Camtek - 20-F annual report 2023

Investing in our ordinary shares involves a degree of risk. These risks are discussed more fully below and include, but are not limited to, the following, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows:

Risk Factors Related to Our Business, Markets, and Industry

Changes in global trade policies beyond our control may adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Geopolitical tensions may result in export control restrictions, trade sanctions, tariffs and more generally international trade regulations which may impact our ability to sell and deliver our systems, technology, and services. Changes in applicable social, political, regulatory and economic conditions or in laws and policies governing foreign trade, manufacturing, development and investment in the territories and countries, where our customers are located, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows. Among other things, such factors may affect our ability to sell our products and services in certain countries, such as China. Our business involves the sale of systems and services to customers in a number of countries, including China, and includes technologies that may be the subject of increased export regulations or policies.

In 2023, our sales in the Asia Pacific region (mainly China, Taiwan and South Korea) accounted for approximately 84% of our total revenues with sales to China being 47% of our total revenues. A number of Asian countries have experienced or could experience political and economic instability. For instance, Taiwan and China encountered a number of continuous disputes, as have North and South Korea, and Japan has experienced significant economic instability for a number of years. Additionally, the Asia-Pacific region is susceptible to the occurrence of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, cyclones, tsunamis and flooding. Changes in local legislation, changes in governmental policies, controls and regulations, trade restrictions, a downturn in economic or financial conditions, an outbreak of hostilities or other political upheaval, as well as any further extraordinary events having an adverse effect on the economy or business environment in this region, would likely harm the operations of our customers in these countries, may cause a significant decline in our future revenues and may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flow. These general risks are heightened in China, which is our largest territory, where the nature of the economy, local legislation, governmental policies and regulatory environment are rapidly evolving and where foreign companies may face the negative effects of changed governmental policies, regulatory, business and cultural obstacles. Additionally, recent policies adopted by China with respect to trade, may present obstacles, such as regulatory restraints or significant increases in tariffs on goods imported into these markets. China’s economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including with respect to the amount of government involvement, level of development, growth rate and control of foreign exchange, and allocation of resources and local preference of emerging local competitors. Our business is subject to the risks associated with doing business in China, including: trade protection measures, and import and export licensing and control requirements; potentially negative consequences from changes in tax laws; difficulties associated with the Chinese legal system, including increased costs and uncertainties associated with enforcing contractual obligations in China; historically, lower protection of intellectual property rights; changes and volatility in currency exchange rates; and unexpected or unfavorable changes in regulatory requirements. In addition, we could face increased competition as a result of China's programs to promote a domestic semiconductor industry and supply chains (including the Made in China 2025 campaign).

The recent inflation, geopolitical issues, increase in energy costs, increases in interest rates, unstable global conditions and changes in currency exchange rates have led to global economic instability. In response to rising inflation in recent years, central banks in the markets in which we operate, including the United States Federal Reserve, have tightened their monetary policies and raised interest rates, and such measures may continue. Higher interest rates and volatility in financial markets could lead to additional economic uncertainty or recession. Recent increases in interest rates and weak economic conditions, have reduced, and may continue to reduce, the amount of disposable income customers have, which, in turn, reduces customer spending. This has had, and may continue to have, an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as on our customers’ spending behavior. We manage our available cash through various bank institutions and invest large portions of our cash reserves in bank deposits in Israel and abroad. Our ability to access deposits at individual banking institutions can also be negatively affected by the bankruptcy of one or more of the banks in which or through which we hold or invest our cash reserves, liquidity, credit deterioration, financial results, economic risk, political risk, regulatory changes, sovereign risk, exchange control, or other factors such as, for example, the conditions that led to the closure of Silicon Valley Bank during March 2023.

The impact of the latest Israel-Hamas war and continued hostilities along Israel’s borders could impede our ability to operate and develop, manufacture and deliver products and components and harm our business and financial results.

On October 7, 2023, the “Swords of Iron” war erupted between Israel and the terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip, following a surprise attack on Israel led by certain armed groups in the Gaza Strip that included massacres, terrorism and crimes against humanity. Thereafter, Israel’s security cabinet declared war against Hamas. In addition, since the initial attack by Hamas, there have been continued hostilities along Israel’s northern border with the Hezbollah terrorist organization in Lebanon, and along Israel’s southern border next to the Red Sea with the Houthis movement located in Yemen, have accelerated, and these clashes may escalate in the future into a greater regional conflict. It is possible that hostilities with Hezbollah in Lebanon will escalate, and that other terrorist organizations, including Palestinian military organizations in the West Bank as well as other hostile countries, such as Iran, will join the hostilities. We may lose business due to the ongoing and revived hostilities, which could also prevent or delay shipments of our products, winning competitive procurement procedures, damage our facilities, harm our operations and product development and cause our sales to decrease. In the event that the hostilities disrupt the ongoing operation of our or our Israeli subcontractors' facilities or the airports and seaports on which we depend to import and export our supplies and products, our operations may be materially adversely affected. An inability to receive supplies and materials, shortages of materials or difficulties in procuring our materials, among others, may adversely impact our ability to commercialize and manufacture our product candidates and products in a timely manner. This could cause a number of delays and/or issues for our operations, including delay of the review of our product candidates by regulatory agencies, which in turn would have a material adverse impact on our ability to commercialize our product candidates. Although the related market disruptions are impossible to predict, they could be substantial, particularly if the current situation continues for an extended period of time or if geopolitical tensions result in expanded military operations on a global scale.

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. 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. In addition, the potential liabilities associated with these events could exceed the insurance coverage we maintain as they could lead to financial losses, damage to our reputation, business processes, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may further expend significant resources or modify our business activities (including our clinical trial activities) to try to protect against security incidents. If our third-party service providers experience a security incident or other interruption, we could experience adverse consequences. While we may be entitled to damages if our third-party service providers fail to satisfy their privacy or security-related obligations to us, any award may be insufficient to cover our damages, or we may be unable to recover such award.

The widespread outbreak of an illness or any other communicable disease, or any other public health crisis, and the governmental and societal responses thereto, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Widespread outbreaks of disease or other public health crises and responses thereto have in the past and may in the future negatively impact the global economy, disrupt global supply chains and create significant volatility and disruption of financial markets. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in authorities imposing, and businesses and individuals implementing, numerous measures to try to contain the virus, our global operations, which require physical presence in many stages of our business activities, were particularly vulnerable to the consequences of such measures. The new working environment that emerged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many employees working remotely, also increased the exposure of many companies, including us, to cyber-attacks and data security breaches. Future outbreaks of disease, including a resurgence of COVID-19, could similarly have a material adverse impact on the global economy, our supply chain and our business operations. It is not possible to predict the impact of future outbreaks of disease or the government responses thereto. Any disruptions caused by any new outbreaks of disease that may emerge in the future could have a material adverse impact on our operational and financial performance, including our ability to execute our business strategies in the expected time frame or at all.

Due to our global operations, we must comply with certain international and domestic laws, disclosure requirements, export control regulations and restrictions which may expose our business to risks. In addition, our business is subject to numerous domestic laws and regulations designed to protect the environment, including with respect to discharges and management of hazardous substances, wastes and emissions and soil and ground water contamination. The failure to comply with current or future environmental requirements could expose us to criminal, civil and administrative charges and monetary liability. We believe that we have complied with these requirements and that such compliance has not had a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Although we are not presently aware of any liability that could be material to our business, financial condition or operating results, due to the nature of our business and environmental risks, we cannot provide assurance that any such material liability will not arise in the future. There is an increasing focus on corporate environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) responsibility in the semiconductor industry. We published our first ESG report, which is available on our website, in August 2023. A number of our customers have adopted, or may adopt, procurement policies that include ESG provisions or requirements that their suppliers should comply with, or they may seek to include such provisions or requirements in their procurement terms and conditions. An increasing number of investors are also requiring companies to disclose corporate ESG policies, practices and metrics. Legal and regulatory requirements, as well as investor expectations, on corporate ESG practices and disclosure, can be unpredictable, and may be difficult and expensive for us to comply with, given the complexity of our supply chain and manufacturing. If we are unable to comply or are unable to cause our suppliers or contract manufacturers to comply, with such policies or provisions or meet the requirements of our customers and our investors, a customer may stop purchasing products from us or an investor may sell their shares, and may take legal action against us, which could harm our reputation, revenue, and results of operations.

Climate change resulting from increased concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere could present risks to our operations. Changes in climate patterns leading to extreme heat waves or unusual cold weather at some of our locations can lead to increased energy usage and costs, or otherwise adversely impact our facilities and operations and disrupt our supply chains and distribution systems. Concern over climate change can also result in new or additional legal or regulatory requirements designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or mitigate the effects of climate change on the environment. Any such new or additional legal or regulatory requirements may increase the costs associated with, or disrupt, sourcing, manufacturing and distribution of our products, which may adversely affect our business and financial results. In addition, any failure to adequately address stakeholder expectations with respect to ESG matters may result in the loss of business, adverse reputational impacts, diluted market valuations and challenges in attracting and retaining customers and talented employees. In addition, our adoption of certain standards or mandated compliance to certain requirements could necessitate additional investments that could impact our cash position and expected cash runway.

According to the December 2016 Amendment, a Preferred Enterprise located in development Zone A will be subject to a tax rate of 7.5% instead of 9% effective from January 1, 2017 and thereafter (the tax rate applicable to preferred enterprises located in other areas remains at 16%). The December 2016 Amendment also prescribes special tax tracks for Technological Enterprises, which are subject to regulation issued by the Minister of Finance on May 28, 2017.

In 2019 the Company filed a notice to the Israeli Tax Authorities regarding the implementation of the Preferred Enterprise for its 2019 preferred income (instead of a Beneficiary Enterprise). As the Company is located in Development Area A, the applied corporate tax rate is 7.5%.

The new tax tracks under the December 2016 Amendment are as follows:

Preferred Technological Enterprise - an enterprise for which total consolidated revenues of its parent company and all subsidiaries are less than NIS 10 billion. A Preferred Technological Enterprise, as defined in the Law, which is located in the center of Israel will be subject to tax at a rate of 12% on profits deriving from intellectual property (in development zone A - a tax rate of 7.5%).

Special Preferred Technological Enterprise - an enterprise for which total consolidated revenues of its parent company and all subsidiaries exceed NIS 10 billion. Such enterprise will be subject to tax at a rate of 6% on profits deriving from intellectual property, regardless of the enterprise’s geographical location.

Non-Israeli residents (whether individuals or corporations) are generally subject to Israeli withholding tax on the receipt of dividends paid by Israeli publicly traded companies at the rate of 25%, if the shares are registered with a nominee company (as such term is used in the Israeli Securities Law, 5728-1968).  If the shares are not registered with a nominee company, the rate of 25% will apply to non-Israeli residents shareholders who are not considered Substantial Shareholders, as defined above, and who were not Substantial Shareholders at any time during the 12 months preceding the date of the distribution, and the rate of 30% will apply to dividends paid to Substantial Shareholders and to persons who were Substantial Shareholders at any time during the 12 months preceding the date of the distribution. Notwithstanding the above, a lower tax rate may be provided under an applicable tax treaty between Israel and the shareholder’s country of residence (subject to the receipt in advance of a valid tax certificate from the ITA allowing for a reduced tax rate). The distribution of dividends to non-Israeli residents (either individuals or corporations) from income derived from a company’s Approved Enterprises or Benefited Enterprises or a Preferred Enterprise, in each case during the applicable benefits period is subject to withholding tax at a rate of 20%, unless a lower tax rate is provided under an applicable tax treaty.

The sale of shares may also be exempt from Israeli capital gain tax under the provisions of an applicable tax treaty. For example, the Convention Between the Government of the United States and the Government of the State of Israel With Respect to Taxes of Income, as amended, or the U.S.-Israel Tax Treaty. The U.S.-Israel Tax Treaty exempts U.S. residents for the purposes of the treaty from Israeli capital gain tax in connection with such sale, provided (i) the U.S. resident owned, directly or indirectly, less than 10% of the Israeli resident company’s voting power at any time within the 12-month period preceding such sale; (ii) the seller, being an individual, is present in Israel for a period or periods of less than 183 days during the taxable year; (iii) the capital gain from the sale was not derived through a permanent establishment of the U.S. resident in Israel and (iv) the capital gains is not arising from such sale, exchange or disposition which is attributed to real estate located in Israel. Otherwise, the sale, exchange or disposition of shares would be subject to Israeli tax, to the extent applicable

However, under the U.S.-Israel Tax Treaty, U.S. residents for the purposes of the treaty may be permitted to claim a credit for such taxes against U.S. federal income tax imposed on the sale, under the circumstances and subject to the limitations specified in the U.S.-Israel Tax Treaty and U.S. tax legislation, as discussed below under “Certain Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations – Distributions.

Under the U.S.-Israel Tax Treaty, the maximum Israeli withholding tax on dividends paid to a holder of our ordinary shares who is a U.S. resident for the purposes of the U.S.-Israel Tax Treaty, is generally 25%. The U.S.-Israel Tax Treaty provides that a 15% or a 12.5% Israeli dividend withholding tax will apply to dividends paid to a U.S. corporation owning 10% or more of an Israeli company’s voting shares during, in general, the current tax year in which the dividend is distributed and preceding tax year of the Israeli company. The 15% rate applies to dividends distributed from income derived from an Approved Enterprise, or a Benefited Enterprise, or a Preferred Enterprise, in each case within the applicable period, and the lower 12.5% rate applies to dividends distributed from income derived from other sources. However, these provisions do not apply if the company has certain amounts of passive income. The aforementioned rates under the U.S.-Israel Treaty will not apply if the dividend income was derived through a permanent establishment of the U.S. resident in Israel.

Excess Tax

Furthermore, an additional tax liability at the rate of 3% is applicable on the annual taxable income, including, but not limited to, income derived from dividends, interest and capital gains, of individuals who are subject to tax in Israel (whether such individual is an Israeli resident or non-Israeli resident) exceeding a certain threshold (NIS 721,560 in 2024), which amount is linked to the Israeli consumer price index.

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, 2023, and based on this evaluation concluded that, as of such date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

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, 2023, 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.