Camtek - 20-F annual report 2024

 

 

 

 

 

	Item 1.	Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers.	5
	Item 2.	Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable.	5
	Item 3.	Key Information.	5
	Item 4.	Information on the Company.	24
	Item 4A.	Unresolved Staff Comments	32
	Item 5.	Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.	32
	Item 6.	Directors, Senior Management and Employees	40
	Item 7.	Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.	62
	Item 8.	Financial Information.	63
	Item 9.	The Offer and Listing.	63
	Item 10.	Additional Information.	64
	Item 11.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	75
	Item 12.	Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities.	76

	Item 13.	Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies.	76
	Item 14.	Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds.	76
	Item 15.	Controls and Procedures.	76
	Item 16.	[Reserved].	77
	Item 16A.	Audit Committee Financial Expert.	77
	Item 16B.	Code of Ethics.	77
	Item 16C.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services.	77
	Item 16D.	Exemptions From the Listing Standards for Audit Committees	78
	Item 16E.	Purchases of Equity Securities By the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers	78
	Item 16F.	Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant	78
	Item 16G.	Corporate Governance	78
	Item 16H.	Mine Safety Disclosure	79
	Item 16I.	Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections	79
	Item 16J.	Insider Trading Policies	80
	Item 16K.	Cybersecurity	80

PART III

81

	Item 17.	Financial Statements.	81
	Item 18.	Financial Statements.	81
	Item 19.	Exhibits.	82

 

Definitions

In this Annual Report, unless the context otherwise requires:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 20-F includes certain statements that are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events.

 

Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “seeks,” “strategy,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative or other variations of these words, or other comparable words or phrases, but are not the only way these statements are identified. These statements discuss future expectations, plans and events, contain projections of results of operations or of financial condition or state other “forward-looking” information. When a forward-looking statement includes an underlying assumption, we caution that, while we believe the assumption to be reasonable and make it in good faith, assumed facts almost always vary from actual results, and the difference between a forward-looking statement and actual results can be material. Forward-looking statements may be found in Item 4. “Information on the Company” and Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and in this Annual Report generally. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these statements as a result of various factors, including all the risks discussed in “Risk Factors” and other cautionary statements in this Annual Report.

 

All of our forward-looking statements are qualified by and should be read in conjunction with those disclosures. These statements are only predictions that represent our views only as of the date they are made and may change as time passes. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this Annual Report might not occur. Except as may be required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

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Disruption to our business by negative effects on the semiconductor industry, including as a result of economic, political, legal, regulatory and other changes, in the global or local markets in which we operate;

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The impact of changes in global trade policies beyond our control, including with respect to tariffs;

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The concentration of substantial majority of our sales in the Asia Pacific region, with China being our largest territory;

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The effects of global economic trends such as recession, changinginflation, rising interest rates and economic slowdown;

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The adverse effects on the terms on which we sell our products due to the high competitiveness of the markets we serve, that have dominant market participants, some with greater resources than us;

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The expansion of our business within and/or beyond our current served markets, through acquisition activity;

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We are be exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates which may result in additional expenses being recorded or in the prices of our products becoming less competitive;

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The effects of the continuing sharp increase in demand for electronic components, while production capacity remains limited;

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Risks associated with the levels of cash we maintain, which are higher than in the past;

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The impact of cybersecurity risks and events, and compliance with the related regulatory framework; and

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The effects of climate change or related legal or regulatory measures, and compliance with additional environmental, social, governance, health, export controls, and other laws, regulations, and disclosure rules.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Risk Factors

There is a high degree of risk associated with our Company and business. If any of the following risks occur, our business, revenues, operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected and the trading price of our ordinary shares could decline. Below are some of the main risks factors and challenges that we have been facing and may further face, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition:

 

Risk Factors Related to Our Business, Markets, and Industry

 

 

As part of the semiconductor industry we face greater risks due to the unique nature of the semiconductor business, as strategically important industry to many countries and international in nature. The semiconductor industry, including the semiconductor equipment industry, relies on a global supply chain. Political, geopolitical, economic and financial crises and instabilities have in the past negatively affected the semiconductor industry and its end markets and could do so again in the future. Prolonged or increased use of trade barriers may result in a decrease in the growth of the global economy and semiconductor industry and could cause turmoil in global markets, which in turn often results in declines in our customers’ electronic products sales and could decrease demand for our products and services. Such circumstances could have a negative effect on our ability to sell to, ship products to, collect payments from, and support customers in certain regions based on trade restrictions, embargoes, logistics restrictions and export control law restrictions. We may also experience a shortage of certain semiconductor components, increased costs, and delays in shipments due to supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical conflicts such as the recent hostilities impacting maritime shipment in the Red Sea, causing increases in shipment costs and delays in lead-time, as well as increases in related insurance policies’ premiums, and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

 

The growth in artificial intelligence (“AI”) applications has significantly increased demand and introduced new technological requirements in the advanced packaging segment at both the wafer and panel process levels. Developments in the AI market, including related forecasts and investor expectations, could impact the semiconductor industry.

 

In addition, the semiconductor industry has been subject to significant downturns from time to time as a result of global economic conditions, as well as industry-specific factors such as over-ordering in recent years which in turn results in excess inventory within our customers, built-in excess capacity, fluctuations in product supply, product obsolescence and changes in end-customer preferences. Downturns, as those we have experienced in the past, may cause material reductions in the demand for the products and services that we offer, and may result in a decline in our sales. In addition, our ability to significantly reduce expenses during such downturn may be limited because of our continuing need to invest in research and development; our continuing need to market our new products; and our extensive ongoing customer service and support requirements worldwide.

 

We may be exposed to inventory-related losses on inventory purchased by us or by our contract manufacturers and other suppliers. Excess inventory may become obsolete or over-stated on our balance sheet. The above listed risk factors could adversely affect our global sales, and as a result our inventory and supply chain, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

 

The U.S. government has enacted trade restrictions, reflecting national security concerns on conducting business with certain Chinese entities, active in the semiconductor industry. Among other things, the U.S. Department of Commerce has added several Chinese semiconductor manufacturers to the U.S. EAR (Export Administration Regulations) Entity List (Supplement No. 4 to Part 744, Title 15). Additionally, as has been in the case in recent years, in 2024, the U.S. has continued to implement controls on certain advanced technology items, included certain semiconductor manufacturing equipment (“SME”) items. These controls further restrict the export of certain controlled SME items to controlled end users and end uses, primarily in the context of China and Chinese entities. The list of Chinese entities impacted by U.S. export control restrictions has increased since 2022, as the U.S. has placed additional China-related export controls on certain semiconductor manufacturing items, and related items.

 

In September 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued an interim final rule further restricting certain end uses and end users for, among other things, certain advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

 

In December 2024, BIS issued a package of rules designed to further impair China’s capability to produce advanced-node semiconductors with ‘military applications’, that can be used in the next generation of advanced weapon systems and in AI and advanced computing. These regulatory measures include new controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment additions to the Entity List, the establishment of two new Foreign Direct Product (“FDP”) rules and corresponding de minimis provisions, relating to semiconductor manufacturing equipment and entities involved in China’s advanced-node semiconductors production; further expanding U.S. control over certain foreign-made items and for certain controlled end-users and end-uses.

 

Since the introduction of each of these restrictions, we have put in place additional processes to ensure compliance with applicable restrictions. While we continue to conduct detailed assessments and monitor new restrictions, any potential violations of such regulations, whether under U.S. or other jurisdictions, could have an adverse impact on our reputation, business, results of operations and financials. 

 

New export control regulations have also been introduced in other jurisdictions, including certain European countries, including Germany and the Netherlands which are adopting or expected to adopt complimentary controls to the U.S. EAR; China on items related to gallium and germanium; and Japan on advanced semiconductor-manufacturing equipment.

 

The abovementioned measures can create legal and/or contractual exposure not only for U.S. companies or U.S. people, wherever located, but also for non-U.S. companies who act in violation of applicable laws or in violation of contractual undertakings provided to business partners. In some cases, the abovementioned export restrictions might also be applicable to the products or services which we export from countries other than the United States, should there be a U.S. nexus to our activities, should the products contain certain U.S. origin items above the applicable de minimis threshold, or should they be produced using certain U.S.-controlled technology, software, or production equipment. In addition, sanctions and export controls imposed by the many countries relevant to our business, including U.S., U.K. and E.U. countries, significantly limit trade with Russian entities and individuals. These requirements vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and the jurisdictional reach of these measures can reach across borders. In particular, the U.S has taken significant steps to impose its restrictions on U.S. people, wherever located, and to create legal exposure for non-U.S. companies who continue to engage with sanctioned jurisdictions or who act in violation of applicable laws. The list of restricted customers and the scope of the global trade restrictions are subject to change. These and further developments in multilateral and bilateral treaties, national regulation, and trade, national security and investment policies and practices have affected and may further affect our business and the businesses of our suppliers and customers.

 

A substantial majority of our sales have been to manufacturers in the Asia Pacific region. The concentration of our sales and other resources within a particular geographical region, subjects us to additional material risks.

 

 

We may be affected by global economic trends such as recession, inflation, interest rates, and economic slowdown.

 

The markets we serve are highly competitive and have dominant market participants, some with greater resources than us. Such competition could adversely affect the terms on which we sell our products and may negatively affect our financial results.

 

The markets that we serve are highly competitive. During market slowdowns, competition is intensified due to the reduced demand for the products that we manufacture. When competitors respond to declining demand by offering discounts, free evaluation machines or more favorable credit terms, we may need to implement some or all of the same methods in order to maintain our market position. These could mean lower prices for our products and a corresponding reduction in our gross margin, as well as more favorable payment terms to our customers and a corresponding decline in our cash flow. If we have to lower prices to remain competitive and are unable to reduce our costs to offset price reductions or are unable to introduce new, higher performance products with higher prices, our operating results may be adversely affected. Some of our competitors have greater financial, personnel and other resources and offer a broader range of products and services. These competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies or changes in customer requirements, develop additional or superior products, benefit from greater economies of scale, offer more aggressive pricing or devote greater resources to the promotion of their products. Our competitors may also develop products, including through the use of AI, that may have performance advantages over systems we currently offer or may offer in the future, which could similarly weaken our competitive position. Other competitors are local smaller competitors, which target the low-end market and may offer products at lower prices. If we are unsuccessful in effectively responding to our competition, our financial results will be adversely affected by reduced revenues as well as lower margins, which may lead to financial losses.

 

We have expanded, and may further attempt to expand our activity within and/or beyond our current served markets, through acquisition activity. Such activity and the integration of acquired businesses may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and trading price of our shares.

 

We continue to explore potential acquisition opportunities within our market or as a diversification effort in order to create a growth engine and implement a growth strategy. In addition, we also explore acquisition opportunities aimed at obtaining technological improvement of our products, adding new technologies to our products and to diversify our business. For example, during 2023, we completed the acquisition of FormFactor, Inc.’s FRT Metrology (“FRT”). These strategic transactions involve numerous risks, which can jeopardize or even eliminate the benefits entailed in such transactions, such as: (i) we may not be able to discover, or the target company may fail to provide us with, all relevant information and documents in relation to the transaction, which could lead to a failure to achieve the objectives of acquisition and to a substantial loss; (ii) we may fail to reveal that the due diligence materials and documents provided contain untrue statements of material facts or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, hence fail to achieve the objectives of acquisition and suffer a substantial loss; (iii) we may fail to correctly assess the due diligence investigation findings, establish a correct investment thesis or establish a correct post-acquisition integration plan; (iv) the process of integrating an acquired business including, for example, the operations, systems, technologies, products, and personnel of the combined companies, particularly companies with large and widespread operations and/or complex products, may be prolonged due to unforeseen difficulties; (v) the implementation of the transaction may distract and divert management’s attention from the normal daily operations of our business; (vi) we may sustain and record significant expenditure and costs associated with outstanding transactions that either did not or will not materialize or would fail to achieve its objectives; (vii) there will be increased expenses associated with the transaction, and we may need to use a substantial portion of our cash resources or incur debt in order to cover such expenses, which the combined companies may not be able to offset; (viii) we may incur unexpected accounting and other expenses associated with the transaction, such as tax expenses, write offs, amortization expenses related to intangible assets, restructuring costs, litigation costs or such other costs derived from the acquisition; (ix) the transaction may harm our business as currently conducted (for example, there may be a temporary loss of revenues, we may experience loss of current key employees, customers, resellers, vendors and other business partners or companies with whom we engage today or which relate to any acquired company); (x) we may be required to issue ordinary shares as part of the transaction, which would dilute our current shareholders; (xi) we may need to assume material liabilities of the acquired entity; (xii) in certain cases, acquisitions require special approvals, or are subject to scrutiny by the local authorities, and failing to comply with such requirements or to receive such approvals, may prevent or limit our ability to complete the acquisitions as well as expose us to legal proceedings prior or following the consummation of such acquisitions. In some cases, such proceedings, if initiated, may conclude in a requirement to divest portions of the acquired business; (xiii) the failure to successfully complete the integration associated with the transaction (including integrating any acquired technology into our products), which may cause new markets we were aiming for not to materialize or in which competitors may have a stronger market position; or (xiv) we may fail to effectively obtain the desired technological improvement.

 

Furthermore, we compete for acquisition and investment opportunities with other well-established and well-capitalized entities. There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify acquisition or investment opportunities upon favorable terms. As a result, the anticipated benefits or cost savings of such acquisitions or other restructuring activities may not be fully realized, or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected.  Acquisitions involve numerous risks, any of which could harm our business, results of operations cash flow and financial condition as well as the price of our ordinary shares. Increased cyber-attacks, data breaches, risks and threats, along with changes in privacy and data protection laws could have an adverse effect on our business. Threats to network and data security are constantly evolving and becoming increasingly diverse and sophisticated. Cyber-attacks, malicious internet-based activity, online and offline fraud, and other similar activities threaten the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our sensitive information and information technology systems, and those of the third parties upon which we rely.  Such threats are prevalent and continue to rise, are increasingly difficult to detect, and come from a variety of sources, including traditional computer “hackers,” threat actors, “hacktivists,” organized criminal threat actors, personnel (such as through theft or misuse), sophisticated nation states, and nation-state-supported actors. Some actors now engage and are expected to continue to engage in cyber-attacks, including without limitation nation-state actors for geopolitical reasons and in conjunction with military conflicts and defense activities.  During times of war and other major conflicts, we or the third parties upon which we rely may be vulnerable to a heightened risk of these attacks, including retaliatory cyber-attacks, that could materially disrupt our systems and operations, supply chain, and ability to produce, sell and distribute our goods and services.  Our servers and computer systems could be vulnerable to cybersecurity risks. Additionally, the integration of information systems of business we have acquired and may acquire poses cybersecurity risks that, if not properly managed, could result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, operational disruptions, and potential financial liabilities. An increasing number of organizations have disclosed breaches of their information security systems, some of which have involved sophisticated and highly targeted attacks. Given the substantial increase of cyber-attacks in recent years, we have implemented network security technological, operational and organizational measures and drafted an internal global information technology security policy. This policy, which follows industry best practices and focuses on Camtek’s network and information security, was reviewed by our audit committee and board of directors. The possible cyber-attacks via unauthorized access, exploitation, manipulation, deception, corruption, disruption, damage, leak, theft or loss of our intellectual property or any other digital assets could result in liabilities to us and other material costs. Cyber-attacks aimed at our digital assets could accumulate increased costs to prevent, respond to or mitigate these incidents. It is also possible that our digital assets and business processes could be jeopardized, compromised or halted via cyber-attacks, without being noticed for some time. Although we have not yet experienced any cyber-attacks that have materially affected our operations, we have experienced several failed attempts to penetrate our systems and cannot fully provide assurance that any potential cyber incidents will not have a material impact on our company in the future. Even though we have invested in implementing various cyber security solutions in our networks and systems, in order to mitigate and reduce our exposure to these cyber risks, we can provide no assurance that our current digital assets are fully protected against all sorts of cyber-attacks by malicious third parties. We have purchased a cyber-liability insurance policy to cover certain security and privacy damages. However, we cannot be certain that our coverage will be adequate for liabilities actually incurred.

We are subject to various regulations and standards relating to data privacy and security. Failure to comply with any applicable privacy, security or data protection laws, regulations, standards or other requirements could have an adverse effect on our business prospects, results of operations, and financial condition.

 

The regulatory framework for data and privacy protection issues is rapidly evolving worldwide. Comprehensive data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), which imposes stricter obligations and provides for greater penalties for noncompliance. Additionally, laws in all 50 U.S. states require businesses to provide notice to parties whose personally identifiable information has been disclosed as a result of a data breach. The laws are not consistent, and compliance in the event of a widespread data breach is costly. Furthermore, California enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act, or the CCPA, which provides for civil penalties for violations, as well as a private right of action for data breaches. The California Privacy Rights Act, or the CPRA,  significantly modifies the CCPA, potentially resulting in further uncertainty as the California Privacy Protection Agency is still working to promulgate final rules. In addition, failure to comply with the Israeli Privacy Protection Law 1981 (the “PPL”) and its regulations, as well as the guidelines of the Israeli Privacy Protection Authority, may expose us to administrative fines, civil claims (including class actions) and, in certain cases, criminal liability.  In August 2025, a comprehensive amendment to the PPL is expected to enter into effect. This amendment aims to strengthen the Israeli Privacy Protection Authority’s enforcement powers and grant it significant authority to impose administrative fines for non-compliance. The amendment is also expected to introduce broader oversight capabilities, alongside mechanisms for monitoring adherence to privacy guidelines, thereby heightening the compliance requirements for organizations that handle personal data in Israel.  Other pending legislation may result in a change to the current enforcement measures and sanctions. We may be required to incur significant costs to comply with such data and privacy protection laws, as applicable to our company (for example, we collect, use, maintain and otherwise process certain data about candidates and employees, or may fail to protect the privacy of customers’ personal data against breaches of network or IT security), or else face an adverse effect on our business prospects and/or financial position. As we have a presence in Europe, which was increased with the acquisition of FRT, our European subsidiaries are subject to the GDPR in relation to their collection, control, processing, sharing, disclosure, and other use of data relating to their employees or customers. These laws and regulations constantly evolve and remain subject to significant change. In addition, the application and interpretation of these laws and regulations are often uncertain. New privacy laws add additional complexity, requirements, restrictions and potential legal risk, require additional investment in resources to compliance programs, and could result in increased compliance costs and/or changes in business practices and policies. Any inability to adequately address privacy and security concerns or comply with applicable privacy and data security laws, rules and regulations could have an adverse effect on our business prospects, results of operations and/or financial position.

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may result in additional expenses being recorded or in the prices of our products becoming less competitive and thus may have negative impact on our profitability.

 

We are a global company that operates in a multi-currency environment. As a major portion of the costs of our Israeli operations, such as personnel, subcontractors, materials and facility‑related costs, are incurred in NIS, an increase in the NIS value relative to the U.S. Dollar will increase our costs expressed in U.S. Dollars. We may, from time to time, take various measures designed to reduce our exposure to these effects, but any such steps may be inadequate to protect us from currency rate fluctuations.  In addition, although our products’ prices in most countries are denominated in U.S. Dollars, in certain territories (currently, China, Europe and Japan) our products’ prices may be denominated in local currencies, and much of our service income in these territories is denominated in local currencies. If there is a significant devaluation in the relevant local currencies in which we operate compared to the U.S. Dollar, we may be required to increase those prices and as a result our products and services may become less competitive.

 

The global supply of electronic components, including integrated circuits, has experienced, and is likely to continue to experience, a sharp increase in demand, while production capacity remains limited. This has had, and may continue to have, an adverse effect on the lead-time for our components and increase in their prices.

 

The global demand for electronic components has experienced a sharp increase, with a growing number of industries dramatically increasing their demand and consumption. If we are unable to obtain components in a timely manner to fulfill our customers’ demand on technology and production capacity, or at a reasonable cost, we may be unable to meet commitments under our contracts with customers, which could expose us to substantial liquidated damages and other claims and could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, business and prospects. In the current highly competitive business environment, our customers require us to fill orders within a very short period of time. Our products are complex and require essential components and subsystems that are produced by a number of suppliers and subcontractors. In order to meet our customers’ needs in the timeframe they require, we usually need to pre-order components and subsystems based on our forecasts of future orders, rather than on actual orders. While we believe that we have sufficient inventory to fill our customers’ orders, our predictions may not correspond to our actual future needs and our suppliers and subcontractors cannot always supply such components and subsystems within a shorter than anticipated time frame; this concern is heightened due to the supply chain obstacles detailed above. Our inability to anticipate rapid market changes or the implications of the global components shortage may cause an increase of inventory which could result in material inventory write-offs, which we have incurred in the past, or may alternately limit our ability to satisfy customer orders, which could result in the loss of sales and could cause customers to seek products from our competitors. To date, we have successfully managed our supply chain, but if these factors continue or become more severe, they may have an adverse effect on our supply chain and on our ability to fulfill customer orders in a timely manner, which could in turn have an adverse effect on our position in the market and on our business and operations.

 

We maintain high levels of cash, which subjects us to additional material risks.

 

Our company maintains a significant amount of our assets in cash or cash equivalent instruments. Such assets are managed in accordance with the provisions our investment policy, which was adopted by our management and our Board’s Investment Committee (the “Investment Committee”) and approved by our Board. Maintaining a significant amount of our assets in cash exposes us to several risks, including the following: (i) The value of our cash holdings can be eroded by inflation. Over time, high inflation rates can significantly decrease the purchasing power of cash, potentially reducing the real value of our liquid assets. While our cash reserves are managed and invested by our finance team, with the assistance of external professional counsels, and under the supervision of our Investment Committee, we may not efficiently and effectively manage our funds to yield sufficient interest levels, and as a result may fail to protect our cash reserves against inflation influences; (ii) Concentration of our cash in few financial institutions or instruments may pose a risk if a banking counterparty faces liquidity or solvency issues; (iii) If our cash is held in different currencies, we face the risk of currency fluctuations, which can adversely affect the value of our cash holdings and our financial results when these amounts are repatriated or converted into our reporting currency; and (iv) The interest income generated from our high levels of cash may be subject to taxation at rates that may vary from our expectations. While we base our tax positions upon professional accountants’ opinions interpreting tax laws and guidance, tax authorities may challenge such interpretations and levy taxes greater than we anticipate. We continuously evaluate the most effective use of our cash, but there can be no assurance that our strategies will yield the best possible returns for our shareholders or safeguard the value of our cash reserves.

 

 

We operate in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving industry that requires us to continuously develop and introduce new products that meet the changing needs and expectations of our customers and the semiconductor device manufacturing technology. Developing and introducing new products involves significant technical, operational, regulatory and financial challenges and uncertainties, such as:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If we fail to successfully develop and introduce new products that gain general market acceptance, or if we experience delays, difficulties, defects or disruptions in doing so, we may not be able to generate sufficient revenue and cash flow to recover our investments, which may result in a write down of inventory. We may also lose market share, customer loyalty, competitive advantage and reputation, and face pricing pressure and litigation risk. Any of these consequences could adversely affect our revenue, profitability and competitive position.

 

We occasionally use Open Source codes during our development process and in our software products. An unintentional breach of Open Source licenses might compel us to publish certain confidential and proprietary codes, incur damages, and result with intellectual property infringement claims that could be expensive and could disrupt our business.

We occasionally use open source software components under open source licenses. As certain open source copyright licenses may be categorized as “copyleft licenses” that place certain requirements and restrictions on users, we maintain a process to assure the use of permissive licenses that guarantee the freedom to use, modify and redistribute, and creating proprietary derivative works, in order to avoid any limitations on our IP and exposure of confidential proprietary software. Nonetheless, if we do not correctly monitor and manage those licenses, fail to maintain their terms (for example, to provide adequate copyright notices, or avoid modifications) or otherwise fail in identifying limited open source codes, we might be subject to third party copyright and to reciprocity obligation requiring us to make our code open for use by others as well. Such claims may harm our development efforts and competitive advantage and expose us to copyright infringement claims that could be expensive and could disrupt our business.

 

Technology in the markets in which we operate is rapidly evolving, and we may not be able to adequately predict these changes or keep pace with emerging industry standards, which could lead to a loss of revenues or adversely affect our profits.

 

The markets for our products are characterized by changing technology, evolving industry standards, changes in end-user requirements and new product introductions. Our future success will depend on our ability to accurately predict new market needs and requirements and to enhance accordingly our existing products and develop and introduce new technologies for the markets in which we operate. These products must keep pace with technological developments and address the increasingly sophisticated needs of our customers. If we fail to anticipate correctly, or if we are unable to keep pace with, technological changes, products offered by our competitors or emerging industry standards, our ability to generate revenues may be negatively affected. Adopting new technologies may also result in material inventory write-offs which would adversely affect our results of operations. We cannot assure you that we will successfully forecast technology trends or that we will anticipate innovations made by other companies and respond with our own innovation in a timely manner, which could affect our competitiveness in the market.

Our operating results have varied and will likely continue to vary significantly from quarter to quarter and from our expectations for any specific period, making it difficult to predict future results.

 

Our quarterly operating results have varied in the past and could continue to vary from quarter to quarter or from our expectations for any specific period in the future, as we cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain improving trends and convert our backlog into sales, profitability and positive operating cash flows. This complicates our planning processes, reduces the predictability of our earnings and subjects our stock to price and volume fluctuations. Period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations may not always provide indications of our future performance. Some of the factors that may influence our operating results include: global economic conditions and worldwide demand for electronic equipment; instability in the global markets and in the geopolitical environment that may lead to delays in shipments due to supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical conflicts such as the changing security situation in the Middle East and the recent hostilities impacting maritime shipment in the Red Sea, and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine; changes in demand for our systems; changes made by customers to orders for our systems and/or installation schedules; product introductions and the market penetration period of new products; rapid shifts in industry capacity; the size, timing and shipment of substantial orders; timing of evaluation and qualification of our products by new customers; lack of visibility/low levels of backlog from the preceding quarter; product mixes; pricing of our products; timing of new product, upgrades or enhancements; level of operating expenses such as R&D expenses, agent commissions; fluctuations in interest rates; an outbreak of a contagious disease, which may cause us or our suppliers and/or customers to temporarily suspend our operations in the affected city or country; and our profitability may be seriously harmed by currency fluctuations because most of our revenues are generated in U.S. Dollars, but a significant portion of our expenses is incurred in currencies other than U.S. Dollars (mainly New Israeli Shekels). In light of these factors and the cyclical nature of the markets we target, we expect to continue to experience significant fluctuations in our quarterly operating results.

 

A longer sales process for new products may increase our costs and delay time to market of our products, both of which may negatively impact our revenues, results of operations, cash flow and may result in inventory write-offs.

 

Our sales process to new and existing customers usually involves: demonstrations and testing against industry benchmarks in our sales centers; sales and technical presentations and presentations regarding our products’ competitive advantages; and installation of the systems at the customer’s site for side-by-side competitive evaluations for a period of approximately six months. More evaluation time is devoted during the initial market penetration period for new products such as new products under our Eagle product line, and for new customers in new markets, since these circumstances usually require qualification of the systems by the customers and engineering efforts to fix errors, customize tasks and add new features. This evaluation time may be further extended in sales involving multiple new products. Considering the above factors, the length of time until we recognize revenue can vary and affect our revenues, and results of operations. The long sales process may cause an increase in inventory levels and a risk for inventory write downs and write-offs; for more details regarding recent inventory write downs and write-offs see Item 5.A – “Operating Results – Critical Accounting Policies – Valuation of Inventory”.

We depend on our intellectual property and litigation to enforce or defend our intellectual property rights may be costly and expose us to risks. If we are unable to protect our proprietary technologies, we may not be able to compete effectively as well as incur significant expenses.

 

Our intellectual property, including our patents, is material to the conduct of our business. Our success depends on our continued ability to use our intellectual property and on the adequate protection and enforcement of such intellectual property. There can be no assurance that the steps we take to protect and maintain our rights in our intellectual property will be adequate, or that third parties will not infringe, misappropriate or violate our intellectual property. If any of our efforts to protect our intellectual property is not adequate, or if any third party infringes, misappropriates or violates our intellectual property, the value of our products may be harmed. As a result, if we are unable to successfully protect, maintain, or enforce our rights in our intellectual property, there could be a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. In addition, to the extent that we do, from time to time, institute litigation to enforce our intellectual property rights, such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and could negatively affect profits, regardless of whether we are able to successfully enforce such rights. Third parties, including one of our competitors in the field of semiconductor wafer inspection equipment, previously asserted claims, and may assert additional claims in the future, that we have infringed their patents or intellectual property rights.  We may in the future face such intellectual property claims against us, which, even if without merit, could lead to protracted litigation, could cause delays in introducing new products, could be costly to defend and could divert management’s attention from our business. As a result, any such claim could harm our business and cause a decline in our results of operations and financial condition, which in turn may materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. Successful claims against us could impose on us monetary awards for damages, as well as for plaintiff’s attorney’s fees and other costs, and could limit our ability to sell products in certain jurisdictions. Additional costs and expenses may also be incurred in the event of out of court settlement of claims against us, which could result in monetary consequences and affect our profitability. We differentiate our products and technologies from those of our competitors by using our intellectual property for the development of our products. We rely on a combination of patents, copyrights, trade secrets, trademarks, confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements to protect our intellectual property. These measures may not be adequate to protect our proprietary technologies and it may be possible for a third party, including a competitor, to copy or otherwise obtain and use our products or technologies without authorization or to develop similar technologies independently. The inability to protect our intellectual property may affect our competitive advantage and we may incur significant expenses.

 

We depend on a number of key personnel who would be difficult to replace.

 

Our continued growth and success significantly depend on the managerial and technical skills of the members of our senior management and key employees. If our operations rapidly expand, we believe that we will need to promote and hire qualified engineering, administrative, operational, financial and marketing personnel. In particular, we may find it difficult to hire key personnel with the requisite knowledge of our business, products and technologies. The process of locating, training and successfully integrating qualified personnel into our operations can be lengthy and expensive. During periods of economic growth, competition for qualified engineering and technical personnel is intense.

Compliance with environmental, social, governance, health, export controls, and other laws, regulations, and disclosure rules and potential liabilities could materially impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

We may fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes Oxley Act”) imposes certain duties on us and our executives and directors, including the requirements of Section 404 (Assessment of Internal Control), which requires (i) management’s annual review and evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting and (ii) an attestation report issued by an independent registered public accounting firm on our internal control over financial reporting, in connection with the filing of our Annual Report on Form 20-F for each fiscal year. We have documented and tested our internal control systems and procedures in order for us to comply with the requirements of Section 404. Our efforts to comply with such requirements have resulted in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention, and we expect these efforts to require the continued commitment of resources. In addition, while our assessment of our internal control over financial reporting resulted in our conclusion that as of December 31, 2024, our internal control over financial reporting was effective, we cannot predict the outcome of our testing in future periods. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting. Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in investigation or sanctions by regulatory authorities, and could have a material adverse effect on our operating results, investor confidence in our reported financial information, and the market price of our ordinary shares.

 

Our share price and trading volumes have demonstrated significant volatility in the past and may continue to fluctuate in the future. Such share price volatility could limit investors’ ability to sell our shares at a profit, could limit our ability to raise funds successfully and may cause additional exposure for securities class action litigation.

 

The stock market in general and the market price of our ordinary shares, in particular, are subject to fluctuation. As a result, changes in our share price may be unrelated to our operating performance. The price of our ordinary shares has experienced significant volatility in the past and may continue to do so in the future.  During the period from January 1, 2024 through March 5, 2025, the closing price of our ordinary shares ranged from $67.02 to $137.24 per share. The price volatility of our shares and periodic volatile trading volume may make it difficult for investors to predict the value of their investment, to sell shares at a profit at any given time or to plan purchases and sales in advance. A variety of factors may affect the market price and the trading volume of our ordinary shares, including: global economic conditions, which generally influence stock market prices and volume fluctuations, including as a result of the effects of inflation, interest rates and the current war between Russia and Ukraine; investors’ views of the attractiveness of our new products; changes in expectations as to our future financial performance and/or announcements of actual results that vary significantly from such expectations; the announcement by us or our competitors of corporate transactions, merger and acquisition activities or other similar events impacting our financial performance; changes in financial estimates by securities analysts; our earnings releases and the earnings releases of our competitors; market conditions relating to our customers’ industries; announcements of technological innovations or new products by us or our competitors; other announcements, whether by us or others, referring to our financial condition, results of operations and changes in strategy; large block transactions in our ordinary shares;  additions or departures of our key personnel; future offerings or sales of our ordinary shares; and announcements of significant claims or proceedings against us. Many of these factors are out of our control, and we believe that period-to-period comparisons of our financial results will not necessarily be indicative of our future performance.

Moreover, the market prices of equity securities of companies that have a significant presence in Israel may also be affected by the changing security situation in the Middle East and particularly in Israel. As a result, these companies may experience volatility in their share prices and/or difficulties in raising additional funds required to effectively operate and grow their businesses. Thus, market and industry-wide fluctuations and political, economic and military conditions in the Middle East may adversely affect the trading price of our ordinary shares, regardless of our actual operating performance. Further, as a result of the volatility of our stock price, we could be subject, and were subject in the past, to securities litigation, which could result in substantial costs and could divert management’s attention and Company resources from business. Securities class action litigations are being brought from time to time against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of their securities, and in the past, one was brought against us. Although this claim was dismissed, we cannot guarantee that similar litigation would not be brought against us in the future.

 

Our principal shareholders, Priortech and Chroma, hold a controlling interest in us and have the ability to exercise their control in ways that may be adverse to the interests of our other shareholders. Our relationship with Priortech and Chroma may give rise to a conflict of interests.

 

As of March 5, 2025, Priortech Ltd. (“Priortech”) and Chroma ATE Inc. (“Chroma”), beneficially hold in the aggregate 38.24% of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares. As a result of the voting agreement between Priortech and Chroma, according to which they vote together in Camtek’s shareholders meetings and therefore are deemed to be joint controlling shareholders of Camtek, they have the ability to influence the outcome of certain matters submitted to a vote of Camtek’s shareholders, including the election of members of its board of directors and the approval of significant corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership may also have the effect of making it more difficult to obtain approval for a change in control of Camtek. Mr. Rafi Amit, our Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Yotam Stern, a member of our Board, hold, as of March 5, 2025, an aggregate of approximately 29.06% of the voting power at Priortech’s general meeting of shareholders, through a voting agreement with David Kishon, Itzhak Krell (deceased) (through Eyal Krell, Israel Shai Krell and Galit Drori Krell)¸ Haim Langmas (deceased), Zehava Wineberg (deceased) and Hanoch Feldstien (including the estates of the foregoing deceased founders, the “Priortech Founding Members”), governing inter-alia joint voting at Priortech’s general meetings of shareholders and the right of first refusal among themselves (the “Priortech Voting Agreement”), and as such may be deemed to control Priortech. Messrs. Amit and Stern also hold various positions in Priortech and its affiliated companies, which may give rise to conflicts of interest. Mr. Amit, who serves as our Chief Executive Officer on a 90% position, acts as a member of Priortech’s board of directors and provides management services to Priortech on a 10% basis. Mr. Stern holds several other positions in the Priortech group including the position of Chief Executive Officer at Priortech. In addition, in the framework of the series of definitive agreements signed in February 2019, in which Chroma acquired ordinary shares from Priortech and additional new shares were issued to Chroma by Camtek, Leo Huang, the chairman of the board of directors and a controlling shareholder of Chroma, and I-Shih Tseng, a director and Business Unit President of Chroma, were appointed to serve as members of our board of directors, which may give rise to conflicts of interest. Despite our efforts to conduct ourselves by Israeli law procedural requirements concerning interested party transactions, including with respect to audit committee, board of directors and shareholder approvals (including the special majority requirement in appropriate cases), we cannot be certain that the possible conflicts of interest in any of these transactions and activities is fully eliminated. For more details regarding our senior management arrangements, see Item 6.B - “Compensation – Employment Agreements” below.

If we are classified as a passive foreign investment company, our U.S. shareholders may suffer adverse tax consequences.

 

There is a risk that we may be classified as a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”). Our treatment as a PFIC could result in a reduction in the after-tax return of U.S. holders of our ordinary shares and may generally cause a reduction in the value of our shares. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will generally be classified as a PFIC for any taxable year in which either: (i) 75% or more of our gross income is passive income, or (ii) at least 50% of the average value of our total assets (generally determined on a quarterly basis) for the taxable year consist of assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. Based on an analysis of our current income, assets, activities and market capitalization and expectations about our future, income, assets, activities and market capitalization, we do not believe that we were a PFIC for the taxable year ended December 31, 2024, and do not expect to be a PFIC for the current year or in the foreseeable future. However, there can be no assurance that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) will not challenge our analysis or our conclusion regarding our PFIC status. This is a factual determination that must be made annually after the close of each taxable year. The value of our assets for purposes of the PFIC determination may be determined by reference to the public price of ordinary shares, which could fluctuate significantly. Therefore, there can be no assurance that we will not be classified as a PFIC for the current taxable year or in the foreseeable future. If we were a PFIC at any time when a U.S. holder acquired or held our ordinary shares, such U.S. holder generally will be subject to the PFIC rules with respect to such ordinary shares. If we were determined to be a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, highly complex rules would apply to U.S. holders owning our ordinary shares and such U.S. holders could suffer adverse U.S. tax consequences. For more information, please see Item 10.E below - “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations– Tax Consequences if We Are a Passive Foreign Investment Company”.

Our ordinary shares are traded on more than one market and this may result in price variations.

 

In addition to being traded on the Nasdaq Global Market, our ordinary shares are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (“TASE”). Trading in our ordinary shares on these markets take place in different currencies (U.S. Dollars on Nasdaq and NIS on TASE) and at different times (resulting from different time zones, trading days and public holidays in the United States and Israel). The trading prices of our ordinary shares on these two markets may differ due to these and other factors. Any decrease in the price of our ordinary shares on one market could cause a decrease in the trading price of our ordinary shares on the other market.

 

Conditions in the Middle East and Israel may adversely affect our operations.

 

Our headquarters and main facility (the sole manufacturing and integration facility of the majority of our product lines are located in the North of the State of Israel. Accordingly, political, economic and military conditions in Israel and the surrounding region may directly influence our operations. Specifically, we could be adversely affected by hostilities involving Israel; the interruption or curtailment of trade between Israel and its present trading partners; a downturn in the economic or financial condition of Israel; and a full or partial mobilization of the reserve forces of the Israeli army. Since its establishment in 1948, Israel has been subject to a number of armed conflicts that have taken place between it and its Middle Eastern neighbors. While Israel has entered into peace or normalization agreements with Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan, it has no peace arrangements with any other neighboring or other Arab countries. Further, all efforts to improve Israel’s relationship with the Palestinians have failed to result in a peaceful solution, and there have been numerous periods of hostility, acts of terror against Israeli civilians, as experienced recently once again in Israel, as well as civil insurrection of Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Israel is engaged, from time to time, in armed conflicts with Hamas (a militia group and political party controlling the Gaza Strip). These conflicts have involved missile strikes against civilian targets in the south and center parts of Israel.

 

On October 7, 2023, the “Swords of Iron” war erupted between Israel and the terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip, as described above. Our facilities did not sustain any damage and in accordance with the instructions of the Israeli National Emergency Management Authority, there is currently no limitation or denial of access or activity limitation in our facilities. None of our employees were directly harmed as a result of the war. As of the date hereof, we operate continuously, and so far the situation in Israel does not have a material effect on our operations and business. We monitor closely the directives of the Israeli National Emergency Management Authority and where needed, make required adjustments to our operations in accordance with such directives, including by instructing our workforce to work remotely. In addition, the normalization agreements that Israel has entered into with some Arab countries in the Middle East may affect the geo-political condition in the Middle East in general, and the relations between Israel and Iran in particular. All of the above raise a concern as to the stability in the region which may affect the security, social, economic and political landscape in Israel and therefore could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

In addition, in January 2024 the International Court of Justice, or ICJ, issued an interim ruling in a case filed by South Africa against Israel in December 2023, in connection with the “Swords of Iron” war, and ordered Israel, among other things, to take steps to provide basic services and humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza and in November, 2024, the International Criminal Court, or ICC, issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant based on allegations of war crimes. Companies and businesses may terminate, and may have already terminated, certain commercial relationships with Israeli companies following the ICJ and ICC decisions. The foregoing efforts by countries, activists and organizations, particularly if they become more widespread, as well as rulings by the ICJ, ICC and other international tribunals, may materially and adversely impact our business and supply chains. There are concerns that companies and businesses will terminate, and may have already terminated, certain commercial relationships with Israeli companies following the ICJ and the ICC decisions. The foregoing efforts by countries, activists and organizations, particularly if they become more widespread, as well as rulings by the ICJ, ICC and other international tribunals, may adversely impact our ability to cooperate with research institutions and collaborate with other third parties.

 

Furthermore, certain countries, primarily in the Middle East but also in Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as certain companies and organizations in different parts of the world, continue to participate in a boycott of Israeli brands and others doing business with Israel and Israeli companies. The boycott, restrictive laws, policies or practices directed towards Israel or Israeli businesses could, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our business in the future. In addition, should the BDS Movement, the movement for boycotting, divesting and sanctioning Israel and Israeli institutions (including universities) and products become increasingly influential in the United States and Europe, this may also adversely affect our business and financial condition. Further deterioration of Israel’s relationship with the Palestinians or countries in the Middle East could expand the disruption of international trading activities in Israel, may materially and negatively affect our business conditions, could harm our results of operation and adversely affect the Company’s share price.

 

Our business may also be disturbed by the obligation of personnel to perform military service. Our employees who are Israeli citizens are generally subject to a periodic obligation to perform reserve military service, generally until they reach the age of 45 (or older, for reservists with certain occupations), but during military conflicts, these employees may be called to active duty for longer periods of time, as occurred, and may continue to occur, during the “Swords of Iron” war. In case of further regional instability such employees, who may include one or more of our key employees, may be absent for extended periods of time which may materially adversely affect our business. Furthermore, our Company’s insurance does not cover loss arising out of events related to the security situation in the Middle East. While the Israeli government generally covers the reinstatement value of direct damages caused by acts of war or terror attacks, we cannot be certain that such coverage will be maintained.

 

Another risk for political, social and economic instability in Israel is associated with the extensive changes that began in early 2023 by the current Israeli government with respect to Israel’s judicial system. In response to such developments, individuals, organizations and financial institutions, both within and outside of Israel, have voiced concerns that the proposed changes may negatively impact the business environment in Israel including due to reluctance of foreign investors to invest or conduct business in Israel, as well as to increased currency fluctuations, downgrades in credit rating, increased interest rates, increased volatility in securities markets, and other changes in macroeconomic conditions. Such proposed changes may also adversely affect the labor market in Israel or lead to political instability or civil unrest. To the extent that any of these negative developments do occur, they may have an adverse effect on our business, our results of operations and our ability to raise additional funds, if deemed necessary by our management and board of directors, and to attract or retain qualified and skilled “talents” and personnel. We can give no assurance that the political, economic and security situation in Israel will not have a material adverse impact on our business in the future.

 

Moreover, on February 9, 2024, the international rating agency Moody’s announced the downgrade of Israel’s credit rating to A2 (from a level of A1) and also lowered the rating outlook from “stable” to “negative”. In its report, Moody’s estimated that the broad implications of the “Swords of Iron” war significantly increase the political risks in the State of Israel, weaken the legislative and executive authorities, and significantly impact Israel’s budgetary stability in the foreseeable future. In April 2024, S&P Global Ratings also announced the downgrade of Israel’s rating from AA- to A+, and maintained the rating outlook as “negative”, mainly due to the escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran, as detailed above, and the geopolitical risks that Israel has been dealing with since the outbreak of the “Swords of Iron” war.

Our ability to take advantage of Israeli government programs and tax benefits may change, which could increase our tax expenses.

 

We have previously participated in certain Israeli government programs and enjoyed certain tax benefits, particularly tax exemptions, resulting from our “Approved Enterprise” status, provided to us due to our manufacturing facilities in Israel. In order to continue to be eligible for these programs, or similar programs, and tax benefits, we must continue to meet certain conditions, including making specified investments in fixed assets and equipment. If we fail to meet such conditions in the future, these tax benefits could be cancelled, and we could be required to refund any tax benefits already received. Further, these programs and tax benefits may not continue in the future at their current levels or at any level. The termination or reduction of these tax benefits would likely increase our tax liability. For information regarding the above-mentioned tax benefits, see Item 10.E– “Taxation – Israeli Taxation - Tax Benefits under the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959” Below.

 

The government grants we received for know-how research and development expenditures impose certain restrictions on utilization of the funded grants and may expose us to payment of royalties in connection with the commercialization thereof.

 

We have received government grants from the Israel Innovation Authority (the “IIA”) for the financing of a portion of our research and development expenditures over the years. Although we repaid 100% of the amount of the grant (as adjusted for fluctuation in the USD/NIS exchange rate), even following full repayment of any IIA grants (together with the applicable interest), and unless otherwise agreed by the applicable authority of the IIA, we must nevertheless continue to comply with the requirements of the Encouragement of Industrial Research and Development Law, 1984 and the regulations promulgated there under (together, the “R&D Law”), with respect to technologies the development of which was financed by approved R&D program using financing from such grants (“Financed Know-How”). In addition to the obligation to pay royalties to the IIA, the R&D Law requires that products which incorporate Financed Know-How be manufactured in Israel and prohibits the transfer of the Financed Know-How and any right derived therefrom to third parties, unless otherwise approved in advance by the IIA. Such prior consent may be given by the IIA subject to payment of increased royalties. Although as of the date of this Annual Report, no Financed Know-How is used or incorporated in our current or currently anticipated product lines, these restrictions and requirements for payment could in the future – if and as applicable – impair our ability to sell such Financed Know-How, or to outsource or transfer manufacturing activities with respect to any product or technology based on Financed Know-How, outside of Israel. Furthermore, the consideration available to our shareholders in a transaction involving the transfer outside of Israel of Financed Know-How (such as a merger or similar transaction) may be reduced by any amounts that we are required to pay to the IIA.  For more information regarding the above-mentioned and other restrictions imposed by the R&D Law and regarding grants received by us from the IIA (and the repayment thereof), see Item 4.B - “Business Overview – The Israel Innovation Authority” below.

 

 

We are incorporated under the laws of the State of Israel. Service of process upon our directors and officers, all of whom reside outside the United States, may be difficult to obtain within the United States. Furthermore, because the majority of our assets and all of our directors and officers are located outside the United States, any judgment obtained in the United States against us or any of them may not be collectible within the United States. Further, it may be difficult for an investor to assert U.S. securities law claims in original actions instituted in Israel. Israeli courts may refuse to hear a claim based on an alleged violation of U.S. securities laws reasoning that Israel is not the most appropriate forum to bring such a claim. In addition, even if an Israeli court agrees to hear such a claim, it is not certain whether Israeli law or U.S. law will be applicable to the claim. If U.S. law is found to be applicable, the content of applicable U.S. law must be proved as a fact by an expert witness, which can be a time-consuming and costly process. Certain matters of procedure will also be governed by Israeli law. There is little binding case law in Israel addressing these matters. Under certain circumstances, Israeli courts might not enforce judgments rendered outside Israel, which may make it difficult to collect on judgments rendered against us or our non-U.S. officers and directors.

 

 

We are a “foreign private issuer” within the meaning of rules promulgated by the SEC. As such, we are exempt from certain provisions under the Exchange Act applicable to U.S. public companies, including: the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K; the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations in respect of securities registered under the Exchange Act, including extensive disclosure of compensation paid or payable to certain of our highly compensated executives as well as disclosure of the compensation determination process; the provisions of Regulation FD aimed at preventing issuers from making selective disclosures of material information; and the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and establishing insider liability for profit realized from any “short-swing” trading transaction (a purchase and sale, or sale and purchase, of the issuer’s equity securities within less than six months). In addition, we are permitted to follow certain home country corporate governance practices and law instead of those rules and practices otherwise required by Nasdaq for domestic issuers. For instance, we have relied on the foreign private issuer exemption with respect to shareholder approval requirements for equity-based compensation plans, with respect to the Nasdaq requirement to have a separate compensation committee and a formal charter for such committee, and with respect to the quorum requirement for the convening of general meetings of shareholders; See in Item 16G. “Corporate Governance” below. Following our home country corporate governance practices, as opposed to the requirements that would otherwise apply to a U.S. company listed on Nasdaq, may provide less protection to investors than is afforded under the Nasdaq Rules applicable to domestic issuers.

 

Provisions of Israeli law may delay, prevent or make undesirable an acquisition of all or a significant portion of our shares or assets.

 

Israeli corporate law regulates mergers and acquisitions and requires that a tender offer be effected when certain thresholds of percentage ownership of voting power in a company are exceeded (subject to certain conditions), which may have the effect of delaying, preventing or making more difficult a merger with, or acquisition of, us. See Item 10.B - “Memorandum and Articles - Anti-Takeover Effects of Israeli Laws; Mergers and Acquisitions Under Israeli Law” below. Further, Israeli tax considerations may make potential transactions undesirable to us, or to some of our shareholders whose country of residence does not have a tax treaty with Israel, granting tax relief to such shareholders from Israeli tax. With respect to mergers, Israeli tax law allows for tax deferral in certain circumstances but makes the deferral contingent on the fulfillment of numerous conditions, including a holding period of two years from the date of the transaction during which certain sales and dispositions of shares of the participating companies are restricted. Moreover, with respect to certain share swap transactions, the tax deferral is limited in time, and when such time expires, the tax becomes payable even if no actual disposition of the shares has occurred. See Item 10.E - “Taxation - Israeli Taxation” below. In addition, in accordance with the Restrictive Trade Practices Law, 1988 and under the R&D Law, approvals regarding a change in control (such as a merger or similar transaction) may be required in certain circumstances. For more information regarding such required approvals please see in Item 4.B - “Business Overview - The Israel Innovation Authority” below. In addition, as a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Israel, we are subject to the Israeli Economic Competition Law, 1988 and the regulations promulgated thereunder (formerly known as the Israeli Antitrust Law, 1988), under which we may be required in certain circumstances to obtain the approval of the Israel Competition Authority (formerly known as the Israel Antitrust Authority) in order to consummate a merger or a sale of all or substantially all of our assets. These provisions of Israeli law could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control and may make it more difficult for a third-party to acquire us, even if doing so would be beneficial to our shareholders and may limit the price that investors may be willing to pay in the future for our ordinary shares.

Shareholder rights and responsibilities are governed by Israeli law which differs in some respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders of U.S. companies.

 

Since we are incorporated under Israeli law, the rights and responsibilities of our shareholders are governed by our articles of association, as amended from time to time (our “Articles”) and Israeli law. These rights and responsibilities differ in some respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders in United States-based corporations. In particular, a shareholder of an Israeli company has a duty to act in good faith and in a customary manner in exercising its rights and performing its obligations towards the company and other shareholders and to refrain from abusing its power in the company, including, among other things, in voting at the general meeting of shareholders on certain matters, such as an amendment to a company’s articles of association, an increase of a company’s authorized share capital, a merger of a company and approval of related party transactions that require shareholder approval. A shareholder also has a general duty to refrain from discriminating against other shareholders. In addition, a controlling shareholder or a shareholder who knows that it possesses the power to determine the outcome of a shareholder vote or to appoint or prevent the appointment of an Office Holder in a company, or who otherwise has the power to direct a company’s operations, has a duty to act in fairness towards such company. Israeli law does not define the substance of this duty of fairness and there is limited case law available to assist us in understanding the nature of this duty or the implications of these provisions. These provisions may be interpreted to impose additional obligations and liabilities on our shareholders that are not typically imposed on shareholders of U.S. corporations.

 

 

Our legal and commercial name is Camtek Ltd. We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Israel in 1987 and operate under the Companies Law. Our headquarters are located in Ramat Gavriel Industrial Zone, P.O. Box 544, Migdal Ha’Emek 23150, Israel, and our telephone number is +972-4-604-8100. Other than Israel, we currently have operations in the Asia Pacific region, North America and Europe. Our agent for service of process in the United States is Camtek USA, Inc., located at 1815 NW 169TH PL Ste 1080, Beaverton, Oregon 97006-7365, Tel: 510-624-9905. We have been a public company since July 2000. Our ordinary shares are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market and on the TASE.

 

In November 2020, we issued 4,025,000 ordinary shares in a public offering, which included the full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase 525,000 ordinary shares, at a price of $17.00 per share, raising $64.3 million net of underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses. In November 2021, we closed an offering of $200 million aggregate principal amount of 0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 (“Convertible Notes”) in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, which included the full exercise of underwriters’ option to purchase an additional $25 million of Convertible Notes, raising $194.5 million net of underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses.

 

In February 2019, the Company signed a series of definitive agreements, referred to as the “Chroma Transaction”, in the framework of which Chroma acquired a total of 6,117,440 ordinary shares from Priortech at a price of $9.50 per share, and an additional 1,700,000 new shares were issued to Chroma by the Company, at the same price of $9.50 per share; as of March 10,2024, Chroma holds 17.32% of our ordinary shares, while Priortech holds 21.31% of our ordinary shares. The Chroma Transaction was closed in June, 19, 2019 (the “Chroma Closing Date”), following the occurrence of closing conditions defined therein, including the approval of the Chroma Transaction by the Company’s shareholders in our 2019 annual general meeting of shareholders, dated June 3, 2019 (the “2019 AGM”) as well as the grant of approvals by certain regulatory bodies, including the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and the Taiwan Overseas Foreign Investment Commission (MOEAIC).

In addition, the Company entered into a Technological Cooperation Agreement with Chroma under which the Company granted Chroma a license for an application under Company’s triangulation technology platform. In addition, Priortech and Chroma entered into a voting agreement according to which they vote together in the Company’s shareholders meetings and have joint control over the Company (the “Chroma Voting Agreement”). Under the Chroma Voting Agreement, Chroma is entitled to nominate individuals for two seats on the Company’s Board and Priortech is entitled to nominate three members. The remaining seats are held by two external directors. The Company also entered into a Second Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement with Priortech and Chroma, according to which Chroma is entitled to the same rights Priortech has with respect to registration of our shares (see Item 7.B. – “Related Party Transactions”).

On November 1, 2023, we announced the closing of the acquisition of FRT for $100 million in cash. FRT, headquartered in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany, is a leading supplier of high-precision metrology solutions for the Advanced Packaging and Silicon Carbide markets. This acquisition is intended to leverage Camtek’s and FRT’s advanced technologies of Advanced Packaging and Silicon Carbide that require new inspection and metrology steps in the semiconductor manufacturing processes.

For a discussion of material cash requirements, including capital expenditures, see Item 5.B - “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below.

 

The SEC maintains an Internet web site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports and other material that are filed through the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval, or EDGAR, system. Our website is located at www.camtek.com. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report.

 

 

Our Business

 

Camtek is a developer and manufacturer of high-end inspection and metrology equipment for the semiconductor industry. Camtek’s systems inspect IC and measure IC features on wafers throughout the production process of semiconductor devices, covering the back-end-of-line (BEOL) of the front-end and mid-end and up to the beginning of assembly (Post Dicing). Camtek’s systems inspect wafers for the most demanding semiconductor market segments, including Advanced Packaging, Chiplets, HBM, Compound Semiconductors, Memory, CMOS Image Sensors, Power, RF and MEMS, serving the industry’s leading global IDMs, OSATs, and foundries.

Semiconductors wafers are scanned under the advanced optic heads (2D Inspection and metrology and 3D metrology) in our systems, and advanced software and algorithms are implemented on the scanned and measured wafers data. As a result, our systems automatically detect and measure good dice and defected dice. Hence, the total end product quality is enhanced by ensuring that only known good dice will be shipped to end-users. The systems are easy to operate and offer high accuracy and productivity in high volume manufacturing environments. These systems incorporate proprietary advanced image processing software and algorithms, as well as advanced electro‑optics and precision mechanics and are designed for easy operation and maintenance. Our global, direct customer support organization provides responsive, local pre- and post- sales support for our customers through our wholly owned subsidiaries located in 8 offices around the world.

 

Inspection and Metrology are implemented at various stages along the semiconductor manufacturing process. Camtek’s systems serve various manufacturing stages starting from the Back-end-of-line (BEOL) of the front-end, through Inspection and Metrology of bumps in the mid-end, inspection of wafers and the inspection of post-diced wafers in the back end (Assembly).

 

Our Markets

 

The semiconductor manufacturing industry produces integrated circuits mainly on silicon wafers but also on other materials and on compound semiconductors (for example, Silicon Carbide – SiC, Gallium Nitride – GaN, and Gallium Arsenide - GaAS). Each wafer contains numerous integrated dice containing microelectronic devices. The growth of the semiconductor manufacturing industry in the past few years has been driven largely by demand from electronics such as smartphones and the proliferation of applications including the Internet of Things and cloud computing. Continued growth is expected with the enhancements of existing products, and the inclusion of emerging technologies such as AI, as well as rapid growth in automotive, electrical and autonomous vehicles and industrial electronics. The effect of such market growth trends on the demand for Inspection and Metrology systems is driven by three main factors: (i) growing electronic devices manufacturing volume requires more equipment, (ii) applications such as automotive and mobile phones require a higher level of reliability and hence more Inspection and Metrology and (iii) new packaging technologies, such as Chiplets and HBM, require more inspection and metrology steps (as described in more detail below).

 

In the fast-growing advanced packaging market segment, which includes a wide variety of devices and technologies, new inspection and measurements steps become crucial to ensure a known-good-package. The bumps and hybrid bonding are becoming the main interface instead of the conventional wire bonding. There is a wide variety of bump types and sizes which are used for different packaging technologies. Camtek’s systems are equipped with state-of-the-art metrology and inspection capabilities designed to address many of those inspection and metrology steps, including bump height, die stack planarity, RDL dimensions and surface defects. These are examples of typical process steps where inspection and metrology are critical to ensure high quality products.

 

Wafers with hundreds of millions of bumps in very dense architecture are becoming more common and require 100% inspection and metrology due to the packaging reliability requirements. The high cost of packages which combine multiple dice requires Known Good Dice in order to ensure that each die in the package is fully functional. Camtek’s systems are designed to deliver 100% Inspection and Metrology in high volume manufacturing environment, without compromising on throughput and performance. We expect that the two fastest growing segments in advanced packaging will be the Chiplets, which are becoming the standard for high performance computing, and Fan Out Wafer Level Packaging (FOWLP). Camtek’s flexible inspection and metrology systems utilize a wide variety of technologies to address the complex requirements of these growing segments.

 

The shift of memory devices to advanced packaging is growing to support high-end systems. A good example is High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) of DRAM dice stacked on top of each other enabling higher bandwidth at less power consumption. Camtek provides 100% inspection and metrology of all the components in the stack ensuring known-good-package.

 

Another fast-growing segment is the CMOS image sensors (“CIS”) used for cameras. With the growing number of cameras in each mobile phone and the increase in the number of pixels per each sensor and reduction in the size of each pixel, a high-resolution inspection is mandatory. Camtek has developed unique capabilities to address these requirements and its systems are being used by the largest CIS manufacturers.

 

As 5G continues to expand its reach, it may open new possibilities for Camtek. 5G smartphones benefit from enhanced performance and broader bandwidth, as a result of the use of more RF filters (up to triple the previous number) with much finer dimensions. These challenges require more accurate and, in many cases, 100% inspection and metrology. Camtek offers dedicated inspection solutions to support the growing RF manufacturing market, enabling high-volume manufacturing at high throughput.

 

Compound semiconductors are undergoing a major expansion addressing many new applications and using various materials such SiC, GaN, GaAs and others, to improve the performance of new devices such as Power and Face Recognition applications.

 

The compound semiconductors manufacturing process is unique and requires dedicated solutions for Inspection and Metrology. Compound Semiconductors have unique properties, including high temperature and heat resistance, enhanced frequency and faster operation, which are some of the key demands in various advanced applications such as the automotive, AI and mobile devices. Camtek’s offering includes the inspection of epitaxial layers, inner cracks within the epitaxial layer, surface topography, bow measurement, data analysis and more.

 

During the last couple of years, Camtek has penetrated the Back-end-of-Line (BEOL) of the Front End manufacturing process addressing the challenges of defect-free and high-yield wafer manufacturing. The variety of defects calls for detection optimization, fast screening and categorization of the high-volume manufacturing environment, while maintaining high throughput. Camtek’s platforms can handle these challenges and detect all defects of interest at high volume manufacturing rate.

 

Product Lines

 

Inspection and Metrology Systems

 

 

 

 

 

The inspected and measured product is placed on a designated platform and is scanned under the optical assembly unit. The optical assembly unit then captures images of the product, while the electronic hardware unit processes the image using the analysis algorithms. Detected discrepancies are logged and reported as defects per the user definitions. The image of the defect is immediately available for verification by the system operator. Our systems can also compile and communicate statistical reports of inspection findings via the customer’s factory information system.

 

We offer a broad range of systems for automated optical Inspection and Metrology of semiconductor wafers. We invest significant resources in R&D to provide our customers with advantageous performance, low cost of ownership, high reliability and ease of operation. We believe that a significant part of our competitive advantage derives from our R&D innovative capabilities which enable us to adapt our technologies to evolving market needs and customers’ requirements.

Over the years, our Inspection and Metrology products for the semiconductor industry included the Falcon, Condor, Gannet and Eagle products lines. As of today, we produce and sell the Eagle platform, the Hawk platform and the MicroProf platform, and have phased out all other models.

In addition, we intend to offer certain software solutions we develop, such as the Automatic Defect Classification

(ADC), which provides automatic defect classification of color images, utilizing deep learning techniques, and will enable our customers to reduce and even eliminate manual verification.

With the acquisition of FRT in November 2023, Camtek added the following products and metrology capabilities to its portfolio. These products are divided into three categories: Fully Automated Wafer Metrology, Semi-automated with MHU and Manual Metrology.

Customers

We target wafer manufacturers and companies involved in the testing, assembly and packaging of semiconductor devices.

 

Our customers are semiconductor manufacturers, among them outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT), integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) and wafer level packaging subcontractors. Our customers, many of whom have multiple facilities, are located throughout Asia, Europe and North America. In 2024, three individual customers accounted for 15%, 10% and 10% of our total revenues. In 2023, one customer accounted for 15% of our total revenues. As of December 31, 2024, our installed base was over 3,000 systems.

 

The following table shows our revenues classified by geographical region for each of the last three years:

Marketing and Customer Support

 

We have established a global distribution and support network throughout the territories in which we sell, install and support our products, including the Asia Pacific region, North America and Europe. We believe that this is an essential factor in our customers’ decision to purchase our products. We primarily utilize our own employees to provide these customer support services. We may expand our network into additional territories as market conditions warrant.

 

We have a distribution rights agreement with a Japanese company, under which this company sells, installs and supports our products in Japan.

 

As of December 31, 2024, 284 of our employees were engaged in our worldwide marketing and support efforts, including support and marketing administration staff. Due to the concentration of customers in the Asia Pacific region, we have significantly expanded our marketing and support teams in this region.

 

Our marketing efforts include participation in various trade shows and conventions, publications and trade press, product demonstrations performed at our facilities and regular contact with customers by marketing personnel. We generally provide a 12‑month warranty to our customers. In addition, for a fee, we offer service and maintenance contracts commencing after the expiration of the warranty period. Under our service and maintenance contracts, we provide prompt local, on-site customer support. Our experienced local teams have been able to install and support our customers throughout the pandemic with virtual support, as needed, from our experts in the headquarters.

 

We take various measures to secure customers’ payment on a case-by-case basis by means of letters of credit. Also, we receive advanced payments before shipment from most customers.

 

Manufacturing

 

Our manufacturing activities consist primarily of the assembly and final integration of parts, components and subassemblies, which are acquired from third‑party vendors and subcontractors. The manufacturing process for our products generally lasts six to twelve weeks. We utilize subcontractors for the production of subsystems, and our current main product, the Eagle system, is manufactured by two Israeli contractors who perform most of the material planning, procurement, manufacturing, testing and assembly work with respect to such systems.

 

We rely on single source and limited source suppliers and subcontractors for a number of essential components and subsystems of our products. We have increased our inventories and production capacity to meet our needs taking in account the global shortage. During times of rapid increase in demand in the semiconductor fabrication industry, the delivery time of suppliers in this industry is extended. However, to date, we have been able to obtain sufficient units of these components to meet our needs in a timely fashion.

 

Our manufacturing facilities are located in Migdal Ha’Emek, Israel, and in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany.

 

Competition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Israel Innovation Authority

 

 

We received grants from the IIA for several projects and may receive additional grants in the future. Under the terms of certain IIA plans, a company may be required to pay royalties ranging between 3% to 6% (depending on the terms and conditions of the specific plan and the classification of the company), of the revenues generated from its products or services incorporating know-how developed with, or are a derivative of, funds received from the IIA (“IIA Products”), until 100% of the dollar value of the grant is repaid (plus LIBOR interest applicable to grants received on or after January 1, 1999 and until July 1, 2017; the interest applicable to grants received on or after July 1, 2017, and until January 1, 2024 is: (i) LIBOR interest until December 31, 2023, and (ii) thereafter, 12 months Term SOFR as published in the first trading day of each year by CME Group, or by any other party authorized by the Federal Reserve, or in alternative publication by the Bank of Israel, with the addition of 0.71513%; the interest applicable to grants received on or after January 1, 2024 is 12 months Term SOFR as published in the first trading day of each year by CME Group, or by any other party authorized by the Federal Reserve, or in alternative publication by the Bank of Israel).

 

The R&D Law generally requires that a product incorporating Financed Know-how be manufactured in Israel. However, subject to receipt of an approval from the IIA, some of the manufacturing volume may be performed outside of Israel. Such approval is subject to the repayment of increased royalties, in an amount of up to 300% of the total grant amount, plus applicable interest, and an increase of 1% in the royalty rate, depending on the extent of the manufacturing that is to be conducted outside of Israel.

 

The R&D Law also provides that Financed Know-How and any right derived therefrom may not be transferred to third parties, unless such transfer was approved in accordance with the R&D Law. The research committee operating under the IIA may approve the transfer of Financed Know-How between Israeli entities, provided that the transferee undertakes all the obligations in connection with the R&D grant as prescribed under the R&D Law. In certain cases, the research committee may also approve a transfer of Financed Know-How outside of Israel, in both cases subject to the receipt of certain payments, calculated according to a formula set forth in the R&D Law. In the case of transfer outside of Israel, a payment of up to six times the total amount of the grants plus applicable interest, and in the case the R&D activity related to the know-how remains in Israel, a payment of three times of such total amount. These approvals are not required for the sale or export of any products resulting from such R&D activity or based on such Financed Know-How.

 

Further, the R&D Law imposes reporting requirements on certain companies with respect to changes in the ownership of a grant recipient. The grant recipient, its controlling shareholders, and foreign interested parties of such companies must notify the IIA of any change in control of the grant’s recipient or the holdings of the “means of control” of the recipient that result in an Israeli or a non-Israeli becoming an interested party directly in the recipient. The R&D Law also requires the new interested party to undertake to comply with the R&D Law. For this purpose, “control” means the ability to direct the activities of a company (other than any ability arising solely from serving as an officer or director of the company), including the holding of 25% or more of the “means of control”, if no other shareholder holds 50% or more of such “means of control.” “Means of control” refers to voting rights or the right to appoint directors or the chief executive officer. An “interested party” of a company includes a holder of 5% or more of its outstanding share capital or voting rights, its chief executive officer and directors, someone who has the right to appoint its chief executive officer or at least one director, and a company with respect to which any of the foregoing interested parties owns 25% or more of the outstanding share capital or voting rights or has the right to appoint 25% or more of the directors. Accordingly, in certain cases, any non-Israeli who acquires 5% or more of our ordinary shares may be required to notify the IIA that it has become an interested party and to sign an undertaking to comply with the R&D Law. In addition, the rules of the IIA may require additional information or representations with respect to such events.

As of December 31, 2024, we have repaid (including interest accrued by Camtek) all outstanding grant amounts to the IIA. As of the date of this Annual Report, no Financed Know-How is utilized in our current or currently anticipated activities.

 

At the end of 2021, the publication of the LIBOR ceased, and alternative interests were applied throughout the worldwide economy, including the SOFR interest.  The interest applicable to grants received on or after January 1, 2024 is 12 months Term SOFR as published in the first trading day of each year by CME Group, or by any other party authorized by the Federal Reserve, or in alternative publication by the Bank of Israel.

Capital Expenditures

 

The following table shows our capital expenditures in fixed assets for the last three years:

Material Effects of Governmental Regulations

 

The following EU directives, which represent the European standard required in order to sell in Europe, apply to our business: Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU, EMC Directive (EMC) 2014/30/EU, and RoHS2 Directive (RoHS2) 2011/65/EU. The following SEMI Standards, which define uniform standards for manufacturers in the semiconductor fabrication industry and production equipment producers, apply to us: SEMI S-2 (safety requirements for sale of equipment in the semiconductor fabrication) and SEMI S-8 (ergonomic requirements for sale of equipment in the semiconductor fabrication industry). We comply with the above-mentioned governmental regulations during the systems’ design process, which is conducted in accordance with the Company’s quality assurance manual ISO9001:2015. In addition, all modules of systems are tested by independent laboratories that certify their compliance with these governmental regulations and have required accreditation.

 

 

Through its affiliated companies, one of our principal shareholders, Priortech, engages in various aspects of the electronic production, including, advance packaging designs for the semiconductor industry and advanced organic coreless substrate technology. As of March 5, 2025, Priortech holds 21.09% of our outstanding ordinary shares and is a party to the Chroma Voting Agreement. Under the Chroma Voting Agreement, Priortech is entitled to nominate three Board members. We have no revenues from sales to affiliates and subsidiaries of Priortech.

 

The following table shows the Company’s subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned by us or by our subsidiaries (except for Camtek HK Ltd., in which Priortech holds no more than one percent of the voting rights), together with each subsidiary’s jurisdiction of incorporation, as of the date of this Annual Report:

 

 

Our main office, manufacturing and research and development facilities are located in the Ramat Gavriel Industrial Zone of Migdal Ha’Emek in northern Israel. These facilities occupy 124,000 square feet of which 45,500 square feet are devoted to the manufacturing of our products. Our facilities in Germany occupy 15,200 square feet of which 7,000 square feet are devoted to the manufacturing of our products.

 

Our sales offices and demonstration centers, which we lease in various locations around the world, occupy an aggregate of approximately 58,500 square feet.

None.

 

 

General

 

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements included therein, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”).  The following discussion does not address certain items in respect of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, in reliance on amendments to disclosure requirements adopted by the SEC. A discussion of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 may be found in “Item 5 – “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” of our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 21, 2024.

 

Overview

 

We design, develop, manufacture and market automated solutions dedicated for enhancing production processes and yield for the semiconductor fabrication industry, principally based on our Inspection and Metrology core technology; see in Item 4.B “Business Overview - Our Business”above.

 

We sell our systems internationally. The majority of sales of our systems in 2024 were to manufacturers in the Asia Pacific region, including South Korea, China, Taiwan and South East Asia, due to, among other factors, the migration of the electronic manufacturers into this region following the development and growth of electronics industry centers.

 

In the year ended December 31, 2024, our sales in the Asia Pacific region (mostly China, Taiwan and South Korea) accounted for approximately 89% of our total revenues.

 

In addition to revenues derived from the sale of systems and related products, we generate revenues from providing maintenance and support services for our products. We generally provide a one-year warranty with our systems. Accordingly, service revenues are not earned during the warranty period.

 

In regular market conditions, the demand for our systems is characterized by short notice. To meet customers’ needs for quick delivery and to realize the competitive advantage of the ability to do so, we have to pre-order components and subsystems based on our forecast of future orders, rather than on actual orders. This need is compounded by the fact that, in times of increasing demand in our markets, our suppliers and subcontractors tend to extend their delivery schedules or fail to meet their delivery deadlines. To compensate for these unscheduled delays, we build inventories further into the future, which increases the risk that our forecast may not correspond to our actual future needs. The uncertainties involved in these longer-term estimates during regular times of business expansion tend to increase the level of component and subsystem inventories (See also in Item 3.D.- “Risk Factors - A longer sales process for new products may increase our costs and delay time to market of our products, both of which may negatively impact our revenues, results of operations, cash flow and may result in inventory write-offs” above and under Item 5.A -“Operating Results - Critical Accounting Policies - Valuation of Inventory” below). Compared to our sales cycles for repeat orders from existing customers, we have longer sales cycles for new customers in our markets as well as for new customers in new markets. In addition, the selling cycle in our markets typically takes several quarters from first contact to revenue recognition, including on-site evaluation. Naturally, repeat orders take less time.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the 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, intangible assets, contingent liabilities, long-lived assets, income taxes, share-based payments and leases. 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.

 

Critical accounting policies are those that, in management’s view, are most important to the portrayal of a company’s financial condition and results of operations and most demanding on their calls on judgment, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods. We believe our most critical accounting policies and estimates relate to:

 

Revenue Recognition. The Company’s contracts with its customers include performance obligations to provide its products or to service the installed products. A product sale contract may include an extended warranty (that is, for longer than the twelve-month standard warranty) as well as installation, both of which are considered separate performance obligations.

 

The Company recognizes revenue from contracts for sales of products when the Company transfers control of the product to the customer. This generally occurs upon shipment whereas previously it was generally upon installation at the customer’s premises. Revenues from the contract are recognized in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to receive once the product is operating in accordance with its specifications and signed documentation of the arrangement, such as a signed contract or purchase order, has been received. Payment terms with customers may vary, but are generally based on milestones within the delivery process such as shipping and installation. Payment terms do not include significant financing components.

 

The Company does not incur costs in obtaining a contract except for agents’ commissions, which are incurred upon the recognition of revenues. Service revenues from maintenance contracts are recognized ratably over the contract period. 

 

Service revenues consist mainly of contracts charged under time and material arrangements. Service revenues from maintenance contracts are recognized ratably over the contract period.

 

Contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, the Company allocates revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. The Company generally determines standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers.

 

The Company’s multiple performance obligations consist of product sales, installation services and non-standard warranties. For cases in which product revenue has been recognized but installation has not occurred as of the balance sheet date, a fixed amount is deferred from revenue in respect of the installation services yet to be performed. A non-standard warranty is one that is for a period longer than 12 months. Accordingly, income from a non-standard warranty is deferred as unearned revenue and is recognized ratably as revenue commencing with and over the applicable warranty term.

 

The Company records contract liabilities when the customer has been billed in advance of the Company completing its performance obligations. These amounts are recorded as deferred revenue in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Marketable Securities.The Company accounts for marketable securities in accordance with ASC Topic 320, “Investments – Debt Securities”. The Company’s investments in marketable securities consist of high-grade treasury, corporate and municipal bonds.

 

Investments in marketable securities are classified as available for sale at the time of purchase. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices, with unrealized gains and losses, reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses on sales of marketable securities, are included in financial income (expenses), net. The amortized cost of marketable securities is adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount to maturity, both of which, together with interest, are included in financial income (expenses), net.

 

The Company classifies its marketable securities as either short term or long term based on each instrument’s underlying contractual maturity date. Marketable securities with maturities of 12 months or less are classified as short-term and marketable securities with maturities greater than 12 months are classified as long-term.

 

The Company accounts for Credit losses in accordance with ASU 2016-13, Topic 326 “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”. The guidance requires the Company to determine whether a decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis of an available for sale debt security is due to credit related factors or noncredit related factors. A credit related impairment should be recognized as an allowance on the balance sheet with a corresponding adjustment to earnings, however, if the Company intends to sell an impaired available for sale debt security or more likely than not would be required to sell such a security before recovering its amortized cost basis, the entire impairment amount would be recognized in earnings with a corresponding adjustment to the security’s amortized cost basis.

 

The Company did not recognize an allowance for credit losses on marketable securities as there were no expected credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 

Valuation of Inventory.Inventories consist of completed systems, partially completed systems and components, and are recorded at the lower of cost, determined by the moving – average basis, or net realizable value. We review inventory for obsolescence and excess quantities to determine that items deemed obsolete or excess inventory are appropriately reserved. In making the determination, we consider forecasted future sales or service/maintenance of related products and the quantity of inventory at the balance sheet date, assessed against each inventory item’s past usage rates and future expected usage rates. Changes in factors such as technology, customer demand, competing products and other matters could affect the level of our obsolete and excess inventory in the future.

In the years 2024 and 2023 we wrote-off inventory in the amount of approximately $4.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively which were related to damaged, obsolete, excess and slow-moving inventory. These amounts are included in the item line called “Cost of revenues” in the consolidated statements of operations. The write-offs create a new cost basis and are a permanent reduction of inventory cost. Inventory that is not expected to be converted or consumed in 2024 is classified as non-current. As of December 31, 2024, an $11.9 million portion of our inventory was classified as non-current. Management periodically evaluates our inventory composition, giving consideration to factors such as the probability and timing of anticipated usage and the physical condition of the items, and then estimates a charge (reducing the inventory) to be provided for slow moving, technologically obsolete or damaged inventory. These estimates could vary significantly from actual requirements based upon future economic conditions, customer inventory levels or competitive factors that were not foreseen or did not exist when the inventory write-offs were established. 

Business acquisitions. The Company accounted for business combination in accordance with ASC No. 805, "Business Combinations". Under ASU No. 2017-01, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, the Company first determines whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. If this threshold is met, the single asset or group of assets, as applicable, is not a business.

 

ASC No. 805 requires recognition of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date. Any excess of the fair value of net assets acquired over purchase price and any subsequent changes in estimated contingencies are to be recorded in earnings. 

 

When the Company acquires a business, the purchase price is allocated to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets, net of liabilities assumed. Any residual purchase price is recorded as goodwill. The allocation of the purchase price requires management to make significant estimates in determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, especially with respect to intangible assets. The Company uses the Discounted Cash Flow Method to assign fair values to acquired identifiable intangible assets. These estimates can include, but are not limited to, the cash flows that an asset is expected to generate in the future, forecasted future revenue, forecasted operating results, discount rates and the appropriate weighted-average cost of capital. These estimates are inherently uncertain and unpredictable.

 

These models are based on reasonable estimates and assumptions given available facts and circumstances, including industry estimates and averages, as of the acquisition dates and are consistent with the plans and estimates of management.

 

During the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, adjustments to the fair value of these tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed may be recorded, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the fair value of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to the Company’s consolidated statements of income (loss).

Intangible assets. Patent registration costs are capitalized at cost and amortized, beginning with the first year of utilization, over its expected life of ten years. The technology, trade names and customer relationships acquired in the FRT acquisition are to be amortized over their expected lives of 5 years, 10 years, and 2 years, respectively.

We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of the long-lived asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized as computed by subtracting the fair market value of the asset from its carrying value.

 

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets. We apply ASC Subtopic 360-10, “Property, Plant and Equipment”. This Statement requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of the long-lived asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized as computed by subtracting the fair market value of the asset from its carrying value. We prepare future cash flows based on our best estimates including projections and financial statements, future plans and growth estimates.

 

Income Taxes. We account for income taxes under ASC Subtopic 740-10 Income Taxes – Overall. Deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognized in respect of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts as well as in respect of tax losses and other deductions which may be deductible for tax purposes in future years, based on tax rates applicable to the periods in which such deferred taxes will be realized. The rates applied are those enacted in law as of December 31, 2024. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible and during which the carry-forwards are available. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount considered more likely than not to be realized.

Our financial statements include deferred tax assets, net, which are calculated according to the above methodology. If there is an unexpected critical deterioration in our operating results and forecasts, we would have to increase the valuation allowance with respect to those assets. We believe that it is more likely than not that those net deferred tax assets included in our financial statements will be realized in subsequent years.

Stock Option and Restricted Share Plans. We account for our employee stock-based compensation awards in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. ASC Topic 718 requires that all employee stock‑based compensation is recognized as a cost in the financial statements and that for equity-classified awards such cost is measured at the grant date fair value of the award. We estimate grant date fair value using the Black‑Scholes-Merton option‑pricing model. Forfeitures are recognized when they occur.   

 

Leases. Results and disclosure requirements are presented under Topic 842, Leases. Under Topic 842, we determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term. For this purpose, we consider only payments that are fixed and determinable at the time of commencement. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Our incremental borrowing rate was 6.0% in 2024, based on our understanding of what our credit rating was at that time. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise such options. When determining the probability of exercising such options, we consider contract-based, asset-based, entity-based, and market-based factors. Lease agreements may contain variable costs such as common area maintenance, insurance, real estate taxes or other costs. Variable lease costs are expensed as incurred on the consolidated statements of income. Our lease agreements generally do not contain any residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants.

Operating lease ROU assets are presented as property, plant and equipment on the consolidated balance sheet. The current portion of operating lease liabilities is included in other current liabilities and the long-term portion is presented within long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.

For operating leases, the ROU asset is subsequently measured throughout the lease term at the carrying amount of the lease liability, plus initial direct costs, plus (minus) any prepaid (accrued) lease payments, less the unamortized balance of lease incentives received. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

ROU assets for operating leases are periodically reduced by impairment losses. We use the long-lived assets impairment guidance in ASC Subtopic 360-10, Property, Plant, and Equipment – Overall, to determine whether an ROU asset is impaired, and if so, the amount of the impairment loss to recognize.

Finance lease ROU assets consist of real estate at a German subsidiary, for which a purchase option is reasonably certain to be exercised, and are presented as property, plant and equipment on the consolidated balance sheet. The asset is depreciated over the expected useful life of the asset. The carrying amount of the liability includes the present value of future lease payments and the exercise price of the option.

Comparison of Period-to-Period Results of Operations

 

The following table presents consolidated statement of operations data for the periods indicated as a percentage of total revenues:

Year Ended December 31, 2024 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023

 

Revenues. Revenues increased by 36% to $429.2 million in 2024 from $315.4 million in 2023, due primarily to an increase in the number of product units sold.

 

Gross Profit. Gross profit consists of revenues less cost of revenues, which includes the cost of components, production materials, labor, depreciation, factory and service center overheads and provisions for warranties. These expenditures are only partially affected by sales volume. Our total gross profit increased to $210.0 million in 2024 from $147.6 million in 2023, an increase of $62.3 million, or 42%. Our gross margin increased to 48.9% in 2024, compared to a gross margin of 46.8% in 2023, mainly as a result of economies of scale from increased sales and mix of products sold.

 

Research and Development Costs.Research and development expenses consist primarily of salaries, materials consumption and costs associated with subcontracting certain development efforts. Total research and development expenses for 2024 increased by 22% to $38.3 million from $31.5 million in 2023 due to higher investment in new products and technologies, as well as an increase in headcount.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of expenses associated with salaries, commissions, promotion and travel, professional services and rent costs. Our selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 25% to $63.6 million in 2024 from $50.8 million in 2023, mainly due to increased salary expenses and professional services.

 

Financial Income, Net.We had net financial income of $23.2 million in 2024 compared to $22.2 million in 2023. Foreign currency expense, net, resulting from transactions not denominated in U.S. Dollars, amounted to $0 in 2024 compared to income of $0.1 million in 2023.

Provision for Income Taxes. Income tax expense was $12.7 million in 2024, an increase of $3.7 million from the $9.0 million expense in 2023.

 

Net Income. We realized net income of $118.5 million in 2024 compared to net income of $78.6 million in 2023, due to increased revenues and financial income, offset by increased operating expenses.

 

B.	Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

At December 31, 2024, our cash and cash equivalent deposit and marketable securities balances totaled approximately $501.2 million compared to approximately $448.6 million at December 31, 2023. The year-to-year increase in cash and cash equivalents and deposits results from positive operating cash flow. Our cash is invested in bank deposits spread among several banks, primarily in Israel and in international bonds.

 

Our working capital was approximately $496.1 million in 2024 and $450.1 million in 2023. The increase is mainly attributed to increased current assets, offset by increased current liabilities.

 

Our capital expenditures during 2024 were approximately $10.4 million, mainly to increase our production capacity and to support our R&D, operations and IT activities.

 

Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 totaled $122.2 million and $79.3 million, respectively.

During 2024 and 2023, cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributed to net income.

 

Cash flow used in investing activities in 2024 was $55.9 million, due to investment in marketable securities, short- and long-term deposits and fixed and intangible assets. Cash flow used in investing activities in 2023 was $107.5 million, due to investment in short-term deposits and fixed and intangible assets.

 

 

Cash flow used in financing activities in 2024 was $60.0 million, due to a dividend payment. Cash flow provided by financing activities in 2023 was $0.2 million.

 

Our principal liquidity requirement is expected to be for working capital and capital expenditures, as well as acquisitions. We anticipate funding these cash requirements and capital expenditures through a combination of cash flow from operations and existing balances of cash and cash equivalents and short-term deposits.We anticipate that our existing capital resources and cash flows from operations will be adequate to satisfy our liquidity requirements for at least the next 12 months. If available liquidity is not sufficient to meet our operating obligations as they come due, our plans include pursuing alternative financing arrangements or reducing expenditures as necessary to meet our cash requirements.

 

 

Camtek’s production facility in Israel has been granted “Approved Enterprise” status under the Investment Law (as defined in Item 10.E – “Taxation – Israeli Taxation - Tax Benefits Under the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959” below). We participate in the Alternative Benefits Program and, accordingly, income from our Approved Enterprise will be tax exempt for a period of 10 years, commencing on the first year in which the Approved Enterprise first generates taxable income, due to the fact that we operate in Zone ”A” in Israel.

 

On April 1, 2005, an amendment to the Investment Law came into effect (the “Amendment”) and significantly changed the provisions of the Investment Law. The Amendment limits the scope of an enterprise which may be approved by the Investment Center by setting criteria for the approval of a facility as a “Beneficiary Enterprise”; such criteria generally require that at least 25% of the Beneficiary Enterprise’s income will be derived from export. Additionally, the Amendment enacted major changes in the manner in which tax benefits are awarded under the Investment Law so that companies no longer require Investment Center approval in order to qualify for tax benefits.

In addition, the Amendment provides that terms and benefits included in any certificate of approval issued prior to December 31, 2004, will remain subject to the provisions of the Investment Law as they were on the date of such prior approval. Therefore, our existing Approved Enterprise will generally not be subject to the provisions of the Amendment. As a result of the Amendment, tax-exempt income generated under the provisions of the new law, as part of a new Beneficiary Enterprise, will subject us to taxes upon distribution or liquidation.

Camtek has been granted the status of Approved Enterprise, under the Investment Law, for investment programs for the periods which ended in 2007 and 2010, and the status of Beneficiary Enterprise according to the Amendment, for a period which ended in 2014. In addition, Camtek elected 2010 as the year of election for a period which ended in 2021.

On December 29, 2010, the Investment Law was amended to significantly revise the tax incentive regime in Israel commencing on January 1, 2011. For more information, see Item 10.E – “Taxation – Israeli Taxation – Tax Benefits Under the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959” below.

During the years 1998-2006 the company was subject to tax in accordance with the Approved and Beneficiary Enterprise under the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments. As such, the Company has income that was exempt from tax. Distribution of dividend from the exempt income requires the Company to pay income tax on the amount of the dividend distributed at the tax rate that would have been applicable to it in the year the income was produced if it had not been exempt from tax.   In February 2022, the Company, in a settlement with the Israeli Tax Authorities, elected to take advantage of the temporary rule of 2022 in Israel and pay a reduced tax rate on its historical exempt earnings to allow the Company to distribute dividends from these earnings in the future with no additional corporate tax liability. The Company’s Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2021, included a one-time tax expense of $5,315, as a result of this settlement.

Foreign Currency Fluctuation

 

See Item 3.D – “Risk Factors – Risk Factors Related to Our Business and Our Markets – Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may result in additional expenses being recorded or in the prices of our products becoming less competitive and thus may have negative impact on our profitability”above.

C.	Research and Development, Patents and Licenses.

 

We believe that intensive R&D is essential to our business. We devote substantial R&D resources to developing new products and to improving our existing products to meet our customers’ evolving needs. We have dedicated teams with expertise in image processing software and algorithms, electronic hardware, electro‑optics, physics, mechanics and systems design.

 

Our R&D efforts are primarily focused on:

 

 

 

 

 

In addition, we are focusing our efforts on leveraging our core technologies, expertise and experience into continually enhancing the value to the user and the return on investment from our products. We believe that our internal multi‑disciplinary expertise will enable us to maintain and enhance our technological edge.

 

As of December 31, 2024, we had 174 employees engaged in R&D, 153 of whom are based in our headquarters in Israel and 24 in our facilities in Germany. We also use subcontractors for the development of some of the hardware components of our systems. Our R&D expenses were $38.3 million and $31.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, representing 8.9% and 10.0% of the total revenues for the years then ended.

 

We will continue to devote our R&D resources to maintaining and extending our technology leadership position.

Our R&D costs are expensed as incurred.

In general, we rely on a combination of our copyrights, trade secrets, patents, trademarks and non-disclosure agreements to protect our proprietary know-how and intellectual property. We also enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees and with all of the subcontractors who develop and manufacture components for use in our products. We also employ specialists whose main role is to maintain and protect our intellectual property from both professional and legal perspectives. We cannot be certain that actions we take to protect our proprietary rights will be adequate nor can we be certain that we will be able to deter reverse engineering or that there will not be independent third-party development of our technology.

 

We have 140 issued and applied-for patents worldwide, of which 98 are registered patents and 6 U.S. provisional applications. These patents relate to our proprietary technology and know-how developed for Inspection and Metrology and Functional Inkjet Technology tools. We also have one registered trademark in each of the U.S., Israel, Singapore and Japan.

 

The OECD has forecasted the world GDP to grow by 3.3% in 2025. See "Item 3D. Risk Factors" above. The semiconductor industry will probably be influenced by weakness or uncertainties in global economic conditions. According to SEMI organization, the global total semiconductor equipment sales forecast to reach a record of $139 billion in 2026. Wafer Fab Equipment segment sales are projected to expand 6.8% in 2025. See "Item 3D. Risk Factors - Risk Factors Related to Our Business and Our Markets – Our business could be materially disrupted by negative effects on the semiconductor industry, including as a result of economic, political, legal, regulatory and other changes, in the global or local markets in which we operate.” For specific trend information regarding the markets in which we operate see Item 4.B - “Business Overview - Our Markets” above.

 

 

See Item 5.A “Operating Results –Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”

 

Item 6.

Directors, Senior Management and Employees

 

 

The following table lists the name, age and position of each of our current directors and senior management:

 

 

 

Set forth below is a biographical summary of each of the above-named directors and senior management.

 

Rafi Amit has served as our Chief Executive Officer since January 2014, and previously as our Chairman of the Board of Directors from the 2019 AGM until December 31, 2022. Between 2010 and March 2017, Mr. Amit also served as our Active Chairman of the Board of Directors. Previously, Mr. Amit served as our Chief Executive Officer from January 1998 until August 2010 and as Chairman of the Board of Directors from 1987 until April 2009. Since 1981, Mr. Amit has also served as the President and director of Priortech and has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Priortech since 1988 until February 2025. From 1981 until 2004, Mr. Amit served as Priortech’s Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Amit holds a B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering and Management from Technion - Israel Institute of Technology.

 

Moty Ben-Arie serves as our Chairman of the Board since January 1, 2023. From March 2017 until the 2019 AGM, Mr. Ben-Arie also served as our Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Ben-Arie is the co-founder and serves as the Chairman of the board of directors of Invisicare Ltd. Mr. Ben-Arie has served as a consultant to entrepreneurs and investors since 2014. Previously, Mr. Ben-Arie served as the CEO of Sital Technology from 2012 until 2014. From 2006 until 2011, Mr. Ben-Arie also served as a managing partner of Vertex Ventures, where he focused on investments in Israeli-related hi-tech companies and evaluation of companies in the field of telecommunication, IT, test equipment, medical equipment and multidisciplinary systems. During these years, Mr. Ben-Arie served as a member of the fund investment committee, managed investments in several companies and served as a board member in companies in their early stages, including Color Chip Inc., Multiphi, Expand Networks, Comability and Ethos Networks. From 2000 until 2006, Mr. Ben-Arie also served as a partner of Walden Israel Ventures, where he focused on investments in Israeli-related hi-tech companies. During these years, Mr. Ben-Arie managed investments in several companies and served as a board member in companies from early stage, including Color Chip Inc. and Passave. From 1998 until 2000, Mr. Ben-Arie served as a director in Radcom Ltd., as a consultant in Walden Israel, and financed seed phases for new startups. From 1991 until 1998, Mr. Ben-Arie served as the co-founder and CEO of Radcom Ltd., Israel. From 1978 until 1982, Mr. Ben-Arie served as an electronic engineer and a project manager in Elisra Ltd. Mr. Ben-Arie holds an MBA from Tel Aviv University, and a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology.

Orit Stav has served on our Board of Directors since September 24, 2020. Ms. Stav is an experienced investment manager with 20 years of experience in the field of Venture Capital & Private Equity, as well as in the technology sector. Ms. Stav is a co-founder and serves as a managing partner at Israel Innovation Partners, a business advisory firm that specializes in building business relationship between global companies and Israeli technology start-ups. Currently, Ms. Stav serves as a board member in Menora Mivtachim Holdings Ltd., Doral Group Renewable Energy Resources Ltd., Innoviz Technologies Ltd., IBI – Underwriting & Issuing Ltd., EFI Capital Real Estate Ltd. From 2014 until 2015, Ms. Stav served as a managing partner of EVA Ventures venture capital. From 2010 until 2012, Ms. Stav served as a country manager in Wimdu GmbH, an international internet company. From 2006 until 2009 she served as an investment manager in Siemens Venture Capital, and from 1998 until 2005 served as an investment partner in Platinum Neurone Ventures, PNV, an Israeli venture capital fund. Ms. Stav holds an MBA from the University of Hertsfordshire, U.K., and a B.A. in Economies and Management from Tel Aviv University.

Yotam Stern has served on our Board of Directors since 1987. From May 2009 until August 2010, Mr. Stern served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and from 2001 until 2012, Mr. Stern served as our Executive Vice President, Business & Strategy. From 1998 until 2001, Mr. Stern served as our Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Stern served in the past as the Chief Financial Officer of Priortech and has been serving as a director of Priortech since 1985 and as its Chief Executive Officer since 2004. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

 

Leo Huang has served on our Board of Directors as a representative of Chroma since June 3, 2019. Mr. Huang co-founded Chroma in 1984 and has been serving as chairman of the board of directors of Chroma since October 23, 1984. Mr. Huang was the QA Engineer of TIMEX Corp. from 1975 to 1977 and served as the Sales Manager of Philips Electronics Industries (Taiwan) Ltd. from 1978 to 1984. Mr. Huang holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering from National Chiao Tung University in 1973.

 

I-Shih Tseng has served on our Board of Directors as a representative of Chroma since June 3, 2019. Mr. Tseng joined Chroma in 1998, serving as a director since June 6, 2012, and as Business Unit President of Chroma since July 1, 2007. Mr. Tseng was a Research Assistant at Pennsylvania State University from 1986 to 1992 and served as the Project Manager of Institute for Information Industry from 1992 to 1998. Mr. Tseng received his PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University in 1992.

 

Yael Andorn has served on our Board of Directors since October 3, 2018, and she is currently the Chairperson of our Audit Committee. Ms. Andorn is the founder and CEO of CapitalA, and serves on the Boards of Directors of Israeli public companies such as El-Al Airlines and Castro. Ms. Andorn previously served on private and public boards, including Midroog-Moody’s Rating, Oil Refineries (Bazan), Retalix,  The National Lottery, Clal Health Insurance and Clal Credit Insurance, and as head of the Investment Committee of the Teacher’s Saving Fund. Ms. Andorn served as director general of Israel’s Ministry of Finance between 2013 and 2015 and as Partner at Viola Credit between 2012 and 2013. Between 2005 and 2011, Ms. Andorn served as CEO at Amitim and also served on its investment committee. Ms. Andorn held several positions at Israel’s Ministry of Finance Budget Department, Bank of Israel and IDF 8200 Intelligence Unit. Ms. Andorn holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Master in Business Administration from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

 

Yosi Shacham-Diamand has served on our Board of Directors since October 3, 2018. Since 2001, Prof. Shacham-Diamand serves as The Bernard L. Schwartz Academic Chair for nano scale information technologies in the Department of Electrical Engineering - Physical Electronics, and in the Department of Material Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University. Prof. Shacham-Diamand currently serves on the advisory board of CartaSense Ltd. and SolChip Ltd., and previously served as consultant to numerous manufacturing companies such as: Zoran Inc., Intel Inc., Applied Materials Inc., Nova Instruments Inc., as well as to numerous investment and holding companies in Israel and abroad. Prof. Shacham-Diamand previously served on the board of directors of PCB Ltd. (today, Priortech Ltd.) and “RAMOT” by Tel Aviv University. He is a visiting professor at Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan (Since 2004) and a visiting professor at the Department of Electronics and Telecommunication, The Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy (Since 2018), and serves as a distinguished international Chair Professor in Feng Chia University, Taichung, Taiwan (since 2012).   Since 2014, Prof Shacham-Diamand serves as a member of the MAGNET committee, Ministry of Trade and Industry. Prof. Shacham-Diamand holds a D.Sc. EE, M.Sc. EE, and B.Sc. EE (Summa-cum Laude), all from the Technion- Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel, and also completed postdoctoral research at U.C. Berkeley, CA, USA.

 

Moshe Eisenberg has served as our Chief Financial Officer since November 2011. From 2010 to 2011, Mr. Eisenberg served as the Chief Financial Officer of Exlibris, a global provider of library automation solution for the academic market. Prior to that, from 2005 to 2009, Mr. Eisenberg served as the Chief Financial Officer of Scopus Video Networks Ltd., a leading provider of digital compression, decoding & video processing equipment. Prior to that, Mr. Eisenberg held various professional and managerial positions at Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. and its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, Spacenet Inc. Mr. Eisenberg holds an MBA from Tel Aviv University and a B.Sc. in Agricultural Economics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

 

Ramy Langer has served as our Chief Operating Officer since November 2017, following the consummation of the PCB Sale Transaction. Prior to his appointment as Chief Operating Officer he served as Vice President - Semiconductors Division from February 2014. From 2007 until 2012, Mr. Langer served as the Chief Executive Officer (and co-founder) of Infinite Memory Ltd., a fab-less developer of products based on Saifun Semiconductors Ltd.’s technology. From 2005 until 2007, Mr. Langer served as Vice President- Business Development of Saifun, where he marketed non-volatile memory IP. From 2002 until 2005, Mr. Langer served as Managing Director of Infineon Flash, a fab-less developer of products based on Saifun’s technology using Infineon DRAM process. From 1999 until 2002, Mr. Langer served as Vice President- Marketing & Sales of Tower Semiconductors Ltd., manufacturer of integrated circuits. Prior to that, Mr. Langer held various executive positions at Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc., a leading global semiconductor assembly equipment manufacturer. Mr. Langer holds a B.Sc. in Electronic Engineering from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and a M.Sc. in Electronic Engineering from Drexel University, Philadelphia.

 

Orit Geva Dvash has served as our VP Human Resources (“HR”) since November 2017. Previously, since 2014, Ms. Geva Dvash served as our HR Director. From 2008 to 2014, Ms. Geva Dvash served as our HR manager. From 2002 to 2008, Ms. Geva Dvash served at various HR positions at IBM research lab. Ms. Geva Dvash holds a Masters in political science from Haifa University and B.A. in political science and English literature from Haifa University.

 

 

In accordance with the terms of the Chroma Voting Agreement, at the 2019 AGM Mr. Leo Huang and Mr. I-Shih Tseng were appointed for service as our directors (see Item 4.A. – “History and Development of the Company”).

 

Except for the Chroma Voting Agreement, there are no arrangements or understandings of which we are aware relating to the election of our directors or the appointment of executive officers in our Company. In addition, there are no family relationships among any of the individuals listed in this Section A (Directors and Senior Management).

 

 

Aggregate Executive Compensation

 

The aggregate remuneration paid by us for the year ended December 31, 2024, to all persons listed in Section A (Directors and Senior Management) above, was approximately $4.9 million. This sum includes $0.1 million paid to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits, amounts expended by us for automobiles made available to all our executive officers, and other fringe benefits commonly reimbursed or paid by companies in Israel.

 

 

We compensate our independent directors for serving on our board of directors by payment of cash fees in accordance with regulations promulgated under the Companies Law concerning the remuneration of external directors (the “Remuneration Regulations”), reimbursement for expenses and the award of share options or RSUs. Messrs. Rafi Amit and Yotam Stern, as well as Chroma’s representatives on our Board, do not receive compensation for their service as our directors. See Item 6.C “Board Practices - Remuneration of Directors” below.

 

Individual Compensation of Covered Office Holders

The table below presents the compensation granted to our five most highly compensated Office Holders (as such term is defined in the Companies Law; see Item 6.C - “Board Practices – External Directors – Qualification” below) during or with respect to the year ended December 31, 2024. We refer to the five individuals for whom disclosure is provided herein as our “Covered Office Holders”. All amounts specified below are in terms of cost to the Company, as recorded in our financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employment Agreements

 

We maintain written employment agreements with our employees, including all of our executive officers, that contain customary provisions, including non-compete and confidentiality agreements.

 

With respect to our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Amit spends 90% of his time in service as our CEO, and under his employment agreement his compensation includes: (i) an annual base salary; (ii) an annual performance-based bonus; and (iii) an annual grant of equity. At our 2024 annual general meeting of shareholders, held on September 25, 2024 (the “2024 AGM”), our shareholders approved an increase in Mr. Amit’s annual base salary, effective as of January 2024 to US$375,760 (the “CEO Base Salary”). In addition, our shareholders approved a three-year cash bonus plan for Mr. Amit, for the years 2024-2026 (inclusive) pursuant to which Mr. Amit’s annual on target cash bonus for each of these years shall be equal to not more than the CEO Base Salary, conditioned upon his performance in each of these years measured against criteria pre-determined by our Compensation Committee and Board of Directors, with respect to the applicable year (the “CEO Cash Bonus Plan”).

 

According to the annual equity plan, Mr. Amit’s annual grant of equity for each of these three years shall not exceed 400% of the CEO Base Salary, and at least 50% of Mr. Amit’s annual grant of equity shall be subject to performance-based vesting (and with respect to the 2024 annual equity grant, 40%).

 

Further, Mr. Amit’s employment agreement contains confidentiality provisions for the term of Mr. Amit’s service and thereafter, and non-compete provisions for the term of Mr. Amit’s service and for a six-month period after the termination of his service. It provides that all intellectual property developed by Mr. Amit, or in which he took part, during or in connection with his services, is our sole property. The employment agreement may be terminated by the Company at any time, by written notice of termination delivered to Mr. Amit six months in advance. We may, however, immediately terminate the employment of Mr. Amit in various circumstances, including in the case of a breach of fiduciary duty.

 

As Mr. Amit may be deemed, together with the Priortech Founding Members and Chroma, to control the Company (see Item 3.D - “Risk Factors- Our principal shareholders, Priortech and Chroma, hold a controlling interest in us and will be able to exercise their control in ways that may be adverse to your interests. Our relationship with Priortech and Chroma may give rise to a conflict of interests” above), in accordance with the Companies Law, his terms of employment must be approved by the Company’s shareholders at least once every three years, and, accordingly, were last re-approved at the 2024 AGM. Mr. Amit does not receive any compensation in consideration for his service as a member of our Board of Directors.

 

 

Corporate Governance Practices

 

We are incorporated in Israel and therefore are subject to various corporate governance practices under the Companies Law, relating to matters such as external directors, audit and compensation committees, internal auditor and approvals of interested parties transactions. These matters are in addition to the Nasdaq Rules and other relevant provisions of U.S. securities laws. Under applicable Nasdaq Rules, a foreign private issuer such as us may generally follow its home country rules of corporate governance in lieu of comparable Nasdaq Rules, except for certain matters such as composition and responsibilities of the audit committee and the independence of its members. See Item 3.D – “Risk Factors - Being a foreign private issuer exempts us from certain SEC Requirements and Nasdaq Rules, which may result in less protection that is afforded to investors under rules applicable to domestic issuers” above. For information regarding home country rules followed by us see Item 16G –”Corporate Governance” below.

 

General Board Practices

 

Our Articles provide that our Board of Directors shall consist of not less than five and not more than ten directors, including the external directors. Currently, our board consists of eight members. According to the Chroma Voting Agreement (see Item 4.A. – “History and Development of the Company”), Chroma is entitled to nominate two members, and Priortech is entitled to nominate three members, to the Company’s Board. Chroma’s current nominees are Leo Huang and I-Shih Tseng, and Priortech’s nominees are Rafi Amit and Yotam Stern. At the 2024 AGM, each of Messrs. Rafi Amit, Yotam Stern, Moty Ben-Arie, Leo Huang, I-Shih Tseng and Orit Stav were re-appointed for service as our directors. All directors were appointed following the recommendation by the Company’s Nomination Committee, and each of our directors (other than the external directors) is serving an approximately one-year term, which is due to expire at our 2025 annual general meeting of shareholders (the “2025 AGM”). In addition, following the recommendation of our Nomination Committee and Board of Directors, our shareholders approved, at our 2024 AGM, the re-appointment of Ms. Yael Andorn and Prof. Yosi Shacham-Diamand as external directors in accordance with the Companies Law, for an additional term of three years each.

In February 2025, the Board of Directors nominated Lior Aviram as Executive Chairman of the Board, effective June 1, 2025, subject to shareholder approval at the 2025 AGM.  Upon Mr. Aviram’s appointment, the board will be increased to nine members.  Following Mr. Aviram’s appointment, Mr. Ben-Arie is expected to remain a non-executive member of our Board, subject to re-election at the 2025 AGM.

In accordance with the Companies Law, our Board of Directors retains all the powers in managing our Company that are not specifically granted to the shareholders. For example, the Board may make decisions to borrow money for the Company, and may set aside reserves out of our profits, for whatever purposes it sees fit.

The Board of Directors may pass a resolution when a quorum is present (in person or via telecommunication), and by a vote of at least a majority of the directors present when the resolution is put to vote. A quorum is defined as at least a majority of the directors then in office who are lawfully entitled to participate in the meeting but not less than two directors. The Chairman of the Board is elected and removed by the Board members. Minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors are recorded and kept at our offices. In addition, the Board of Directors may pass a resolution by way of a written resolution signed by all members of our Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors may, subject to the provisions of the Companies Law, appoint a committee of the Board and delegate to such committee all or any of the powers of the Board, as it deems appropriate. Notwithstanding the foregoing and subject to the provisions of the Companies Law, the Board may, at any time, amend, restate or cancel the delegation of any of its powers to any of its committees. Our Board of Directors has appointed an Audit Committee, also serving as a Compensation Committee, and a Nomination Committee. For information regarding the duties, responsibilities and composition of each of our committees, see Item 6.C – “Board Practices - Committees of the Board of Directors”below.

Our Articles provide that any director may appoint as an alternate director, by written notice to us or to the Chairman of the Board, any individual who is qualified to serve as director and who is not then serving as a director or alternate director for any other director. An alternate director has all of the rights and obligations of a director, excluding the right to appoint an alternate for himself. Currently no alternate directors serve on our board.

 

Election, Terms and Skills of Directors

 

Directors, other than external directors, are elected by a resolution of the shareholders at the annual general meeting and serve until the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the shareholders, unless earlier terminated in the event of such director’s death, resignation, bankruptcy, incapacity or removal by a resolution of the shareholders.

 

According to the Companies Law, a person who does not possess the skills required and the ability to devote the appropriate time to the performance of the office of director in a company, taking into consideration, among other things, the special requirements and size of that company, shall neither be appointed as a director nor serve as a director in a public company. A public company shall not convene a general meeting the agenda of which includes the appointment of a director, and a director shall not be appointed, unless the candidate has submitted a declaration that he or she possesses the skills required and the ability to devote the appropriate time to the performance of the office of director in the company, that sets forth the aforementioned skills and further states that the limitations set forth in the Companies Law regarding the appointment of a director do not apply in respect of such candidate.

 

A director who ceases to possess any qualification required under the Companies Law for holding the office of director or who becomes subject to any ground for termination of his/her office must inform the company immediately and his/her office shall terminate upon such notice.

Independent Directors

 

Under the Nasdaq Rules, a majority of our directors is required to be independent. The independence criteria under the Nasdaq Rules excludes, among others, any person who is: (i) a current or former (at any time during the past three years) employee of a company or its affiliates; or (ii) an immediate family member of an executive officer (at any time during the past three years) of a company or its affiliates.

 

In addition, under the Companies Law, an “independent director” is either an external director or a director appointed or classified as such who meets the same non-affiliation criteria as an external director, as determined by the company’s audit committee, and who has not served as a director of the company for more than nine consecutive years. For these purposes, ceasing to serve as a director for a period of two years or less would not be deemed to sever the consecutive nature of such director’s service. However, as our shares are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, we may also, in accordance with the Companies Regulations (Alleviation for Public Companies whose shares are Traded on the Stock Exchange Outside of Israel), 2000 (the “Alleviation Regulations”), classify directors who qualify as independent directors under the relevant non-Israeli rules, as “independent directors” under the Companies Law. In addition, the Alleviation Regulations provide that “independent directors” may be elected for additional terms that do not exceed three years each, beyond the nine consecutive years permitted under the Companies Law, provided that, if the director is being re-elected for an additional term or terms beyond the nine consecutive years, the company’s audit committee, followed by the board of directors, have approved that considering the expertise and special contribution of the director to the work of the board of directors and its committees, the appointment for an additional term of service is beneficial to the company.

 

Seven of our eight members of the Board - Mses. Yael Andorn and Orit Stav and Messrs. Yotam Stern, I -Shih Tseng, Leo Huang, Yosi Shacham-Diamand and Moty Ben Arie - qualify as independent directors under the Nasdaq Rules. Four of our eight members of the Board - Mses. Yael Andorn and Orit Stav and Messrs. Yosi Shacham-Diamand and Moty Ben Arie - qualify as independent directors under the Companies Law.

 

External Directors

 

Under the Companies Law, we are required to appoint at least two external directors. Each committee of a company’s board of directors which is authorized to exercise the board of directors’ authorities is required to include at least one external director, except for the audit committee and the compensation committee, which are required to include all of the external directors. The Alleviation Regulations allow companies whose shares are traded on Nasdaq and which do not have a controlling shareholder (within the meaning of the Companies Law) to exempt themselves from the requirement to have external directors on their board of directors and from related requirements imposed by the Companies Law concerning the composition of the audit and compensation committees, provided that they continue to comply with  the relevant U.S. securities laws and the Nasdaq Rules applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, regarding the independence of the board of directors and the composition of the audit and compensation committees. Currently, the relief provided in the Alleviation Regulations does not apply to us.

 

Qualification. To qualify as an external director, an individual or his or her relative, partner, employer, any person to whom such person is directly or indirectly subject to, or any entity under his or her control may not have, as of the date of appointment, or may not have had during the previous two years, any affiliation with the company, any entity controlling the company on the date of the appointment or with any entity controlled, at the date of the appointment or during the previous two years, by the company or by its controlling shareholder (and in a company that does not have a shareholder or an affiliated group of shareholders holding 25% or more of the company’s voting rights, such person may not have any affiliation with any person who, at the time of appointment, is the chairman, the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer or a 5% shareholder of the company). In general, the term “affiliation” includes: an employment relationship, a business or professional relationship maintained on a regular basis, control and service as an Office Holder; “Control” is defined in the Israeli Securities Law as the ability to direct the actions of a company but excluding a power that is solely derived from a position as a director of the company or any other position with the company; a person who is holding 50% or more of the “controlling power” in the company – voting rights or the right to appoint a director or a general manager – is automatically considered to possess control. The Companies Law defines the term “Office Holder” of a company to include a director, the chief executive officer, an executive vice president, a vice president, any other person fulfilling or assuming any of the foregoing positions without regard to such person’s title, and any manager who is directly subordinated to the chief executive officer.

 

In addition, no person can serve as an external director if the person’s position or other business creates, or may create conflicts of interest with the person’s responsibilities as an external director or may otherwise interfere with the person’s ability to serve as an external director. Until the lapse of two years from termination of office, a company or its controlling shareholder may not give any direct or indirect benefit to a former external director.

Election and Term of External Directors. External directors are elected by a majority vote at a shareholders’ general meeting, provided that either:

 

 

 

In a company in which, at the date of appointment of an external director, all the directors are of the same gender, the external director to be appointed shall be of the other gender.

 

An external director can be removed from office only by: (i) the same majority of shareholders that is required to elect an external director; or (b) a court, and provided that either (a) the external director ceases to meet the statutory qualifications with respect to his or her appointment, or (b) the external director violates his or her duty of loyalty to the company. The court may also remove an external director from office if he or she is unable to perform his or her duties on a regular basis.

 

An external director who ceases to possess any qualification required under the Companies Law for holding the office of an external director must inform the company immediately and his/her office shall terminate upon such notice.

In general, external directors serve a three-year term, which may then be extended for two additional three-year periods. Thereafter, in accordance with regulations promulgated under the Companies Law, an external director may be appointed for additional terms of service of not more than three years each provided that: (a) a company’s audit committee, followed by the board of directors, have approved that considering the expertise and special contribution of the external director to the work of the board of directors and its committees, the appointment for an additional term of service is beneficial to the company; (b) the appointment for an additional term of service is approved in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Law; and (c) the prior periods of service of such external director, as well as the reasoning of the audit committee and board of directors for the approval of the extension of the term of service, were presented to the shareholders prior to their approval.

 

Re-election of an external director may be effected through one of the following mechanisms:

 

 

 

With respect to mechanisms 1 and 3 above, the re-election is required to fulfill all of the following terms: (i) to be approved by a majority of the votes cast by the shareholders of the Company, excluding the votes of controlling shareholders and shareholders who have a personal interest in approving such nomination resulting from their relations with the controlling shareholders; (ii) to include votes cast in favor of the re-election by such non-excluded shareholders constituting more than two percent of the voting rights in the Company; and (iii) the external director is not a related or competing shareholder or a relative of such a related or competing shareholder, at the time of the appointment, and does not and did not have any affiliation with a related or competing shareholder, at the time of the appointment or within the two years preceding the appointment. A “related or competing shareholder” is a shareholder proposing the re-appointment or a shareholder holding 5% or more of the outstanding shares or voting rights of the company, provided that at the time of the re-appointment, such shareholder, a controlling shareholder thereof or a company controlled by such shareholder or by a controlling shareholder thereof, have business relationships with the Company or are competitors of the Company.

Financial and Accounting Expertise. Pursuant to the Companies Law and regulations promulgated there under, (1) each external director must have either “accounting and financial expertise” or “professional qualifications” and (2) at least one of the external directors must have “accounting and financial expertise”. A director with “accounting and financial expertise” is a director whose education, experience and skills qualifies him or her to be highly proficient in understanding business and accounting matters and to thoroughly understand the company’s financial statements and to stimulate discussion regarding the manner in which financial data is presented. A director with “professional qualifications” is a person who meets any of the following criteria: (i) has an academic degree in economics, business management, accounting, law, public administration; (ii) has a different academic degree or has completed higher education in an area relevant to the company’s business or which is relevant to his or her position; or (iii) has at least five years’ experience in any of the following, or has a total of five years’ experience in at least two of the following: (A) a senior position in the business management of a corporation with substantial business activities, (B) a senior public position or a senior position in the public service, or (C) a senior position in the company’s main fields of business.

 

Compensation. An external director is entitled to compensation as provided in the Remuneration Regulations and is otherwise prohibited from receiving any other compensation, directly or indirectly, from the Company. For more information, please see “Remuneration of Directors” below.

Our External Directors. Ms. Yael Andorn and Prof. Yosi Shacham-Diamand were re-appointed as our external directors at the 2024 AGM, for a third three-year-term which will expire on September 19, 2027. Our Board of Directors has determined that Ms. Andorn has the “accounting and financial expertise” and that Mr. Shacham-Diamand has the “professional qualifications” required by the Companies Law.

 

Remuneration of Directors

 

Generally, directors’ remuneration should be consistent with a company’s compensation policy for Office Holders (see “Compensation Policy” below) and requires the approval of the compensation committee, the board of directors and the shareholders (in that order). Notwithstanding the above, in certain circumstances shareholder approval may be waived (see below) and, under different circumstances, the compensation committee and the board of directors may approve an arrangement that deviates from the compensation policy, provided that such arrangement is approved by a special majority of the company’s shareholders, including (i) at least a majority of the shareholders, present and voting (abstentions are disregarded), who are not controlling shareholders and who do not have a personal interest in the matter, or (ii) the non-controlling shareholders and shareholders who do not have a personal interest in the matter who were present and voted against the matter hold two percent or less of the voting power of the Company.

 

According to the Remuneration Regulations, external directors are generally entitled to an annual fee, a participation fee for each meeting of the board of directors or any committee of the board on which he or she serves as a member, and reimbursement of travel expenses for participation in a meeting which is held outside of the external director’s place of residence. The minimum, fixed and maximum amounts of the annual and participation fees are set forth in the Remuneration Regulations, as supplemented by the Alleviation Regulations, based on the classification of the company according to the amount of its capital. The candidate for service as external director must be notified by the company of his or her remuneration terms prior to his or her appointment and, subject to certain exceptions, such remuneration will not be amended throughout the three-year period during which he or she is in office. A company may also compensate an external director in shares or rights to purchase shares, other than convertible debentures which may be converted into shares, in addition to the annual and participation remuneration and the reimbursement of expenses, subject to certain limitations set forth in the Remuneration Regulations.

 

According to regulations promulgated under the Companies Law with respect to relief in approval of certain related party transactions (the “Relief Regulations”), shareholders’ approval for directors’ compensation and employment arrangements is not required if both the Compensation Committee and the board of directors resolve that either (i) the directors’ compensation and employment arrangements are solely for the benefit of the company or (ii) the remuneration to be paid to any such director does not exceed the maximum amounts set forth in the Remuneration Regulations. Further, according to the Relief Regulations, shareholders’ approval for directors’ compensation and employment arrangements is not required if (i) both the Compensation Committee and the board of directors resolve that such terms (a) are not more beneficial than the former terms, or are essentially the same in their effect; and (b) are in line with the company’s compensation policy; and (ii) such terms are brought for shareholder approval at the next general meeting of shareholders. Also, according to the Remuneration Regulations, shareholder approval may be waived if the remuneration to be paid to the external directors is between the fixed and maximum amounts set forth in such regulations. 

 

As consideration for their service as directors and their participation in each meeting of the Board or Board’s committees, we pay each of our external and independent directors (all Board members except for Messrs. Amit, Stern, Huang and Tseng) a fixed annual fee, a fixed participation fee and reimbursement of expenses in the following amounts: NIS 145,770 (approximately $40,379)) (based on the NIS/USD exchange ratio as published by the Bank of Israel on March 5, 2025 (the “Exchange Ratio”)  as annual fee, NIS 4,380 (approximately $1,213 based on the Exchange Ratio) as in-person participation fee, NIS 2,628 (approximately $728 based on the Exchange Ratio) for conference call participation and NIS 2,190(approximately $607 based on the Exchange Ratio ) for each written resolutions. As these amounts are in the range between the fixed amounts of the annual and participation fees, as set forth in the Remuneration Regulations, and the maximum amounts of such fees as set forth in the Alleviation Regulations, they are exempt from shareholder approval, in accordance with the Relief Regulations. The above-mentioned cash remuneration is in line with the Company’s Executives & Directors Compensation Policy (the “Compensation Policy”), according to which each of the Company’s non-executive (and non-controlling) directors is entitled to receive cash fees which include annual and participation fees. Messrs. Amit, Stern, Huang and Tseng do not receive any payment with respect to their service as our directors.

 

At the 2024 AGM, our shareholders approved an annual equity award mechanism for our directors, pursuant to which, each of our directors who are not classified as controlling shareholders (including our external directors but excluding Mr. Tseng, who himself is not a controlling shareholder, but serves as our director pursuant to the Voting Agreement and therefore does not receive any compensation for such service), either currently serving or as shall be appointed from time to time (“Non-Controlling Directors”), will be entitled to a fixed annual equity award, comprised of an equal mix between options to purchase Shares at an exercise price equal to the average closing price per Share as quoted on the Nasdaq Stock Market during the 30 consecutive calendar days preceding the date of grant, and RSUs, bearing an annual value of $75,000 for our Non-Controlling Directors, and $100,000 for our Chairman (the “Annual Equity Award”).

 

 

SEC and Nasdaq Requirements. In accordance with the Exchange Act, rules of the SEC under the Exchange Act and Nasdaq Rules, we are required to have an audit committee consisting of at least three directors, each of whom is (i) independent; (ii) does not receive any compensation from the Company (other than directors’ fees); (iii) is not an affiliated person of the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (iv) has not participated in the preparation of the Company’s (or subsidiary’s) financial statements during the past three years; and (v) financially literate and one of whom has been determined by the board to be the audit committee financial expert. The duties and responsibilities of the audit committee under the Nasdaq Rules include: (i) recommending the appointment of the Company’s independent auditor to the board of directors, determining its compensation and overseeing the work performed by it; (ii) pre-approving all services of the independent auditor; (iii) overseeing our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of our financial statements; and (iv) handling complaints relating to accounting, internal controls and auditing matters.

 

We have adopted an audit committee charter as required by the Nasdaq Rules.

 

Companies Law Requirements.Under the Companies Law, the board of directors of any Israeli company whose shares are publicly traded must appoint an audit committee, comprised of at least three directors including all of the external directors. In addition, the majority of the members must meet certain independence criteria and may not include: (i) the chairman of the board; (ii) any controlling shareholder or a relative thereof; (iii) any director employed by or providing services or a regular basis to the Company, a controlling shareholder or a company owned by a controlling shareholder; or (iv) any director whose main income is provided by a controlling shareholder (the “Non-Permitted Members”). The chairman of such audit committee must be an external director.

The duties and responsibilities of our audit committee under the Companies Law include (1) identification of irregularities and deficiencies in the management of our business, in consultation with the internal auditor and our independent auditors, and suggesting appropriate courses of action to amend such irregularities; (2) reviewing and approval of certain transactions and actions of the Company, including the approval of related party transactions, that require approval by the audit committee under the Companies Law; defining whether certain acts and transactions that involve conflicts of interest are material or not and whether transactions that involve conflict of interests are material or not and whether transactions that involve interested parties are extraordinary or not, and to approve such transactions; (3) determining with respect to transactions with controlling shareholders, even if such are not extraordinary transactions, a duty to conduct a competitive process, under the supervision of the committee or under the supervision of whomever designated by the committee and according to standards determined by the committee, or determining other proceedings, prior to entering into such transactions, all in accordance with the type of transaction; (4) determining the method of approval of transactions which are not insignificant, including the types of transactions which shall require approval of the committee; (5) recommending the appointment of the internal auditor and its compensation to the board of directors; (6) examining the performance of our internal auditor and whether he is provided with the required resources and tools necessary for him to fulfill his role, considering, among others, the Company’s size and special needs; and (7) setting procedures for handling complaints made by Company’s employees in connection with management deficiencies and the protection to be provided to such employees.

 

Non-Permitted Members shall not attend audit committee’s meetings or take part in its decisions, unless the chairman of the audit committee has determined that such person is required for the presentation of a certain matter. Nevertheless, an employee who is not a controlling shareholder or a relative thereof may be present at the discussion part only, pursuant to the Committee’s request, and the Company’s legal counsel and secretary, who are not controlling shareholders or relatives thereof, may be present during both discussion and decision making parts - pursuant to the Committee’s request.

 

The quorum for discussions and decisions shall be the majority of the members, provided that the majority of the members present meet the independence criteria set forth in the Companies Law and at least one of them is an external director.

 

Our Audit Committee. The members of our Audit Committee are Mses. Yael Andorn and Orit Stav, and Mr. Yosi Shacham-Diamand, all of whom are independent directors in accordance with Nasdaq Rules and meet the independence criteria set forth in the Companies Law. Ms. Andorn is the Chairperson of our Audit Committee and qualifies as its audit committee financial expert.

 

Nasdaq Requirements. Under Nasdaq Rules, the compensation payable to our executive officers must be determined or recommended to the board for determination either by a majority of the independent directors on the board, in a vote in which only independent directors participate, or by a compensation committee comprised solely of independent directors, subject to certain exceptions.

 

Companies Law Requirements. According to the Companies Law, the board of directors of any Israeli company whose shares are publicly traded, must appoint a compensation committee, comprised of at least three directors, including all of the external directors which shall be the majority of its members and one thereof must serve as the chairman of the committee. The remaining members of the committee must satisfy the criteria for remuneration applicable to the external directors and qualified to serve as members of the audit committee pursuant to Companies Law requirements, as described above. However, an audit committee that satisfies the requirements of the Companies Law regarding the composition of a compensation committee may be authorized to carry out all duties and responsibilities of the compensation committee.

 

Further, under the Companies Law, a compensation committee is responsible for: (i) providing the board of directors its recommendations with respect to the approval of the compensation policy (see below - “Compensation Policy”) and any amendments and/or extensions thereto; (ii) periodically reviewing the implementation of the compensation policy and providing the board of directors with recommendations with respect to any amendments or updates thereto; (iii) reviewing and resolving whether or not to approve arrangements with respect to the terms of office and employment of Office Holders; and (iv) determining whether or not to exempt a transaction with a candidate for chief executive officer, who is not affiliated with the Company or its controlling shareholder, from shareholder approval if subjection of such transaction to shareholder approval may prevent its conclusion, and provided that the terms approved are consistent with the compensation policy.

The attendance and participation in meetings of the compensation committee are subject to the same limitations that apply to the Audit Committee. The quorum for discussions and decisions shall be the majority of the members, provided that those members present are independent directors and at least one of them is an external director.

Our Compensation Committee. We follow the provisions of the Companies Law with respect to the composition and responsibilities of our Compensation Committee. As all of the members of our Audit Committee meet the independence requirements for compensation committee members set forth in the Nasdaq Rule 5605(d)(2), as a foreign private issuer, we have elected, pursuant to Nasdaq Rule 5615(a)(3), to follow Israeli practice, in lieu of compliance with the certain provisions of Nasdaq Rule 5605(d), which would require us to have a separate compensation committee. Pursuant to the Companies Law, allowing an audit committee that satisfies the requirements of the Companies Law regarding the composition of a compensation committee, to carry out all duties and responsibilities of the compensation committee, our Board of Directors has authorized our Audit Committee to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the compensation committee.

 

 

Nasdaq Requirements. The Nasdaq Rules require that director nominees be selected or recommended for the board’s selection either by a nomination committee composed solely of independent directors or by a majority of independent directors, in a vote in which only independent directors participate, subject to certain exceptions.

Our Nomination Committee.In 2018, our Board of Directors appointed a Nomination Committee, comprised of our two external directors, Ms. Andorn and Mr. Shacham-Diamand, both of whom qualify as independent under the Nasdaq rules. Consistent with the requirements of the Nasdaq Rules, our Nomination Committee is responsible for: (i) identifying potential new candidates for service on the Company’s Board of Directors, taking into account, inter alia, the candidate’s applicable experience, expertise and/or familiarity with the Company’s field of business, as well as the candidate’s ethical character, independent judgment and industry reputation; (ii) conducting appropriate inquiries into the backgrounds and qualifications of potential candidates for service as directors; (iii) reviewing and resolving whether or not to approve arrangements with respect to such candidates; and (iv) recommending to the Board nominees for election (including re-election) to the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

Approval of Office Holders Terms of Employment

 

The terms of office and employment of Office Holders (other than directors and the chief executive officer) require the approval of the compensation committee and the board of directors, provided such terms are in accordance with the company’s compensation policy. Shareholder approval is also required if the compensation of such officer is not in accordance with such policy. However, in special circumstances the compensation committee and then the board of directors may nonetheless approve such compensation even if such compensation was not approved by the shareholders, following a further discussion and for detailed reasoning.

 

The terms of office and employment of directors, the chief executive officer or controlling shareholders (or a relative thereof), regardless of whether or not such terms conform to the company’s compensation policy, should be approved by the compensation committee, the board of directors and the shareholders, by a special majority, except for: (a) approval of terms of office and employment of directors, which are consistent with the company’s compensation policy, and require shareholder approval by a regular majority; or (b) approval of terms of office and employment of directors pursuant to certain reliefs provided for under the Remuneration Regulations and/or the Relief Regulations, with respect to which shareholder approval is waived. Shareholder special majority should include (i) at least a majority of the shareholders who are not controlling shareholders and who do not have a personal interest in the matter, present and voting (abstentions are disregarded), or (ii) the non-controlling shareholders and shareholders who do not have a personal interest in the matter who were present and voted against the matter hold two percent or less of the voting power of the company (“Special Majority”). Notwithstanding the above, in special circumstances the compensation committee and then the board of directors may nonetheless approve compensation for the chief executive officer, even if such compensation was not approved by the shareholders, following a further discussion and for detailed reasoning. In addition, under certain circumstances, a company’s compensation committee may exempt the terms of office and employment of a candidate for service as the CEO from shareholders’ approval, provided that the candidate is not a director and that the terms of office are compliant with the company’s compensation policy.

 

In addition, amendment of existing terms of office and employment of Office Holders who are not directors requires the approval of the compensation committee only, if the compensation committee determines that the amendment is not material.

 

Compensation Policy

 

Under the Companies Law we are required to adopt a compensation policy, which sets forth company policy regarding the terms of office and employment of Office Holders, including compensation, equity awards, severance and other benefits, exemption from liability and indemnification. Such compensation policy should take into account, among other things, providing proper incentives to directors and officers, management of risks by the company, the officer’s contribution to achieving corporate objectives and increasing profits, and the function of the officer or director.

 

Our Compensation Policy is designed to balance between the importance of incentivizing Office Holders to reach personal targets and the need to assure that the overall compensation meets our Company’s long-term strategic performance and financial objectives. The Compensation Policy provides our Compensation Committee and our Board of Directors with adequate measures and flexibility to tailor each of our Office Holder’s compensation package based, among other matters, on geography, tasks, role, seniority and capability. Moreover, the Compensation Policy is intended to motivate our Office Holders to achieve ongoing targeted results in addition to a high level business performance in the long term, without encouraging excessive risk taking.

 

The Compensation Policy and any amendments thereto must be approved by the board of directors, after considering the recommendations of the compensation committee, and by a Special Majority of our shareholders. The Compensation Policy must be reviewed from time to time by the board, and must be re-approved or amended by the board of directors and the shareholders no less than every three years. If the Compensation Policy is not approved by the shareholders, the compensation committee and the board of directors may nonetheless approve the policy, following further discussion of the matter and for detailed reasons.

 

We maintain a compensation policy for our office holders, which was most recently approved by our shareholders at the 2024 AGM (the “Compensation Policy”). The following is a brief overview of the main terms included in the Compensation Policy:

 

 

 

On June 9, 2023, the SEC approved Nasdaq’s proposed clawback listing standards that implement the SEC’s clawback rule, which was adopted under Rule 10D-1 under the Exchange Act (the “Clawback Listing Rules”). The SEC’s final rule directed U.S. stock exchanges, including Nasdaq, to adopt listing standards requiring all listed companies, including foreign private issuers, such as the Company, to adopt and comply with a written clawback policy, to disclose the policy and to file the policy as an exhibit to its annual report, as well as to include other disclosures in the event a clawback is triggered under the policy. At the 2023 AGM, following the approvals of the Compensation Committee and Board of Directors, we amended Part II (Executive Compensation, Section 12 (Clawback Policy)) of the Compensation Policy, to provide that the Company has adopted a clawback policy as contemplated pursuant to the Clawback Listing Rules (the “Clawback Policy”), to recover any excess incentive-based compensation from current and former officers after an accounting restatement, effective as of October 2, 2023. In addition, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors may apply this Clawback Policy to persons who are not officers. Under the Clawback Policy, in the event that the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to its material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under U.S. federal securities law, the policy provides that the Company will recoup compensation from each current or former executive officer who, during the three-year period preceding the date on which an accounting restatement is required, received incentive compensation based on the erroneous financial data that exceeds the amount of incentive-based compensation the executive would have received based on the restatement. The Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors administer the Company’s Clawback Policy and have sole discretion to determine how to seek recovery under the policy and may forgo recovery if both determine that recovery would be impracticable.  The Clawback Policy is filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report.

 

 

The Compensation Policy includes additional provisions, including with respect to: separation package; relocation compensation; special circumstances cash incentive; indemnification and exemption; and deviation from policy caps.

 

Approval of Certain Transactions with Related Parties

 

The Companies Law requires the approval of the audit committee or the compensation committee, thereafter the approval of the board of directors and in certain cases — the approval of the shareholders, in order to effect specified actions and extraordinary transactions, such as the following:

 

 

 

 

Such extraordinary transactions with controlling shareholders require the approval of the audit committee, or the compensation committee, the board of directors and the majority of the voting power of the shareholders present and voting at the general meeting of the company (not including abstentions), provided that either:

 

 

 

Any shareholder participating in the vote on approval of an extraordinary transaction with a controlling shareholder must inform the company prior to the voting whether or not he or she has a personal interest in the approval of the transaction, and if he or she fails to do so, his or her vote will be disregarded.

 

Further, such extraordinary transactions, as well as any transactions with a controlling shareholder or his relative concerning terms of service or employment, need to be re-approved no less than every three years provided however that with respect to certain such extraordinary transactions the audit committee may determine that a longer duration is reasonable given the circumstances related thereto and such extended period has been approved by the shareholders.

 

In accordance with regulations promulgated under the Companies Law, certain defined types of extraordinary transactions between a public company and its controlling shareholder(s) are exempt from the shareholder approval requirements.

 

In addition, the approval of the audit committee, followed by the approval of the board of directors and the shareholders, is required to effect a private placement of securities, in which either: (i) 20% or more of the company’s outstanding share capital prior to the placement is offered, and the payment for which (in whole or in part) is not in cash, in tradable securities registered in a stock exchange or not under market terms, and which will result in an increase of the holdings of a shareholder that holds 5% or more of the company’s outstanding share capital or voting rights or will cause any person to become, as a result of the issuance, a holder of more than 5% of the company’s outstanding share capital or voting rights; or (ii) a person will become a controlling shareholder of the company. Pursuant to the 10th Amendment to the Alleviation Regulations, which became effective in March 2024, we are permitted to adhere to the pertinent U.S. securities laws and Nasdaq Regulations that apply to U.S. domestic issuers in relation to such private offerings, insofar as they encompass rules and guidelines pertaining to private offerings.

 

A “controlling shareholder” is defined in the Israeli Securities Law and in the provisions governing related party transactions under the Companies Law as a person with the ability to direct the actions of a company but excluding a person whose power derives solely from his or her position as a director of the company or any other position with the company, and with respect to approval of transactions with related parties also as a person who holds 25% or more of the voting power in a public company, if no other shareholder owns more than 50% of the voting power in the company, and provided that two or more persons holding voting rights in the company, who each have a personal interest in the approval of the same transaction, shall be deemed to be one holder for the evaluation of their holdings with respect to approval of transactions with related parties.

 

Compensation committee approval is required and thereafter, in most cases, the approval of the board of directors and in certain cases – the additional approval of the shareholders, in order to approve the grant of an exemption from the responsibility for a breach of the duty of care towards the company, for the provision of insurance and for an undertaking to indemnify any Office Holder of the company; see below under“Insurance, Indemnification and Exemption”.

 

Duties of Office Holders and Shareholders

 

 

 

The Companies Law imposes a duty of care and a duty of loyalty on all Office Holders of a company, including directors and officers. The duty of care requires an Office Holder to act with the level of care with which a reasonable Office Holder in the same position would have acted under the same circumstances. The duty of loyalty includes avoiding any conflict of interest between the Office Holder’s position in the company and his personal affairs, any competition with the company, or exploiting any business opportunity of the company in order to receive personal advantage for himself or others. It also requires an Office Holder to reveal to the company any information or documents relating to the company’s affairs which the Office Holder has received due to his position as an Office Holder.

 

The company may approve an action by an Office Holder from which the Office Holder would otherwise have to refrain due to its violation of the Office Holder’s duty of loyalty if: (i) the Office Holder acts in good faith and the act or its approval does not cause harm to the company, and (ii) the Office Holder discloses the nature of his or her interest in the transaction to the company a reasonable time before the company’s approval.

 

Each person listed in the table under “Directors and Senior Management” above is considered an Office Holder under the Companies Law (for definition of “Office Holder” under the Companies Law see above under “External directors” – “Qualification”).

 

 

The Companies Law requires that an Office Holder of a company promptly disclose any personal interest that he or she may possess and all related material information and documents known to him or her relating to any existing or proposed transaction by the company. If the transaction is an extraordinary transaction, the Office Holder must also disclose any personal interest held by the Office Holder’s spouse, siblings, parents, grandparents, descendants, spouse’s siblings, parents and descendants and the spouses of any of these people, or any corporation in which the Office Holder: (i) holds at least 5% of the company’s outstanding share capital or voting rights; (ii) is a director or general manager; or (iii) has the right to appoint at least one director or the general manager. An extraordinary transaction is defined as a transaction that is either (i) not in the ordinary course of business; (ii) not on market terms; or (iii) likely to have a material impact on the company’s profitability, assets or liabilities.

 

In the case of a transaction which is not an extraordinary transaction, after the Office Holder complies with the above disclosure requirements, only board approval is required unless the articles of association of the company provide otherwise. The transaction must be for the benefit of the company. If a transaction is an extraordinary transaction, or with respect to terms of office and employment, then in addition to any approval stipulated by the articles of association, it also must be approved by the company’s audit committee (or with respect to terms of office and employment, the compensation committee) and then by the board of directors, and, under certain circumstances, by the shareholders of the company. A director who has a personal interest in a transaction, may be present if a majority of the members of the board of directors or the audit committee (or with respect to terms of office and employment, the compensation committee), as the case may be, has a personal interest. If a majority of the board of directors has a personal interest, then shareholders’ approval is also required.

 

 

Under the Companies Law, a shareholder has a duty to act in good faith toward the company and other shareholders and to refrain from abusing his or her power in the company, including, among other things, by voting in a general meeting of shareholders with respect to the following matters: (a) any amendment to the articles of association; (b) an increase of the company’s authorized share capital; (c) a merger; or (d) approval of interested party transactions which require shareholders’ approval.

 

In addition, any controlling shareholder, any shareholder who knows that he or she possess power to determine the outcome of a shareholder vote and any shareholder who, pursuant to the provisions of a company’s articles of association, has the power to appoint or prevent the appointment of an Office Holder in the company, is under a duty to act with fairness towards the company. The Companies Law does not describe the substance of this duty but states that the remedies generally available upon a breach of contract will also apply in the event of a breach of the duty of fairness, taking into account such shareholder’s position.

 

Insurance, Indemnification and Exemption

 

Pursuant to the Companies Law and the Israeli Securities Law, the Israeli Securities Authority is authorized to impose administrative sanctions, including monetary fines, against companies like ours and their officers and directors, for certain violations of the Israeli Securities Law (see in “Administrative Enforcement” below) or the Companies Law. The Companies Law further provides that companies like ours may indemnify their officers and directors and purchase an insurance policy to cover certain liabilities, if provisions for that purpose are included in their articles of association.

 

Our Articles allow us to indemnify and insure our Office Holders to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

 

Under the Companies Law, and provided that the company’s articles of association allow it to do so, an Israeli company may exempt in advance an Office Holder from his or her liability to the company, in whole or in part, for a breach of his or her duty of care (except in connection with distributions). Exemption from liability for a breach of duty of loyalty is not allowed. Our Articles allow us to exempt our Office Holders to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

 

Our Articles provide that, subject to the provisions of the Companies Law, we may enter into a contract for the insurance of all or part of the liability imposed on our Office Holders in respect of an act performed by him or her in his or her capacity as an Office Holder, concerning the following:

 

 

 

 

Without derogating from the aforementioned, subject to the provisions of the Companies Law and the Israeli Securities Law, we may also enter into a contract to insure an Office Holder for expenses, including reasonable litigation expenses and legal fees, incurred by him or her in relation to an administrative proceeding instituted against such Office Holder or payment required to be made to an injured party pursuant to certain provisions of the Israeli Securities Law.

 

 

Our Articles provide that, subject to the provisions of the Companies Law and the Israeli Securities Law, we may indemnify any of our Office Holders in respect of an obligation or expense specified below, imposed on or incurred by the Office Holder in respect of an act performed in his capacity as an Office Holder, as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

The Company may undertake to indemnify an Office Holder as aforesaid, (a) prospectively, provided that, in respect of the first act (financial liability) the undertaking is limited to events which in the opinion of the board of directors are foreseeable in light of the Company’s actual operations when the undertaking to indemnify is given, and to an amount or criteria set by the board of directors as reasonable under the circumstances, and further provided that such events and amount or criteria are set forth in the undertaking to indemnify, and (b) retroactively; provided, however, that the total aggregate indemnification amount that the Company shall be obligated to pay to all of its Office Holders, for all matters and circumstances described above, shall not exceed an amount equal to twenty five percent (25%) of the shareholders’ equity at the time of the indemnification.

 

 

The Companies Law provides that a company may not insure, exempt or indemnify an Office Holder for any breach of his or her liability arising from any of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

Under the Companies Law, exemption and indemnification of, and procurement of insurance coverage for, our Office Holders, must be approved by our compensation committee and our board of directors and, with respect to the CEO and to an Office Holder who is a director also by our shareholders. However, according to the Relief Regulations, shareholders’ approval for the procurement of directors’ insurance is not required if the insurance policy is approved by our compensation committee and (i) the terms of such policy are within the framework for insurance coverage as approved by our shareholders and set forth in our compensation policy; (ii) the premium paid under the insurance policy is at fair market value; and (iii) the insurance policy does not and may not have a substantial effect on the Company’s profitability, assets or obligations. Further, as our insurance coverage includes Office Holders who are controlling shareholders,  in accordance with the Relief Regulations, shareholders’ approval may be waived, if, in addition to the approval of the compensation committee as set forth above, our board of directors approves all such matters approved by the compensation committee, and both organs approve that the terms of the insurance policy are identical with respect to all Office Holders, including the controlling shareholders.

 

Indemnification letters, covering exemption from, indemnification and insurance of those liabilities imposed under the Companies Law and the Israeli Securities Law discussed above, were granted to each of our present Office Holders and were approved for future Office Holders. Hence, we indemnify our Office Holders to the fullest extent permitted under the Companies Law.

 

We currently hold directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy for the benefit of our Office Holders, including our directors. This policy was approved by our Compensation Committee on May 7, 2024, and is effective until October 31, 2025.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers and controlling persons, we have been advised that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.

 

Under the Companies Law, the grant of the indemnification and exemption letters to each of our Office Holders must be approved by our Compensation Committee and our Board of Directors, and – with respect to Office Holders who serve as directors or as the CEO – also by our shareholders. In addition, under the Companies Law, the grant of the indemnification and exemption letters to those Office Holders who hold a controlling interest in the Company requires re-approval by the Compensation Committee, Board of Directors and Company’s shareholders, at least once every three (3) years.

At the 2023 AGM, following the approvals of the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors held on October 12, 2023, we have approved the grant of the indemnification and exemption letter to each of Messrs. Amit, Stern and Huang for an additional period of three (3) years, commencing as of, with respect to Messrs. Amit and Stern, November 12, 2023, which is the date of expiration of their previous Indemnification and Exemption Letters, and with respect to Mr. Huang, commencing as of June 3, 2022, which is the date of expiration of his previous Indemnification and Exemption Letter.

The Israeli Securities Law includes an administrative enforcement procedure to be used by the Israeli Securities Authority, or ISA, to enhance the efficacy of enforcement in the securities market in Israel. This administrative enforcement procedure may be applied to any company or person (including director, officer or shareholder of a company) performing any of the actions specifically designated as breaches of law under the Securities Law. Furthermore, the Israeli Securities Law requires that the Chief Executive Officer of a company supervise and take all reasonable measures to prevent the company or any of its employees from breaching such law. The Chief Executive Officer is presumed to have fulfilled such supervisory duty if the company adopts internal enforcement procedures designed to prevent such breaches, appoints a representative to supervise the implementation of such procedures and takes measures to correct the breach and prevent its reoccurrence.

As detailed above, under the Israeli Securities Law, a company cannot obtain insurance against or indemnify a third party (including its officers and/or employees) for any administrative procedure and/or monetary fine (other than for payment of damages to an injured party). The Israeli Securities Law permits insurance and/or indemnification for expenses related to an administrative procedure, such as reasonable legal fees, provided that it is permitted under the company’s articles of association.

We have adopted and implemented an internal enforcement plan to reduce our exposure to potential breaches of the Companies Law and sections in the Israeli Securities Law, which are applicable to us. Our Articles and letters of indemnification permit, among others, insurance and/or indemnification as contemplated under the Israeli Securities Law (see “Insurance, Indemnification and Exemption” above).

 

 

Employees

 

The following table sets forth the number of our employees engaged in the specified activities at the end of each of the years 2024, 2023 and 2022:

The following table sets forth the number of our employees located in the following geographic regions at the end of each of the years 2024, 2023 and 2022:

With respect to our Israeli employees, no collective bargaining agreements apply to our employees. However, by virtue of extension orders, certain provisions of the collective bargaining agreements between the Histadrut (General Federation of Labor in Israel) and the Coordination Bureau of Economic Organizations, relating primarily to the length of the work day, minimum wages, pension contributions, insurance for work-related accidents, procedures for dismissing employees, determination of severance pay and other conditions of employment - are applicable to our employees.

 

With respect to our (or any of our subsidiaries) Chinese employees, certain provisions of Chinese Labor Contract Law and Social Insurance Law primarily govern the formation of employer-employee relations, termination of employment, severance pay, worker dispatch, part-time employment and social insurance.

 

We consider our relationship with our employees to be good, and we have never experienced a labor dispute, strike or work stoppage.

 

 

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our outstanding ordinary shares by our directors and senior management.

 

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally means sole or shared power to vote or direct the voting or to dispose or direct the disposition of any ordinary shares. Except as indicated by footnote, the persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all ordinary shares shown as beneficially owned by them. All ordinary shares subject to options exercisable into ordinary shares and RSUs that will vest, as applicable, within 60 days of the date of the table are deemed to be outstanding and beneficially owned by the person holding such options and RSUs for the purpose of computing the number of shares beneficially owned by such person. They are not, however, deemed to be outstanding and beneficially owned for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other shareholder. The percentage of beneficial ownership is based upon 45,594,474 ordinary shares outstanding as of March 4, 2025.

Share Incentive Plans

 

 

We currently maintain one active share incentive plan which is the 2018 Plan.

 

The 2018 Plan was adopted by the Company in April 2018 and replaced the Company’s previous equity plans - the 2014 Share Option Plan and the 2007 Restricted Share Unit Plan.

 

The purpose and intent of the 2018 Plan is to advance, pursuant to the Compensation Plan, the interests of the Company by affording to selected employees, officers, directors, consultants and other services providers of the Company and its affiliates an opportunity to acquire or increase its proprietary interest in the Company by the grant in their favor of options, restricted shares and RSUs (the “Awards”) thus providing them with an additional incentive to become, and to remain, employed and/or engaged by the Company, encouraging their sense of proprietorship and stimulating their active interest in the success of the Company.

 

 

General. As of December 31, 2024, 799,905 Awards were outstanding under the 2018 Plan.

 

Administration of the 2018 Plan.Our 2018 Plan is administered by our Board. Under the 2018 Plan, Awards may be granted to our officers, directors, employees or consultants and those of our subsidiaries. The exercise price of options under the 2018 Plan is determined by our Board, and is generally set as the fair market value on the date of grant. The purchase price for each RSU and restricted share is not more than the underlying share’s nominal value, unless otherwise determined by the Board. The vesting schedule of the Awards is also determined by the Board of Directors; generally the options vest over a four-year period, with 25% of the options vest on each anniversary of the vesting start date. The vesting of Awards may also be subject to performance conditions, which shall be either in addition to or instead of the aforementioned time-based vesting. Each Award granted under the 2018 Plan is usually exercisable between its vesting time and up to seven years from the date of grant, subject to certain early expiration provisions, such as in the event of termination of employment or engagement with the Company.

 

Future Awards to be granted by us to our employees, officers, directors and consultants, or those of our affiliates, will only be made pursuant to the 2018 Plan.

 

 

 

 

 

The following table provides information regarding the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares as of March 4¹, 2025, held by each person or entity who beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding ordinary shares. None of these shareholders has different voting rights than any of the Company’s other shareholders.

 

 

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally means sole or shared power to vote or direct the voting or to dispose or direct the disposition of any ordinary shares. Except as indicated by footnote, the person named in the table below has sole voting and investment power with respect to all ordinary shares shown as beneficially owned by it. The percentage of beneficial ownership is based upon 45,594,474 ordinary shares outstanding as of March 4, 2025.

 

 

Agreements with Priortech and Chroma

 

For a description of definitive agreements signed between the Company, Priortech and Chroma, see Item 4.A. – “History and Development of the Company”.

 

Registration Rights Agreement with Priortech and Chroma

 

On March 1, 2004, we entered into a registration rights agreement providing for us to register with the SEC certain of our ordinary shares held by Priortech. This registration rights agreement may be used in connection with future offerings of our ordinary shares, and includes, among others, the following terms: (a) Priortech is entitled to make up to three demands that we register our ordinary shares held by Priortech, subject to delay due to market conditions; (b) Priortech will be entitled to participate and sell our ordinary shares in any future registration statements initiated by us, subject to delay due to market conditions; (c) we will indemnify Priortech in connection with any liabilities incurred in connection with such registration statements due to any misstatements or omissions other than information provided by Priortech, and Priortech will indemnify us in connection with any liabilities incurred in connection with such registration statements due to any misstatements or omissions in written statements by Priortech made for the purpose of their inclusion in such registration statements; and (d) we will pay all expenses related to registrations which we have initiated, except for certain underwriting discounts or commissions or legal fees, and Priortech will pay all expenses related to a registration initiated at its demand in which we are not participating.

 

On December 30, 2004, the Registration Rights Agreement with Priortech was amended. The amendment concerns primarily the grant of unlimited shelf registration rights there under to Priortech with respect to its holdings in us, and the assignability of those shelf registration rights to its transferees.

 

In the framework of the Chroma Transaction, the Company, Chroma and Priortech entered into a Second Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement which, following the Chroma Closing Date, replaced the previous Registration Rights Agreement and grants Chroma registration rights with respect to our Ordinary Shares held by it, which are similar to those of Priortech. For a description of the definitive agreements signed under the Chroma Transaction, see Item 4.A. – “History and Development of the Company”.

 

Employment Agreement with Mr. Rafi Amit

 

For a description of the employment agreement with our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Rafi Amit, see Item 6.B - “Compensation – Employment Agreements” above.

 

 

 

 

 

 Please see the consolidated financial statements listed in Item 18 for audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with this Item.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

We are not a party to any material legal proceedings, and there are no material proceeding in which any director, any member of senior management, or any of our affiliates is either a party adverse to us or our subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to us or our subsidiaries.

 

Dividends

 

On March 21, 2024, following the approval of our Board of Directors, we declared a cash dividend in the amount of $1.33 per ordinary share, representing an aggregate distribution of approximately $60 million, which was paid on April 18, 2024, to all shareholders of record on the Nasdaq Global Market at the close of trade on April 4, 2024. See Item 10.B - “Memorandum and Articles - Dividend and Liquidation Rights”below for more information regarding our dividend policy.

 

 

 

 

 

The Company’s ordinary shares are traded on the Nasdaq Global Market and on TASE under the symbol “CAMT”.  We are subject to Israeli securities legislation which applies to companies that are traded in dual listing.

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

See Item 9.A above.

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

Not applicable.

Copies of our Amended and Restated Articles and our Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association, as in effect as of the date of this Annual Report, are attached as Exhibits 1.1 and 1.2, respectively, to this Annual Report. The information called for by this Item is set forth in Exhibit 2.1 to this Annual Report and is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report.

 

 Acquisition of FRT

On November 1, 2023, we announced the closing of the acquisition of FRT for $100 million in cash. The agreement dated September 17, 2023, by and among Camtek Ltd. Ltd., Camtek Germany Holding GmbH, FormFactor GmbH, FormFactor, Inc. and FRT GmbH, is filed as exhibit to this Annual Report.

 

There are currently no Israeli currency control restrictions on payments of dividends or other distributions with respect to our ordinary shares or the proceeds from the sale of the shares, except for the obligation of Israeli residents to file reports with the Bank of Israel regarding certain transactions. However, legislation remains in effect pursuant to which currency controls can be imposed by administrative action at any time.

 

The ownership or voting of our ordinary shares by non-residents of Israel, except with respect to citizens of countries which are in a state of war with Israel, is not restricted in any way by our memorandum of association or articles of association or by the laws of the State of Israel.

 

 

U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

 

Subject to the limitations described herein, this discussion summarizes certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares to a U.S. holder. A U.S. holder is a holder of our ordinary shares who is:

 

 

 

 

 

Unless otherwise specifically indicated, this discussion does not consider the U.S. tax consequences to a person that is not a U.S. holder (a “non-U.S. holder”) or is a partnership and considers only U.S. holders that will own ordinary shares as capital assets (generally, for investment).

 

This discussion is based on current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), current and proposed Treasury Regulations promulgated under the Code and administrative and judicial interpretations of the Code, all as currently in effect and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to any particular U.S. holder based on the U.S. holder’s particular circumstances. In particular, this discussion does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders who are broker‑dealers, banks, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, or governmental organizations, tax-qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts and other tax-deferred accounts, financial institutions, grantor trusts, S corporations, partnerships or entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and investors therein), real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, certain former citizens, U.S. expatriates or former long-term residents of the United States, or U.S. holders who own, directly, indirectly or constructively, 10% or more of our shares (by vote or value), U.S. holders who have elected mark-to-market accounting, U.S. holders holding the ordinary shares as part of a hedging, straddle or other risk reduction strategy or as part of a conversion transaction or other integrated transaction. U.S. holders that received ordinary shares as a result of exercising employee stock options or otherwise as compensation, U.S. holders whose functional currency is not the U.S. Dollar, persons deemed to sell our common stock under the constructive sale provisions of the Code, persons holding our common shares in connection with a trade or business conducted outside of the United States and U.S. holders who are subject to the alternative minimum tax.  This discussion does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding or converting the Convertible Notes.

If a partnership (or any other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds our ordinary shares, the tax treatment of the partnership and a partner in such partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner the activities of the partnership and certain determinations made at the partner level. Such a partner or partnership should consult its tax advisor as to its tax consequences.

You are advised to consult your tax advisor with respect to the specific U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income tax consequences of purchasing, holding or disposing of our ordinary shares.

 

Taxation of Distributions on the Ordinary Shares

 

The discussion below is subject to the discussion entitled “Tax Consequences if We Are a Passive Foreign Investment Company”.

 

The amount of a distribution with respect to the ordinary shares will equal the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property distributed and will also include the amount of any taxes withheld from such distribution. A distribution paid by us with respect to the ordinary shares to a U.S. holder will generally be treated as dividend income to the extent that the distribution does not exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Dividends that are received by U.S. holders that are individuals, estates or trusts will be taxed at the rate applicable to long-term capital gains, provided that such dividends meet the requirements of “qualified dividend income.” For this purpose, qualified dividend income generally includes dividends paid by a non-U.S. corporation if certain holding period and other requirements are met and either (a) the stock of the non-U.S. corporation with respect to which the dividends are paid is “readily tradable” on an established securities market in the U.S. (e.g., the Nasdaq Global Market) or (b) the non-U.S. corporation is eligible for benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the U.S. which includes an information exchange program and is determined to be satisfactory by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. The IRS has determined that the U.S.-Israel income tax treaty is satisfactory for this purpose. Dividends that fail to meet such requirements are taxed at the applicable ordinary income rates. No dividend received by a U.S. holder will be a qualified dividend (1) if the U.S. holder held the ordinary share with respect to which the dividend was paid for less than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the ex-dividend date with respect to such dividend, excluding for this purpose, under the rules of Code Section 246(c), any period during which the U.S. holder has an option to sell, is under a contractual obligation to sell, has made and not closed a short sale of, is the grantor of a deep-in-the-money or otherwise nonqualified option to buy, or has otherwise diminished its risk of loss by holding other positions with respect to, such ordinary share (or substantially identical securities); or (2) to the extent that the U.S. holder is under an obligation (pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in property substantially similar or related to the ordinary share with respect to which the dividend is paid. If we were to be a “passive foreign investment company” (as such term is defined in the Code), or PFIC, for any taxable year, dividends paid on our ordinary shares in such year or in the following taxable year would not be qualified dividends. See discussion below regarding our PFIC status at “Tax Consequences if We Are a Passive Foreign Investment Company”. In addition, a non-corporate U.S. holder will be able to take a qualified dividend into account in determining its deductible investment interest (which is generally limited to its net investment income) only if it elects to do so; in such case the dividend will be taxed at the applicable ordinary income rates.

 

The amount of any distribution which exceeds the amount treated as a dividend will be treated first as a non-taxable return of capital, reducing the U.S. holder’s tax basis in its ordinary shares to the extent thereof, and then, to the extent such excess amount exceeds such holder’s tax basis in such ordinary shares, as capital gain from the deemed disposition of the ordinary shares. Corporate holders will not be allowed a deduction for dividends received in respect of the ordinary shares.

 

Distributions paid by us in NIS generally will be included in the income of U.S. holders at the dollar amount of the distribution (including any taxes withheld therefrom), based upon the exchange rate in effect on the date the distribution is included in income, regardless of whether the payment is, in fact, converted into U.S. dollars. U.S. holders will have a tax basis in the NIS for U.S. federal income tax purposes equal to that dollar value. Any subsequent gain or loss in respect of the NIS arising from exchange rate fluctuations will generally be taxable as U.S. source ordinary income or loss.

 

Subject to the limitations set forth in the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder, U.S. holders may elect to claim a foreign tax credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability for non-U.S. income taxes withheld from dividends received in respect of the ordinary shares. The conditions and limitations on claiming a foreign tax credit include, among others, computation rules under which foreign tax credits allowable with respect to specific classes of income cannot exceed the U.S. federal income taxes otherwise payable with respect to each such class of income. In this regard, dividends paid by us generally will be foreign source “passive income” for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. U.S. holders that do not elect to claim a foreign tax credit may instead claim a deduction for the non-U.S. income taxes withheld. The rules relating to foreign tax credits are complex, and you should consult your tax advisor to determine whether and to what extent you would be entitled to this credit or deduction. A U.S. holder will be denied a foreign tax credit for non-U.S. income taxes withheld from a dividend received on the ordinary shares (i) if the U.S. holder has not held the ordinary shares for at least 16 days of the 31-day period beginning on the date which is 15 days before the ex-dividend date with respect to such dividend or (ii) to the extent the U.S. holder is under an obligation to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. Any days during which a U.S. holder has substantially diminished its risk of loss on the ordinary shares are not counted toward meeting the required 16-day holding period.

 

Taxation of the Disposition of Ordinary Shares

 

Subject to the discussion below under “Tax Consequences if We Are a Passive Foreign Investment Company” upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of our ordinary shares (other than in certain non-recognition transactions), a U.S. holder will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on the disposition and the U.S. holder’s tax basis in such ordinary shares. The gain or loss recognized on the disposition of such ordinary shares will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder held the ordinary shares for more than one year at the time of the disposition. Gain or loss recognized by a U.S. holder on a sale, exchange or other disposition of ordinary shares generally will be treated as U.S. source income or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.

 

A U.S. holder that uses the cash method of accounting calculates the dollar value of the proceeds received on the sale as of the date that the sale settles. However, a U.S. holder that uses the accrual method of accounting is required to calculate the value of the proceeds of the sale as of the trade date and may therefore realize foreign currency gain or loss. A U.S. holder may avoid realizing foreign currency gain or loss by electing to use the settlement date to determine the proceeds of sale for purposes of calculating the foreign currency gain or loss. In addition, a U.S. holder that receives foreign currency upon disposition of ordinary shares and converts the foreign currency into U.S. Dollars after the settlement date or trade date (whichever date the U.S. holder is required to use to calculate the value of the proceeds of sale) may have foreign exchange gain or loss based on any appreciation or depreciation in the value of the foreign currency against the dollar, which will generally be U.S. source ordinary income or loss.

 

Net Investment Income Tax

 

Non-corporate U.S. holders may be subject to an additional 3.8% surtax on all or a portion of their “net investment income”, which may include dividends on, or capital gains recognized from the disposition of, our ordinary shares. U.S. holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the implications of the additional net investment income tax on their investment in our ordinary shares.

 

Tax Consequences if We Are a Passive Foreign Investment Company

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will be a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, if, after applying certain look through rules, either (1) 75% or more of our gross income in a taxable year is passive income, or (2) 50% or more of the value (generally determined on the basis of a quarterly average) of our assets in a taxable year consist of assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. If we own (directly or indirectly) at least 25% by value of the stock of another corporation, we will be treated for purposes of the foregoing tests as owning our proportionate share of that other corporation’s assets and as directly earning our proportionate share of that other corporation’s income. Based on an analysis of our current assets, activities, market capitalization and income and expectations about our future assets, activities, market capitalization and income, we believe that we were not a PFIC for our taxable year ended December 31, 2024. We currently expect that we will not be a PFIC in 2025 or in the foreseeable future. However, PFIC status is determined as of the end of the taxable year and is dependent on a number of factors, including the relative value of our passive assets and our non‑passive assets, our market capitalization and the amount and type of our gross income. There can be no assurance that we will not become a PFIC for the current taxable year ending December 31, 2025 or in a future taxable year. No assurance can be given that the IRS or a court of law will accept our position that we are not a PFIC, and there is a risk that the IRS or a court of law could determine that we are a PFIC.

 

Under attribution rules, if we were a PFIC for any taxable year and had any subsidiaries or other entities in which we held a direct or indirect equity interest that were also PFICs (“Lower-tier PFICs”), U.S. Holders would be deemed to own their proportionate share of any such Lower-tier PFIC and would be subject to U.S. federal income tax according to the rules described below generally as if the U.S. Holders held such shares or equity interests directly.

 

If we are a PFIC, a U.S. holder may be subject to one of the following three alternative taxing regimes, assuming the applicable requirements are satisfied:

 

(a)      The “QEF” regime applies if the U.S. holder elects to treat us as a “qualified electing fund” (“QEF”) for the first taxable year in which the U.S. holder owns our ordinary shares or in which we are a PFIC, whichever is later, and if we comply with certain reporting requirements.  A U.S. Holder must make the QEF election by attaching a properly completed IRS Form 8621 (for us and any Lower-tier PFIC) to the U.S. Holder’s timely filed U.S. federal income tax return.

 

If the QEF regime applies, then, for each taxable year that we are a PFIC, such U.S. holder will include in its gross income a proportionate share of our ordinary earnings (which is taxed as ordinary income) and net capital gain (which is taxed as long-term capital gain), subject to a separate election to defer payment of taxes, which deferral is subject to an interest charge. These amounts would be included in income by an electing U.S. holder, whether or not such amounts are actually distributed to the U.S. holder. A U.S. holder’s basis in our ordinary shares for which a QEF election has been made would be increased to reflect the amount of any taxed but undistributed income. Generally, a QEF election allows an electing U.S. holder to treat any gain realized on the disposition of its ordinary shares as capital gain. Once made, the QEF election applies to all subsequent taxable years of the U.S. holder in which it holds our ordinary shares and for which we are a PFIC and can be revoked only with the consent of the IRS.

 

Special rules apply if a QEF election is made after the first taxable year in which a U.S. holder holds our ordinary shares and we are a PFIC. In such an event, the U.S. holder would be treated as if it had sold our ordinary shares for their fair market value on the last day of the taxable year immediately preceding the taxable year for which the QEF election is made and will recognize gain (but not loss) on such deemed sale in accordance with the excess distribution regime described below. Under certain circumstances, a U.S. holder may be eligible to make a retroactive QEF election with respect to a taxable year in the U.S. holder’s holding period if such U.S. holder (1)(a) reasonably believed that we were not a PFIC as of the QEF election due date for the prior taxable year, and (b) filed a protective statement in which the U.S. holder described the basis for its reasonable belief and extended the statute of limitation on the assessment of PFIC related taxes for all taxable years to which the protective statement applies; (2) obtains IRS consent; or (3) is a “qualified shareholder” within the meaning of the Treasury Regulations.

 

(b)      A second regime, the “mark-to-market” regime, may be elected as an alternative to making a QEF election so long as our ordinary shares are “marketable stock” (e.g., “regularly traded” on a “qualified exchange” such as the Nasdaq Global Market). Pursuant to this regime, in any taxable year that we are a PFIC, an electing U.S. holder’s ordinary shares are marked-to-market each taxable year and the U.S. holder recognizes as ordinary income or loss an amount equal to the difference as of the close of the taxable year between the fair market value of our ordinary shares and the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in our ordinary shares. Losses are allowed only to the extent of net mark-to-market gain previously included by the U.S. holder under the election for prior taxable years. An electing U.S. holder’s adjusted basis in our ordinary shares is increased by income recognized under the mark-to-market election and decreased by the deductions allowed under the election. Under the mark-to-market election, in a taxable year that we are a PFIC, gain on the sale of our ordinary shares is treated as ordinary income, and loss on the sale of our ordinary shares, to the extent the amount of loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gain previously included, is treated as ordinary loss and any remaining loss from an actual disposition of ordinary shares generally would be capital loss. The mark-to-market election applies to the taxable year for which the election is made and all later taxable years, unless the ordinary shares cease to be marketable stock or the IRS consents to the revocation of the election. There can be no assurances that there will be sufficient trading volume with respect to the ordinary shares in order for the ordinary shares to be considered “regularly traded” or that our ordinary shares will continue to trade on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Accordingly, there are no assurances that the ordinary shares will be marketable stock for these purposes A mark-to-market election generally is unlikely to be available with respect to any Lower-tier PFIC.

 

If the mark-to-market election is made after the first taxable year in which a U.S. holder holds our ordinary shares and we are a PFIC, then special rules would apply.

 

(c)      A U.S. holder making neither the QEF election nor the mark-to-market election is subject to the “excess distribution” regime. Under this regime, “excess distributions” are subject to special tax rules. An excess distribution includes (1) a distribution with respect to our ordinary shares that is greater than 125% of the average distributions received by the U.S. holder from us over the shorter of either the preceding three taxable years or such U.S. holder’s holding period for our ordinary shares prior to the distribution year and (2) gain from the disposition of our ordinary shares.

 

Excess distributions must be allocated ratably to each day that a U.S. holder has held our ordinary shares. A U.S. holder must include amounts allocated to the current taxable year and any taxable year prior to the first taxable year in which we were a PFIC, in its gross income as ordinary income for that year. All amounts allocated to other taxable years of the U.S. holder would be taxed at the highest tax rate for each such year applicable to ordinary income and the U.S. holder also would be liable for interest on the deferred tax liability for each such year calculated as if such liability had been due with respect to each such year. The portions of gains and distributions that are not characterized as “excess distributions” are subject to tax in the current taxable year as ordinary income under the normal tax rules of the Code. Similar treatment would apply to shares of any Lower-tier PFICs that are generally treated for this purpose as if held by the U.S. holder.

 

In addition, special reporting requirements may apply to U.S. holders with respect to our ordinary shares, if we were to be treated as a PFIC, and a failure to comply with such requirements may subject a U.S. holder to substantial penalties or other adverse tax consequences. We will notify U.S. holders in the event we conclude that we will be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year to enable U.S. holders to consider whether or not to elect to treat us as a QEF for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to “mark-to-market” the ordinary shares, or to become subject to the “excess distribution” regime, and we expect that in such event we will provide U.S. holders with the information needed to make a QEF election with respect to us or any Lower-tier PFIC.

 

U.S. holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the PFIC rules, including eligibility for and the manner and advisability of making, the QEF election or the mark-to-market election.

 

Non-U.S. Holders of Ordinary Shares

 

Except as described below, a non-U.S. holder of ordinary shares will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on the receipt of dividends on, and the proceeds from the disposition of, an ordinary share, unless, in the case of U.S. federal income taxes, that item is effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business in the United States and, in the case of a resident of a country which has an income tax treaty with the United States, that item is attributable to a permanent establishment in the United States or, in the case of an individual, a fixed place of business in the United States. In addition, gain recognized by an individual non-U.S. holder on the disposition of ordinary shares will be subject to income tax in the United States if the non-U.S. holder is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale and certain other conditions are met.

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

 

A U.S. holder (except for certain exempt recipients, such as corporations) generally is subject to information reporting and may be subject to backup withholding with respect to dividends paid on, and the receipt of the proceeds from the disposition of, our ordinary shares. A U.S. holder of our ordinary shares who does not provide a correct taxpayer identification number may be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS. Backup withholding will generally not apply if a U.S. holder provides a correct taxpayer identification number, certifies that such holder is not subject to backup withholding or otherwise establishes an exemption from backup withholding applies.

 

Non-U.S. holders generally will not be subject to information reporting or backup withholding with respect to the payment of dividends on, or proceeds from the disposition of, our ordinary shares provided the non-U.S. holder provides its taxpayer identification number, certifies to its foreign status or otherwise establishes an exemption from backup withholding applies.

 

Backup withholding is not an additional tax and may be claimed as a credit against the U.S. federal income tax liability of a holder, or alternatively, the holder may be eligible for a refund of any excess amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules, in either case, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

 

Certain U.S. holders who hold interests in “specified foreign financial assets” (as defined in Section 6038D of the Code) are generally required to file an IRS Form 8938 as part of their U.S. federal income tax returns to report their ownership of such specified foreign financial assets, which may include our  ordinary shares, if the total value of those assets exceed certain thresholds. Substantial penalties may apply to any failure to timely file IRS Form 8938. In addition, in the event a holder that is required to file IRS Form 8938 does not file such form, the statute of limitations on the assessment and collection of U.S. federal income taxes of such holder for the related tax year may not close until three years after the date that the required information is filed. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding their tax reporting obligations.

 

ISRAELI TAXATION

 

The following summary describes the current tax structure applicable to companies in Israel, with special reference to its effect on us. It also discusses Israeli tax consequences material to persons purchasing our ordinary shares. We recommend that you consult your tax advisor as to the particular tax consequences of an investment in our ordinary shares.

 

General Corporate Tax Structure

 

The regular corporate tax rate applicable in 2024 and 2023 is 23%.

However, the effective tax rate payable by a company that derives income from a preferred enterprise, discussed further below, may be considerably less. See below in Item 10.E - “Taxation - Tax Benefits under the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959”.

 

Tax benefits under the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959 (the “Investment Law”)

The Company’s production facility has been granted “Approved Enterprise” status under the Investment Law. The Company participates in the Alternative Benefits Program and, accordingly, income from its approved enterprises will be tax exempt for a period of 10 years (or up to 14 years commencing in the year in which the company was granted “Approved Enterprise” status), commencing in the first year in which the Approved Enterprise first generates taxable income; this is due to the fact that the Company operates in Zone ”A” in Israel.

 

On April 1, 2005, an amendment to the Investment Law came into effect (the “Amendment”) and has significantly changed the provisions of the Investment Law. The Amendment limits the scope of enterprises which may be approved by the Investment Center by setting criteria for the approval of a facility as a “Beneficiary Enterprise”, such as provisions generally requiring that at least 25% of the Beneficiary Enterprise’s income will be derived from export. Additionally, the Amendment enacted major changes in the manner in which tax benefits are awarded under the Investment Law so that companies no longer require Investment Center approval in order to qualify for tax benefits.

In addition, the Amendment provides that terms and benefits included in any certificate of approval already granted will remain subject to the provisions of the law as they were on the date of such approval. Therefore, the Company’s existing Approved Enterprise will generally not be subject to the provisions of the Amendment. As a result of the Amendment, tax-exempt income generated under the provisions of the Amendment, as part of a new Beneficiary Enterprise, will subject the Company to taxes upon distribution or liquidation.

 

The Company has been granted the status of Approved Enterprises, under the Investment Law, for investment programs for the periods which ended in 2007 and 2010, and the status of Beneficiary Enterprise according to the Amendment, for a period ending in 2014. In addition, Camtek has elected 2010 as the year of election for a period ending 2021.

The Investment Law and the criteria for receiving an “Approved Enterprise” or “Beneficiary Enterprise” status may be amended from time to time and there is no assurance that we will be able to obtain additional benefits under the Investment Law.

 

On December 29, 2010, the Investment Law was amended to significantly revise the tax incentive regime in Israel commencing on January 1, 2011 (the “December 2010 Amendment”). The December 2010 Amendment introduced a new status of “Preferred Enterprise,” replacing the existing status of “Beneficiary Enterprise.” Similar to “Beneficiary Enterprise,” a Preferred Enterprise is an industrial company meeting certain conditions, including deriving a minimum of 25% of its income from export activities. However, under the December 2010 Amendment, the requirement for a minimum investment in production assets in order to be eligible for the benefits granted under the Investments Law was cancelled. A Preferred Enterprise is entitled to a reduced flat tax rate with respect to preferred enterprise income at the following rates:

 

Dividends distributed from income which is attributed to “Preferred Enterprise” will be subject to withholding tax at source at the following rates: (i) Israeli resident corporation at 0%; (ii) Israeli resident individual at 20%; and (iii) non-Israeli resident at 20%, such withholding tax rate can be reduced subject to a reduced tax rate under the provisions of an applicable double tax treaty.

 

The December 2010 Amendment was also revised to allow financial assistance to companies located in development Zone A to be granted not only as a cash grant but also as a loan. The rates for grants and loans could be up to 20% of the amount of the approved investment.

 

In December, 2016, the Economic Efficiency Law (Legislative Amendments for Applying the Economic Policy for the 2017 and 2018 Budget Years), 2016 which includes Amendment 73 to the Investment Law (the “December 2016 Amendment”) was published. The investment law was amended to introduce a new tax incentive regime for intellectual property (IP) based companies. Effective January 1, 2017, the December 2016 Amendment enhanced tax incentives for certain industrial companies by reducing the corporate tax rate and tax withholding obligation.

 

In summary, as of 2025, the applicable tax rates are as follows:

In addition, any dividend distributed from a Preferred Technological Enterprise to foreign companies holding at least 90% of the share capital will be subject to a reduced tax rate of 4%.

Neither the provisions of the December 2010 Amendment nor the December 2016 Amendment apply to companies currently having an “Approved Enterprise” or “Beneficiary Enterprise” status, which will continue to be entitled to the tax benefits according to the provisions of the Investment Law prior to the aforementioned amendments, unless the company having the benefits of such status has elected by filing with the Israeli Tax Authority not later than the date prescribed for the filing of the company’s annual tax return for the respective year, to adopt the provisions of the December 2010 Amendment. Such election cannot be later rescinded. A company having the status of “Beneficiary Enterprise” or “Approved Enterprise” making such election by June 30, 2015 will be entitled to distribute income generated by the Beneficiary Enterprise” or “Approved Enterprise,” subject to withholding tax at source at the following rates: (i) Israeli resident corporations at 0%; (ii) Israeli resident individuals at 20%; and (iii) non-Israeli residents at 20%, such withholding tax rate can be reduced subject to a reduced tax rate under the provisions of an applicable double tax treaty.

 

During the years 1998-2006 Camtek was subject to tax in accordance with the Approved and Beneficiary Enterprise provisions under the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments. As such, Camtek has income that was exempt from tax. Distribution of dividends from the exempt income requires to pay income tax on the amount of the dividend distributed at the tax rate that would have been applicable to it in the year the income was produced if it had not been exempt from tax. In February 2022, the Company, in a settlement with the Israeli Tax Authorities, elected to take advantage of the temporary rule of 2022 in Israel and pay a reduced tax rate on its historical exempt earnings to allow the Company to distribute dividends from these earnings in the future with no additional corporate tax liability (See Note 18B(b) to the Consolidated Financial Statements).  The Company’s Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2021, included a one-time tax expense of $5,315, in respect of this settlement.

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2024, the Company did not have a net operating loss carry forward, or NOL, for Israeli tax purposes.

 

 

We believe that we currently qualify as an “Industrial Company” within the meaning of the Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxes), 1969 (the “Industry Encouragement Law”). According to the Industry Encouragement Law, an “Industrial Company” is a company incorporated in, and resident of Israel, at least 90% of the income of which, in a given tax year, exclusive of income from specified government loans, capital gains, interest and dividends which are not classified for such company as business income, is derived from an industrial enterprise owned by it. In general, an “Industrial enterprise” is defined as an enterprise whose major activity in a given tax year is industrial production.

 

 

 

 

 

Eligibility for the benefits under the Industry Encouragement Law is not subject to receipt of prior approval from any governmental authority. No assurance can be given that we qualify or will continue to qualify as an “Industrial Company” or that the benefits described above will be available in the future.

 

Taxation of Capital Gains Applicable to Non-Israeli Shareholders

 

Israeli law generally imposes a capital gains tax on the sale of capital assets including securities of an Israeli company (whether or not traded). The Income Tax Ordinance [New Version], 1961 (the “Ordinance”) distinguishes between “Real Capital Gain” and the “Inflationary Surplus.” The Real Capital Gain is the excess of the total capital gain over Inflationary Surplus. The Inflationary Surplus is computed generally on the basis of the cost multiplied by the difference between the Israeli consumer monthly price index as known at the date of sale and the date of purchase and, with respect to an individual, when the shares are nominated or linked to a foreign currency the Inflationary Surplus would be calculated according to the difference in changes in the foreign currency. The Inflationary Surplus accumulated after January 1, 1994 is exempt from capital gains tax.

 

Pursuant to the Ordinance, the Real Capital Gains tax rate applicable to individuals upon the sale of such securities is such individual’s marginal tax rate but not more than 25%, or 30% with respect to an individual who meets the definition of a ‘Substantial Shareholder’ on the date of the sale of the securities or at any time during the 12 months preceding such date. A ‘Substantial Shareholder’ is defined as a person who, either alone or together with any other person, holds, directly or indirectly, at least 10% of any of the means of control of a company (including, among other things, the right to receive profits of the Company, voting rights, the right to receive the Company’s liquidation proceeds and the right to appoint a director). Notwithstanding the foregoing, dealers in securities (Individual and corporate shareholders) in Israel are taxed at regular tax rates applicable to business income a corporate tax rate for a corporation and a marginal tax rate of up to 47% for an individual in 2024 onward.

 

With respect to corporate investors, capital gain tax equal to the ordinary corporate tax rate (23% in 2024 and thereafter) will be imposed on the sale of our traded shares.

 

However, Under Israeli law, the capital gain from the sale of shares by non-Israeli residents is tax exempt in Israel as long as our shares are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market or any other stock exchange recognized by the Israeli Ministry of Finance, and provided certain other conditions are met, the most relevant of which are: (A) the capital gain is not attributed to the foreign resident’s permanent establishment in Israel, (B) the shares were acquired by the foreign resident after the company’s shares had been listed for trading, and (C) if the seller is a non-Israeli corporation, less than 25% of its means of control are held by Israeli residents.

As our ordinary shares are traded on the NASDAQ Global Market, which qualifies as a Recognized Exchange, Real Capital Gains on the sale of our ordinary shares held by non-Israeli tax resident investors (individuals and corporations) will generally be exempt from Israeli capital gains tax so long as certain conditions are met, including that the shares were not held through a permanent establishment that the non-Israeli tax resident investor maintains in Israel.

 

In any event, non-Israeli corporations will not be entitled to the foregoing exemptions if an Israeli resident (a) has a controlling interest of more than 25% in such non-Israeli corporation, or (b) is the beneficiary of or is entitled to 25% or more of the revenues or profits of such non-Israeli corporation, whether directly or indirectly.

 

Furthermore, the sale of shares may be exempt from Israeli capital gain tax under the provisions of an applicable tax treaty, as discussed below, subject to the receipt in advance of a valid certificate from the Israel Tax Authority (the “ITA”) allowing for such exemption.

 

Withholding Taxes

 

Persons paying consideration for shares, including purchasers of shares, Israeli securities dealers effecting a transaction, or a financial institution through which securities being sold are held, are required, subject to any applicable exemptions and the demonstration by the selling shareholder of its non-Israeli residency and other requirements, to withhold tax upon the sale of publicly traded securities at a rate of 25% for individuals and at the corporate tax rate (23% in 2024 and thereafter) for corporations.

 

Income Taxes on Dividend Distributions to Non-Israeli Shareholders

 

A non-Israeli resident who has received dividend income derived from or accrued in Israel, from which the full amount of tax was duly withheld, is generally exempt from the duty to file tax returns in Israel in respect of such income, provided that: (i) such income was not derived from a business conducted in Israel by the taxpayer; (ii) the taxpayer has no other taxable sources of income in Israel with respect to which a tax return is required to be filed; and (iii) the taxpayer is not liable for excess tax.

 

U.S. Israel Tax Treaty

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

We file annual reports and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains an Internet web site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports and other material that are filed through the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval, or EDGAR, system. Information about us is also available on our site at http://www.camtek.com. Such information on our site is not part of this Annual Report.

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates is not significant as we have no outstanding loans; see Item 5.B – “Liquidity and Capital Resources” above.

 

Foreign Currency Rate Fluctuations

 

We are a global company that operates in a multi-currency environment. In recent months, foreign currency exchange rates have been subject to considerable fluctuations. As a major portion of the costs of our Israeli operations, such as personnel, subcontractors, materials and facility‑related costs, are incurred in NIS, an increase in the NIS value relative to the U.S. Dollar will increase our costs expressed in U.S. Dollars, and a decrease in the NIS value relative to the U.S. Dollar will decrease our costs expressed in U.S. Dollars. During 2024, the value of the U.S. Dollar strengthened against the NIS by 0.6% We may, from time to time, take various measures designed to reduce our exposure to these effects, but any such steps may be inadequate to protect us from currency rate fluctuations. We had no open hedging transactions as of December 31, 2024.

In our consolidated financial statements, transactions and balances originally denominated in U.S. Dollars are presented at their original amounts. Gains and losses arising from non-dollar transactions and balances are included in net income as part of financial expenses, net.

 

Our balance sheet exposures to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and other currencies are primarily from NIS denominated balances. As of December 31, 2024, we had net assets of approximately $6.0 million, denominated in NIS. Any fluctuation in the exchange rate between the NIS and the U.S. dollar of 1% will cause us expenses or income of $60 thousand, in case of increase or decrease in rates, respectively.

 

In addition, although our products’ prices in most countries are denominated in U.S. Dollars, in certain territories (currently, Europe and Japan) our products’ prices are denominated in local currencies, and much of our service income in additional territories is denominated in local currencies. If there is a significant devaluation in the relevant local currencies in which we operate compared to the U.S. Dollar, those prices of our products or services that are denominated in local currency in the relevant territories will increase relative to that local currency and may be less competitive.

 

Not applicable.

 

PART II

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) designed to provide assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms.  Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives.  Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2024, and based on this evaluation concluded that, as of such date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

(b)

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

Our management, under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting is 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.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurances with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. 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 decline.

 

Our management evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

 

Based on this evaluation, management has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2024, and concluded that such internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) is effective.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 has been audited by our principal accountant Somekh Chaikin, a member firm of KPMG International, an independent registered public accounting firm. The related report to our shareholders and the Board of Directors appears on page F-2 of this Annual Report.

(d)

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

There were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this Annual Report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Our Board of Directors has determined that Ms. Andorn qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” and an independent director in accordance with Nasdaq Rules.

 

 

We adopted a Code of Ethics, which is applicable to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. A copy of the Code of Ethics, in its current version, is available on our website,www.camtek.com.

 

 

Our Audit Committee maintains a policy of approving and recommending only those services to be performed by our independent auditors which are permitted under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the applicable rules of the SEC relating to auditor’s independence, and our independent auditors are remunerated at levels that accord with such basic principles of auditor independence.

 

The following table presents the aggregate amount of fees for professional services rendered to the Company by our principal accountant Somekh Chaikin, a member firm of KPMG International, located in Tel Aviv, Israel, PCAOB ID 1057, and their KPMG affiliate firms, in U.S.$, for the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023:

(1)	Audit Fees: the audit fees for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were for professional services rendered for the integrated audit of Camtek’s annual consolidated financial statements and its internal controls over financial reporting and services that are normally provided by independent registered public accounting firm in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
(2)	Audit-Related Fees rendered during 2023 by our auditor included financial due diligence in connection with the FRT transaction.
(3)	Tax Fees rendered during 2024 and 2023 by our auditor were for tax compliance and tax advice.

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

Our Audit Committee has adopted a policy for pre-approval of audit and permitted non-audit services. Under the policy, the Audit Committee will pre-approve all auditing services and permitted non-audit services (including fees and other terms) to be performed for the Company by its independent auditor. All of the fees listed in the table above were approved by the Audit Committee. In addition, the Audit Committee may adopt policies and procedures to permit delegation of authority to subcommittees consisting of one or more members when appropriate, including the authority to grant pre-approvals of audit and permitted non-audit services. Decisions of the subcommittee to grant pre-approvals will be presented to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

 

Not applicable.

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

Pursuant to Rules 5255(a) and 5615(a)(3) of the Nasdaq Rules, we are relying on our home country practice with respect to the following matters: the eligibly of our securities for a direct registration program; the composition and responsibilities of our Compensation Committee; the approval of stock option plans; certain annual meeting requirements – all as set forth below:

 

 

 

Not applicable.

Not applicable.