James Donahue
Analyst · Sidoti & Company
Okay. Thanks, Jeff. In our last conference call, we commented that orders increased as 2013's fourth quarter developed. That trend continued as business improved further during the first quarter. Demand was broad-based across market segments for all our product families, pick-and-place, gravity and turret.
First quarter sales increased to $68.4 million compared to $64.7 million in the fourth quarter, and we're ahead of our guidance.
We're pleased to report a return to profitability with non-GAAP net income of $0.02 per share compared to a loss of $0.10 in the fourth quarter. Financial results in the first quarter reflect favorable product mix, initial benefits from the transition of pick-and-place handlers manufacturing to Asia that we previously discussed and lower operating expense.
Orders increased 7% to $81.6 million, following a 33% increase in the fourth quarter. Semiconductor equipment orders were $74.3 million compared to $68.3 million in the fourth quarter. And as you may recall, Q4 included a large order for thermal subsystems to meet customer requirements for several quarters.
Handler utilization reached 82% in March, 4 points higher than the previous quarter and indicating continued ramp in semiconductor production volumes. Some customers, notably in the computing segment, are still operating at lower utilization levels.
Overall systems represented 58% and recurring business comprised 42% of semiconductor equipment orders.
First quarter orders demonstrate the advantages of our broad product line and diversified customer base. While our pick-and-place and gravity handlers benefited from continued strong demand in the automotive and industrial segments, turret business was driven largely by the consumer, mobility and discrete markets, and as the quarter ended, by increased demand from LED customers.
The automotive IC sector is clearly in a ramp, and this is good news as our MATRiX pick-and-place handler is a leader in this market.
Two key factors are responsible for growth in the automotive IC market: First, increased IC content per vehicle, driven by power train, chassis, safety, infotainment and advanced driver assist systems; second, the migration of these capabilities and features from the high-end of the market to lower-priced vehicles at a much faster pace than in the past.
We think that down market trend is the result of competition and government mandated safety and fuel efficiency standards.
Signaling improved business conditions and confidence, customers pulled in follow-on orders for thermal subsystems and assembly automation modules, which were not expected until later this year.
So as you can see, there are multiple drivers for our business, which mitigates the risk inherent with dependence on limited market segments or customers during downturns and provides increased opportunities during up cycles.
In the first quarter, demand was strong for all of our product families. The investments we've made last year to support customer valuations over our new products during what was a soft period in the industry are paying off as customers place volume production orders.
Now Jeff will provide details on financial results.