Executive Summary



We are a worldwide leader in the design, development, manufacture and support of
process control tools that perform macro-defect inspection and metrology,
lithography systems, and process control analytical software used by
semiconductor and advanced packaging device manufacturers. We deliver
comprehensive solutions throughout the semiconductor fabrication process with
our families of proprietary products that provide critical yield-enhancing
information, enabling microelectronic device manufacturers to drive down costs
and time to market of their devices. We provide process and yield management
solutions used in both wafer processing facilities, often referred to as
"front-end" manufacturing, and in device packaging and test facilities, commonly
referred to as "back-end" manufacturing. Our advanced process control software
portfolio includes powerful solutions for standalone tools, groups of tools, or
factory-wide suites to enhance productivity and achieve significant cost
savings.

Our principal market is semiconductor capital equipment. Semiconductors packaged
as integrated circuits, or "chips", are used in consumer electronics, server and
enterprise systems, mobile computing (including smart phones and tablets), data
storage devices, and embedded automotive and control systems. Our core focus is
the measurement and control of the structure, composition, and geometry of
semiconductor devices as they are fabricated on silicon wafers to improve device
performance and manufacturing yields.

Our products and services are used by our customers who manufacture many types
of integrated circuits for a multitude of applications, each having unique
manufacturing challenges. This includes integrated circuits to enable
information processing and management (logic integrated circuits), memory
storage (NAND, 3D-NAND, NOR, and DRAM), analog devices (e.g., Wi-Fi and 5G radio
integrated circuits, power devices), MEMS sensor devices (accelerometers,
pressure sensors, microphones), image sensors, and other end markets including
components for hard disk drives, LEDs, and power management.

The semiconductor and electronics industries have also been characterized by
constant technological innovation. We believe that, over the long term, our
customers will continue to invest in advanced technologies and new materials to
enable smaller design rules and higher density applications that fuel demand for
process control equipment.

During fiscal 2021, there was an increase in wafer fabrication equipment
spending by semiconductor manufacturers, driven by the growing importance of
semiconductor technology across a broadening range of industries, from mobile
devices to cloud computing and high-performance computers.  We are also seeing
increasing global emphasis on more advanced power devices for electric vehicles
and smart power grids to help combat climate change.  Customer demand was strong
throughout the year and we continued to increase our production output levels.
Revenues in the four quarters of 2021 increased sequentially as customers
transitioned to advanced nodes and increased advanced packaging volumes.  While
we have seen improvements in our own operations, we experienced higher costs of
goods sold related to freight and logistics costs during the year. Risks and
uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the supply chain remain and
we expect this uncertainty especially in the supply chain to continue to be a
factor through at least the first half of 2022, and possibly the entire year.

Over the longer term, we believe that demand for semiconductors will continue to drive sustainable growth for our products and services across all of the markets we serve.

The following table summarizes certain key financial information for the periods indicated below (in thousands, except per share and percent data):


                                               Year Ended
                                      January 1,       December 26,
                                         2022              2020
Revenue                              $    788,899     $      556,496
Gross profit                         $    429,086     $      278,453
Gross profit as a percent of revenue           54 %               50 %
Total operating expenses             $    272,679     $      251,776
Net income                           $    142,349     $       31,025
Diluted earnings per share           $       2.86     $         0.63

• In fiscal 2021, revenue increased 41.8% compared to the fiscal 2020,


      primarily due to an increase in sales to foundry and memory customers for
      both advanced nodes and specialty devices and advanced packaging
      applications.

• Gross margin as a percentage of revenue increased to 54% during fiscal 2021

compared to 50% in fiscal 2020 primarily driven by a favorable impact from

higher revenue volume of products and services, charges to cost of goods

sold in the 2020 period for both the sale of inventory written-up to fair

value upon the 2019 Merger and inventory reserve charges for a discontinued


      product line.



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• The increase in operating expenses in fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020

was mainly driven by onboarding of new headcount to support the growth we

are experiencing and an increase in employee-related expenses as a result of

higher variable compensation plan costs recorded during the year.




Our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balance increased to $511.3
million at the end of fiscal 2021 compared to $373.7 million at the end of the
fiscal 2020. This increase was primarily the result of $175.3 million of cash
generated from operating activities. This source of cash was partially offset by
net cash of $23.8 million used for the purchase of Inspectrology and $12.0
million used for capital expenditures.

Key Events



Business Combination. In the first quarter of 2021, the Company acquired
Inspectrology, LLC, a supplier of overlay metrology for controlling lithography
and etch processes in the compound semiconductor market. The purchase
consideration consisted of $24.0 million in cash paid at closing and an earnout
subject to achievement of certain revenue targets for fiscal year 2021 and
fiscal year 2022. As of January 1, 2022, $2.3 million of the earnout has been
achieved with potential for up to an additional payment of $5.0 million based on
fiscal 2022 results.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Our Business. As of February 25, 2022, our
operations have been impacted by our pandemic response, as described below,
given the global nature of our workforce and our operations, but we have not
experienced significant financial impact directly related to the pandemic. The
ultimate extent to which COVID-19 will impact our business depends on future
developments, which are highly uncertain and very difficult to predict,
including the effectiveness and utilization of vaccines for COVID-19 and its
variants, new information that may emerge concerning the severity of COVID-19
and its variants, and actions to contain or limit their spread.

We have prioritized the health and safety of our employees and customers in our
pandemic response. As governmental authorities implement restrictions on
commercial operations, we have continued to ensure compliance with these
directives while also maintaining business continuity for our essential
operations. We have a global workforce. Although our manufacturing facilities
are in the United States, we maintain offices and have employees in the United
States, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, Singapore and Europe. Our operations
at these offices are subject to various governmental directives and, as a result
thereof, we have instituted a work-from-home policy for these employees to the
extent practical. Where our essential employees are required to continue to
report to work to perform their responsibilities, we have implemented staggered
shifts or otherwise adjusted work schedules to maximize our operating capacity
while adhering to applicable restrictions, including recommended distancing
between persons. We have also provided our essential employees with appropriate
protective equipment and have enhanced and increased cleanings at our
facilities. At this time, we have not experienced any reduction in productivity,
though we have incurred certain costs related to the implementation of these
policies and practices. In addition, we have enhanced our email screening and
cyber monitoring of our devices to further support our work from home policy. As
certain countries have relaxed restrictions over the past few months, we have
restarted certain activities in accordance with local guidelines. We may take
further actions that we determine to be in the best interests of our employees
or as may be required by federal, state, or local authorities.

To date, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the way that we conduct business
but has not had a material adverse impact on our operations. We have not
experienced significant delays in customer deliveries, but we are impacted by
the global shortage in electronic components and our supply chain is strained in
some cases as the availability of materials, logistics and freight options are
challenging in many jurisdictions. Demand for our products was consistent with
or exceeded our expectations for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021. However,
further disruptions to our supply chain in connection with the sourcing of
materials, equipment and engineering support, and services from geographic areas
that have been impacted by COVID-19 may pose risks to our business, results of
operations and financial condition. In this time of uncertainty as a result of
the COVID-19 pandemic, we are continuing to serve our customers while taking
appropriate precautionary measures to provide a safe work environment for our
employees and customers.

The extent of the pandemic's effect on our operational and financial performance
will depend in large part on future developments, which cannot be predicted with
confidence at this time. Future developments include the duration, scope and
severity of the pandemic, the severity of newly identified strains of COVID-19,
the actions taken to contain or mitigate its impact, such as the extent of
restrictions on gatherings and travel, the impact on governmental programs and
budgets, the development, administration, efficacy and public utilization of
treatments and vaccines, and the resumption of widespread economic activity.
Trade tensions between the United States and China may escalate as a result of
COVID-19 or otherwise and could result in the imposition of additional tariffs,
trade restrictions or policy changes, any of which could increase costs of our
product components and pricing of, and consumer demand for, our products, which
could have a negative effect on our results of operations.


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Although the inherent uncertainty of the unprecedented and rapidly evolving crisis makes it difficult to predict with any confidence the likely impact on our future operations, the COVID-19 pandemic could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated business, results of operations and financial condition.



For a discussion of certain risks related to the international nature of our
business and our operations and the COVID-19 pandemic, see Part I, Item 1A -
Risk Factors of this 2021 Form 10-K.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our results of operations as percentages of our revenue. Our results of operations are reported as one business segment.




                                                              Year Ended
                                           January 1,        December 26,       December 31,
                                              2022               2020               2019
Revenue                                          100.0 %             100.0 %            100.0 %
Cost of revenue                                   45.6 %              50.0 %             55.9 %
Gross profit                                      54.4 %              50.0 %             44.1 %
Operating expenses:
Research and development                          12.2 %              15.2 %             15.8 %
Sales and marketing                                7.3 %               8.6 %              9.2 %
General and administrative                         8.6 %              11.7 %             17.4 %
Amortization                                       6.5 %               9.7 %              3.4 %
Total operating expenses                          34.6 %              45.2 %             45.8 %
Operating income (loss)                           19.8 %               4.8 %             (1.7 )%
Interest income, net                               0.1 %               0.5 %              1.2 %
Other income (expense), net                       (0.2 )%             (0.5 )%             0.3 %
Income (loss) before provision
(benefit) for income taxes                        19.7 %               4.8 %             (0.2 )%
Provision (benefit) for income taxes               1.7 %              (0.7 )%            (0.8 )%
Net income                                        18.0 %               5.5 %              0.6 %



Results of Operations for 2021, 2020 and 2019



Revenue. Our revenue is derived from the sale of our systems and software, spare
parts, and services. Our revenue was $788.9 million, $556.5 million and $305.9
million for the years ended January 1, 2022, December 26, 2020 and December 31,
2019, respectively. This represents an increase of 41.8% from 2020 to 2021 and
an increase of 81.9% from 2019 to 2020.

The following table lists, for the periods indicated, the different sources of our revenue in dollars (thousands) and as percentages of our total revenue:


                                                   Year Ended
                           January 1,             December 26,            December 31,
                              2022                    2020                    2019
Systems and software   $ 669,114        85 %   $ 450,459        80 %   $ 255,723        84 %
Parts                     72,753         9 %      65,444        12 %      34,892        11 %
Services                  47,032         6 %      40,593         8 %      15,281         5 %
Total revenue          $ 788,899       100 %   $ 556,496       100 %   $ 305,896       100 %


Total systems and software revenue increased $218.7 million for the year ended
January 1, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 26, 2020, primarily due
to an increase in overall demand for our products from semiconductor industry
customers, particularly in specialty devices and advanced packaging and advanced
nodes applications, and the inclusion of $22.3 million of revenue from the
Inspectrology acquisition. The year-over-year change in systems revenue was
primarily due to an increase in units shipped in our metrology and inspection
product lines. Parts and services revenue is generated from part sales,
maintenance service contracts, and system upgrades, as well as time and material
billable service calls. During fiscal 2021, the increase in parts and services
revenue was primarily due to increased spending by our customers on system
upgrades and repairs of existing systems.

Total systems and software revenue increased $194.7 million for the year ended
December 26, 2020, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily
due to the inclusion of $178.6 million of revenue from legacy Nanometrics for
the


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period and increased investment from our foundry and logic customers. Parts and
services revenue is generated from part sales, maintenance service contracts,
system upgrades, as well as time and material billable service calls. During
fiscal 2020, parts and services revenue increased primarily due to inclusion of
$54.3 million of parts and service revenue from legacy Nanometrics for 2020.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our revenue by geographic region as percentages of our revenue.



                                     Year Ended
                  January 1,       December 26,       December 31,
                     2022              2020               2019
Revenue          $    788,899     $      556,496     $      305,896
Taiwan                     25 %               22 %               22 %
South Korea                20 %               16 %               14 %
China                      19 %               22 %               26 %
United States              16 %               15 %               15 %
Europe                      8 %                9 %                8 %
Japan                       8 %               11 %               10 %
Southeast Asia              4 %                5 %                5 %
Total revenue             100 %              100 %              100 %


The overall Asia region continues to account for a majority of our revenues as a substantial amount of the worldwide capacity investments for semiconductor manufacturing continue to occur in this region and we expect that trend to continue.



Gross Profit. Our gross profit has been and will likely continue to be affected
by a variety of factors, including manufacturing efficiencies, provision for
excess and obsolete inventory, pricing by competitors or suppliers, new product
introductions, production volume, inventory step-up from purchase accounting,
customization and reconfiguration of systems, international and domestic sales
mix, system and software product mix, and parts and services margins. Our gross
profit was $429.1 million, $278.5 million and $135.0 million for the years ended
January 1, 2022, December 26, 2020, and December 31, 2019, respectively. Our
gross profit represented 54.4%, 50.0% and 44.1% for the years ended January 1,
2022, December 26, 2020, and December 31, 2019, respectively. The increase in
gross profit as a percentage of revenue from 2020 to 2021 was primarily due to
higher factory utilization associated with stronger sales levels in the 2021
fiscal period, inventory reserve charges for a discontinued product line and the
sale of inventory written-up to fair value upon the 2019 Merger in the 2020
fiscal period. This increase in gross profit was partially offset by supply
chain cost increases in the 2021 fiscal period. The increase in gross profit as
a percentage of revenue from 2019 to 2020 was primarily due to a favorable
impact from higher revenue volume of products and services from the 2019 Merger
with inclusion of legacy Nanometrics results for the full fiscal year, partially
offset by additional charges for excess and obsolete inventory in the 2020
fiscal period. During the fourth quarter of the year ended December 26, 2020, we
recognized a write-down of inventory in the amount of $8.1 million for our
JetStep X300 product line to net realizable value based on future demand and
market conditions.

Operating Expenses.

Our operating expenses consist of:

• Research and Development. We believe that it is critical to continue to


         make substantial investments in research and development to ensure the
         availability of innovative technology that meets the current and
         projected requirements of our customers' most advanced designs. We have
         maintained, and intend to continue, our commitment to investing in

research and development in order to continue to offer new products and

technologies. Accordingly, we devote a significant portion of our

technical, management and financial resources to research and development


         programs. Research and development expenditures consist primarily of
         salaries and related expenses of employees engaged in research, design
         and development activities. They also include consulting fees, the cost

of related supplies and legal costs to defend our intellectual property.

Our research and development expenses were $96.1 million, $84.6 million

and $48.4 million in fiscal years 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The

year-over-year dollar increase from 2020 through 2021 was primarily due

to increased costs related to new product initiatives and increased

variable compensation plan costs. The year-over-year dollar increase from

2019 through 2020 was primarily due to the 2019 Merger where research and

development expenses for legacy Nanometrics was included for the full

2020 fiscal year and in 2019 included from October 25, 2019 to December


         31, 2019. We continue to maintain our commitment to investing in new
         product development and enhancement to existing products.

• Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses are primarily comprised


         of salaries and related costs for sales and marketing personnel, as well
         as commissions and other non-personnel related expenses. Our sales and



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marketing expenses were $57.2 million, $48.1 million and $28.3 million in

fiscal years 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The year-over-year dollar

increase from 2020 through 2021 was primarily due to increased personnel

costs, including variable compensation plan costs. The year-over-year


         dollar increase from 2019 through 2020 was primarily due to the 2019
         Merger where sales and marketing expenses for legacy Nanometrics was
         included for the full 2020 fiscal year and in 2019 included from October
         25, 2019 to December 31, 2019.


      •  General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses are
         primarily comprised of salaries and related costs for general
         administrative personnel, as well as other non-personnel related

expenses. Our general and administrative expenses were $68.0 million,

$65.3 million and $53.0 million in fiscal years 2021, 2020 and 2019,
         respectively. The year-over-year dollar increase from 2020 through 2021
         was primarily due to increased personnel costs, including variable
         compensation plan costs. The year-over-year dollar increases from 2019
         through 2020 were primarily due to the 2019 Merger where general and

administrative expenses for legacy Nanometrics was included for the full

2020 fiscal year and in 2019 included from October 25, 2019 to December


         31, 2019.


      •  Amortization of Identifiable Intangible Assets.  Amortization of

identifiable intangible assets, primarily purchased technology, was $51.4

million, $53.7 million and $10.4 million in fiscal years 2021, 2020 and

2019, respectively. The year-over-year dollar decrease from 2020 through

2021 was primarily due to certain intangible assets becoming fully

amortized, partially offset by amortization for newly acquired intangible

assets in 2021. The year-over-year dollar increase from 2019 through 2020

was primarily due to amortization of additional purchased intangible

assets recorded as a result of the 2019 Merger where such amortization

expense was included for the full 2020 fiscal year and in 2019 included

from October 25, 2019 to December 31, 2019.




Interest income, net. In fiscal years 2021, 2020 and 2019, net interest income
was $1.2 million, $2.9 million and $3.7 million, respectively. The decrease in
net interest income from 2020 to 2021 was due to lower interest rates during the
2021 period. The decrease in net interest income from 2019 to 2020 was due to
lower interest rates during the 2020 period.

Income taxes. The following table provides details of income tax (dollars in
millions):

                                                               Year Ended
                                            January 1,       December 26,        December 31,
                                               2022              2020                2019
Income (loss) before provision (benefit)
for income taxes                           $       155.7     $        26.9      $         (0.6 )
Provision (benefit) for income taxes       $        13.3     $        (4.2 )    $         (2.5 )
Effective tax rate                                   8.6 %           (15.5 )%           (419.9 )%




The income tax provision differs from the federal statutory income tax rate of
21% for 2021 primarily due to a benefit related to the Foreign Derived
Intangible Income Deduction ("FDII") of $11.1 million, excess benefits related
to stock compensation of $3.8 million, tax benefits for research and development
credits of $3.6 million, tax benefit from foreign income being taxed at lower
rates of $3.8 million, and a one-time benefit of $2.0 million from a reduction
to recorded tax reserve related to a lapse of statute of limitations. These
benefits were partially offset by the inclusion of U.S. tax on foreign source
income of $1.7 million.

The income tax provision differs from the federal statutory income tax rate of
21% for 2020 primarily due to a benefit related to the FDII of $4.3 million, tax
benefits for research and development credits of $4.9 million, and a one-time
benefit related to the closure of an IRS audit for tax years 2016 through 2018
of $2.9 million. These benefits were partially offset by the inclusion of Global
Intangible Low-Taxed Income ("GILTI") of $2.0 million.

The income tax provision differs from the federal statutory income tax rate of
21% for 2019 primarily due to a benefit related to the FDII of $2.3 million and
tax benefits for research and development credits of $2.1 million, partially
offset by non-deductible transaction costs of $1.1 million and Section 162(m)
limitation on the deductibility of executive compensation of $0.8 million.

Our future effective income tax rate depends on various factors, such as future
impacts of the Tax Act, possible further tax legislation, the geographic
composition of our pre-tax income, the amount of our pre-tax income as business
activities fluctuate, non-deductible expenses incurred in connection with
acquisitions and research and development credits as a percentage of aggregate
pre-tax income.

On March 27, 2020, the "Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act" (the
"CARES Act") was enacted. The CARES Act includes provisions relating to
refundable payroll tax credits, deferral of the employer portion of certain
payroll taxes, net operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax
credit refunds, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations and
technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement
property. The Company filed a


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claim for a refund of prior years' income taxes paid under the provisions of the CARES Act which resulted in a tax benefit of $1.9 million as the 2019 net operating loss was carried back to a year with higher tax rates.



Unanticipated changes in our tax provisions or exposure to additional tax
liabilities could affect our profitability and cash flow. We are subject to
income and other taxes in the United States and foreign jurisdictions. Changes
in applicable U.S. (federal, state and local) or foreign tax laws and
regulations, or their interpretation and application, including the possibility
of retroactive effect, have affected and could continue to affect our tax
expense and profitability as, for example, they did in 2017 upon passage of the
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. In addition, the final determination of any state or
federal tax audits or related litigation, in particular with regard to the
sustainment of our positions on research credits and timing of revenue
recognition under IRC Section 451(b), could be materially different from our
historical income tax provisions and accruals.

Beginning in 2022, the TCJA eliminates the existing option to deduct research
and development expenditures and requires taxpayers to amortize them over five
years pursuant to IRC Section 174. Although Congress is considering legislation
that would defer the amortization requirement to later years, we have no
assurance that the provision will be repealed or otherwise modified. If the
requirement is not modified, it will reduce our cash flows beginning in
2022. Changes in our tax provisions or an increase in our tax liabilities,
whether due to changes in applicable laws and regulations, the interpretation or
application thereof, or a final determination of tax audits or litigation or
agreements, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position,
results of operations and/or cash flows.

Liquidity and Capital Resources



At January 1, 2022, we had $511.3 million of cash, cash equivalents and
marketable securities and $793.6 million in working capital. At December 26,
2020, we had $373.7 million of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities
and $611.6 million in working capital.

Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities for the years
ended January 1, 2022, December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2019 totaled $175.3
million, $106.0 million and $18.1 million, respectively.

• Cash provided by operating activities increased in fiscal 2021 compared

to fiscal 2020 primarily due to higher net income, adjusted to exclude

the effect of non-cash charges, of $91.2 million, an increase in accrued

and other liabilities of $3.8 million and an increase in income taxes of

$2.5 million, partially offset by an increase in inventories of $14.7
         million, an increase in prepaid expenses and other assets of $12.2
         million and an increase in accounts receivable of $2.0 million.

• Cash provided by operating activities increased in fiscal 2020 compared

to fiscal 2019 primarily due to higher net income, adjusted to exclude

the effect of non-cash charges, of $81.3 million, an increase in accrued

and other liabilities of $24.5 million, a decrease in prepaid expenses

and other assets of $16.5 million and an increase in accounts payable of

$23.5 million, partially offset by an increase in inventories of $33.1
         million, an increase in accounts receivable of $16.1 million and a
         decrease in income taxes of $8.8 million.

Net cash and cash equivalents used in investing activities for the years ended January 1, 2022 and December 26, 2020 was $141.8 million and $48.6 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2019, investing activities provided net cash and cash equivalents of $4.1 million.

• During the year ended January 1, 2022, net cash used in investing

activities included purchases of marketable securities, net of proceeds


         from sales of marketable securities of $106.0 million, purchase of
         business net of cash acquired of $23.8 million, and purchases of
         property, plant and equipment of $12.0 million.

• During the year ended December 26, 2020, net cash used in investing

activities included purchases of marketable securities, net of proceeds


         from sales of marketable securities of $47.6 million and purchases of
         property, plant and equipment of $3.8 million, partially offset by cash
         received from convertible note receivable of $2.8 million.

• During the year ended December 31, 2019, net cash provided by investing

activities included cash acquired in the 2019 Merger of $43.9 million,

partially offset by purchases of marketable securities, net of proceeds

from marketable securities of $33.0 million and purchases of property,

plant and equipment of $6.8 million.




Net cash provided by financing activities was $2.7 million for the year ended
January 1, 2022. For the years ended December 26, 2020 and December 31, 2019
financing activities used $53.7 million and $4.2, respectively.

• During the year ended January 1, 2022, financing activities provided cash


         from shares issued through share-based compensation plans of $10.1
         million, partially offset by cash used to pay taxes related to shares
         withheld for share based compensation plans of $7.4 million.

• During the year ended December 26, 2020, financing activities used cash


         to primarily purchase shares of our common stock under the share
         repurchase authorization of $52.0 million.



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• During the year ended December 31, 2019, financing activities used cash

to primarily pay taxes related to shares withheld for share based

compensation plans of $2.5 million and pay contingent consideration for

acquired business of $1.8 million.




From time to time, we evaluate whether to acquire new or complementary
businesses, products and/or technologies. We may fund all of or a portion of the
price of these investments or acquisitions in cash, stock, or a combination of
cash and stock. In the first quarter of 2021, the Company acquired
Inspectrology, LLC for $24.0 million in cash and an earnout subject to the
achievement of certain revenue targets earned for fiscal 2021 through 2022. The
earnout achieved for fiscal 2021 was $2.3 million and is anticipated to be paid
in the first half of fiscal 2022. There is potential earnout for up to an
additional payment of $5.0 million depending on fiscal 2022 results.

In November 2020, the Onto Innovation Board of Directors approved a new share
repurchase authorization, which allows the Company to repurchase up to $100
million worth of shares of its common stock. Repurchases may be made through
both public market and private transactions from time to time with shares
purchased being subsequently retired. At January 1, 2022, there was $100 million
available for future share repurchases.

For further information regarding our share repurchases, see Note 17 in the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.



We have a credit agreement with a bank that provides for a line of credit that
is secured by the marketable securities we have with the bank. We are permitted
to borrow up to 70% of the value of eligible securities held at the time the
line of credit is accessed. As of January 1, 2022, the available line of credit
was approximately $131.4 million with an available interest rate of 1.8%. The
credit agreement is available to us until such time that either party terminates
the arrangement at its discretion.  To date, we have not utilized the line of
credit.

Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including the
timing and amount of our revenue and our investment decisions, which will affect
our ability to generate additional cash. In addition, although the ultimate
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our future results remains uncertain, we
believe our business model and our current cash reserves leave us
well-positioned to manage our business through this crisis as it continues to
unfold. We expect that our existing cash, cash equivalents, marketable
securities and availability under our line of credit will be sufficient to meet
our anticipated cash requirements for working capital, capital expenditures and
other cash needs for the next 12 months following the filing of this Form 10-K.
Thereafter, if cash generated from operations and financing activities is
insufficient to satisfy our working capital requirements, we may seek additional
funding through bank borrowings, sales of securities or other means. Market
conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other factors may have an impact on
our ability to access such additional funding. Our borrowing capacity under our
existing line of credit is tied to the value of eligible securities held at the
time of borrowing, which may be negatively impacted by market conditions due to
COVID-19 and government responses thereto or other factors. In addition, a
reduction in or volatility with respect to our stock price or a general market
downturn could materially impact our ability to sell securities on favorable
terms or at all. There can be no assurance that we will be able to raise any
such capital on terms acceptable to us or at all.

Contractual Obligations



The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations at
January 1, 2022, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on our
liquidity and cash flows in future periods. We are currently unable to provide a
reasonably reliable estimate of the amount or periods when cash settlement of
this liability may occur (dollars in thousands).

                                                             Payments due by period
                                                     Less than 1        1-3          3-5         More than
                                        Total           year           years        years         5 years
Operating lease obligations           $  21,104     $       5,029     $  7,515     $  5,261     $     3,299
Purchase obligations (1)                373,638           345,334       28,304            -               -
Total                                 $ 394,742     $     350,363     $ 35,819     $  5,261     $     3,299
    (1) Represents our agreements to purchase goods and services consisting of
        outstanding purchase orders for goods and services.


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates



Management's discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of
operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this
Form 10-K, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States. We review the accounting policies we
use in reporting our financial results on a regular basis. The preparation of
these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that
affect the


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reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and related
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we
evaluate our estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, accounts
receivable, inventories, business acquisitions, intangible assets, share-based
payments, income taxes and warranty obligations. We base our estimates on
historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be
reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for
making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not
readily apparent from other sources. Results may differ from these estimates due
to actual outcomes being different from those on which we based our assumptions.
These estimates and judgments are regularly reviewed by management on an ongoing
basis at the end of each quarter prior to the public release of our financial
results. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more
significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our Consolidated
Financial Statements.

Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or
services are transferred to our customers in an amount that reflects the
consideration we expect to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or
services. We account for a contract when it has approval and commitment from
both parties, the rights of the parties and payment terms are identified, the
contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is
probable.

We account for shipping and handling activities as the fulfillment of a promise
to transfer goods to the customer and therefore record these activities under
the caption "Cost of revenue." Sales tax and any other taxes collected
concurrent with revenue producing activities are excluded from revenue.
Incidental items that are immaterial in the context of the contract are
recognized as expense.

Contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such
arrangements, we allocate revenue to each performance obligation based on its
relative standalone selling price. We generally determine standalone selling
prices based on the prices charged to customers or the expected cost-plus
margin.

Revenue from systems is recognized when we transfer control of the product to
our customer. To indicate transfer of control, we must have a present right to
payment, legal title must have passed to the customer and the customer must have
the significant risks and rewards of ownership. We generally transfer control
for system sales when the customer or the customer's agent picks up the system
at our facility. We provide an assurance warranty on our systems for a period of
twelve to fourteen months against defects in material and workmanship. We
provide for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is
recognized.

Depending on the terms of the systems arrangement, we may also defer the
recognition of a portion of the consideration expected to be received because we
have to satisfy a future obligation (e.g., installation and extended
warranties). We use an observable price to determine the standalone selling
price for separate performance obligations or a cost-plus margin approach when
one is not available.

Revenue from software licenses is recognized upfront at the point in time when
the software is made available to the customer. Software licenses provide the
customer with limited rights to use the software. Revenue from licensing support
and maintenance is recognized as the support and maintenance are provided, which
is over the contract period.

Revenue from parts is recognized when we transfer control of the product, which typically occurs when we ship the product from our facilities to the customer.



Revenue from services primarily consists of service contracts, which provide
additional maintenance coverage beyond our assurance warranty on our products,
service labor, consulting and training. Revenue from service contracts is
recognized ratably over the term of the service contract. Revenue from service
labor, consulting and training is recognized as services are performed.

We record contract liabilities when the customer has been billed in advance of
completing our performance obligations. These amounts are recorded as deferred
revenue in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Business combinations. We account for business combinations under the
acquisition method of accounting, which requires us to recognize separately from
goodwill the assets acquired, and the liabilities assumed at their acquisition
date fair values. While we use our best estimates and assumptions to accurately
value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date as well as
contingent consideration, where applicable, our estimates are inherently
uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period,
which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we record adjustments to
the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to
goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination
of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first,
any subsequent adjustments are recognized in our consolidated statements of
operations. Accounting for business combinations requires our management to make
significant estimates and assumptions, especially at the acquisition date
including our estimates for intangible assets, contractual obligations assumed,
restructuring liabilities, pre-acquisition contingencies, and contingent
consideration, where applicable. Although we believe the assumptions and
estimates we have made in the past have been reasonable and appropriate, they
are based, in part, on historical experience and information obtained from the


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management of the acquired companies and are inherently uncertain. Estimates in
valuing certain acquired intangible assets under the income approach include
growth in future expected cash flows from product sales, acquired technologies,
technology obsolescence rates, estimated cash flows from the projects when
completed and discount rates. Unanticipated events and circumstances may occur
that may affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates or
actual results.

Excess and Obsolete Inventory. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or
net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in
the ordinary course of business, less predictable costs of completion, disposal
and transportation. Cost is generally determined on a first-in, first-out basis,
and includes material, labor and manufacturing overhead costs. We review and set
standard costs as needed, but at a minimum, on an annual basis, at current
manufacturing costs in order to approximate actual costs. We maintain reserves
for our excess and obsolete inventory equal to the difference between the cost
of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future
product lifecycles, product demand and market conditions. If actual product
lifecycles, product demand and market conditions are less favorable than those
originally projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be
required.

Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets. Goodwill is tested for
impairment during the fourth quarter, or whenever events or circumstances
indicate that its carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill impairment is
tested at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or
one level below the operating segment. The Company has one operating segment.
Goodwill is reviewed for impairment using either a qualitative assessment or a
quantitative goodwill impairment test. If the Company chooses to perform a
qualitative assessment and determine the fair value more likely than not exceeds
the carrying value, no further evaluation is necessary. When the Company
performs the quantitative goodwill impairment test, it compares fair value to
carrying value, which includes goodwill. If fair value exceeds carrying value,
the goodwill is not considered impaired. If the carrying value is higher than
the fair value, the difference would be recognized as an impairment loss.

Intangible assets with indefinite lives, including in-process research and
development ("IPR&D"), are tested for impairment if impairment indicators arise
and, at a minimum, annually. However, the Company is permitted to first assess
qualitative factors to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary.
Further testing is only required if the entity determines, based on the
qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived
intangible asset's fair value is less than its carrying amount. Otherwise, no
further impairment testing is required. The indefinite-lived intangible asset
impairment test consists of a one-step analysis that compares the fair value of
the intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of an
intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an
amount equal to that excess. We consider many factors in evaluating whether the
value of intangible assets with indefinite lives may not be recoverable,
including, but not limited to estimates of future cash flows, the discount rate,
terminal growth rates, general economic conditions, our outlook and market
performance of our industry and recent and forecasted financial performance.

There was no impairment of goodwill or IPR&D for the years presented.



Long-Lived Assets and Finite-Lived Acquired Intangible Assets. We periodically
review long-lived assets, other than goodwill, for impairment whenever changes
in events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not
be recoverable. Assumptions and estimates used in the determination of
impairment losses, such as future cash flows and disposition costs, may affect
the carrying value of long-lived assets and the impairment of such long-lived
assets, if any, could have a material effect on our consolidated financial
statements. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized a $0.5
million impairment loss on long-lived assets. No such indicators were noted in
2021 or 2020.

Accounting for Income Taxes. As part of the process of preparing our
consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our current tax
exposure together with our temporary differences resulting from differing
treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These temporary differences
result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our
consolidated balance sheet. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred
tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and to the extent we
believe that recovery is not likely, we must establish a valuation allowance.
Management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes
and any valuation allowance recorded against our deferred tax assets. The need
for a valuation allowance is based on our estimates of taxable income by
jurisdiction in which we operate and the period over which our deferred taxes
will be recoverable. In the event that actual results differ from these
estimates or we adjust these estimates in future periods, we may need to adjust
the valuation allowance, which could materially impact our financial position
and results of operations. At January 1, 2022 and December 26, 2020, we had
recorded valuation allowances of $10.9 million and $14.2 million on certain of
our deferred tax assets to reflect the deferred tax assets at the net amount
that is more likely than not to be realized. We evaluated the realizability of
the deferred tax assets based on positive earnings as well as the projected
earnings in future years and believe it is more likely than not that the
substantial majority of our deferred tax asset will be realized in the future
years. We will continue to monitor the realizability of the deferred tax assets
and evaluate the valuation allowance.


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We recognize liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on a two-step
process. The first step requires us to determine if the weight of available
evidence indicates that the tax position has met the threshold for recognition;
therefore, we must evaluate whether it is more likely than not that the position
will be sustained on audit, including resolution of any related appeals or
litigation processes. The second step requires us to measure the tax benefit of
the tax position taken, or expected to be taken, in an income tax return as the
largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized when effectively
settled. This measurement step is inherently difficult and requires subjective
estimations of such amounts to determine the probability of various possible
outcomes. We reevaluate the uncertain tax positions each quarter based on
factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances,
changes in tax law, effectively settled issues, and new audit activity. Such a
change in recognition or measurement could result in the recognition of a tax
benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision in the period.

Although we believe the measurement of our liabilities for uncertain tax
positions is reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of
these matters will not be different than what is reflected in the historical
income tax provisions and accruals. If additional taxes are assessed as a result
of an audit or litigation, it could have a material effect on our income tax
provision and net income in the period or periods for which that determination
is made.

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