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Axcelis (ACLS)
NASDAQ:ACLS

Axcelis Technologies (ACLS) AI Stock Analysis

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ACLS

Axcelis Technologies

(NASDAQ:ACLS)

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Outperform 74 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:74Outperform
Price Target:
$110.00
▲(37.23% Upside)
Action:UpgradedDate:02/18/26
The score is driven mainly by solid financial quality (notably a very strong, low-leverage balance sheet and positive free cash flow) and supportive technical trend (price above major moving averages). Offsetting factors include a valuation that looks less compelling versus cooling TTM growth/margins and earnings-call guidance indicating a weaker near-term quarter and some margin pressure.
Positive Factors
Strong balance sheet & low leverage
Very low leverage and sizable equity provide durable financial flexibility through semiconductor cycles. This balance-sheet strength supports capital allocation (R&D, buybacks, M&A), buffers downturns, and preserves borrowing capacity for multi‑year investments or to absorb cyclical revenue volatility.
Growing CS&I aftermarket revenue
Expanding aftermarket sales and services create a more recurring, higher-margin revenue stream that cushions systems cyclicality. Durable installed base monetization improves revenue stability, margin resilience and predictable cash generation across 2–6 month horizons and beyond.
Product leadership in high‑current implanters
New Purion H6 and strengthened high-current shipments signal technological differentiation in ion implantation. Sustained product leadership drives share gains with memory and advanced-node customers, supports backlog quality, and strengthens competitive barriers over multiple product cycles.
Negative Factors
Revenue and margin deceleration
Top-line weakness and slowing cash-flow growth reflect softer system demand and margin compression: net margins fell from 20%+ to ~14% TTM. Persistent revenue decline reduces reinvestment capacity and may pressure long‑term operating leverage, slowing earnings recovery into the next fiscal periods.
Near‑term guidance shows sequential weakness
Guidance signaling an ~18% sequential systems decline and margin step‑down to ~41% highlights visibility and demand timing risks. Such near‑term softness can compress operating leverage, reduce free cash flow generation in the short run, and delay reinvestment or share‑repurchase plans.
Merger regulatory and litigation risk
Pending Veeco merger faces regulatory approvals and shareholder litigation, creating execution and timing risk. Protracted approval or legal challenges could divert management focus, impose transaction costs, and delay expected strategic or scale benefits, affecting multi‑quarter planning and integration value.

Axcelis Technologies (ACLS) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Axcelis Technologies Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionAxcelis Technologies, Inc. designs, manufactures, and services ion implantation and other processing equipment used in the fabrication of semiconductor chips in the United States, Europe, and Asia. The company offers high energy, high current, and medium current implanters for various application requirements. It also provides aftermarket lifecycle products and services, including used tools, spare parts, equipment upgrades, maintenance services, and customer training. It sells its equipment and services to semiconductor chip manufacturers through its direct sales force. The company was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Beverly, Massachusetts.
How the Company Makes MoneyAxcelis Technologies generates revenue primarily through the sale of its semiconductor equipment and related services. Key revenue streams include the sale of ion implantation systems, which are sold to semiconductor manufacturers for use in production facilities. Additionally, the company earns revenue from the sale of spare parts and consumables, as well as from service contracts that provide maintenance and support for its equipment. Significant partnerships with major semiconductor manufacturers also contribute to its earnings, as these relationships can lead to long-term contracts and repeat business. Moreover, the growing demand for advanced semiconductor technologies in various sectors, including consumer electronics, automotive, and telecommunications, drives the company's revenue growth.

Axcelis Technologies Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue by Geography
Revenue by Geography
Breaks down revenue across different regions, revealing where the company is strongest and where it may face risk or growth potential due to local economic conditions or market share shifts.
Chart InsightsAxcelis Technologies shows a mixed geographical revenue trend. North America and Europe have seen recent declines, while APAC remains a strong revenue driver, supported by robust demand for silicon carbide in China, particularly from the EV sector. Despite a challenging market environment, the company exceeded financial expectations with disciplined cost management and strong margins. The earnings call highlights Axcelis's leadership in high-energy ion implantation and anticipates modest revenue improvements in late 2025, although bookings have softened, reflecting broader market challenges.
Data provided by:The Fly

Axcelis Technologies Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 17, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 06, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call presented multiple operational and financial positives: Q4 results and EPS materially beat expectations, CS&I aftermarket growth (14% YoY) and product launches (Purion H6) strengthened the company's positioning, margins expanded year-over-year and the company generated strong full-year free cash flow ($107M) while returning capital via ~$121M in buybacks. Near-term headwinds include an anticipated sequential revenue decline in Q1 (~18% QoQ), margin pressure from mix and tariffs, digestion of SiC and NAND demand, and China revenue normalization after heavy prior investments. Management expects 2026 revenue to be roughly flat versus 2025 with memory growth offsetting softness in power/general mature and anticipates stronger memory-driven recovery into 2027. Overall, the positive financial execution, margin expansion, cash generation, backlog and product momentum outweigh the near-term cyclical and mix challenges.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Q4 Revenue and EPS Beat
Reported Q4 revenue of $238 million and non-GAAP diluted EPS of $1.49 (GAAP EPS $1.10), both above company outlooks (non-GAAP EPS beat vs $1.12 outlook; GAAP EPS beat vs $0.76).
Record CS&I Aftermarket Growth
CS&I (service, upgrades & installs) revenue reached a Q4 record of $82 million and grew 14% year-over-year for full year 2025, driven by upgrades and services and favorable mix that boosted gross margins.
Strong Profitability & Margins
Q4 GAAP gross margin was 47.0% and non-GAAP gross margin was 47.3% (vs outlook 43%), adjusted EBITDA of $55 million (22.9% margin) in Q4. Full year non-GAAP gross margin improved 30 basis points year-over-year to 45.2% and adjusted EBITDA for 2025 was $177 million (21.1% margin).
Robust Free Cash Flow & Balance Sheet
Generated $107 million of free cash flow for FY2025, exited Q4 with $557 million of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities (including $182 million long-term securities), and repurchased ~$121 million of shares in 2025 (including ~$25 million in Q4) with $110 million remaining authorization.
Bookings, Backlog and Memory Momentum
Bookings improved sequentially to $128 million in Q4 and backlog stood at $457 million. Management highlighted sequential improvement in DRAM/HBM demand, a new high-current system order from a leading North American memory manufacturer, and expectations that DRAM-driven memory demand will grow into 2026 and accelerate into 2027.
Product Innovation and High-Current Shipment Strength
Introduced the Purion H6 next-generation high-current ion implanter and saw the strongest quarter of high-current shipments in two years. Continued traction for Purion Power Series+ upgrades (e.g., 150mm→200mm customer conversions) and double-digit growth in CS&I aftermarket business.
Progress on Veeco Merger
Shareholders of both companies approved the transaction; regulatory clearances obtained in several jurisdictions and active engagement with China regulators. Management expects closing in the second half of 2026 and is progressing integration planning.
Negative Updates
Overall Revenue Decline in 2025
Company acknowledged overall revenue declined in 2025 (no percent disclosed) despite margin expansion and cash generation; systems revenue declined year-over-year while CS&I grew.
Q1 2026 Guidance Shows Near-Term Weakness
Q1 2026 revenue guide of ~$195 million implies a sequential decline of ~18% versus Q4 ($238M → $195M). Management expects lower non-GAAP gross margin (~41% vs 47.3% in Q4), driven by less favorable mix (higher share of memory systems with lower margins), seasonal CS&I moderation and some tariff-related cost impact.
Near-Term Softness in Key End Markets (SiC & NAND)
Near-term ion implant demand for silicon carbide (SiC) is anticipated to remain muted as customers digest recent capacity expansions; NAND demand remains muted because bit growth has been driven by higher layer counts that do not increase implant demand.
China Revenue Digesting; Geographic Mix Shift
China revenue declined sequentially from 46% of Q3 revenue to 32% of Q4 (a 14 percentage-point drop QoQ) as customers digest prior mature-node investments; full year 2025 China was 42% of revenue. Management expects China to be durable but the digestion impacts near-term results.
Higher Q4 Operating Expenses and One-Time Charges
Non-GAAP operating expenses in Q4 were $62 million (above outlook of $56M) due largely to higher variable compensation and a one-time voluntary retirement program; GAAP operating expenses were $76 million. Transaction-related cash expenses (Veeco merger) also impacted the period (~$5M cash expense in Q4).
Q4 Free Cash Flow Timing & Transaction Costs
Q4 free cash flow was negative ~$9 million due to sales timing skewed to December and about $5 million of cash merger-related expenses; while FY2025 FCF was strong, Q4 timing produced a temporary cash outflow.
Company Guidance
Axcelis guided Q1 2026 revenue of approximately $195 million, non‑GAAP gross margin of ~41%, non‑GAAP operating expenses of about $59 million, adjusted EBITDA of roughly $26 million and non‑GAAP diluted EPS of about $0.71 (noting the sequential revenue decline reflects lower systems and CS&I volumes from seasonality, some pushouts and a Q4 pull‑in); management expects full‑year 2026 revenue to be roughly flat versus 2025 and second‑half weighted, full‑year non‑GAAP gross margins in the low‑to‑mid‑40% range (with tariffs estimated to reduce margins by <100 basis points year‑over‑year), a full‑year tax rate of ~15%, and quarterly operating expenses for the balance of the year similar to Q1 levels—while memory (DRAM/HBM) growth is expected to offset slight year‑over‑year declines in power and general mature markets (company exited Q4 with bookings of $128M and a backlog of $457M).

Axcelis Technologies Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong balance sheet (very low leverage, substantial equity) and positive free cash flow support financial resilience, but fundamentals are cooling: TTM revenue is slightly down and both margins and cash-flow growth have decelerated versus 2023–2024.
Income Statement
72
Positive
Profitability remains solid, with TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) gross margin around 45% and net margin ~14%, indicating the business is still generating healthy earnings. However, growth has clearly rolled over: TTM revenue is down materially (about -1.7%) and profitability has compressed versus 2023–2024 (net margin fell from ~20%+ to ~14% and EBIT margin also stepped down). Overall, the income statement shows a high-quality margin profile but a weaker near-term demand/earnings trajectory.
Balance Sheet
90
Very Positive
The balance sheet is a key strength: leverage is very low (TTM debt-to-equity ~0.04) and equity is substantial (~$1.03B), giving the company flexibility through semiconductor cycles. Returns remain attractive (TTM return on equity ~13%), though down from the very strong 2022–2024 levels, reflecting the recent earnings slowdown. Net: strong capitalization with limited balance-sheet risk, offset by moderating returns.
Cash Flow
68
Positive
Cash generation is positive with TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) operating cash flow (~$118M) and free cash flow (~$109M). Free cash flow still largely tracks earnings (TTM free cash flow to net income ~0.92), which supports earnings quality. The main weakness is deceleration: free cash flow declined (TTM growth about -11.8%) and operating cash flow coverage weakened versus prior years, suggesting less cash conversion in the latest period.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue839.05M1.02B1.13B920.00M662.43M
Gross Profit376.85M454.65M491.30M401.79M286.44M
EBITDA136.93M251.54M297.01M222.07M136.08M
Net Income120.24M200.99M246.26M183.08M98.65M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.36B1.35B1.28B1.01B753.24M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments374.25M571.34M506.15M432.17M294.92M
Total Debt42.33M43.67M45.19M46.41M47.39M
Total Liabilities326.67M335.99M417.08M346.38M214.28M
Stockholders Equity1.03B1.01B864.88M667.26M538.96M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow107.01M128.64M136.21M204.92M141.47M
Operating Cash Flow118.31M140.82M156.87M215.61M150.19M
Investing Cash Flow29.93M-108.73M-100.86M-257.25M-8.72M
Financing Cash Flow-124.49M-71.19M-68.27M-65.48M-52.45M

Axcelis Technologies Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price80.16
Price Trends
50DMA
88.11
Negative
100DMA
86.09
Negative
200DMA
79.86
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-1.05
Positive
RSI
40.77
Neutral
STOCH
23.61
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For ACLS, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 80.16 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 87.95, below the 50-day MA of 88.11, and above the 200-day MA of 79.86, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -1.05 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 40.77 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 23.61 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for ACLS.

Axcelis Technologies Risk Analysis

Axcelis Technologies disclosed 25 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Axcelis Technologies reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Axcelis Technologies Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
75
Outperform
$3.11B47.203.60%10.45%4.37%
74
Outperform
$2.52B21.2511.74%-20.69%-37.67%
73
Outperform
$7.34B133.585.48%2.29%-69.81%
73
Outperform
$4.51B36.3315.25%2.22%-2.26%9.74%
64
Neutral
$2.55B117.113.11%2.27%10.50%-52.00%
61
Neutral
$37.18B12.37-10.20%1.83%8.50%-7.62%
61
Neutral
$5.82B178.221.50%-7.49%
* Technology Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
ACLS
Axcelis Technologies
80.16
16.86
26.64%
DIOD
Diodes
68.45
14.19
26.15%
FORM
Formfactor
94.56
59.95
173.22%
IPGP
IPG Photonics
133.62
70.73
112.47%
POWI
Power Integrations
45.51
-18.20
-28.56%
SIMO
Silicon Motion
134.88
79.46
143.37%

Axcelis Technologies Corporate Events

M&A TransactionsShareholder Meetings
Axcelis Shareholders Approve Merger-Related Stock Issuance
Positive
Feb 6, 2026

On February 6, 2026, Axcelis Technologies reported that its stockholders had approved all proposals related to the company’s pending merger with Veeco Instruments at a special meeting convened to consider the transaction. Shareholders backed the issuance of new Axcelis common stock needed to complete the deal, with about 82% of eligible shares represented and more than 95% of votes cast in favor of the share issuance, while an adjournment proposal also passed but was ultimately unnecessary given the strong support. Completion of the merger, under an agreement first announced on September 30, 2025, still depends on remaining customary closing conditions, including final regulatory clearance from China’s State Administration for Market Regulation, and is targeted for the second half of 2026, positioning Axcelis to proceed toward combining operations with Veeco subject to regulatory and integration risks noted by the companies.

The most recent analyst rating on (ACLS) stock is a Hold with a $96.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Axcelis Technologies stock, see the ACLS Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A TransactionsRegulatory Filings and ComplianceShareholder Meetings
Axcelis, Veeco advance merger ahead of shareholder votes
Positive
Feb 2, 2026

Axcelis Technologies and Veeco Instruments, which entered into a merger agreement on September 30, 2025, reported a series of regulatory milestones and procedural steps toward closing their deal. On January 22, 2026, the United Kingdom’s Investment Security Unit issued a no further action letter for the merger, and the companies determined that filings under Sweden’s Investment Screening Law were not required; on January 27, 2027, Axcelis and Veeco formally waived closing conditions related solely to Swedish investment screening approvals and the associated efforts covenants. The companies are still working to secure final approval from China’s State Administration for Market Regulation, and completion of the transaction remains subject to customary conditions, including shareholder approvals for the Axcelis stock issuance and the Veeco merger agreement at special meetings scheduled for February 6, 2026. Proxy advisory firms Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis have recommended that both Veeco and Axcelis shareholders vote in favor of the deal, and the companies are maintaining their expectation that the merger will close in the second half of 2026, underscoring continued momentum toward combining their operations pending remaining regulatory and shareholder clearances.

The most recent analyst rating on (ACLS) stock is a Buy with a $102.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Axcelis Technologies stock, see the ACLS Stock Forecast page.

Legal ProceedingsM&A TransactionsRegulatory Filings and ComplianceShareholder Meetings
Axcelis Supplements Proxy Disclosures Amid Veeco Merger Challenges
Negative
Jan 28, 2026

On September 30, 2025, Axcelis Technologies and Veeco Instruments signed a merger agreement under which Veeco would be merged into a wholly owned Axcelis subsidiary in an all-stock transaction, ahead of an Axcelis special shareholder meeting set for February 6, 2026 to vote on the deal. Since then, Axcelis and Veeco have been hit with 15 stockholder demand letters and three lawsuits in New York state courts alleging inadequate and misleading disclosures in their joint proxy materials and seeking, among other remedies, to block or unwind the merger. While both companies reject the claims and deny any legal or fiduciary breaches, they have chosen, as of late January 2026, to voluntarily supplement their definitive proxy statement with additional detail on the merger background, board deliberations, financial advisor analyses, director and executive compensation impacts, and potential tax-mitigation actions in order to reduce litigation risk and avoid delays to closing, thereby aiming to preserve the transaction timeline and strategic benefits for shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (ACLS) stock is a Hold with a $94.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Axcelis Technologies stock, see the ACLS Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 18, 2026