighting, medical and industrial segments with Electronic Assembly solutions.
APS Segment
In our APS segment, we manufacture and sell a variety of tools for a broad range of semiconductor packaging applications. Our principal APS segment products include:
Capillaries:  expendable tools used in ball bonders. Made of ceramic and other elements, a capillary guides the wire during the ball bonding process. Its features help control the bonding process. We design and build capillaries suitable for a broad range of applications, including for use on our competitors' equipment. In addition to capillaries used for gold wire bonding, we have developed capillaries for use with copper wire to achieve optimal performance in copper wire bonding.
Dicing blades:  expendable tools used by semiconductor manufacturers to cut silicon wafers into individual semiconductor die or to cut packaged semiconductor units into individual units.
Bonding wedges:  expendable tools used in heavy wire wedge bonders. Wedge tools are used for both wire and ribbon applications.
We also offer spare parts, equipment repair, maintenance and servicing, training services, and upgrades for our equipment.
Our K&S Care service is designed to help customers operate their machines at an optimum level under the care of our trained specialists. K&S Care includes a range of programs, offering different levels of service depending on customer needs.



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Customers
Our major customers include IDMs and OSATs, industrial manufacturers and automotive electronics suppliers. Revenue from our customers may vary significantly from year-to-year based on their respective capital investments, operating expense budgets, and overall industry trends.
The following table reflects our top ten customers, based on net revenue, for each of the last three fiscal years:
 
Fiscal 2017
 
Fiscal 2016
 
Fiscal 2015
1
Haoseng Industrial Co., Ltd. *#
1
Haoseng Industrial Co., Ltd. *#
1
Amkor Technology Inc.
2
Siliconware Precision Industries Ltd.
2
Siliconware Precision Industries Ltd.
2
Haoseng Industrial Co., Ltd. #
3
Advanced Semiconductor Engineering
3
Advanced Semiconductor Engineering
3
Skyworks Solutions Incorporated
4
Amkor Technology Inc.
4
STATS Chippac Ltd
4
ST Microelectronics
5
Super Power International Ltd #
5
Powertech Technology Inc.
5
Renesas Semiconductor
6
Samsung
6
Amkor Technology Inc.
6
First Technology China, Ltd. #
7
First Technology China, Ltd. #
7
Orient Semiconductor Electronics, Ltd.
7
Orient Semiconductor Electronics, Ltd.
8
LG Innotek Co. Ltd.
8
First Technology China, Ltd. #
8
Texas Instruments, Inc.
9
Texas Instruments, Inc.
9
Samsung
9
Rohm Integrated Systems
10
Xinye Electronics. Co #
10
Tesla Motors
10
Xinye Electronics. Co #
* Represents more than 10% of our net revenue for the applicable fiscal year.
# Distributor of our products.
See Note 16 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report for sales to customers by geographic location.
Sales and Customer Support
We believe long-term customer relationships are critical to our success, and comprehensive sales and customer support are an important means of establishing those relationships. To maintain these relationships, we primarily utilize our direct sales force, as well as distribution channels such as agents and distributors, depending on the product, region, or end-user application. In all cases, our goal is to position our sales and customer support resources near our customers' facilities so as to provide support for customers in their own language and consistent with local customs. Our sales and customer support resources are located primarily in Singapore, Taiwan, China, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan, Thailand, the U.S., Germany, Mexico and the Netherlands. Supporting these local resources, we have technology centers offering additional process expertise in Singapore, China, Israel, the U.S and the Netherlands.
By establishing relationships with semiconductor manufacturers, OSATs, and vertically integrated manufacturers of electronic systems, we gain insight into our customers' future semiconductor packaging strategies. In addition, we also send our products and equipment to customers or potential customers for trial and evaluation. These insights assist us in our efforts to develop products and processes that address our customers' future assembly requirements.
Backlog
Our backlog consists of customer orders scheduled for shipment within the next twelve months. A majority of our orders are subject to cancellation or deferral by our customers with limited or no penalties. Also, customer demand for our products can vary dramatically without prior notice. Because of the volatility of customer demand, possibility of customer changes in delivery schedules or cancellations and potential delays in product shipments, our backlog as of any particular date may not be indicative of net revenue for any succeeding period.
The following table reflects our backlog as of September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016:
 
 
As of
(in thousands)
 
September 30, 2017
 
October 1, 2016
Backlog
 
$
190,702

 
$
87,200





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Manufacturing
We believe excellence in manufacturing can create a competitive advantage, both by producing at lower costs and by providing superior responsiveness to changes in customer demand. To achieve these goals, we manage our manufacturing operations through a single organization and believe that fewer, larger factories allow us to capture economies of scale and generate cost savings through lower manufacturing costs.
Capital Equipment
Our equipment manufacturing activities consist mainly of integrating outsourced parts and subassemblies and testing finished products to customer specifications. We largely utilize an outsource model, allowing us to minimize our fixed costs and capital expenditures. For certain low-volume, high customization parts, we manufacture subassemblies ourselves. Just-in-time inventory management has reduced our manufacturing cycle times and lowered our on-hand inventory requirements. Raw materials used in our equipment manufacturing are generally available from multiple sources; however, many outsourced parts and components are only available from a single or limited number of sources.
Our ball bonder, wedge bonder and APAMA bonder manufacturing and assembly is done at our facility in Singapore. Our Hybrid and Electronic Assembly solutions manufacturing and assembly is done at our facility in the Netherlands. We have ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications for our equipment manufacturing facilities in Singapore and the Netherlands.
Aftermarket Products and Services
We manufacture dicing blades, capillaries and a portion of our bonding wedge inventory at our facility in Suzhou, China. The capillaries are made using blanks produced at our facility in Yokneam, Israel. We both produce and outsource the production of our bonding wedges. Both the Suzhou and Yokneam facilities are ISO 9001 certified. The Suzhou facility is also ISO 14001 and ISO 18001 certified.
Spares are manufactured at our facilities in Singapore and Netherlands.
Research and Product Development
Many of our customers generate technology roadmaps describing their projected packaging technology requirements. Our research and product development activities are focused on delivering robust production solutions to those projected requirements. We accomplish this by regularly introducing improved versions of existing products or by developing next-generation products. We follow this product development methodology in all our major product lines. Research and development expense was $100.2 million, $92.4 million, and $90.0 million during fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.
Intellectual Property
Where circumstances warrant, we apply for patents on inventions governing new products and processes developed as part of our ongoing research, engineering, and manufacturing activities. We currently hold a number of U.S. patents, many of which have foreign counterparts. We believe the duration of our patents often exceeds the commercial life cycles of the technologies disclosed and claimed in the patents. Additionally, we believe much of our important technology resides in our trade secrets and proprietary software.
Competition
The market for semiconductor equipment and packaging materials products is intensely competitive. Significant competitive factors in the semiconductor equipment market include price, speed/throughput, production yield, process control, delivery time, innovation, quality and customer support, each of which contribute to lower the overall cost per package being manufactured. Our major equipment competitors include:
Ball bonders: ASM Pacific Technology, Shinkawa Ltd and Kaijo Corporation
Wedge bonders: ASM Pacific Technology, Cho-Onpa, F&K Delvotec, and Hesse Mechatronics
AT Premier bonders: ASM Pacific Technology, Shinkawa Ltd and Kaijo Corporation
APAMA bonders: ASM Pacific Technology, BE Semiconductor Industries N.V., Shibaura Mechatronics Corporation,  Shinkawa Ltd., Toray Industries, Inc, and Hanmi semiconductor Co., Ltd.
APAMA DA bonders: ASM Pacific Technology, BE Semiconductor Industries N.V., Fasford Technology Co., Ltd, Shinkawa Ltd and Canon Semiconductor Equipment Inc.


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Lithographic stepper: Ultratech, Inc., Shanghai Micro Electronics Equipment (Group) Co., Ltd., SÜSS MicroTec AG, and Canon Semiconductor Equipment Inc.
Hybrid solutions: ASM Pacific Technology, BE Semiconductor Industries N.V., , Fuji Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd., and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
Electronic Assembly solutions: ASM Pacific Technology, Fuji Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd., Panasonic Factory Solutions Co., Ltd., and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
Significant competitive factors in the semiconductor packaging materials industry include performance, price, delivery, product life, and quality. Our significant tools competitors include:
Capillaries: PECO, and Small Precision Tools, Inc.
Dicing blades: Disco Corporation and Zhengzhou Shine More Superabrasive Products Co. Ltd
Bonding wedges: Small Precision Tools, Inc. and DeWeyl Tools, Inc.
In each of the markets we serve, we face competition and the threat of competition from established competitors and potential new entrants, some of which may have greater financial, engineering, manufacturing, and marketing resources.
Environmental Matters
We are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations governing, among other things, the generation, storage, use, emission, discharge, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials and the health and safety of our employees. In addition, we are subject to environmental laws which may require investigation and cleanup of any contamination at facilities we own or operate or at third-party waste disposal sites we use or have used.
We have incurred in the past, and expect in the future to incur costs to comply with environmental laws. We are not, however, currently aware of any material costs or liabilities relating to environmental matters, including any claims or actions under environmental laws or obligations to perform any cleanups at any of our facilities or any third-party waste disposal sites, that we expect to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results. However, it is possible that material environmental costs or liabilities may arise in the future.
Business Continuity Management Plan
We have developed and implemented a global Business Continuity Management Plan ("Plan") for our business operations. The Plan is designed to facilitate the prompt resumption of our business operations and functions arising from an event which impacts or potentially impacts our business operations.  As the scale, timing, and impact of disasters and disruptions are unpredictable, the Plan has been designed to be flexible in responding to actual events as they occur.  The Plan provides a structured framework for safeguarding our employees and property, making a financial and operational assessment, protecting our books and records, perpetuating critical business functions, and enabling the continuation of customer transactions.
Employees
As of September 30, 2017, we had approximately 2,778 regular full-time employees and 277 temporary workers worldwide.



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Item 1A. RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
Our operating results and financial condition are adversely impacted by volatile worldwide economic conditions.
Though the semiconductor industry's cycle can be independent of the general economy, global economic conditions may have a direct impact on demand for semiconductor units and ultimately demand for semiconductor capital equipment and tools. Accordingly, our business and financial performance is impacted, both positively and negatively, by fluctuations in the macroeconomic environment. Our visibility into future demand is generally limited and forecasting is difficult. There can be no assurances regarding levels of demand for our products and we believe historic industry-wide volatility will persist.
Unpredictable spending by our customers due to uncertainties in the macroeconomic environment could adversely affect our net revenue and profitability.
We depend upon demand from our customers including IDMs and OSATs, industrial manufacturers and automotive electronics suppliers. Our net revenue and profitability is based upon our customers' anticipated sales. Reductions or other fluctuations in their spending as a result of uncertain conditions in the macroeconomic environment, including from government, economic or fiscal instability, restricted global credit conditions, reduced demand, unbalanced inventory levels, fluctuations in interest rates, higher energy prices, or other conditions, could adversely affect our net revenue and profitability. The impact of general economic slowdowns could make our customers cautious and delay orders until the economic environment becomes clearer.
The semiconductor industry is volatile with sharp periodic downturns and slowdowns. Cyclical industry downturns are made worse by volatile global economic conditions.
Our operating results are significantly affected by the capital expenditures of semiconductor manufacturers, both IDMs and OSATs. Expenditures by our customers depend on the current and anticipated market demand for semiconductors and products that use semiconductors, including mobile devices, personal computers, consumer electronics, telecommunications equipment, automotive components and other industrial products. Significant downturns in the market for semiconductor devices or in general economic conditions reduce demand for our products and can materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
The semiconductor industry is volatile, with periods of rapid growth followed by industry-wide retrenchment. These periodic downturns and slowdowns have adversely affected our business, financial condition and operating results. Downturns have been characterized by, among other things, diminished product demand, excess production capacity, and accelerated erosion of selling prices. Historically these downturns have severely and negatively affected the industry's demand for capital equipment, including assembly equipment and, to a lesser extent, tools. There can be no assurances regarding levels of demand for our products. In any case, we believe the historical volatility of our business, both upward and downward, will persist.
We may experience increasing price pressure.
Typically our average selling prices have declined over time. We seek to offset this decline by continually reducing our cost structure by consolidating operations in lower cost areas, reducing other operating costs, and by pursuing product strategies focused on product performance and customer service. These efforts may not be able to fully offset price declines; therefore, our financial condition and operating results may be materially and adversely affected.
Our quarterly operating results fluctuate significantly and may continue to do so in the future.
In the past, our quarterly operating results have fluctuated significantly. We expect our quarterly results will continue to fluctuate. Although these fluctuations are partly due to the cyclical and volatile nature of the semiconductor industry, they also reflect other factors, many of which are outside of our control.
Some of the factors that may cause our net revenue and operating margins to fluctuate significantly from period to period are:
market downturns;
industry inventory level;
the mix of products we sell because, for example:
certain lines of equipment within our business segments are more profitable than others; and
some sales arrangements have higher gross margins than others;
cancelled or deferred orders;
seasonality;
competitive pricing pressures may force us to reduce prices;


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higher than anticipated costs of development or production of new equipment models;
the availability and cost of the components for our products;
delays in the development and manufacture of our new products and upgraded versions of our products and market acceptance of these products when introduced;
customers' delay in purchasing our products due to anticipation that we or our competitors may introduce new or upgraded products; and
our competitors' introduction of new products.
Many of our expenses, such as research and development, selling, general and administrative expenses, and interest expense, do not vary directly with our net revenue. Our research and development efforts include long-term projects lasting a year or more, which require significant investments. In order to realize the benefits of these projects, we believe that we must continue to fund them even during periods when our revenue has declined. As a result, a decline in our net revenue would adversely affect our operating results as we continue to make these expenditures. In addition, if we were to incur additional expenses in a quarter in which we did not experience comparable increased net revenue, our operating results would decline. In a downturn, we may have excess inventory, which could be written off. Some of the other factors that may cause our expenses to fluctuate from period-to-period include:
timing and extent of our research and development efforts;
severance, restructuring, and other costs of relocating facilities;
inventory write-offs due to obsolescence or other causes; and
an increase in the cost of labor or materials.
Because our net revenue and operating results are volatile and difficult to predict, we believe consecutive period-to-period comparisons of our operating results may not be a good indication of our future performance.
We may not be able to rapidly develop, manufacture and gain market acceptance of new and enhanced products required to maintain or expand our business.
We believe our continued success depends on our ability to continuously develop and manufacture new products and product enhancements on a timely and cost-effective basis. We must introduce these products and product enhancements into the market in a timely manner in response to customers' demands for higher performance assembly equipment and leading-edge materials customized to address rapid technological advances in integrated circuits, and capital equipment designs. Our competitors may develop new products or enhancements to their products that offer improved performance and features, or lower prices which may render our products less competitive. The development and commercialization of new products require significant capital expenditures over an extended period of time, and some products we seek to develop may never become profitable. In addition, we may not be able to develop and introduce products incorporating new technologies in a timely manner that will satisfy our customers' future needs or achieve market acceptance.
The transition from gold to copper wire bonding by our customers and the industry has substantially completed.
Our customers have substantially completed the transition from gold to copper wire bonding. In fiscal 2017, 84% of total ball bonders sold by the Company were copper capable bonders. If our customers transition away from copper wire bonding, there may be a reduced demand for our wire bonders and our financial condition and operating results may be materially and adversely affected.
Substantially all of our sales and manufacturing operations are located outside of the U.S., and we rely on independent foreign distribution channels for certain product lines, all of which subject us to risks, including risks from changes in trade regulations, currency fluctuations, political instability and conflicts.
Approximately 92.9%, 92.4%, and 91.2% of our net revenue for fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively, was for shipments to customers located outside of the U.S., primarily in the Asia/Pacific region. In the Asia/Pacific region, our customer base is also becoming more geographically concentrated as a result of economic and industry conditions. Approximately 40.0%, 33.7% and 31.6% of our net revenue for the fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015 was for shipments to customers located in China.
We expect our future performance to depend on our ability to continue to compete in foreign markets, particularly in the Asia/Pacific region. Some of these economies have been highly volatile, resulting in significant fluctuation in local currencies, and political and economic instability. These conditions may continue or worsen, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
We also rely on non-U.S. suppliers for materials and components used in our products, and substantially all of our manufacturing


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operations are located in countries other than the U.S. We manufacture our ball, wedge and APAMA bonders in Singapore, our Hybrid and Electronic Assembly solutions in the Netherlands, our dicing blades, capillaries and bonding wedges in China and capillary blanks in Israel. In addition, our corporate headquarters is in Singapore and we have sales, service and support personnel in China, Israel, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the U.S., Germany, Mexico and the Netherlands. We also rely on independent foreign distribution channels for certain of our product lines. As a result, a major portion of our business is subject to the risks associated with international, and particularly Asia/Pacific, commerce, such as:
risks of war and civil disturbances or other events that may limit or disrupt manufacturing and markets;
seizure of our foreign assets, including cash;
longer payment cycles in foreign markets;
foreign exchange restrictions and capital controls;
restrictions on the repatriation of our assets, including cash;
significant foreign and U.S. taxes on repatriated cash;
difficulties of staffing and managing dispersed international operations;
possible disagreements with tax authorities;
episodic events outside our control such as, for example, outbreaks of influenza or other illnesses;
natural disasters such as earthquakes, fires or floods;
tariff and currency fluctuations;
changing political conditions;
labor work stoppages and strikes in our factories or the factories of our suppliers;
foreign governments' monetary policies and regulatory requirements;
less protective foreign intellectual property laws;
new laws and regulations; and
legal systems which are less developed and may be less predictable than those in the U.S.
In addition, there is a potential risk of conflict and instability in the relationship between Taiwan and China. Conflict or instability could disrupt the operations of our customers and/or suppliers in both Taiwan and China. Additionally, our manufacturing operations in China could be disrupted by any conflict.
Our international operations also depend upon favorable trade relations between the U.S. and those foreign countries in which our customers, subcontractors and materials suppliers have operations. A protectionist trade environment in either the U.S. or those foreign countries in which we do business, such as a change in the current tariff structures, export compliance or other trade policies, may materially and adversely affect our ability to sell our products in foreign markets.
Increased labor costs and competition for qualified personnel may reduce the efficiency of our flexible manufacturing model and adversely impact our operating results.
There is some uncertainty with respect to the pace of rising labor costs in the various countries in which we operate. In addition, there is substantial competition in China, Singapore, Israel and the Netherlands for qualified and capable personnel, which may make it difficult for us to recruit and retain qualified employees. If we are unable to staff sufficient personnel at our China, Singapore, Israel and the Netherlands facilities or if there are increases in labor costs that we are unable to recover in our pricing to our customers, we may experience increased manufacturing costs, which would adversely affect our operating results.
We are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates that could negatively impact our financial results and cash flows.
Because most of our foreign sales are denominated in U.S. dollars or Euros, an increase in value of the U.S. dollar or the Euro against foreign currencies will make our products more expensive than those offered by some of our foreign competitors. In addition, a weakening of the U.S. dollar against other currencies other than the Euro could make our costs in non-U.S. locations more expensive to fund. Our ability to compete overseas may therefore be materially and adversely affected by the fluctuations of the U.S. dollar or the Euro against other currencies.
Because nearly all of our business is conducted outside the U.S., we face exposure to adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates which could have a material adverse impact on our financial results and cash flows. Historically, our primary exposures have related to net working capital exposures denominated in currencies other than the foreign subsidiaries' functional currency, and remeasurement of our foreign subsidiaries' net monetary assets from the subsidiaries' local currency into the subsidiaries' functional currency. In general, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar could require certain of our foreign subsidiaries


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to record translation and remeasurement gains. Conversely, a decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar could require certain of our foreign subsidiaries to record losses on translation and remeasurement. An increase in the value of the U.S. dollar could increase the cost to our customers of our products in those markets outside the U.S. where we sell in U.S. dollars, and a weakened U.S. dollar could increase the cost of local operating expenses and procurement of raw materials, both of which could have an adverse effect on our cash flows. Our primary exposures include the Singapore Dollar, Chinese Yuan, Japanese Yen, Malaysian Ringgit, Swiss Franc, Philippine Peso, Thai Baht, Taiwan Dollar, South Korean Won, Israeli Shekel and Euro. Although we from time to time have entered into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge certain foreign currency exposure of our operating expenses, our attempts to hedge against these risks may not be successful and may result in a material adverse impact on our financial results and cash flows.
We may not be able to continue to consolidate manufacturing and other facilities or entities without incurring unanticipated costs and disruptions to our business.
As part of our ongoing efforts to drive further efficiency, we may consolidate our manufacturing and other facilities or entities. Should we consolidate, we may experience unanticipated events, including the actions of governments, suppliers, employees or customers, which may result in unanticipated costs and disruptions to our business.
Our business depends on attracting and retaining management, marketing and technical employees as well as on the succession of senior management.
Our future success depends on our ability to hire and retain qualified management, marketing, finance, accounting and technical employees, including senior management. Experienced personnel with the relevant and necessary skill sets in our industry are in high demand and competition for their talents is intense, especially in Asia, where most of the Company’s key personnel are located. If we are unable to continue to attract and retain the managerial, marketing, finance, accounting and technical personnel we require, our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially and adversely affected.
Effective succession planning is also important to our long-term success. Failure to ensure effective transfer of knowledge and smooth transitions involving senior management could hinder our strategic planning and execution. From time to time, senior management or other key employees may leave our company. While we strive to reduce the negative impact of such changes, the loss of any key employee could result in significant disruptions to our operations, including adversely affecting the timeliness of product releases, the successful implementation and completion of company initiatives, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting, and the results of our operations. In addition, hiring, training, and successfully integrating replacement critical personnel could be time consuming, may cause additional disruptions to our operations, and may be unsuccessful, which could negatively impact future revenues.
Difficulties in forecasting demand for our product lines may lead to periodic inventory shortages or excesses.
We typically operate our business with limited visibility of future demand. As a result, we sometimes experience inventory shortages or excesses. We generally order supplies and otherwise plan our production based on internal forecasts for demand. We have in the past failed, and may again in the future fail, to accurately forecast demand for our products. This has led to, and may in the future lead to, delays in product shipments or, alternatively, an increased risk of inventory obsolescence. If we fail to accurately forecast demand for our products, our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially and adversely affected.
Alternative packaging technologies may render some of our products obsolete and materially and adversely affect our overall business and financial results.
Alternative packaging technologies have emerged that may improve device performance or reduce the size of an integrated circuit package, as compared to traditional wire bonding. These technologies include flip chip and WLP. Some of these alternative technologies eliminate the need for wires to establish the electrical connection between a die and its package. The semiconductor industry may, in the future, shift a significant part of its volume into alternative packaging technologies which do not employ our products. If a significant shift to alternative packaging technologies to a technology not offered by us were to occur, demand for our equipment and related packaging materials may be materially and adversely affected. Given the lack of a significant alternate revenue stream other than wire bonding, a reduced demand for our equipment could materially and adversely affect our financial results.
Because a small number of customers account for most of our sales, our net revenue could decline if we lose a significant customer.
The semiconductor manufacturing industry is highly concentrated, with a relatively small number of large semiconductor manufacturers and their subcontract assemblers and vertically integrated manufacturers of electronic systems purchasing a substantial portion of our semiconductor assembly equipment and packaging materials. Sales to a relatively small number of


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customers have historically accounted for a significant percentage of our net revenue. Sales to our largest customers, which we define as representing more than 10% of our net revenue, comprised 10.1% and 11.5% of our net revenue for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, respectively, and sales to our ten largest customers comprised 47.3% and 47.6% of our net revenue for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, respectively.
We expect a small number of customers will continue to account for a high percentage of our net revenue for the foreseeable future. Thus, our business success depends on our ability to maintain strong relationships with our customers. Any one of a number of factors could adversely affect these relationships. If, for example, during periods of escalating demand for our equipment, we were unable to add inventory and production capacity quickly enough to meet the needs of our customers, they may turn to other suppliers making it more difficult for us to retain their business. If we lose orders from a significant customer, or if a significant customer reduces its orders substantially, these losses or reductions may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
We maintain a backlog of customer orders that is subject to cancellation, reduction or delay in delivery schedules, which may result in lower than expected revenues.
We manufacture products primarily pursuant to purchase orders for current delivery or to forecast, rather than pursuant to long-term supply contracts. As a result, we must commit resources to the manufacture of products without binding purchase commitments from customers. The semiconductor industry is occasionally subject to double-booking and rapid changes in customer outlooks or unexpected build ups of inventory in the supply channel as a result of shifts in end market demand and macro-economic conditions. Accordingly, many of these purchase orders or forecasts may be revised or canceled without penalty. Even in cases where our standard terms and conditions of sale or other contractual arrangements do not permit a customer to cancel an order without penalty, we may from time to time accept cancellations to maintain customer relationships or because of industry practice, custom or other factors. Our inability to sell products after we devote significant resources to them could have a material adverse effect on both our levels of inventory and revenues. While we currently believe our inventory levels are appropriate for the current economic environment, continued global economic uncertainty may result in lower than expected demand.
We send products and equipment to customers or potential customers for trial, evaluation or other purposes which may result in retrofit charges, impairments or write-down of inventory value if the products and equipment are not subsequently purchased by the customers.
From time to time we send certain products and equipment to customers or potential customers for testing, evaluation or other purposes in advance of receiving any confirmation of purchase or purchase orders. Such equipment may be at the customer location for an extended period of time per the agreements with these customers and potential customers. The customer may refuse to buy all or partial quantities of such product or equipment and return this back to us. As a result, we may incur charges to retrofit the machines or sell the machines as second hand at a lower price, and accordingly may have to record impairments on the returned inventory, all of which would adversely affect our operating results.
Undetected problems in our products could directly impair our financial results.
If flaws in design, production, assembly or testing of our products (by us or our suppliers) were to occur, we could experience a rate of failure in our products that would result in substantial repair, replacement or service costs and potential damage to our reputation. Continued improvement in manufacturing capabilities, control of material and manufacturing quality and costs and product testing are critical factors in our future growth. There can be no assurance that our efforts to monitor, develop, modify and implement appropriate tests and manufacturing processes for our products will be sufficient to permit us to avoid a rate of failure in our products that results in substantial delays in shipment, significant repair or replacement costs or potential damage to our reputation, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Costs related to product defect and errata may harm our results of operations and business.
Costs of product defects and errata (deviations from product specifications) due to, for example, problems in our design and manufacturing processes, or those of our suppliers, could include:
writing off the value of inventory;
disposing of products that cannot be fixed;
retrofitting products that have been shipped;
providing product replacements or modifications; and
defending against litigation.


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These costs could be large and may increase expenses and lower our operating profits. Our reputation with customers or end users could be damaged as a result of product defects and errata, and product demand could be reduced. These factors could harm our business and financial results.
We depend on our suppliers, including sole source suppliers, for critical raw materials, components and subassemblies. If our suppliers do not deliver their products to us, we would be unable to deliver our products to our customers.
Our products are complex and require raw materials, components and subassemblies having a high degree of reliability, accuracy and performance. We rely on subcontractors to manufacture many of these components and subassemblies and we rely on sole source suppliers for many components and raw materials. As a result, we are exposed to a number of significant risks, including:
decreased control over the manufacturing process for components and subassemblies;
changes in our manufacturing processes in response to changes in the market, which may delay our shipments;
our inadvertent use of defective or contaminated raw materials;
the relatively small operations and limited manufacturing resources of some of our suppliers, which may limit their ability to manufacture and sell subassemblies, components or parts in the volumes we require and at acceptable quality levels and prices;
the inability of suppliers to meet customer demand requirements during volatile cycles;
reliability or quality issues with certain key subassemblies provided by single source suppliers as to which we may not have any short term alternative;
shortages caused by disruptions at our suppliers and subcontractors for a variety of reasons, including work stoppage or fire, earthquake, flooding or other natural disasters;
delays in the delivery of raw materials or subassemblies, which, in turn, may delay shipments to our customers;
loss of suppliers as a result of consolidation of suppliers in the industry; and
loss of suppliers because of their bankruptcy or insolvency.
If we are unable to deliver products to our customers on time and at expected cost for these or any other reasons, or we are unable to meet customer expectations as to cycle time, or we are unable to maintain acceptable product quality or reliability, our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially and adversely affected.
Regulations related to “conflict minerals” may force us to incur additional expenses, may make our supply chain more complex and may result in damage to our reputation with customers.
In 2012, under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, or the Dodd-Frank Act, the SEC adopted requirements for companies that use certain minerals and metals, known as conflict minerals, in their products, regardless of whether these products are manufactured by third parties. These requirements require companies to conduct due diligence and disclose whether or not such minerals originate from the Democratic Republic of Congo and certain adjoining countries. These requirements could adversely affect the sourcing, availability and pricing of minerals used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, including our products. In addition, since our supply chain is complex, we may not be able to sufficiently verify the origins for these minerals and metals used in our products through the due diligence procedures that we implement, which may harm our reputation. In such event, we may also face difficulties in satisfying customers who require that all of the components of our products are certified as conflict mineral free.
We may acquire or divest businesses or enter into joint ventures or strategic alliances, which may materially affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
We continually evaluate our portfolio of businesses and may decide to buy or sell businesses or enter into joint ventures or other strategic alliances. We may be unable to successfully integrate acquired businesses with our existing businesses and successfully implement, improve and expand our systems, procedures and controls to accommodate these acquisitions. These transactions place additional demands on our management and current labor force. Additionally, these transactions require significant resources from our legal, finance and business teams. In addition, we may divest existing businesses, which would cause a decline in revenue and may make our financial results more volatile. If we fail to integrate and manage acquired businesses successfully or to manage the risks associated with divestitures, joint ventures or other alliances, our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially and adversely affected.




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The market price of our common shares and our earnings per share may decline as a result of any acquisitions or divestitures.
The market price of our common shares may decline as a result of any acquisitions or divestitures made by us if we do not achieve the perceived benefits of such acquisitions or divestitures as rapidly or to the extent anticipated by financial or industry analysts or if the effect on our financial results is not consistent with the expectations of financial or industry analysts. In addition, the failure to achieve expected benefits and unanticipated costs relating to our acquisitions could reduce our future earnings per share.
We may be unable to continue to compete successfully in the highly competitive semiconductor equipment and packaging materials industries.
The semiconductor equipment and packaging materials industries are very competitive. In the semiconductor equipment industry, significant competitive factors include price, speed/throughput, production yield, process control, delivery time, innovation, quality and customer support. In the semiconductor packaging materials industry, competitive factors include price, delivery and quality.
In each of our markets, we face competition and the threat of competition from established competitors and potential new entrants. In addition, established competitors may combine to form larger, better capitalized companies. Some of our competitors have or may have significantly greater financial, engineering, manufacturing and marketing resources. Some of these competitors are Asian and European companies that have had, and may continue to have, an advantage over us in supplying products to local customers who appear to prefer to purchase from local suppliers, without regard to other considerations.
We expect our competitors to improve their current products' performance, and to introduce new products and materials with improved price and performance characteristics. Our competitors may independently develop technology similar to or better than ours. New product and material introductions by existing competitors or by new market entrants could hurt our sales. If a semiconductor manufacturer or subcontract assembler selects a competitor's product or materials for a particular assembly operation, we may not be able to sell products or materials to that manufacturer or assembler for a significant period of time. Manufacturers and assemblers sometimes develop lasting relationships with suppliers and assembly equipment providers in our industry and often go years without requiring replacement. In addition, we may have to lower our prices in response to price cuts by our competitors, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. If we cannot compete successfully, we could be forced to reduce prices and could lose customers and experience reduced margins and profitability.
Our success depends in part on our intellectual property, which we may be unable to protect.
Our success depends in part on our proprietary technology. To protect this technology, we rely principally on contractual restrictions (such as nondisclosure and confidentiality provisions) in our agreements with employees, subcontractors, vendors, consultants and customers and on the common law of trade secrets and proprietary “know-how.” We also rely, in some cases, on patent and copyright protection, although this protection may in some cases be insufficient as the duration of our patents often exceeds the commercial life cycles of the technologies disclosed and claimed in the patents due to the rapid development of technology in our industry. We may not be successful in protecting our technology for a number of reasons, including the following:
employees, subcontractors, vendors, consultants and customers may violate their contractual agreements, and the cost of enforcing those agreements may be prohibitive, or those agreements may be unenforceable or more limited than we anticipate;
foreign intellectual property laws may not adequately protect our intellectual property rights; and
our patent and copyright claims may not be sufficiently broad to effectively protect our technology; our patents or copyrights may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented; or we may otherwise be unable to obtain adequate protection for our technology.
In addition, our partners and alliances may have rights to technology developed by us. We may incur significant expense to protect or enforce our intellectual property rights. If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, our competitive position may be weakened.
Third parties may claim we are infringing on their intellectual property, which could cause us to incur significant litigation costs or other expenses, or prevent us from selling some of our products.
The semiconductor industry is characterized by rapid technological change, with frequent introductions of new products and technologies. Industry participants often develop products and features similar to those introduced by others, creating a risk that their products and processes may give rise to claims they infringe on the intellectual property of others. We may unknowingly infringe on the intellectual property rights of others and incur significant liability for that infringement. If we are found to have infringed on the intellectual property rights of others, we could be enjoined from continuing to manufacture, market or use the


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affected product, or be required to obtain a license to continue manufacturing or using the affected product. A license could be very expensive to obtain or may not be available at all. Similarly, changing or re-engineering our products or processes to avoid infringing the rights of others may be costly, impractical or time consuming.
Occasionally, third parties assert that we are, or may be, infringing on or misappropriating their intellectual property rights. In these cases, we defend, and will continue to defend, against claims or negotiate licenses where we consider these actions appropriate. Intellectual property cases are uncertain and involve complex legal and factual questions. If we become involved in this type of litigation, it could consume significant resources and divert our attention from our business.
We may be materially and adversely affected by environmental and safety laws and regulations.
We are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations governing, among other things, the generation, storage, use, emission, discharge, transportation and disposal of hazardous material, investigation and remediation of contaminated sites and the health and safety of our employees. Increasingly, public attention has focused on the environmental impact of manufacturing operations and the risk to neighbors of chemical releases from such operations.
Proper waste disposal plays an important role in the operation of our manufacturing plants. In many of our facilities we maintain wastewater treatment systems that remove metals and other contaminants from process wastewater. These facilities operate under permits that must be renewed periodically. A violation of those permits may lead to revocation of the permits, fines, penalties or the incurrence of capital or other costs to comply with the permits, including potential shutdown of operations.
Compliance with existing or future, land use, environmental and health and safety laws and regulations may: (1) result in significant costs to us for additional capital equipment or other process requirements, (2) restrict our ability to expand our operations and/or (3) cause us to curtail our operations. We also could incur significant costs, including cleanup costs, fines or other sanctions and third-party claims for property damage or personal injury, as a result of violations of or liabilities under such laws and regulations. Any costs or liabilities to comply with or imposed under these laws and regulations could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
We have the ability to issue additional equity securities, which would lead to dilution of our issued and outstanding common shares.
The issuance of additional equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities will result in dilution of our existing shareholders' equity interests in us. Our board of directors has the authority to issue, without vote or action of shareholders, preferred shares in one or more series, and has the ability to fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of any such series. Any such series of preferred shares could contain dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, redemption prices, liquidation preferences or other rights superior to the rights of holders of our common shares. In addition, we are authorized to issue, without shareholder approval, up to an aggregate of 200 million common shares, of which approximately 70.2 million shares were outstanding as of September 30, 2017. We are also authorized to issue, without shareholder approval, securities convertible into either common shares or preferred shares.
Weaknesses in our internal controls and procedures could result in material misstatements in our financial statements. (As Restated)
Pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal controls over financial reporting are processes designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. A material weakness is a control deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, that results in a more than remote likelihood that a material misstatement of annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected.
Our internal controls may not prevent all potential errors or fraud. Any control system, no matter how well designed and implemented, can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance that the objectives of the control system will be achieved. We or our independent registered public accountants may identify material weaknesses in our internal controls which could adversely affect our ability to ensure proper financial reporting and could affect investor confidence in us and the price of our common shares. As of September 30, 2017, the Company has identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. See Part II, Item 9A, Controls and Procedures, for more details. Any failure to implement new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, restrict our ability to access capital markets, require us to expend significant resources, subject us to fines, penalties or judgments, harm our reputation or otherwise cause a decline in investor confidence.


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Management investigations and restatement of financial statements may require significant management time and attention, result in significant legal expenses or damages and cause our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows to suffer. (As Restated)
In connection with an internal investigation related to an unauthorized transaction by a senior finance employee of the Company, which was discovered following our second fiscal quarter of 2018 and which, as noted elsewhere in this Annual Report, has lead to the restatement of certain of our financial statements, we have incurred significant accounting and legal fees, as well as the diversion of management's time and attention. We are subject to legal action relating to these matters and may also become subject to regulatory investigations, stockholder demands or other legal actions, which would, regardless of the outcome, consume substantial resources (including management's time and attention) and result in additional legal, accounting, insurance and other costs. The restatement and related matters could also impair our reputation and our ability to comply with certain continued listing standards of NASDAQ. Each of these occurrences, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and stock price.
We may be subject to disruptions or failures in our information technology systems and network infrastructures that could have a material adverse effect on us.
We maintain and rely extensively on information technology systems and network infrastructures for the effective operation of our business. We also hold large amounts of data in data center facilities around the world, primarily in Singapore and the U.S., which our business depends upon. A disruption, infiltration or failure of our information technology systems or any of our data centers as a result of software or hardware malfunctions, computer viruses, cyber-attacks, employee theft or misuse, power disruptions, natural disasters or accidents could cause breaches of data security and loss of critical data, which in turn could materially adversely affect our business. Our security procedures, such as virus protection software and our business continuity planning, such as our disaster recovery policies and back-up systems, may not be adequate or implemented properly to fully address the adverse effect of such events, which could adversely impact our operations. In addition, our business could be adversely affected to the extent we do not make the appropriate level of investment in our technology systems as our technology systems become out-of-date or obsolete and are not able to deliver the type of data integrity and reporting we need to run our business. Furthermore, when we implement new systems and or upgrade existing systems, we could be faced with temporary or prolonged disruptions that could adversely affect our business.
We have experienced, and expect to continue to be subject to, cybersecurity threats and incidents, ranging from employee error or misuse to individual attempts to gain unauthorized access to information systems to sophisticated and targeted measures known as advanced persistent threats, none of which have been material to the Company to date. We devote significant resources to network security and other measures to protect our systems and data from unauthorized access or misuse. However, depending on the nature and scope, cybersecurity incidents could result in business disruption; the misappropriation, corruption or loss of confidential information and critical data (of the Company or that of third parties); reputational damage; litigation with third parties; diminution in the value of our investment in research, development and engineering; data privacy issues; and increased cybersecurity protection and remediation costs.
If the tax holiday arrangements we have negotiated in Singapore change or cease to be in effect or applicable, in part or in whole, for any reason, the amount of corporate income taxes we have to pay could significantly increase.
We have structured our operations to maximize the benefit from tax holidays extended to us in Singapore to encourage investment or employment. We have the Development and Expansion Incentive (“DEI”) from Singapore Economic Development Board, an agency of the Government of Singapore, which provides that certain classes of income we earn in Singapore are subject to reduced rates of Singapore income tax. In order to retain the tax benefit, we must meet certain operating conditions, among other things, maintenance of certain global headquarters functions, specified IP activities and specified manufacturing activities in Singapore. The DEI is presently scheduled to expire in 2020. Renewals and extensions of the DEI are at the discretion of the Singapore government, and we may not be able to extend the tax incentive arrangement after its expiration on similar terms or at all. We may also elect not to renew or extend this tax incentive arrangement. In the absence of DEI, the corporate income tax rate in Singapore that would otherwise apply would be 17%. The tax incentive is also subject to our compliance with various operating and other conditions. If we cannot, or elect not to, comply with the operating conditions included in the tax incentive, we will lose the related tax benefits. In such event, we could be required to refund material tax benefits previously realized by us with respect to that incentive.
Risks Related to the Liteq Acquisition
We face risks associated with integrating Liteq into the Company.


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The successful expansion of our business and operations resulting from the Liteq acquisition will require significant time, effort, attention and dedication of management and may strain our operational and financial resources. It is possible that integrating Liteq and its businesses into the Company could result in changes to or pressure on compliance with standards, controls, procedures and policies. This process could expose us to risks and challenges, including:
unanticipated issues in coordinating information, communication and other systems;
unexpected loss of key employees;
distraction of management attention from our other businesses;
the need to modify operating and accounting controls and procedures; and
foreign currency fluctuation that could negatively impact our financial results and cash flows.
In addition, it is possible that our exposure to potential liabilities resulting from Liteq’s business, some of which may be material or unknown, could exceed amounts we can recover through indemnification claims.
These types of challenges and uncertainties could have a material adverse effect on our business, cash flows, results of operations and financial condition.
We may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of the Liteq acquisition.
The Liteq acquisition is intended to expand our presence in the advanced packaging market. The success of the Liteq acquisition will depend on, among other things, our ability to integrate Liteq and its businesses into the Company. Liteq's businesses are also subject to certain risks that may negatively affect the financial results for our Capital Equipment business segment, including, among others, the following:
Liteq’s business is largely dependent on the introduction and adoption by customers of our lithography solutions for advanced packaging. There is no assurance that the new products or technology introduction will be successful in demonstrating functionality and performance or will be accepted in the market with customers in commercial applications.
The goodwill established in connection with our acquisition of Liteq represents the estimated future economic benefits arising from the assets we have acquired that did not qualify to be identified and recognized individually. The goodwill also includes the value of expected future cash flows of Liteq, expected synergies with our other affiliates and other unidentifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is deemed to have an indefinite useful life and is subject to review for impairment annually, or more frequently, whenever circumstances indicate potential impairment. The value of goodwill is supported by revenue, which is driven primarily by transaction volume. Intangible assets other than goodwill primarily consist of developed technology.
The calculation of the estimated fair value of goodwill and other intangibles requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions that are highly subjective in nature, such as attrition rates, discount rates, future expected cash flows and market conditions. Our estimates are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. If actual results differ from our assumptions, we may not realize the full value of our intangible assets and goodwill.
For these and other reasons there can be no assurance that the anticipated synergies and benefits from the transaction will be realized fully or at all. If we fail to realize the full value of our intangible assets and goodwill related to the acquisition, we may be required to write down or write off all such intangible assets or goodwill. Such an impairment of our goodwill or intangible assets could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Other Risks
Our ability to recognize tax benefits on future domestic U.S. tax losses and our existing U.S. net operating loss position may be limited.
We have generated net operating loss carry-forwards and other tax attributes for U.S. tax purposes (“Tax Benefits”) that can be used to reduce our future federal income tax obligations. Under the Tax Reform Act of 1986, the potential future utilization of our Tax Benefits for U.S. tax purposes may be limited following an ownership change. An ownership change is generally defined as a greater than 50% point increase in equity ownership by 5% shareholders in any three-year period under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. An ownership change may significantly limit our ability to fully utilize our net operating losses which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and operating results. Certain foreign jurisdictions may also have rules that are similar to the U.S. on limiting utilization of tax attributes resulting from an ownership change. As of September 30, 2017, we have foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $95.8 million, domestic state net operating loss carryforwards of $165.8 million,


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federal tax credit carryforwards of $24.3 million, and state tax credit carryforwards of $4.9 million that can reduce future taxable income.
Potential changes to U.S. and foreign tax laws could increase our income tax expense.
We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and many foreign jurisdictions. Tax authorities in some of the jurisdictions in which we do business, including the U.S., have proposed or announced that they are reviewing tax changes that could potentially increase taxes, and other revenue-raising laws and regulations. It is unclear whether these proposed tax revisions will be enacted, or, if enacted, what the scope of the revisions will be. Changes in U.S. and foreign tax laws, if enacted, could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.
Anti-takeover provisions in our articles of incorporation and bylaws, and under Pennsylvania law may discourage other companies from attempting to acquire us.
Some provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws as well as Pennsylvania law may discourage some transactions where we would otherwise experience a fundamental change. For example, our articles of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that:
classify our board of directors into four classes, with one class being elected each year;
permit our board to issue “blank check” preferred shares without shareholder approval; and
prohibit us from engaging in some types of business combinations with a holder of 20% or more of our voting securities without super-majority board or shareholder approval.
Further, under the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law, because our shareholders approved bylaw provisions that provide for a classified board of directors, shareholders may remove directors only for cause. These provisions and some other provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law could delay, defer or prevent us from experiencing a fundamental change and may adversely affect our common shareholders' voting and other rights.
Terrorist attacks, or other acts of violence or war may affect the markets in which we operate and our profitability.
Terrorist attacks may negatively affect our operations. There can be no assurance that there will not be further terrorist attacks against the U.S. or U.S. businesses. Terrorist attacks or armed conflicts may directly impact our physical facilities or those of our suppliers or customers. Our primary facilities include administrative, manufacturing, sales and research and development facilities in Singapore, manufacturing and research and development facilities in the Netherlands, China, and Israel and sales and research and development facilities in the U.S. Additional terrorist attacks may disrupt the global insurance and reinsurance industries with the result that we may not be able to obtain insurance at historical terms and levels for all of our facilities. Furthermore, additional attacks may make travel and the transportation of our supplies and products more difficult and more expensive and ultimately affect the sales of our products in the U.S. and overseas. Additional attacks or any broader conflict, could negatively impact our domestic and international sales, our supply chain, our production capability and our ability to deliver products to our customers. Political and economic instability in some regions of the world could negatively impact our business. The consequences of terrorist attacks or armed conflicts are unpredictable, and we may not be able to foresee events that could have an adverse effect on our business.


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PART II
Item 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected financial information for each of the fiscal years ended 2017, 2016, 2015 and as of September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, was derived from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K/A and has been adjusted for the restatement described in Note 2, "Restatement of Consolidated Financial Statements," which is included in "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" in Item 8 of this Form 10-K/A. The selected financial information for the fiscal years ended in 2014 and 2013 and as of 2015, 2014 and 2013 was derived from consolidated financial statements not included in this filing; however, such financial information has been similarly adjusted for the restatement.
This data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, including notes and other financial information included elsewhere in this report in respect of the fiscal years identified in the column headings of the tables below.
 
Fiscal
(in thousands)
2017
As Restated
 
2016
As Restated
 
2015
As Restated
 
2014 (2)
As Restated
 
2013 (3)
As Restated
Statement of Operations Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net revenue
809,041

 
627,192

 
536,471

 
568,569

 
534,938

Income from operations
113,083

 
53,953

 
38,591

 
77,906

 
66,135

Interest income, net
5,432

 
2,211

 
454

 
149

 
862

Income before income tax
118,515

 
56,164

 
39,045

 
78,055

 
66,997

Income tax (benefit) / expense(1) 
(7,394
)
 
7,709

 
(12,867
)
 
14,191

 
7,326

Share of results of equity-method investee, net of tax
(190
)
 

 

 

 

Net income
$
126,099

 
$
48,455

 
$
51,912

 
$
63,864

 
$
59,671

 
Fiscal
 
2017
As Restated
 
2016
As Restated
 
2015
As Restated

2014(2)
As Restated
 
2013(3)
As Restated
Per Share Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
1.78

 
$
0.69

 
$
0.69

 
$
0.84

 
$
0.79

Diluted
$
1.75

 
$
0.68

 
$
0.69

 
$
0.83

 
$
0.78

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
70,906

 
70,477

 
75,414

 
76,396

 
75,132

Diluted
72,063

 
70,841

 
75,659

 
77,292

 
76,190

 
Fiscal
(in thousands)
2017
As Restated
 
2016
As Restated
 
2015(4)
As Restated
 
2014(2)
As Restated
 
2013(3)
As Restated
Balance Sheet Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
$
608,410

 
$
547,907

 
$
498,614

 
$
597,086

 
$
525,040

Working capital
760,401

 
654,983

 
624,659

 
746,223

 
665,948

Total assets
1,171,107

 
982,444

 
904,466

 
944,448

 
862,994

Long-term and current portion of financing obligation
16,769

 
17,318

 
17,003

 
19,616

 
19,396

Shareholders' equity
920,030

 
799,524

 
760,912

 
776,990

 
703,537


(1)
The following are there most significant factors that affected our provision for income taxes: volatility in our earnings each


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fiscal year and variation in earnings among various tax jurisdictions in which we operate; changes in assumptions regarding repatriation of earnings; changes in tax legislation; and our provision for various tax exposure items.
(2)
Previously reported financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2014 have been restated for certain adjustments as described in the "Explanatory Note" immediately preceding Part I of this Form 10-K/A. The effect of the restatements include a $10.1 million decrease to working capital (consisting of an increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities) and $9.6 million decrease in shareholders' equity (consisting of a decrease in retained earnings). In addition, restatements to the cost of sales decreased previously reported income from operations, income before income tax and net income by $0.9 million ($0.02 per diluted common share).
(3)
Previously reported financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 28, 2013 have been restated for certain adjustments as described in the "Explanatory Note" immediately preceding Part I of this Form 10-K/A. The effect of the restatements include a $11.0 million decrease to working capital (consisting of an increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities) and $10.5 million decrease in shareholders' equity (consisting of a decrease in retained earnings). In addition, restatements to the cost of sales decreased previously reported income from operations, income before income tax and net income by $0.3 million.

(4) Previously reported balance sheets as of October 3, 2015 have been restated for certain adjustments as described in the "Explanatory Note" immediately preceding Part I of this Form 10-K/A. The effect of the restatements include an $8.8 million decrease to working capital (consisting of an increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities) and an $8.3 million decrease in shareholders' equity (consisting of a decrease in retained earnings).


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Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
All of the financial information presented in this Item 7 has been revised to reflect the restatement of our consolidated financial statements described in Note 2 - Restatement of Consolidated Financial Statements, which is included in "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" in Item 8 of this Form 10-K/A.
In addition to historical information, this filing contains statements relating to future events or our future results. These statements are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and are subject to the safe harbor provisions created by statute. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our future revenue, increasing, continuing or strengthening, or decreasing or weakening, demand for our products, replacement demand, our research and development efforts, our ability to identify and realize new growth opportunities, our ability to control costs and our operational flexibility as a result of (among other factors):
projected growth rates in the overall semiconductor industry, the semiconductor assembly equipment market, and the market for semiconductor packaging materials; and
projected demand for ball, wedge bonder, advanced packaging and electronic assembly equipment and for tools, spares and services.
Generally, words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “plan,” “continue,” “goal” and “believe,” or the negative of or other variations on these and other similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this filing. We do not undertake to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties. Our future results could differ significantly from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those described below and under the heading “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A (the “Annual Report” or "Form 10-K/A") and our other reports and registration statements filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
We operate in a rapidly changing and competitive environment. New risks emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all risks that may affect us. Future events and actual results, performance and achievements could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by or underlying the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they were made. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect actual results or changes in, or additions to, the factors affecting such forward-looking statements. Given those risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as predictions of actual results.
Our Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") is provided in addition to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes to assist readers in understanding our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. MD&A is organized as follows:
Overview:  Introduction of our operations, key events, business environment, technology leadership, products and services
Critical Accounting Policies
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Results of Operations
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Other Obligations and Contingent Payments
Overview
For an overview of our business, see "Part I – Item 1. – Business"
Segment Realignment
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, we reorganized our reporting structure into two reportable segments consisting of: (i) Capital Equipment; and (ii) APS. As a result of this re-alignment, the Company has aggregated twelve operating segments as of September 30, 2017, with six operating segments within the Capital Equipment reportable segment and six operating segments in the APS reportable segment. Subsequently, we have recasted financial results for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015 based on the revised segment structure. The change in the segments was a result of changes to our organizational structure initiated during the


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fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 to streamline business operations to improve profitability and competitiveness and reflects a change in the manner in which our chief operating decision maker reviews information to assess our performance and make decisions about resource allocation. As part of these actions, we transitioned to a new internal management structure whereby the operating management responsible for tools used to assemble semiconductor devices, including integrated circuits (“ICs”), high and low powered discrete devices, light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”) and power modules, services, spares, maintenance, repair and upgrading operating segments was brought under common leadership in the APS segment. The restructuring actions were completed during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017. Subsequent to the reorganization, the Capital Equipment segment comprises of the manufacturing and selling of ball bonders, wafer level bonders, wedge bonders, advanced packaging and electronic assembly solutions to semiconductor device manufacturers, IDMs, OSATs, other electronics manufacturers and automotive electronics suppliers.
For further information on our operating segments and the reorganization actions, please refer to Note 16, "Segment Information," to our Consolidated Financial Statements included under "Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K/A. Our prior period reportable segment information has been recasted to reflect the current segment structure and conform to the current period presentation.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires us to make assumptions, estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, net revenue and expenses during the reporting periods, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate estimates, including but not limited to, those related to accounts receivable, reserves for excess and obsolete inventory, carrying value and lives of fixed assets, goodwill and intangible assets, valuation allowances for deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities, repatriation of un-remitted foreign subsidiary earnings, equity-based compensation expense and warranties. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. As a result, we make judgments regarding the carrying values of our assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Authoritative pronouncements, historical experience and assumptions are used as the basis for making estimates, and on an ongoing basis, we evaluate these estimates. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
We believe the following critical accounting policies, which have been reviewed with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, reflect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition
In accordance with ASC No. 605, Revenue Recognition, we recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable, the collectability is reasonably assured, and customer acceptance, when applicable, has been received or we otherwise have been released from customer acceptance obligations. If terms of the sale provide for a customer acceptance period, revenue is recognized upon the expiration of the acceptance period or customer acceptance, whichever occurs first. Services revenue is generally recognized over the period that the services are provided.
Our business is subject to contingencies related to customer orders, including:
Right of Return: A large portion of our revenue comes from the sale of machines used in the semiconductor assembly process. Other product sales relate to consumable products, which are sold in high-volume quantities, and are generally maintained at low stock levels at our customer's facility. Customer returns have historically represented a very small percentage of customer sales on an annual basis.
Warranties: Our equipment is generally shipped with a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects. We establish reserves for estimated warranty expense when revenue for the related equipment is recognized. The reserve for estimated warranty expense is based upon historical experience and management's estimate of future expenses, including product parts replacement, freight charges and labor costs expected to be incurred to correct product failures during the warranty period.
Conditions of Acceptance: Sales of our consumable products generally do not have customer acceptance terms. In certain cases, sales of our equipment have customer acceptance clauses which may require the equipment to perform in accordance with customer specifications or when installed at the customer's facility. In such cases, if the terms of acceptance are satisfied at our facility prior to shipment, the revenue for the equipment will be recognized upon shipment. If the terms of acceptance are satisfied at our customers' facilities, the revenue for the equipment will not be recognized until acceptance, which is typically obtained after installation and testing, is received from the customer.


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Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are recognized in net revenue. Shipping and handling costs paid by us are included in cost of sales.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from our customers' failure to make required payments. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. We are subject to concentrations of customers and sales to a few geographic locations, which could also impact the collectability of certain receivables. If global or regional economic conditions deteriorate or political conditions were to change in some of the countries where we do business, it could have a significant impact on our results of operations, and our ability to realize the full value of our accounts receivable.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in first-out basis) or net realizable value. We generally provide reserves for obsolete inventory and for inventory considered to be in excess of demand. Demand is generally defined as 18 months forecasted future consumption for equipment, 24 months forecasted future consumption for spare parts, and 12 months forecasted future consumption for tools. Forecasted consumption is based upon internal projections, historical sales volumes, customer order activity and a review of consumable inventory levels at customers' facilities. We communicate forecasts of our future consumption to our suppliers and adjust commitments to those suppliers accordingly. If required, we reserve the difference between the carrying value of our inventory and the lower of cost or net realizable value, based upon projections about future consumption, and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than projections, additional inventory reserves may be required.
Inventory reserve provision for certain subsidiaries is determined based on management's estimate of future consumption for equipment and spare parts. This estimate is based on historical sales volumes, internal projections and market developments and trends.
Accounting for Impairment of Goodwill
The Company operates two reportable segments: Capital Equipment and Aftermarket Products and Services ("APS"). Goodwill was recorded for the acquisitions of Orthodyne Electronics Corporation ("Orthodyne"), Assembléon B.V. ("Assembléon") and Liteq B.V. in fiscal 2009, 2015 and 2017, respectively.
ASC No. 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other ("ASC 350") requires goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives to be reviewed for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate a possible impairment. We assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If, after assessing the qualitative factors, a company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. However, if a company concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value in the first step of the test, then a company is required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of the reporting unit's goodwill impairment loss, if any. 
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The new guidance eliminates the requirement to perform a hypothetical purchase price allocation to measure goodwill impairment. Under the new guidance the goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, although it cannot exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. During the third quarter of 2017, we elected to prospectively adopt ASU2017-04. This eliminates the requirement to perform step 2 of the goodwill impairment test.
In fiscal 2017 and 2016, the Company chose to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the quantitative evaluation of the fair value of the reporting unit, to compare against the carrying value of the reporting unit.
As part of the annual evaluation, the Company performs an impairment test of its goodwill in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year to coincide with the completion of its annual forecasting and refreshing of its business outlook processes. On an ongoing basis, the Company monitors if a “triggering” event has occurred that may have the effect of reducing the fair value of a reporting unit below its respective carrying value. Adverse changes in expected operating results and/or unfavorable changes in other economic factors used to estimate fair values could result in a non-cash impairment charge in the future.
Impairment assessments inherently involve judgment as to the assumptions made about the expected future cash flows and the impact of market conditions on those assumptions. Future events and changing market conditions may impact the assumptions as


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to prices, costs, growth rates or other factors that may result in changes in the estimates of future cash flows. Although the Company believes the assumptions that it has used in testing for impairment are reasonable, significant changes in any one of the assumptions could produce a significantly different result. Indicators of potential impairment may lead the Company to perform interim goodwill impairment assessments, including significant and unforeseen customer losses, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, a significant adverse action or assessment by a regulator, a significant stock price decline or unanticipated competition.
For further information on goodwill and intangible assets, see Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8.
Income Taxes
In accordance with ASC No. 740, Income Taxes, deferred income taxes are determined using the balance sheet method. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount we expect is more likely than not to be realized. While we have considered future taxable income and our ongoing tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance, if we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of our net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would increase income in the period such determination was made. Likewise, should we determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would decrease income in the period such determination was made.
In accordance with ASC No. 740 Topic 10, Income Taxes, General (“ASC 740.10”), we account for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the Company's income tax return. Under ASC 740.10, we utilize a two-step approach for evaluating uncertain tax positions. Step one, or recognition, requires us to determine if the weight of available evidence indicates a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination solely based on its technical merit. Step two, or measurement, is based on the largest amount of benefit, which is more likely than not to be realized on settlement with the taxing authority, including resolution of related appeals or litigation process, if any.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") has issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740), regarding the presentation of deferred income taxes. Under the new standard, both deferred tax liabilities and assets are required to be classified as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. During the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we elected to prospectively adopt ASU 2015-17, thus reclassifying current deferred taxes to noncurrent on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Equity-Based Compensation
We account for equity-based compensation under the provisions of ASC No. 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). ASC 718 requires the recognition of the fair value of equity-based compensation in net income. Compensation expense associated with market-based restricted stock is determined using a Monte-Carlo valuation model, and compensation expense associated with time-based and performance-based restricted stock is determined based on the number of shares granted and the fair value on the date of grant. The fair value of our stock option awards are estimated using a Black-Scholes option valuation model.
The calculation of equity-based compensation costs requires us to estimate the number of awards that will be forfeited during the vesting period. We have estimated forfeitures at the time of grant based upon historical experience, and review the forfeiture rates periodically and make adjustments as necessary. In addition, the fair value of equity-based awards is amortized over the vesting period of the award and we have elected to use the straight-line method for awards granted after the adoption of ASC 718. In general, equity-based awards vest annually over a three year period. Our performance-based restricted stock entitles the employee to receive common shares of the Company on the three-year anniversary of the grant date (if employed by the Company) if return on invested capital and revenue growth targets set by the Management Development and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on the date of grant are met. If return on invested capital and revenue growth targets are not met, performance-based restricted stock does not vest. Estimated attainment percentages and the corresponding equity-based compensation expense reported may vary from period to period.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for a description of certain recent accounting pronouncements including the expected dates of adoption and effects on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.



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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Results of Operations for fiscal 2017 and 2016
The following table reflects our income from operations for fiscal 2017 and 2016:
 
 
Fiscal
 
 
 
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2017
As Restated
 
2016
As Restated
 
$ Change
 
% Change
Net revenue
 
$
809,041

 
$
627,192

 
$
181,849

 
29.0
 %
Cost of sales
 
426,947

 
346,156

 
80,791

 
23.3
 %
Gross profit
 
382,094

 
281,036

 
101,058

 
36.0
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
 
133,601

 
134,709

 
(1,108
)
 
(0.8
)%
Research and development
 
100,203

 
92,374

 
7,829

 
8.5
 %
Impairment charges
 
35,207

 

 
35,207

 
N/A

Operating expenses
 
269,011

 
227,083

 
41,928

 
18.5
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from operations
 
$
113,083

 
$
53,953

 
$
59,130

 
109.6
 %
Bookings and Backlog
Our backlog consists of customer orders scheduled for shipment within the next twelve months. A booking is recorded when a customer order is reviewed and it is determined that all specifications can be met, production (or service) can be scheduled, a delivery date can be set, and the customer meets our credit requirements. We use bookings to evaluate the results of our operations, generate future operating plans and assess the performance of our company. While we believe that this measure is useful in evaluating our business, this information should be considered as supplemental in nature and is not meant as a substitute for revenue recognized in accordance with GAAP. In addition, other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate bookings differently or not at all, which reduces its usefulness as a comparative measure. Reconciliation of bookings to net revenue is not practicable. A majority of our orders are subject to cancellation or deferral by our customers with limited or no penalties. Also, customer demand for our products can vary dramatically without prior notice. Because of the volatility of customer demand, possibility of customer changes in delivery schedules or cancellations and potential delays in product shipments, our backlog as of any particular date may not be indicative of net revenue for any succeeding period.
The following tables reflect our bookings and backlog for fiscal 2017 and 2016:
 
Fiscal
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Bookings
$
912,549

 
$
661,931

 
 
 
 
 
As of
(in thousands)
September 30, 2017
 
October 1, 2016
Backlog
$
190,702

 
$
87,200

Our net revenues for fiscal 2017 increased as compared to our net revenues for fiscal 2016 due to strong customer demand. The semiconductor industry is volatile and our operating results have fluctuated significantly in the past. Customer demand for our products could weaken and lead to a decline in our net revenues.
Net Revenue
Approximately 92.9% and 92.4% of our net revenue for fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively, was for shipments to customer locations outside of the U.S., primarily in the Asia/Pacific region. In the Asia/Pacific region, our customer base is also becoming more geographically concentrated as a result of economic and industry conditions. Approximately 40.0% and 33.7% of our net revenue for fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively, was for shipments to customers located in China.



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The following table reflects net revenue by business segment for fiscal 2017 and 2016:
 
 
Fiscal
 
 
 
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
$ Change
 
% Change
Capital Equipment
 
$
651,934

 
$
488,925

 
$
163,009

 
33.3
%
APS
 
157,107

 
138,267

 
18,840

 
13.6
%
Total net revenue
 
$
809,041

 
$
627,192

 
$
181,849

 
29.0
%
Capital Equipment
The following table reflects the components of Capital Equipment net revenue change between fiscal 2017 and 2016
 
 
Fiscal 2017 vs. 2016
(in thousands)
 
Price
 
Volume
 
$ Change
Capital Equipment
 
$
(11,337
)
 
$
174,346

 
$
163,009

For fiscal 2017, the higher Capital Equipment net revenue as compared to fiscal 2016 was primarily due to higher volume. The higher sales volume was primarily due to growing market demand in consumer, enterprise, automotive and industrial applications partially offset by lower demand for our Hybrid products in the SiP market. The higher sales volume was partially offset by unfavorable price variance due to price reduction.
APS
The following table reflects the components of APS net revenue change between fiscal 2017 and 2016
 
 
Fiscal 2017 vs. 2016
(in thousands)
 
Price
 
Volume
 
$ Change
APS
 
$
(4,385
)
 
$
23,225

 
$
18,840

 
For fiscal 2017, the higher APS net revenue as compared to fiscal 2016 was primarily due to higher sales in tools. This was partially offset by price reduction.
Gross Profit
The following table reflects gross profit by business segment for fiscal 2017 and 2016
 
 
Fiscal
 
 
 
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2017
As Restated
 
2016
As Restated
 
$ Change
 
% Change
Capital Equipment
 
$
291,166

 
$
198,298

 
$
92,868

 
46.8
%
APS
 
90,928

 
82,738

 
8,190

 
9.9
%
Total gross profit
 
$
382,094

 
$
281,036

 
$
101,058

 
36.0
%
 
The following table reflects gross profit as a percentage of net revenue by business segment for fiscal 2017 and 2016
 
 
Fiscal
 
 
 
 
2017
As Restated
 
2016
As Restated
 
Basis point
change
Capital Equipment
 
44.7
%
 
40.6
%
 
410

APS
 
57.9
%
 
59.8
%
 
(190
)
Total gross margin
 
47.2
%
 
44.8
%
 
240




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Capital Equipment
The following table reflects the components of Capital Equipment gross profit change between fiscal 2017 and 2016
 
 
Fiscal 2017 vs. 2016 (As Restated)
(in thousands)
 
Price
 
Cost
 
Volume
 
$ Change
Capital Equipment
 
$
(11,337
)
 
$
20,326

 
$
83,879

 
$
92,868

For fiscal 2017, the higher Capital Equipment gross profit as compared to fiscal 2016 was primarily due to higher volume and lower cost. The higher sales volume was primarily due to growing market demand in consumer, enterprise, automotive and industrial applications partially offset by lower demand for our Hybrid products in the SiP market. The lower cost was due to product mix and better absorption from higher manufacturing volume. The higher sales volume and lower cost were partially offset by unfavorable price variance due to price reduction.
APS
The following table reflects the components of APS gross profit change between fiscal 2017 and 2016
 
 
Fiscal 2017 vs. 2016
(in thousands)
 
Price
 
Cost
 
Volume
 
$ Change
APS
 
$
(4,385
)
 
$
7

 
$
12,568

 
$
8,190

For fiscal 2017, the higher APS gross profit as compared to fiscal 2016 was primarily due to higher sales in tools. This was partially offset by price reduction.
Operating Expenses
The following table reflects operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue for fiscal 2017 and 2016:
 
 
Fiscal
 
 
 
 
2017
As Restated
 
2016
As Restated
 
Basis point
change
Selling, general & administrative
 
16.5
%
 
21.5
%
 
(500
)
Research & development
 
12.4
%
 
14.7
%
 
(230
)
Impairment charges
 
4.4
%
 
%
 
440

Total
 
33.3
%
 
36.2
%
 
(290
)
Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) (As Restated)
For fiscal 2017, lower SG&A as compared to fiscal 2016 was primarily due to net decrease of $5.2 million of expenses relating to the restructuring programs, $1.4 million relating to other severance payments and a $0.8 million recovery of insurance claims. These were partially offset by $3.4 million increase in incentive compensation due to better current fiscal year performance and $2.8 million increase in executive staff costs.
Research and Development (“R&D”)
For fiscal 2017, higher R&D expenses as compared to fiscal 2016 was primarily due to higher staff costs. This was partially offset by lower prototype material costs for advanced packaging products.
Impairment Charges
In fiscal 2017, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge related to goodwill in the EA/APMR (former Assembléon) reporting unit. See Note 6 “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further information.
Income from Operations (As Restated)
For fiscal 2017, total income from operations was higher by $59.1 million as compared to fiscal 2016. This was primarily due to higher revenue for Capital Equipment sales and partially offset by higher operating expenses as explained above.
Interest Income and Expense
The following table reflects interest income and interest expense for fiscal 2017 and 2016


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Fiscal
 
 
 
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
$ Change
 
% Change
Interest income
 
$
6,491

 
$
3,318

 
$
3,173

 
95.6
 %
Interest expense
 
$
(1,059
)
 
$
(1,107
)
 
$
48

 
(4.3
)%
For fiscal 2017, interest income was higher as compared to fiscal 2016. This was primarily due to higher returns and a larger cash, cash equivalent and short-term investment balances.
Interest expense for fiscal 2017 and 2016 was attributable to the interest on financing obligation relating to the building, which was incurred subsequent to the completion of the building in December 2013 (Refer to Note 11 of our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report).
Provision for Income Taxes
The following table reflects the provision for income taxes and the effective tax rate for fiscal 2017 and 2016
 
 
Fiscal
(in thousands)
 
2017
As Restated
 
2016
As Restated
Income tax (benefit) / expense
 
(7,394
)
 
7,709

Effective tax rate
 
(6.2
)%
 
13.7
%
During fiscal 2017, the Company elected to adopt the foreign tax credit for its U.S. federal tax return filings. As a result of this election, the Company has amended its U.S. tax returns from 2006 through 2015, filed its 2016 return on the same basis, and accrued the benefit for 2017. Due to this tax position, the Company recorded foreign tax credits of approximately $26.1 million which resulted in a decrease of our effective tax rate from fiscal 2016.
For fiscal 2017, the effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory tax rate primarily due to tax benefits from foreign tax credits, profits generated in foreign operations subject to a lower statutory tax rate than the U.S. federal rate, domestic research tax credit, and the impact of tax holidays, partially offset by an increase for deferred taxes on unremitted earnings, deemed dividends, foreign withholding taxes, tax liabilities from foreign operations, and non-deductible goodwill impairment.
For fiscal 2016, the effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory tax rate primarily due to tax benefits from profits in foreign operations subject to a lower statutory tax rate than the federal rate, tax benefits from the change in permanent reinvestment assertion from the restructuring implementation, tax benefits from domestic research expenditures, and the impact of tax holidays, partially offset by a tax liability arising from a settlement with a foreign tax authority, an increase for deferred taxes on unremitted earnings, foreign withholding taxes, and an increase in valuation allowance against certain foreign deferred tax assets.
Our future effective tax rate would be affected if earnings were lower than anticipated in countries where we are subjected to lower statutory rates and higher than anticipated in countries where we are subjected to higher statutory rates, by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, or by changes in tax laws, regulations, accounting principles, or interpretations thereof. In addition, changes in assertion for foreign earnings permanently or non-permanently reinvested as a result of changes in facts and circumstances could significantly impact the effective tax rate.
It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized tax benefit with respect to certain unrecognized tax positions will increase or decrease during the next 12 months due to the expected lapse of statutes of limitation and/or settlements of tax examinations. We cannot practicably estimate the financial outcomes of these examinations.


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Results of Operations for fiscal 2016 and 2015
The following table reflects our income from operations for fiscal 2016 and 2015:
 
 
Fiscal
 
 
 
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2016
As Restated
 
2015
As Restated
 
$ Change
 
% Change
Net revenue
 
$
627,192

 
$
536,471

 
$
90,721

 
16.9
%
Cost of sales
 
346,156

 
284,524

 
61,632

 
21.7
%
Gross profit
 
281,036

 
251,947

 
29,089

 
11.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
 
134,709

 
123,323

 
11,386

 
9.2
%
Research and development
 
92,374

 
90,033

 
2,341

 
2.6
%
Operating expenses
 
227,083

 
213,356

 
13,727

 
6.4
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from operations
 
$
53,953

 
$
38,591

 
$
15,362

 
39.8
%

Bookings and Backlog
The following tables reflect our bookings and backlog for fiscal 2016 and 2015:
 
Fiscal
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
Bookings
$
661,931

 
$
491,427

 
 
 
 
 
As of
(in thousands)
October 1, 2016

 
October 3, 2015

Backlog
$
87,200

 
$
52,500

Our net revenues for fiscal 2016 increased as compared to our net revenues for fiscal 2015 due to strong customer demand and additional revenue resulting from the Assembléon acquisition. The semiconductor industry is volatile and our operating results have fluctuated significantly in the past. Customer demand for our products could weaken and lead to a decline in our net revenues.
Net Revenue
Approximately 92.4% and 91.2% of our net revenue for fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively, was for shipments to customer locations outside of the U.S., primarily in the Asia/Pacific region. In the Asia/Pacific region, our customer base is also becoming more geographically concentrated as a result of economic and industry conditions. Approximately 33.7% and 31.6% of our net revenue for fiscal 2016 and 2015 was for shipments to customers located in China.

The following table reflects net revenue by business segment for fiscal 2016 and 2015:
 
 
Fiscal
 
 
 
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
 
$ Change
 
% Change
Capital Equipment
 
$
488,925

 
411,099

 
$
77,826

 
18.9
%
APS
 
138,267

 
125,372

 
12,895

 
10.3
%
Total net revenue
 
$
627,192

 
$
536,471

 
$
90,721

 
16.9
%

Capital Equipment
The following table reflects the components of Capital Equipment net revenue change between fiscal 2016 and 2015: 
 
 
Fiscal 2016 vs. 2015
(in thousands)
 
Price
 
Volume
 
$ Change
Capital Equipment
 
$
(28,567
)
 
$
106,393

 
$
77,826



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For fiscal 2016, the higher Capital Equipment net revenue as compared to fiscal 2015 was primarily due to the higher volume driven by the strong demand from our customers and inclusion of the additional revenue resulting from the Assembléon acquisition. This was partially offset by the unfavorable price variance in our ball bonders and Advanced Packaging products. The unfavorable price variance was due to the unfavorable customer mix.
APS
The following table reflects the components of APS net revenue change between fiscal 2016 and 2015: 
 
 
Fiscal 2016 vs. 2015
(in thousands)
 
Price
 
Volume
 
$ Change
APS
 
$
(2,970
)
 
$
15,865

 
$
12,895

 
For fiscal 2016, the higher APS net revenue as compared to fiscal 2015 was primarily due to the higher volume. The higher volume was primarily due to higher demand in wire bonding tools and inclusion of the additional revenue resulting from the Assembléon acquisition. This was partially offset by a price reduction.
Gross Profit
The following table reflects gross profit by business segment for fiscal 2016 and 2015: 
 
 
Fiscal
 
 
 
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2016
As Restated
 
2015
As Restated
 
$ Change
 
% Change
Capital Equipment
 
$
198,298

 
$
176,150

 
$
22,148

 
12.6
%
APS
 
82,738

 
75,797

 
6,941

 
9.2
%
Total gross profit
 
$
281,036

 
$
251,947

 
$
29,089

 
11.5
%
 
The following table reflects gross profit as a percentage of net revenue by business segment for fiscal 2016 and 2015: 
 
 
Fiscal
 
 
 
 
2016
As Restated
 
2015
As Restated
 
Basis Point
Change
Capital Equipment
 
40.6
%
 
42.8
%
 
(220
)
APS
 
59.8
%
 
60.5
%
 
(70
)
Total gross margin
 
44.8
%
 
47.0
%
 
(220
)
Capital Equipment
The following table reflects the components of Equipment gross profit change between fiscal 2016 and 2015: 
 
 
Fiscal 2016 vs. 2015 (As Restated)
(in thousands)
 
Price
 
Cost
 
Volume
 
$ Change
Capital Equipment
 
$
(28,567
)
 
$
4,725

 
$
45,990

 
$
22,148

For fiscal 2016, the higher Capital Equipment gross profit as compared to fiscal 2015 was primarily due to the higher volume described above and lower cost. The higher volume was driven by the strong demand from our customers and inclusion of the additional revenue resulting from the Assembléon acquisition. The lower cost was primarily due to product mix. Higher volume and lower cost were partially offset by the unfavorable price variance in our ball bonders and Advanced Packaging products. The unfavorable price variance was due to the unfavorable customer mix.


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APS
The following table reflects the components of APS gross profit change between fiscal 2016 and 2015: 
 
 
Fiscal 2016 vs. 2015
(in thousands)
 
Price
 
Cost
 
Volume
 
$ Change
APS
 
$
(2,970
)
 
$
(151
)
 
$
10,062

 
$
6,941

 
For fiscal 2016, the higher APS gross profit as compared to fiscal 2015 was primarily due to the higher volume. The higher volume was primarily due to higher demand in wire bonding tools and wedge bonding tools and inclusion of the additional revenue resulting from the Assembléon acquisition. This was partially offset by a price reduction.
Operating Expenses
The following table reflects operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue for fiscal 2016 and 2015:
 
 
Fiscal
 
 
 
 
2016
(As Restated)
 
2015
(As Restated)
 
Basis point
change
Selling, general & administrative
 
21.5
%
 
23.0
%
 
(150
)
Research & development
 
14.7
%
 
16.8
%
 
(210
)
Total
 
36.2
%
 
39.8
%
 
(360
)
Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) (As Restated)
For fiscal 2016, higher SG&A as compared to fiscal 2015 was primarily due to $7.9 million of expenses relating to the restructuring program, $7.6 million increase due to inclusion of SG&A expenses resulting from the Assembléon acquisition, $3.2 million increase in incentive compensation due to better performance and a $2.6 million unfavorable net foreign exchange variance. These were partially offset by lower staff costs of $5.5 million due to streamlining of our international operations and functions, and lower amortization expenses of $4.7 million relating to the wedge bonder developed technology which were fully amortized in fiscal year 2015.
Research and Development (“R&D”)
For fiscal 2016, higher R&D expenses as compared to fiscal 2015 were primarily due to additional investment in the development of advanced packaging products. This was partially offset by lower staff costs.
Income from Operations (As Restated)
For fiscal 2016, total income from operations was higher by $15.4 million as compared to fiscal 2015. This was primarily due to higher revenue for equipment sales and partially offset by higher operating expenses as explained above.
Interest Income and Expense
The following table reflects interest income and interest expense for fiscal 2016 and 2015: 
 
 
Fiscal
 
 
 
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
 
$ Change
 
% Change
Interest income
 
3,318

 
1,637

 
$
1,681

 
102.7
 %
Interest expense
 
(1,107
)
 
(1,183
)
 
$
76

 
(6.4
)%
For fiscal 2016, higher interest income was derived from a higher cash, cash equivalent and short-term investment balances.
Interest expense for fiscal 2016 and 2015 was attributable to the interest on financing obligation relating to the new building, which was incurred subsequent to the completion of the new building in December 2013 (Refer to Note 11 of our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report).


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Provision for Income Taxes
The following table reflects the provision for income taxes and the effective tax rate for fiscal 2016 and 2015: 
 
 
Fiscal
(in thousands)
 
2016
As Restated
 
2015
As Restated
Income tax expense / (benefit)
 
7,709

 
(12,867
)
Effective tax rate
 
13.7
%
 
(33.0
)%
For fiscal 2016, the effective income tax rate increased from fiscal 2015 by 46.7% due primarily to a lower tax benefit of $9.7 million recorded in 2016 as compared to $19.7 million recorded in 2015 related to the reduction in deferred tax liabilities as a result of the change in permanent reinvestment assertion, a one-time tax expense of $4.9 million recorded in 2016 arising from a settlement reached with a foreign tax authority, and a restructuring related tax expense of $4.2 million.
For fiscal 2015, the effective income tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate due primarily to tax benefits from the reduction in deferred tax liabilities on certain unremitted foreign earnings as a result of the change in permanent reinvestment assertion due to a business structure reorganization, tax benefits from research and development expenditures, profits from foreign operations subject to a lower statutory tax rate than the federal rate, and the impact of tax holidays, offset by an increase in valuation allowance against certain foreign deferred tax assets, foreign earnings not permanently reinvested, and foreign withholding taxes.
Our future effective tax rate would be affected if earnings were lower than anticipated in countries where we are subjected to lower statutory rates and higher than anticipated in countries where we are subjected to higher statutory rates, by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, or by changes in tax laws, regulations, accounting principles, or interpretations thereof. In addition, changes in assertion for foreign earnings permanently or non-permanently reinvested as a result of changes in facts and circumstances could significantly impact the effective tax rate. In fiscal 2016, the Company restructured its entities resulting in a change in its permanent reinvestment assertion outside the United States. During the year ended October 1, 2016, approximately $9.7 million in deferred tax liability was reversed and recorded as a tax benefit due to the change in the assertion. As part of the plan, the Company also recorded a restructuring related tax expense of $4.2 million for the transfers and exchanges of certain foreign subsidiaries. We regularly assess the effects resulting from these factors to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes.
It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized tax benefit with respect to certain unrecognized tax positions will increase or decrease during the next 12 months due to the expected lapse of statutes of limitation and/or settlements of tax examinations. We cannot practicably estimate the financial outcomes of these examinations.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The following table reflects total cash and investments as of September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016:
 
 
As of
 
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
September 30, 2017
 
October 1, 2016
 
Change
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
392,410

 
$
423,907

 
$
(31,497
)
Restricted cash
 
530

 

 
530

Short-term investments
 
216,000

 
124,000

 
92,000

Total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments
 
$
608,940

 
$
547,907

 
$
61,033

Percentage of total assets
 
52.0
%
 
55.8
%
 
 

The following table reflects summary Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow information for fiscal 2017 and 2016:


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Fiscal
(in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
136,310

 
$
68,407

Net cash used in investing activities
 
(145,199
)
 
(129,165
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(22,684
)
 
(14,486
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
76

 
537

Changes in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
(31,497
)
 
$
(74,707
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
 
423,907

 
498,614

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
392,410

 
$
423,907

Fiscal 2017 (As Restated)
Net cash provided by operating activities was primarily the result of net income of $126.1 million, non-cash adjustments of $61.8 million and working capital changes of $(51.6) million. The change in working capital was primarily driven by an increase in accounts and notes receivable of $67.9 million and an increase in net inventories of $47.4 million. This was partially offset by an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $63.4 million.
The increase in accounts receivable was due to higher sales in fiscal 2017 as compared to fiscal 2016. The increase in net inventories was primarily due to higher manufacturing activity in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 as compared to fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. The increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities was primarily due to an increase in manufacturing activity, higher accrued incentive compensation due to better performance, and higher customer obligations.
Net cash used in investing activities was primarily due to net cash outflow for the Liteq acquisition of $27.1 million, purchases of short-term investments of $305.0 million and capital expenditures of $25.6 million, offset by maturity of short-term investments of $213.0 million.
Net cash used in financing relates to the repurchase of common stock of $18.2 million, reversal of excess tax benefits of $4.4 million and repayment of loans of $0.6 million. This was offset by proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $0.5 million.
Fiscal 2016 (As Restated)
Net cash provided by operating activities was primarily the result of net income of $48.5 million, non-cash adjustments of $14.1 million and working capital changes of $5.8 million. The change in working capital was primarily driven by increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $32.7 million, income tax payable of $10.5 million and others of $1.1 million. This was partially offset by an increase in accounts and notes receivable of $22.1 million and an increase in net inventories of $16.3 million.
The increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities and the increase in net inventories was primarily due to higher manufacturing activity in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 as compared to fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 in anticipation of higher sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The higher income taxes payable was mainly due to additional tax liability arising from a settlement reached with a foreign tax authority. The increase in accounts receivables was due to higher sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 as compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. The lower sales in fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 was mainly attributable to lower equipment utilization rate due to the economic conditions, and therefore lower demand from our customers.
Net cash used in investing activities was primarily due to capital expenditures of $6.2 million offset by proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment of $1.1 million.
Net cash used in financing relates to the repurchase of common stock of $14.6 million and repayment of loans of $0.5 million. This was offset by proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $0.4 million.
Fiscal 2018 Liquidity and Capital Resource Outlook
We expect our fiscal 2018 capital expenditures to be between $26.0 million and $28.0 million. Expenditures are anticipated to be primarily used for R&D projects, enhancements to our manufacturing operations in Asia, improvements to our information technology infrastructure and leasehold improvements for our facilities.
We believe that our existing cash and investments and anticipated cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital requirements for at least the next twelve months. Our liquidity is affected by many factors, some based on normal operations of our business and others related to global economic conditions and industry uncertainties, which we cannot predict.


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We also cannot predict economic conditions and industry downturns or the timing, strength or duration of recoveries. We intend to continue to use our cash for working capital needs and for general corporate purposes.
We may seek, as we believe appropriate, additional debt or equity financing which would provide capital for corporate purposes, working capital funding, additional liquidity needs or to fund future growth opportunities, including possible acquisitions and investments. The timing and amount of potential capital requirements cannot be determined at this time and will depend on a number of factors, including our actual and projected demand for our products, semiconductor and semiconductor capital equipment industry conditions, competitive factors, and the condition of financial markets.
As of September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, approximately $565.0 million and $479.7 million of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments were held by the Company's foreign subsidiaries, respectively. The cash amounts not available for use in the U.S. without incurring additional U.S. income tax as of September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, were approximately $505.5 million and $428.4 million, respectively.
The Company’s international operations and capital requirements are funded primarily by cash generated by foreign operating activities and cash held by foreign subsidiaries. Most of the Company's operations and liquidity needs are outside the U.S. The Company’s U.S. operations and capital requirements are funded primarily by cash generated from U.S. operating activities. In addition, the Company has entered into an Uncommitted Revolving Credit Agreement with United Overseas Bank Limited, New York Agency ("UOB"), providing for a $25 million revolving credit facility (the "2016 Credit Facility"). The 2016 Credit Facility is an unsecured revolving credit facility of $25 million with an initial maturity date of March 20, 2017, which has been extended on the same terms until March 20, 2018. The proceeds of the 2016 Credit Facility may be used for the Company's general corporate purposes and provide additional liquidity for any U.S. needs. We believe our U.S. sources of cash and liquidity are sufficient to meet our business needs in the U.S. for the foreseeable future including funding of U.S. operations, capital expenditures and the share repurchase program as approved by the Board of Directors. We currently do not expect that we will repatriate the funds we have designated as indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S., but may do so in the future. Should the Company’s U.S. cash needs exceed its funds generated by U.S. operations due to changing business conditions or transactions outside the ordinary course, such as acquisitions of large capital assets, businesses or any other capital appropriation in the U.S., the Company may require additional financing in the U.S. In this event, the Company could borrow under the 2016 Credit Facility, seek other U.S. borrowing alternatives, repatriate funds held by foreign subsidiaries that have already been subject to U.S. taxation without incurring additional income tax expense (i.e. earnings previously subject to U.S. income tax or U.S. deferred taxes already accrued on those respective earnings), or a combination thereof.
On August 15, 2017, the Company announced that it fully executed its $100 million share repurchase program (the "Program"), originally announced on August 27, 2014. In addition, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program (the "New Program") that authorizes the repurchase of up to $100 million of the Company's common shares, from time to time over the three year period ending August 1, 2020. The Company may purchase shares of its common stock through open market and privately negotiated transactions at prices deemed appropriate by management. The Company has entered into a written trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act to facilitate repurchases under the New Program. The New Program is effective immediately, may be suspended or discontinued at any time and will be funded using the Company's available cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. The timing and amount of repurchase transactions under the New Program depend on market conditions as well as corporate and regulatory considerations. During the year ended September 30, 2017, the Company repurchased a total of 0.9 million shares of common stock at a cost of $18.2 million. As of September 30, 2017, our remaining share repurchase authorization under the New Program was approximately $88.8 million.
Other Obligations and Contingent Payments (As Restated)
In accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, certain obligations and commitments are not required to be included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Operations. These obligations and commitments, while entered into in the normal course of business, may have a material impact on our liquidity. Certain of the following commitments as of September 30, 2017 are appropriately not included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Operations included in this Form 10-K/A; however, they have been disclosed in the table below for additional information.
The Company’s other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist primarily of deferred tax liabilities, gross long-term tax payable and retirement obligations. As of September 30, 2017, the Company had deferred tax liabilities of $27.2 million and long-term tax payable of $6.4 million. At this time, the Company is unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of payments due to uncertainties in the timing of tax audit outcomes; therefore, such amounts are not included in the above contractual obligation table. In addition, the Company has retirement obligations and other severances of $6.4 million which are payable on employee departure.


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The following table presents certain payments due by the Company under contractual obligations with minimum firm commitments as of September 30, 2017:
 
 
 
 
Payments due in
(in thousands)
 
Total
 
Less than 1 year
 
1 - 3 years
 
3 - 5 years
 
More than 5 years
Inventory purchase obligations (1)
 
$
106,084

 
106,084

 
$

 
$

 
$

Operating lease obligations (2)
 
19,958

 
3,781

 
5,435

 
3,585

 
7,157

Asset retirement obligations (reflected on our Balance Sheets)(3)
 
1,423

 
436

 
39

 

 
948

Total Obligations and Contingent Payments not reflected on the Consolidated Financial Statements
 
$
127,465

 
$
110,301

 
$
5,474

 
$
3,585

 
$
8,105

(1)
We order inventory components in the normal course of our business. A portion of these orders are non-cancellable and a portion may have varying penalties and charges in the event of cancellation.
(2)
Represents minimum rental commitments under various leases (excluding taxes, insurance, maintenance and repairs, which are also paid by us) primarily for various facility and equipment leases, which expire periodically through 2023 (not including lease extension options, if applicable).
The annual rent and service charge for our corporate headquarters range from $4 million to $5 million Singapore dollars and is not included in the table above.
In accordance with ASC No. 840, Leases ("ASC 840"), the Company was considered to be the owner of its headquarters during the construction phase due to its involvement in the asset construction. As a result of the Company's continued involvement during the lease term, the Company did not fulfill the criteria to apply sale-leaseback accounting under ASC 840. Therefore, at completion, the building remained on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and the corresponding financing obligation was reclassified to long-term liability. As of September 30, 2017, we recorded a financing obligation of $16.8 million. The financing obligation is not reflected in the table above.
(3)
Asset retirement obligations are associated with commitments to return the property to its original condition upon lease termination at various sites.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Credit facilities and Bank Guarantees
On November 22, 2013, the Company obtained a $5.0 million credit facility with Citibank in connection with the issuance of a bank guarantee for operational purposes. As of September 30, 2017, the outstanding amount was $3.2 million. In addition, the Company has other bank guarantees for operational purposes which are secured with corresponding deposits placed with the issuer banks. These amounts are shown as restricted cash in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
On March 21, 2016, the Company entered into an Uncommitted Revolving Credit Agreement with United Overseas Bank Limited, New York Agency ("UOB"), providing for a $25 million revolving credit facility (the "2016 Credit Facility"). The 2016 Credit Facility is an unsecured revolving credit facility of $25 million with an initial term of one year, and has been extended by another year until March 20, 2018. All other material terms and conditions of the 2016 Credit Facility remain in force and effect. The proceeds of the 2016 Credit Facility may be used for the Company's general corporate purposes. As of September 30, 2017, there were no outstanding amounts under the 2016 Credit Facility and we were in compliance with the covenants described in the 2016 Credit Facility.
As of September 30, 2017, we did not have any other off-balance sheet arrangements, such as contingent interests or obligations associated with variable interest entities.


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Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The restated consolidated financial statements of Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc. listed in the index appearing under Item 15 (a)(1) herein are filed as part of this Report under this Item 8.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2017 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Management and we previously concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2017. However, management has subsequently determined that a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting related to the recording and review of manual journal entries of the Company’s warranty accrual existed as of that date. Accordingly, management’s report has been restated and our present opinion on internal control over financial reporting, as presented herein, is different from that expressed in our previous report. In our opinion, the Company did not maintain, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO because a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting existed as of that date related to the recording and review of manual journal entries related to the Company’s warranty accrual. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The material weakness referred to above is described in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under item 9A. We considered this material weakness in determining the nature, timing and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2017 consolidated financial statements and our opinion regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting does not affect our opinion on the consolidated financial statements. The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has restated its 2017, 2016 and 2015 consolidated financial statements to correct misstatements.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.


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Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting included under Item 9A, management has excluded Liteq B.V (“Liteq”) from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2017, because it was acquired by the Company in a purchase business combination during the year ended September 30, 2017. We have also excluded Liteq from our audit of internal control over financial reporting. Liteq is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company whose total assets excluded from management’s assessment and our audit of internal control over financial reporting represent 2.5% of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of September 30, 2017. No revenue was contributed by Liteq for the year ended September 30, 2017.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Singapore
November 16, 2017 except for the effects of the restatement described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements and the matter discussed in the fourth paragraph of Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, as to which the date is May 31, 2018


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 KULICKE AND SOFFA INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
 
 
As of
 
 
September 30, 2017
As Restated
 
October 1, 2016
As Restated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
392,410

 
$
423,907

Restricted cash
 
530

 

Short-term investments
 
216,000

 
124,000

Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $79 and $506, respectively
 
198,480

 
130,455

Inventories, net
 
122,023

 
87,295

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
23,939

 
15,285

Total current assets
 
953,382

 
780,942

 
 
 
 


Property, plant and equipment, net
 
67,762

 
50,342

Goodwill
 
56,318

 
81,272

Intangible assets, net
 
62,316

 
50,810

Deferred income taxes
 
27,771

 
16,822

Equity investments
 
1,502

 

Other assets
 
2,056

 
2,256

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
1,171,107

 
$
982,444

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Accounts payable
 
$
51,354

 
$
41,813

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
 
124,847

 
71,316

Income taxes payable
 
16,780

 
12,830

Total current liabilities
 
192,981

 
125,959

 
 
 
 
 
Financing obligation
 
16,074

 
16,701

Deferred income taxes
 
27,152

 
27,329

Other liabilities
 
14,870

 
12,931

TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
$
251,077

 
$
182,920

 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 17)
 


 


 
 
 
 
 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 
 

 
 

Preferred stock, without par value:
 
 

 
 

Authorized 5,000 shares; issued - none
 
$

 
$

Common stock, no par value:
 
 

 
 

Authorized 200,000 shares; issued 83,953 and 83,231 respectively; outstanding 70,197 and 70,420 shares, respectively
 
506,515

 
498,676

Treasury stock, at cost, 13,756 and 12,811 shares, respectively
 
(157,604
)
 
(139,407
)
Retained earnings
 
569,080

 
442,981

Accumulated other comprehensive gain / (loss)
 
2,039

 
(2,726
)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
$
920,030

 
$
799,524

 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
$
1,171,107

 
$
982,444

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


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KULICKE AND SOFFA INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
Fiscal
 
 
2017
As Restated
 
2016
As Restated
 
2015
As Restated
Net revenue
 
$
809,041

 
$
627,192

 
$
536,471

Cost of sales
 
426,947

 
346,156

 
284,524

Gross profit
 
382,094

 
281,036

 
251,947

Selling, general and administrative
 
133,601

 
134,709

 
123,323

Research and development
 
100,203

 
92,374

 
90,033

Impairment charges
 
35,207

 

 

Operating expenses
 
269,011

 
227,083

 
213,356

Income from operations
 
113,083

 
53,953

 
38,591

Interest income
 
6,491

 
3,318

 
1,637

Interest expense
 
(1,059
)
 
(1,107
)
 
(1,183
)
Income from operations before income taxes
 
118,515

 
56,164

 
39,045

Income tax (benefit) / expense
 
(7,394
)
 
7,709

 
(12,867
)
Share of results of equity-method investee, net of tax
 
(190
)
 

 

Net income
 
$
126,099

 
$
48,455

 
$
51,912

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share:
 
 

 
 

 
 
Basic
 
$
1.78

 
$
0.69

 
$
0.69

Diluted
 
$
1.75

 
$
0.68

 
$
0.69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
 
 

 
 

 
 
Basic
 
70,906

 
70,477

 
75,414

Diluted
 
72,063

 
70,841

 
75,659

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.














 



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KULICKE AND SOFFA INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
 
Fiscal
 
2017
As Restated
 
2016
As Restated
 
2015
As Restated
Net income
$
126,099

 
$
48,455

 
$
51,912

Other comprehensive income / (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
1,960

 
624

 
(3,360
)
Unrecognized actuarial gain / (loss) on pension plan, net of tax
990

 
(1,791
)
 
19

 
2,950