Here are 1-2 brief analogies for Axcelis Technologies (ACLS):

• ACLS is like ASML, but focused specifically on ion implantation equipment for chip manufacturing.
• ACLS is like a specialized version of Applied Materials, concentrating solely on ion implanters for the semiconductor industry.

• Purion Ion Implantation Systems: These systems are critical tools used in semiconductor manufacturing to precisely introduce dopant ions into silicon wafers, forming the transistors and other structures of integrated circuits.
• Aftermarket Parts and Services: This category includes spare parts, equipment upgrades, maintenance services, and customer support necessary to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of their installed ion implantation base.

Axcelis Technologies (ACLS) primarily sells its products and services to other companies, specifically semiconductor manufacturers (B2B), providing ion implantation equipment and related services.

Major Customers of Axcelis Technologies (ACLS):

Based on recent financial disclosures (e.g., 10-K filings), Axcelis Technologies has significant revenue concentration with a few key customers:

• Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Symbol: 005930.KS - Primarily traded on the Korea Exchange)
• Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC) (Symbol: TSM - Traded on NYSE)
• Micron Technology, Inc. (Symbol: MU - Traded on NASDAQ)
• SK Hynix Inc. (Symbol: 000660.KS - Primarily traded on the Korea Exchange)

Russell Low, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Russell Low assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of Axcelis Technologies in May 2023. He joined Axcelis in October 2016, initially serving as Executive Vice President, Engineering, and later as Executive Vice President, Global Customer and Engineering Operations starting in January 2021. Before his tenure at Axcelis, Dr. Low held leadership positions at Veeco Instruments, where he was Vice President of Engineering for the MOCVD Business Unit since 2013 and Senior Director of Engineering for the Molecular Beam Epitaxy Business Unit from 2012. His career also includes various roles at Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates from 2003 to 2012, most recently as Director of Technology, and engineering positions at Applied Materials, Inc. Dr. Low earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Oxford University and an Executive MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

James Coogan, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

James Coogan joined Axcelis as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in September 2023. He brings over 20 years of experience in finance, accounting, and investor relations, with a recent focus on the aerospace and defense sector. Prior to Axcelis, Mr. Coogan served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer at Kaman Corporation. During his 15 years at Kaman, he held several management positions, including Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Development, and Assistant Vice President, External Reporting and SEC Compliance. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Yale School of Management, a Master of Science in Accounting, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Accounting from the University of Connecticut.

Mary G. Puma, Executive Chairperson

Mary G. Puma serves as the Executive Chairperson of Axcelis Technologies. She had a distinguished 25-year career at Axcelis, including 22 years as CEO, before transitioning from CEO in May 2023. Ms. Puma joined Axcelis through Eaton Corporation and, after assisting with the company's initial public offering in 2000, became President and Chief Operating Officer. Before joining Eaton, she spent 15 years in various marketing and general management roles at General Electric Company.

Lynnette C. Fallon, Executive Vice President, Human Resources & Legal & General Counsel

Lynnette C. Fallon has been an Executive Vice President of HR & Legal at Axcelis Technologies Inc. since May 2005. She also serves as the General Counsel.

Greg Redinbo, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Applications

Greg Redinbo holds the position of Executive Vice President, Marketing and Applications at Axcelis Technologies.

Key Risks to Axcelis Technologies (ACLS)

1. Cyclicality of the Semiconductor Industry and Dependence on Specific Market Segments: Axcelis Technologies is highly susceptible to the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry. Its recent elevated profitability has been significantly driven by what has been described as an "ion implant Supercycle," particularly related to Silicon Carbide (SiC) chips used in Electric Vehicles (EVs). However, there are indications that this supercycle may have peaked, with cooled EV demand expectations and industry data suggesting a downturn. This cyclicality leads to significant fluctuations in financial results, with forecasted declines in earnings and revenue over the next few years. The company's revenue is derived from the sale of a small number of expensive products, meaning each sale or failure to make a sale can significantly impact quarterly results. The memory segment of the business has also experienced instability.
2. High Customer Concentration in China and Geopolitical Risks: A substantial portion of Axcelis's revenue is generated from customers in China, accounting for over 55% of total revenue and 65% of shipped system sales. This concentration exposes the company to considerable risks, including sudden shifts in demand, potential export restrictions, and geopolitical headwinds. Moreover, there is an increasing push for self-sufficiency in semiconductors by Chinese companies, which could lead to local chipmakers being mandated to source equipment from domestic suppliers, even if less technologically advanced, thereby impacting Axcelis's market share in this crucial region.
3. Intensifying Competition and Potential Technology Erosion: Axcelis faces the risk of its market leadership eroding due to intensifying competition. Competitors, such as Varian, have been closing the technological gap in high-energy ion implanters. Additionally, Chinese companies are emerging as competitive threats, further challenging Axcelis's position. This increased competition can lead to pressure on sales and pricing, potentially impacting the company's profitability and market share.

Axcelis Technologies (ACLS) primarily operates in the semiconductor manufacturing equipment industry, with its main products and services centered around ion implantation and, to a lesser extent, dry strip processes.

Addressable Markets for Axcelis Technologies' Main Products:

• Ion Implantation Equipment:
  • The global ion implanter market was valued at approximately USD 945.00 million in 2021 and is projected to reach about USD 1,396.20 million by 2029, demonstrating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.00% during the forecast period of 2022-2029.
  • Another estimate indicates the global ion implanter market size reached USD 1.64 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 2.38 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 4.21% during 2025-2033.
  • For the specific niche of ion implantation equipment for Silicon Carbide (SiC) semiconductor manufacturing, the global demand is estimated to exceed USD 6 billion in capital expenditure by 2030.
  • North America holds a dominant share in the ion implanter market, while the Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit lucrative growth.
• Dry Strip Equipment:
  • The global semiconductor dry strip equipment market is projected to grow from USD 283.370 million in 2025 to USD 351.671 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.41%.

Expected Drivers of Future Revenue Growth for Axcelis Technologies (ACLS)

• Growth in Silicon Carbide (SiC) Applications: Axcelis Technologies is strongly positioned to benefit from the expanding silicon carbide market, driven by increasing demand from electric vehicles (EVs), AI applications, and the broader electrification trend. The company's Purion Power Series in SiC implantation is specifically noted to have significant growth potential, with the SiC market projected for substantial expansion over the next few years.
• Expansion of Customer Support and Integration (CS&I) Services: The CS&I segment, which includes aftermarket parts, services, and upgrades, has consistently demonstrated strong performance and is a key driver of recurring revenue. This growth is attributed to a successful aftermarket strategy and the continuous expansion of Axcelis' installed base of tools, providing stable and high-margin business.
• Recovery and Demand in the Memory Market: While 2025 is anticipated to be a period of digestion in some markets, Axcelis expects a cyclical recovery in the memory market, particularly for DRAM and High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) driven by AI applications, starting in 2026. This recovery is poised to be a significant growth catalyst.
• Advanced Logic Market Expansion and New Product Innovation: Axcelis is actively expanding its footprint in the Advanced Logic market and developing next-generation ion implantation applications. Recent product launches, such as the Purion Power Plus series for next-generation power devices and the GSD Ovation ES implanter, are designed to enhance device performance and productivity, contributing to future revenue growth.
• Strategic Merger with Veeco Instruments: The recently announced merger with Veeco Instruments is a strategic move aimed at enhancing Axcelis' position in the semiconductor equipment market. This merger is expected to enable the combined company to capitalize on powerful secular tailwinds, including AI and electrification, by leveraging cross-sell synergies, expanding market presence, and strengthening capabilities in key areas.

Share Repurchases

• Axcelis Technologies authorized additional funding of $200 million for its share repurchase program in September 2023.
• In March 2025, the Board of Directors approved an additional $100 million in share repurchase authorization, bringing the total outstanding authorization to $215 million at that time.
• As of September 30, 2025, the company had $135 million remaining authorized for share repurchases, having repurchased 1.5 million shares year-to-date at an average price of $62.33.

Share Issuance

• Axcelis Technologies has seen a general decrease in its shares outstanding over the last few years, from approximately 33.29 million at the end of 2021 to around 31.0 million as of September 30, 2025.
• Less than 0.1 million shares were purchased under the 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) in both 2022 and 2023, with 0.1 million shares purchased in 2024.

Outbound Investments

• On October 1, 2025, Axcelis Technologies and Veeco Instruments announced an agreement to merge in an all-stock transaction, with the closing expected in the second half of 2026.
• In this merger, each Veeco share will convert into 0.3575 Axcelis shares.

Capital Expenditures

• Capital expenditures were $8.7 million in 2021, $11 million in 2022, $21 million in 2023, and $12 million in 2024.
• Projected capital expenditures include $11 million for 2025 and $12 million for 2026.
• The focus of capital expenditures includes expanding manufacturing capabilities, such as the Axcelis Asia Operations Center in South Korea (opened November 2021) and a state-of-the-art logistics and flex manufacturing center in Beverly, Massachusetts.