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Ultra Clean Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

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HAYWARD, Calif., Oct. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: UCTT), today reported its financial results for the third quarter ended September 27, 2024.

“UCT’s third quarter results came in above expectations driven by broader equipment demand for AI infrastructure build out and sustained domestic China market spending,” said Jim Scholhamer, CEO. “The rationale for significant long-term investment in WFE remains strong. UCT’s vertical integration capabilities and strategic manufacturing network provide a competitive edge, and should enable us to increase share as demand expands.”

Third Quarter 2024 GAAP Financial Results
Total revenue was $540.4 million. Products contributed $479.0 million and Services added $61.4 million. Total gross margin was 17.3%, operating margin was 4.7%, and net loss was $(2.3) million or $(0.05) per diluted share. This compares to total revenue of $516.1 million, gross margin of 17.1%, operating margin of 4.4%, and net income of $19.1 million or $0.42 per diluted share, in the prior quarter.

Third Quarter 2024 Non-GAAP Financial Results
On a non-GAAP basis, gross margin was 17.8%, operating margin was 7.3%, and net income was $15.9 million or $0.35 per diluted share. This compares to gross margin of 17.7%, operating margin of 6.9%, and net income of $14.4 million or $0.32 per diluted share in the prior quarter.

Fourth Quarter 2024 Outlook
The Company expects revenue in the range of $535 million to $585 million. The Company expects GAAP diluted net income per share to be between $0.06 and $0.26 and non-GAAP diluted net income per share to be between $0.34 and $0.54.

Conference Call
The conference call and webcast will take place on Monday, October 28, 2024 at 1:45 p.m. PT and can be accessed by dialing 1-800-836-8184 or 1-646-357-8785. No passcode is required. A replay of the call will be available by dialing 1-888-660-6345 or 1-646-517-4150 and entering the confirmation code 34185#. The Webcast will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at http://uct.com/investors/events/.

About Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.
Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc. is a leading developer and supplier of critical subsystems, components, parts, and ultra-high purity cleaning and analytical services, primarily for the semiconductor industry. Under its Products division, UCT offers its customers an integrated outsourced solution for major subassemblies, improved design-to-delivery cycle times, design for manufacturability, prototyping, and high-precision manufacturing. Under its Services Division, UCT offers its customers tool chamber parts cleaning and coating, as well as micro-contamination analytical services. Ultra Clean is headquartered in Hayward, California. Additional information is available at www.uct.com.  

Use of Non-GAAP Measures
In addition to providing results that are determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”), management uses non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating margin and non-GAAP net income to evaluate the Company’s operating and financial results. We believe the presentation of non-GAAP results is useful to investors for analyzing our core business and business trends and comparing performance to prior periods, along with enhancing investors’ ability to view the Company’s results from management’s perspective. The presentation of this additional information should not be considered a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Tables presenting reconciliations from GAAP results to non-GAAP results are included at the end of this press release.

The Company defines non-GAAP net income as net income (loss) before amortization of intangible assets, stock-based compensation, restructuring charges, acquisition activity costs, fair value adjustments, debt refinancing costs, legal-related costs and the tax effects of the foregoing adjustments.

A reconciliation of our guidance for non-GAAP net income per diluted share for the subsequent quarter is not available due to fluctuations in the geographic mix of our earnings from quarter to quarter, which impacts our tax rate and cannot be reasonably predicted or determined. As a result, such reconciliation is not available without unreasonable efforts and we are unable to determine the probable significance of the unavailable information.

Safe Harbor Statement
The foregoing information contains, or may be deemed to contain, “forward-looking statements” (as defined in the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) which reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. We use words such as “anticipates,” “projection,” “outlook,” “forecast,” “believes,” “plan,” “expect,” “future,” “intends,” “may,” “will,” “estimates,” “see,” “predicts,” “should” and similar expressions to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements included in this press release include our expectations about the semiconductor capital equipment market and outlook. All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, the Company’s actual results may differ materially from the results predicted or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors also include, among others, those identified in “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2023, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc. undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise unless required by law.

Contact:
Rhonda Bennetto
SVP Investor Relations
rbennetto@uct.com

 

 ULTRA CLEAN HOLDINGS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited; in millions, except per share data)

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 27,

2024

September 29,

2023

September 27,

2024

September 29,

2023

Revenues:

Product

$             479.0

$             380.9

$          1,350.2

$          1,112.0

Services

61.4

54.1

184.1

177.8

Total revenues

540.4

435.0

1,534.3

1,289.8

Cost of revenues:

Product

403.3

329.3

1,141.2

955.5

Services

43.7

40.5

128.6

128.0

Total cost revenues

447.0

369.8

1,269.8

1,083.5

Gross margin

93.4

65.2

264.5

206.3

Operating expenses:

Research and development

7.1

7.4

21.2

21.7

Sales and marketing

14.4

12.8

42.9

38.6

General and administrative

46.7

39.3

135.1

115.3

Total operating expenses

68.2

59.5

199.2

175.6

Income from operations

25.2

5.7

65.3

30.7

Interest income

1.1

1.2

3.9

2.5

Interest expense

(12.0)

(12.3)

(35.8)

(35.9)

Other income (expense), net

(4.1)

(2.1)

9.3

(0.8)

Income before provision for income taxes

10.2

(7.5)

42.7

(3.5)

Provision for income taxes

9.9

5.3

28.2

17.1

Net income (loss)

0.3

(12.8)

14.5

(20.6)

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

2.6

1.7

7.1

6.7

Net income (loss) attributable to UCT

$               (2.3)

$             (14.5)

$                7.4

$             (27.3)

Net income (loss) per share attributable to UCT common  stockholders:

Basic

$             (0.05)

$             (0.32)

$              0.16

$             (0.61)

Diluted

$             (0.05)

$             (0.32)

$              0.16

$             (0.61)

Shares used in computing net income (loss) per share:

Basic

45.0

44.8

44.8

44.8

Diluted

45.0

44.8

45.4

44.8

 

ULTRA CLEAN HOLDINGS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited; in millions)

September 27,

2024

December 29,

2023

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$             318.2

$            307.0

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses

228.1

180.8

Inventories

402.6

374.5

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

36.9

30.9

Total current assets

985.8

893.2

Property, plant and equipment, net

327.7

328.3

Goodwill

265.3

265.2

Intangible assets, net

192.4

215.3

Deferred tax assets, net

3.6

3.1

Operating lease right-of-use assets

162.2

151.7

Other non-current assets

10.5

10.9

Total assets

$           1,947.5

$         1,867.7

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Bank borrowings

$               16.4

$             17.6

Accounts payable

233.2

192.9

Accrued compensation and related benefits

47.9

47.7

Operating lease liabilities

19.0

18.1

Other current liabilities

42.3

33.7

Total current liabilities

358.8

310.0

Bank borrowings, net of current portion

475.8

461.2

Deferred tax liabilities

18.9

19.0

Operating lease liabilities

155.6

143.0

Other liabilities

16.0

37.3

Total liabilities

1,025.1

970.5

Equity:

UCT stockholders’ equity:

Common stock

507.7

496.6

Retained earnings

354.1

346.7

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(3.9)

(4.4)

Total UCT stockholders’ equity

857.9

838.9

Noncontrolling interests

64.5

58.3

Total equity

922.4

897.2

Total liabilities and equity

$           1,947.5

$         1,867.7

 

ULTRA CLEAN HOLDINGS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited; in millions)

Nine Months Ended

September 27,
2024

September 29,
2023

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income (loss)

$                14.5

$               (20.6)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

34.1

27.9

Amortization of intangible assets

22.9

16.9

Stock-based compensation

12.7

8.7

Amortization of debt issuance costs

2.4

2.9

Change in the fair value of financial instruments

(21.7)

(0.3)

Deferred income taxes

(1.2)

0.1

Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment

1.2

(1.1)

Changes in assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

(47.3)

83.2

Inventories

(28.1)

65.6

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

(2.9)

7.5

Other non-current assets

0.6

0.8

Accounts payable

46.1

(61.2)

Accrued compensation and related benefits

0.2

(11.8)

Income taxes payable

1.4

(8.9)

Operating lease assets and liabilities

8.1

(3.7)

Other liabilities

4.9

(5.4)

Net cash provided by operating activities

47.9

100.6

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

(46.2)

(59.2)

Proceeds from sale of equipment

—

2.3

Net cash used in investing activities

(46.2)

(56.9)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from bank borrowings

67.7

—

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

0.9

—

Extinguishment of debt

(44.2)

—

Principal payments on bank borrowings

(10.1)

(34.7)

Payment of debt issuance costs

(2.5)

(0.3)

Employees’ taxes paid upon vesting of restricted stock units

(2.5)

(2.2)

Payments of dividends to a joint venture shareholder

(0.5)

(0.1)

Repurchase of shares

—

(23.7)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

8.8

(61.0)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

0.7

0.5

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

11.2

(16.8)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

307.0

358.8

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$               318.2

$               342.0

 

ULTRA CLEAN HOLDINGS, INC.

REPORTABLE SEGMENTS

GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION

(Unaudited; dollars in millions)

GAAP

Non-GAAP

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

September 27, 2024

September 27, 2024

Products

Services

Consolidated

Products

Services

Consolidated

Revenues

$   479.0

$    61.4

$      540.4

$   479.0

$    61.4

$      540.4

Gross profit

$     75.7

$    17.7

$        93.4

$     77.3

$    18.7

$        96.0

Gross margin

15.8 %

28.8 %

17.3 %

16.1 %

30.5 %

17.8 %

Income from operations

$     22.4

$      2.8

$        25.2

$     33.3

$      6.2

$        39.5

Operating margin

4.7 %

4.6 %

4.7 %

7.0 %

10.1 %

7.3 %

Three Months Ended

September 27, 2024

Products

Services

Consolidated

Reconciliation of GAAP Gross profit to Non-GAAP Gross profit (in millions)

Reported gross profit on a GAAP basis

$     75.7

$    17.7

$        93.4

Amortization of intangible assets (1)

1.3

1.0

2.3

Stock-based compensation expense (2)

0.3

—

0.3

Non-GAAP gross profit

$     77.3

$    18.7

$        96.0

Reconciliation of GAAP Gross margin to Non-GAAP Gross margin

Reported gross margin on a GAAP basis

15.8 %

28.8 %

17.3 %

Amortization of intangible assets (1)

0.2 %

1.7 %

0.4 %

Stock-based compensation expense (2)

0.1 %

— %

0.1 %

Non-GAAP gross margin

16.1 %

30.5 %

17.8 %

Reconciliation of GAAP Income from operations to Non-GAAP Income from operations (in millions)

Reported income from operations on a GAAP basis

$     22.4

$      2.8

$        25.2

Amortization of intangible assets (1)

4.7

2.9

7.6

Stock-based compensation expense (2)

4.0

0.5

4.5

Restructuring charges (3)

0.3

—

0.3

Acquisition related costs (4)

0.6

—

0.6

Legal-related costs (5)

1.3

—

1.3

Non-GAAP income from operations

$     33.3

$      6.2

$        39.5

Reconciliation of GAAP Operating margin to Non-GAAP Operating margin

Reported operating margin on a GAAP basis

4.7 %

4.6 %

4.7 %

Amortization of intangible assets (1)

1.0 %

4.7 %

1.4 %

Stock-based compensation expense (2)

0.8 %

0.8 %

0.8 %

Restructuring charges (3)

0.1 %

— %

0.1 %

Acquisition related costs (4)

0.1 %

— %

0.1 %

Legal-related costs (5)

0.3 %

— %

0.2 %

Non-GAAP operating margin

7.0 %

10.1 %

7.3 %

1    Amortization of intangible assets related to the Company’s business acquisitions

2    Represents compensation expense for stock granted to employees and directors

3    Represents severance, retention and costs related to facility closures

4    Represents acquisition activity costs

5    Represents estimated costs related to certain legal proceedings

 

ULTRA CLEAN HOLDINGS, INC.

UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP ADJUSTED RESULTS

Three Months Ended

September 27,

2024

September 29,

2023

June 28,

2024

Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income (Loss) to Non-GAAP Net Income (in millions)

Reported net income (loss) attributable to UCT on a GAAP basis

(2.3)

$          (14.5)

$     19.1

Amortization of intangible assets (1)

7.6

5.5

7.6

Stock-based compensation expense (2)

4.5

3.9

4.7

Restructuring charges (3)

0.3

3.2

0.5

Acquisition related costs (4)

0.6

0.7

—

Fair value related adjustments (5)

0.8

—

(24.1)

Debt refinancing costs expensed (6)

—

—

3.6

Legal-related costs (7)

1.3

—

—

Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments (8)

(4.1)

(5.0)

1.9

Income tax effect of valuation allowance (9)

7.2

8.2

1.1

Non-GAAP net income attributable to UCT

$           15.9

$             2.0

$     14.4

Reconciliation of GAAP Income from operations to Non-GAAP Income from operations (in millions)

Reported income from operations on a GAAP basis

$           25.2

$             5.7

$     22.9

Amortization of intangible assets (1)

7.6

5.5

7.6

Stock-based compensation expense (2)

4.5

3.9

4.7

Restructuring charges (3)

0.3

3.2

0.5

Acquisition related costs (4)

0.6

0.7

—

Legal-related costs (7)

1.3

—

—

Non-GAAP income from operations

$           39.5

$           19.0

$     35.7

Reconciliation of GAAP Operating margin to Non-GAAP Operating margin

Reported operating margin on a GAAP basis

4.7 %

1.3 %

4.4 %

Amortization of intangible assets (1)

1.4 %

1.3 %

1.5 %

Stock-based compensation expense (2)

0.8 %

0.9 %

0.9 %

Restructuring charges (3)

0.1 %

0.7 %

0.1 %

Acquisition related costs (4)

0.1 %

0.2 %

— %

Legal-related costs (7)

0.2 %

— %

— %

Non-GAAP operating margin

7.3 %

4.4 %

6.9 %

Reconciliation of GAAP Gross profit to Non-GAAP Gross profit (in millions)

Reported gross profit on a GAAP basis

$           93.4

$           65.2

$     88.5

Amortization of intangible assets (1)

2.3

1.5

2.3

Stock-based compensation expense (2)

0.3

0.2

0.5

Restructuring charges (3)

—

0.7

0.2

Non-GAAP gross profit

$           96.0

$           67.6

$     91.5

Reconciliation of GAAP Gross margin to Non-GAAP Gross margin

Reported gross margin on a GAAP basis

17.3 %

15.0 %

17.1 %

Amortization of intangible assets (1)

0.4 %

0.3 %

0.5 %

Stock-based compensation expense (2)

0.1 %

0.0 %

0.1 %

Restructuring charges (3)

— %

0.2 %

0.0 %

Non-GAAP gross margin

17.8 %

15.5 %

17.7 %

Reconciliation of GAAP Other income (expense), net to Non-GAAP Other income (expense), net (in millions)

Reported Other income (expense), net on a GAAP basis

$            (4.1)

$            (2.1)

$     17.4

Fair value related adjustments (5)

0.8

—

(24.1)

Debt refinancing costs expensed (6)

—

—

3.6

Non-GAAP Other income (expense), net

$            (3.3)

$            (2.1)

$      (3.1)

Reconciliation of GAAP Income (Loss) Per Diluted Share to Non-GAAP Earnings Per Diluted Share

Reported net income (loss) on a GAAP basis

$          (0.05)

$          (0.32)

$     0.42

Amortization of intangible assets (1)

0.17

0.12

0.17

Stock-based compensation expense (2)

0.10

0.09

0.10

Restructuring charges (3)

0.00

0.07

0.01

Acquisition related costs (4)

0.01

0.02

—

Fair value related adjustments (5)

0.02

—

(0.53)

Debt refinancing costs expensed (6)

—

—

0.08

Legal-related costs (7)

0.03

—

—

Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments (8)

(0.09)

(0.11)

0.04

Income tax effect of valuation allowance (9)

0.16

0.17

0.03

Non-GAAP net earnings

$           0.35

$           0.04

$     0.32

Weighted average number of diluted shares (in millions) on a non-GAAP basis

45.5

45.0

45.4

ULTRA CLEAN HOLDINGS, INC.

UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RATE

Three Months Ended

September 27,

2024

September 29,

2023

June 28,

2024

Provision for income taxes on a GAAP basis

$             9.9

$             5.3

$       8.5

Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments (8)

4.1

5.0

(1.9)

Income tax effect of valuation allowance (9)

(7.2)

(8.2)

(1.1)

Non-GAAP provision for income taxes

$             6.8

$             2.2

$       5.5

Income before income taxes on a GAAP basis

$           10.2

$            (7.5)

$     30.0

Amortization of intangible assets (1)

7.6

5.5

7.6

Stock-based compensation expense (2)

4.5

3.9

4.7

Restructuring charges (3)

0.3

3.2

0.5

Acquisition related costs (4)

0.6

0.7

—

Fair value related adjustments (5)

0.8

—

(24.1)

Debt refinancing costs expensed (6)

—

—

3.6

Legal-related costs (7)

1.3

—

—

Non-GAAP income before income taxes

$           25.3

$             5.8

$     22.3

Effective income tax rate on a GAAP basis

97.1 %

(70.7) %

28.3 %

Non-GAAP effective income tax rate

27.1 %

37.3 %

24.7 %

1    Amortization of intangible assets related to the Company’s business acquisitions

2    Represents compensation expense for stock granted to employees and directors

3    Represents severance, retention and costs related to facility closures

4    Represents acquisition activity costs

5    Fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration

6    Represents the third party transaction costs related to the amended credit agreement and the previously capitalized

      costs of extinguished debt

7    Represents estimated costs related to certain legal proceedings

8    Tax effect of items (1) through (7) above based on the non-GAAP tax rate

9    The Company’s GAAP tax expense is generally higher than the Company’s non-GAAP tax expense, primarily due to

      losses in the U.S. with full federal and state valuation allowances. The Company’s non-GAAP tax rate and resulting

      non-GAAP tax expense considers the tax implications as if there was no federal or state valuation allowance position

      in effect

 

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SOURCE Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.

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Axon Announces Body 5: Next-Generation Camera Built for the AI Era

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Axon Body 5 delivers 25x the AI processing power of earlier-generation cameras, with upgraded connectivity, audio and battery life to support real-time situational awareness in the field

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Axon (Nasdaq: AXON), the global leader in public safety technology, today announced Axon Body 5, its newest body-worn camera designed to bring more powerful intelligence, connectivity and real-time support directly to officers in the field.

For years, Axon body cameras have helped agencies capture critical evidence and create greater transparency. Body 5 is built to help officers during the call, with information, assistance and backup on the spot.

“Officers shouldn’t have to choose between getting information and watching the scene. With Axon Body 5, they don’t,” said Rick Smith, Axon Founder and CEO. “They capture a license or document with the camera, keep their hands free and eyes up, and get information faster than writing it down and calling it in by radio. An officer fully engaged with the person in front of them, not down at a notepad, is a safer officer and a better-served community.”

Axon Body 5: Built for the AI Era

Built from the ground up for the AI era, Axon Body 5 delivers 25x the AI processing power than earlier generation Axon body cameras, alongside advancements in connectivity, audio, video and battery life. Together, these upgrades give the camera the physical power to run smarter AI features — both today and as new AI tools are developed in the future — while also making it more dependable for officers to use every day. 

For the first time, Axon is also introducing two versions of its latest flagship camera: Axon Body 5 and Axon Body 5 Pro.

Both models feature several key advancements, including:

25x more processing power for AI: A powerful new computing architecture creates the capacity to support current and future AI features directly on the body camera.Enhanced video: Improved video captures clearer evidence across challenging environments, including better low-light performance.Improved connectivity: Seamless connectivity in urban and remote environments – and more precise location capability – helps officers, cameras and remote support teams stay connected when timely information matters most.Longer battery life: 20% more battery life than the previous generation helps keep the camera ready and connected throughout an officer’s shift.

The Axon Body 5 Pro will continue to gain new AI capabilities as they become available, growing along with the AI Era Plan. Additionally, new hardware features include:

A near-focus camera: An additional dedicated camera lens lets officers scan driver’s licenses to check status and search for wants or warrants in seconds, without returning to the patrol vehicle, with relevant information sent to Axon Fusus to support real-time operations.Front-facing speakers: Four additional speakers project even more powerful audio toward the person an officer is speaking with, helping real-time translations from Axon Assistant carry more clearly over heavy traffic or crowd noise. Additional memory: Extra space lets the camera run several AI tools at once, helping officers stay better informed and work faster.

Bringing More of Axon’s AI Era Into the Field

Axon Body 5 helps officers get more out of the Axon AI Era Plan by bringing smart tools right to the scene. Axon’s portfolio already supports public safety professionals across a growing range of tasks. For example, Draft One helps officers turn body-camera audio into high-quality report drafts and Axon Assistant provides voice-based information access and real-time translation.

Increasingly, Axon is also bringing AI into real-time operations.

Axon Guardian is a new category of AI features within the AI Era Plan that was specifically created to work with an officer’s field-based devices – starting with body cameras and in-car cameras – to improve safety. Guardian is designed to flag potential risks as situations unfold and create alerts when additional attention may be needed. Two of the first features include:

Escalation Detection: When an Axon Body 4 or Axon Body 5 camera is activated and recording, Guardian has the ability to detect potential conflicts in real time and create an alert in Axon Fusus. A human reviews the livestream and decides if additional support or action is needed.Approach Alert: When active on Axon Fleet 3, Guardian can detect if the door of a stopped vehicle opens and alert the officer through the in-car display and their body-worn camera.

Combined, Axon Body 5 and the expanding AI Era portfolio demonstrate the importance of AI as a critical resource to assist public safety professionals before, during and after an incident — reducing administrative burden, improving situational awareness and helping protect more lives.

Innovating Responsibly

Axon’s Responsible Innovation framework guides the development of all of its products. Designed with this in mind, Axon Body 5 and Guardian prioritize human oversight and maintain agency control over data. As a key part of the responsible innovation process, Axon’s independent Ethics and Equity Advisory Council was created to help responsibly develop and deploy new technologies with transparency, while aligning with community expectations.

General availability dates for Axon Body 5 and Axon Guardian will be announced soon. Product features and capabilities vary by configuration. For more information on Axon’s current products and services: Axon Product Catalog – Axon.com.

About Axon
Axon (Nasdaq: AXON) is the global leader in public safety technology supporting state, local, federal and international public safety agencies with technology designed to Protect Life. Complementing its mission, Axon’s growing Enterprise market focuses on protecting critical infrastructure and frontline workers across multiple industries including corporate security, hospitality, retail and healthcare. Founder-led since 1993, Axon builds products with transparency and responsibility. From TASER energy devices to today’s connected network of hardware – including cameras, drones, and robotics – cloud software, sensors, and AI-tools, the Axon ecosystem helps seamlessly protect people and places when it matters most. To ensure these technologies align with community expectations, Axon’s independent Ethics & Equity Advisory Council guides the ethical, inclusive, and accountable design of its products and services. Learn more about the EEAC and Axon’s Responsible Innovation framework at Axon Responsibility. 

Non-Axon trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Axon, TASER and the Delta Logo are trademarks of Axon Enterprise, Inc., some of which are registered in the US and other countries. For more information, visit www.axon.com/legal. All rights reserved.

Please visit https://investor.axon.com and https://www.axon.com/newsroom for more information.

Media Contact:
Kate MacKinnon
Vice President, Communications
press@axon.com

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In HelloNation, Custom Fabrication Expert Mark Coyle Explains a Common Mistake in Custom Aluminum Design

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The article explains why smart geometry, not thicker walls, creates stronger, more efficient aluminum components.

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What early design choice causes many custom aluminum projects to become heavier, costlier, or harder to manufacture? That question is addressed in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Custom Fabrication Expert Mark Coyle of American Custom Metals, Inc. in Rochester, New York, that outlines how misunderstanding aluminum behavior leads designers to rely on thick walls instead of stronger geometry.

The article begins by explaining that many people assume thicker walls automatically make aluminum parts stronger. It notes that aluminum does not respond to wall thickness the way steel does. Instead, its performance is shaped by how the metal flows through the extrusion die. The article states that custom aluminum design is more effective when profiles use ribs, chambers, and flanges to create stiffness without adding unnecessary weight. This guidance helps readers understand why adding material often increases cost without improving strength.

The article also highlights that thicker walls change how aluminum moves during extrusion. When heavy areas fill more slowly, the metal cools unevenly and can develop stress that only appears later. The HelloNation piece explains that well-balanced geometry keeps extrusion smooth and predictable. This consistency makes it easier to maintain dimensional accuracy across long production runs. By focusing on geometry, custom aluminum design avoids the problems that come with slow extrusion speeds and uneven cooling.

Another insight in the article centers on how ribs and internal supports influence stability. It describes how a thin wall supported by a properly placed rib often performs better than a thick wall with no reinforcement. This happens because the rib helps distribute load, improve stiffness, and guide the aluminum as it cools. The article explains that this structural approach makes custom aluminum design more efficient and gives designers more control over how the final part behaves under pressure.

The article also shows why early collaboration between designer and fabricator prevents costly changes. It states that a fabricator familiar with extrusion can catch potential issues before a die is built. Small adjustments to corners or transitions can remove weak points or improve metal flow. The article notes that this teamwork keeps the design aligned with real-world production. By working together early, both sides reduce the risk of redesigning the die after the first test run.

Machining is another area where the article explains how wall thickness affects performance. Features such as deep pockets or sharp internal angles may require slow feed rates or special tooling. When walls are thicker than needed, those areas can become difficult to machine cleanly. The article states that thoughtful custom aluminum design makes machining more predictable. Small changes, such as adding radiused edges or sizing features to match standard tools, help shorten cycle times and prevent tool wear.

Thermal behavior receives detailed attention as well. The article explains that aluminum retains heat differently depending on the mass of each section. Thicker walls hold heat longer, which increases the chance of distortion during extrusion, machining, or finishing. When a design uses geometry to create strength, the material cools more evenly. This reduces warping and helps long profiles stay aligned. The article notes that stable cooling is important for components that require a precise fit and consistent shape throughout an entire production run.

Cost is also a key topic in the article. It states that heavier profiles increase material use, extrusion time, and tooling needs. A custom aluminum design that relies on geometry instead of mass lowers material consumption and keeps the fabrication process efficient. The article explains that lighter parts are easier to handle, ship, and assemble. This saves money across multiple stages of production and supports long-term manufacturing efficiency.

The article also notes that smart custom aluminum design creates profiles that behave predictably during extrusion and machining. Smooth transitions, balanced wall dimensions, and structural features help reduce the chance of distortion or dimensional drift. These elements also lower scrap rates and support reliable performance. By using geometry instead of excess material, designers build parts that maintain strength without compromising manufacturability.

As the article concludes, it emphasizes that avoiding thick walls is one of the best ways to improve performance and lower cost. It states that the most dependable custom aluminum components come from designs that use structural features to strengthen the profile. When designers understand how aluminum behaves at each stage of extrusion and machining, they create parts that are strong, efficient, and consistent from batch to batch. This approach turns custom aluminum design into a predictable process rather than a series of uncertain adjustments.

A Common Mistake in Custom Aluminum Design features insights from Mark Coyle, Custom Fabrication Expert of Rochester, NY, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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World Young Scientist Summit 2026 Opens in Wenzhou, Zhejiang

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WENZHOU, China, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This is a report by China Daily:

On October 24, the World Young Scientist Summit 2026 opened in Wenzhou, Zhejiang. The event is hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government, and the World Association of Young Scientists. Nearly 800 representatives, including scientists, educators, and entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries and regions, are attending the summit.

He Junke, Vice President of CAST in charge of daily work and First Secretary of its Secretariat; Lian Yimin, Chairman and Party Group Secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Marcelo Knobel, Executive Director of The World Academy of Sciences; and Zhang Zhenfeng, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee and Secretary of the CPC Wenzhou Municipal Committee, attended the summit and delivered remarks. Yao Gaoyuan, Vice Governor of the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government, presided over the first segment of the plenary session.

With the theme “Gathering Talents Worldwide to Create a Better Future,” the summit’s annual agenda is “Global Youth Action in the AI Era: Building a Sustainable Future.” It aims to draw on the insights of young people around the world, deepen international sci-tech cooperation, and jointly address questions about young people, science, the world and the future.

Efim Zelmanov, Fields Medalist and Foreign Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Chen Yunji, Deputy Director of the Institute of Computing Technology, CAS, and Director of the National Key Laboratory of Processor Chips; Mary Garson, President of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; and Lu Chaoyang, Member of the Standing Committee of CAST, Executive Dean of the Shanghai Institute of Advanced Study, University of Science and Technology of China, and Chairman of the Council of the World Association of Young Scientists, delivered keynote speeches respectively on education reform in the AI era, AI and processor chips, young women scientists’ participation in science, and quantum computing. They explored new opportunities for scientific research, talent cultivation, and international cooperation in the AI era.

This year’s summit placed greater emphasis on the growth needs of young scientists, with young talents under the age of 45 accounting for 88 percent of participants. It aimed to build a cluster of international journals, bring together young scientific talent, facilitate a batch of international collaborative projects and advance the application and commercialization of scientific and technological achievements. The summit released the Report on the Distribution and Mobility of Young Scientists in the Field of Embodied Intelligence, launched the World Young Scientist Summit Partner Journal Program and the 2026 World Young Scientist Innovation and Entrepreneurship Growth Support Program. It also published the “Young Scientist Pioneers 2035” list and announced the 2026 Sustainable Development Young Scientist Award. The awards were presented to four Chinese and foreign scientists.

Chen Tianrun, Founder of Hangzhou Moxin Technology Co., Ltd.; Yuan Yang, Assistant to the Dean of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences at Tsinghua University; and two of the 2026 Sustainable Development Young Scientist Award winners, César de la Fuente and Nicola Segata, among other Chinese and foreign young scientist representatives, spoke at the flash-talk session to share their research practices and reflections.

In addition, the conference focused on fields such as future manufacturing, quantum information, embodied intelligence, brain-computer intelligence, environmental science, deep-sea resources, and life and health, and held 12 parallel forums. It also included the “Gravitation π” Future Technology and Concept Products Exhibition and Exchange, local thematic side events, and sci-tech and humanities study visits, further building an interdisciplinary, cross-regional and cross-sector platform for youth sci-tech exchange and cooperation.

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