Nanometrics Announces Record Sales for the First Quarter of 2005

Nanometrics Incorporated (NASDAQ: NANO) today reported financial results for the first quarter ended April 2, 2005.

Total revenues for the first quarter of 2005 were $23.5 million, an increase of 14% from $20.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2004 and an increase of 72% compared to $13.7 million for the first quarter of 2004. The increase in first quarter revenues in 2005 compared to the first quarter of 2004 resulted from stronger demand for its metrology equipment used for semiconductor process control, particularly in the U.S. and Pacific Rim countries. Net income in the first quarter of 2005 was $2.6 million or $0.19 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $1.2 million or a loss of $0.10 per diluted share for the same period last year.

General and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2005 were higher by $0.7 million than in the first quarter of 2004 primarily as a result of higher regulatory compliance expenses in 2005. Service costs were also higher in the quarter as headcount, installations and shipments increased. The Company’s financial position continues to be strong with cash and short-term investments totaling $31.1 million.

Q1 2005 consolidated balance sheet and income statement [pdf]

About Nanometrics
Nanometrics Incorporated is a leading supplier of advanced integrated and standalone metrology equipment used in the semiconductor industry. The Company’s corporate office is located at 1550 Buckeye Drive, Milpitas, CA 95035, with sales and service offices worldwide. Nanometrics is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol NANO. Nanometrics’ website is http://www.nanometrics.com. An earnings conference call will be held on April 29, 2005 at 8:00 A.M. Pacific Time. To participate in the earnings conference call, the dial-in numbers are 800-706-7749 in the United States or 617-614-3474 for international calls. The passcode is 86651487.

Contact:
Paul Nolan
Nanometrics
408.435.9600