Welcome to our dedicated page for Skywater Technology news (Ticker: SKYT), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Skywater Technology stock.
Overview
SkyWater Technology Inc is a U.S.-based, independent technology foundry specializing in semiconductor development and manufacturing services. With roots that trace back to the pioneers of computing technology, the company builds on decades of innovation in process technology, offering a unique technology-as-a-service model that integrates engineering expertise, proprietary process intellectual property, and advanced manufacturing capabilities. Recognized for its flexibility and innovation in process technology, SkyWater serves diverse microelectronics markets, making it a pivotal entity in the semiconductor and high-technology manufacturing industry.
Business Model and Value Proposition
At its core, SkyWater Technology Inc operates on a technology-as-a-service model that leverages its dual capability of process technology innovation and volume production. This means that the company not only fabricates semiconductor-based solutions but also co-develops specialized process technology IP with its customers. Its business model is built on long-standing engineering expertise fused with modern manufacturing techniques, allowing it to address a broad range of customer-specific requirements. The company strategically positions itself as a flexible foundry that can scale from development runs to higher volume production while maintaining tailored process solutions for a variety of integrated circuits and related micro- and nanotechnology applications.
Innovative Manufacturing and Process Engineering
SkyWater stands out primarily due to its deep commitment to process technology innovation. The company integrates cutting-edge engineering practices and special materials to create differentiated manufacturing solutions that are not typically available at other foundries. It partners with a diverse clientele to transform disruptive ideas into tangible, manufacturable semiconductor products. This pathway not only accelerates the path from concept to production but also ensures that every step is backed by reliable, decades-long expertise in semiconductor process engineering.
Industry Applications and Diversified Market Segments
The company serves a wide variety of industries, including but not limited to computation, aerospace and defense, automotive and transportation, bio-health, and industrial applications. By tailoring its process technology solutions to specific sector requirements, SkyWater manages to maintain relevance in multiple high-growth areas. This diversified market approach ensures that its capabilities are applied to both commercial and defense-related projects, offering resilient solutions to challenges across technology boundaries. The use of advanced microelectronics and nanotechnology applications further underscores its role in enabling complex integrations where precision and reliability are paramount.
Technology Services and Collaborative Innovation
One of the distinguishing features of SkyWater Technology Inc is its technology services platform. The company offers customers an opportunity to co-develop process technology IP through close engineering collaboration. This multi-faceted service approach allows customers to tap into SkyWater's decades of expertise in semiconductor innovation while mitigating risks associated with new technology development. Whether it is the development of next-generation integrated circuits or specialized microelectronic applications, SkyWater's platform bridges the gap between innovative ideas and scalable manufacturing solutions.
Advanced Capabilities and Engineering Expertise
SkyWater's state-of-the-art facilities and in-depth technical know-how underscore its commitment to engineering excellence. With a focus on both prototype development and full-scale production, the company leverages advanced manufacturing methodologies and cutting-edge process control systems. This dual focus not only enhances its operational flexibility but also guarantees that its solutions are robust, repeatable, and adaptable to evolving technological demands. The expertise embedded in its development processes is a key differentiator that enables the company to support a wide spectrum of applications, from highly specialized defense components to innovative consumer electronics.
Competitive Positioning and Market Significance
In the competitive semiconductor landscape, SkyWater Technology Inc effectively differentiates itself by offering a blend of engineering innovation and process flexibility. Unlike traditional foundries that may focus solely on volume or standardized processes, SkyWater’s unique value lies in its ability to customize and innovate based on customer-specific requirements. This positions the company as an essential partner in advanced technology sectors where customization and high precision are required. Its integrated model, which couples development with high-volume production, enhances its market significance and underscores its reputation as a trusted partner in the semiconductor industry.
Commitment to Technological Excellence and Quality
Throughout its operations, SkyWater remains committed to upholding high standards of quality and technical precision. The company’s long-term involvement in the evolution of semiconductor technology has cultivated a culture of continuous innovation and rigorous quality control. This ensures that every semiconductor solution produced is not only compliant with the highest standards but also adaptable to the constant evolution of technological requirements. By fostering an environment that values both traditional technological expertise and modern innovation, SkyWater provides stability and reliability while embracing the dynamic nature of microelectronics and nanotechnology applications.
Industry Keywords and Insights
In describing its operations, key industry terms such as semiconductor, technology foundry, process technology, and integrated circuits naturally come to the forefront. These terms reflect the core operational ethos and technological focus of SkyWater Technology Inc. The company's deep expertise in these areas is articulated not only in its service delivery but also in its collaborative approach to innovation, setting a benchmark in the semiconductor manufacturing industry.
Conclusion
SkyWater Technology Inc exemplifies a harmonious blend of traditional engineering excellence and modern semiconductor innovation. Its ability to seamlessly integrate advanced process engineering with flexible manufacturing capabilities makes it a critical player within diversified technology markets. With its innovative technology-as-a-service model and proven track record in co-developing groundbreaking process technology IP, the company continues to redefine the possibilities in semiconductor manufacturing while addressing a broad spectrum of industry needs through specialized and scalable solutions.
SkyWater Technology (NASDAQ: SKYT) has announced significant changes to its Board of Directors with three new appointments effective March 31, 2025: Timothy E. Baxter, Tammy J. Miller, and Andrew D.C. LaFrence.
Current board chair Gary Obermiller, who has served since the company's founding in 2017, will retire after the Annual Meeting on May 21, 2025. Timothy Baxter is positioned to become the new board chair, pending election results.
The new appointees bring diverse expertise: Baxter, former Samsung Electronics North America CEO, managed $30B in revenue and has extensive technology industry experience. Miller, former North Dakota Lieutenant Governor and Border States Electric CEO, grew that company from $485M to $2.5B in annual sales. LaFrence, current CFO at Nortech Systems, brings expertise in finance, government contract manufacturing, and life sciences.
SkyWater Technology (NASDAQ: SKYT) and D-Wave Quantum have achieved a significant breakthrough in quantum computing. D-Wave's Advantage2™ annealing quantum computer prototype, fabricated by SkyWater, has demonstrated quantum supremacy in quantum simulation, as published in the AAAS journal Science.
The research confirms that D-Wave's quantum computer outperformed one of the world's most powerful classical supercomputers in solving complex magnetic materials simulation problems. This achievement is particularly significant for materials discovery, as magnetic materials are important in medical imaging, electronics, superconductors, and various other applications.
The partnership between SkyWater and D-Wave, spanning a decade at the Minnesota fab, combines SkyWater's specialized process integration and fabrication expertise with D-Wave's superconducting materials knowledge. This collaboration, supported by SkyWater's DOD Trusted Foundry status, strengthens U.S. leadership in advanced computing and domestic semiconductor manufacturing.
SkyWater Technology (NASDAQ: SKYT) and D-Wave Quantum have achieved a significant breakthrough in quantum computing. D-Wave's Advantage2™ annealing quantum computer prototype, fabricated by SkyWater, has demonstrated quantum supremacy in quantum simulation, as published in the AAAS journal Science.
The research confirms that D-Wave's quantum computer outperformed one of the world's most powerful classical supercomputers in solving complex magnetic materials simulation problems. This achievement is particularly significant for materials discovery, as magnetic materials are important in medical imaging, electronics, superconductors, and various other applications.
The partnership between SkyWater and D-Wave, spanning a decade at the Minnesota fab, combines SkyWater's specialized process integration and fabrication expertise with D-Wave's superconducting materials knowledge. This collaboration, supported by SkyWater's DOD Trusted Foundry status, strengthens U.S. leadership in advanced computing and domestic semiconductor manufacturing.
SkyWater Technology (SKYT) has agreed to acquire Infineon Technologies' 200mm fab (Fab 25) in Austin, Texas, along with establishing a long-term supply agreement. The facility will operate as a foundry, producing critical chips for industrial, automotive, and defense applications on 130nm to 65nm nodes.
The acquisition will significantly expand SkyWater's foundry capabilities, adding 65nm infrastructure, enhanced copper processing, and high-voltage BCD technology. The deal includes transferring nearly 1,000 Fab 25 employees to SkyWater and maintains Infineon's strong U.S. manufacturing presence.
The facility currently produces up to one billion semiconductor chips annually. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen the U.S. domestic semiconductor supply chain and enhance manufacturing capacity for foundational chips. The transaction, pending regulatory approval, will transition Fab 25's business model from Integrated Device Manufacturer (IDM) to foundry, serving a broader customer base.
SkyWater Technology (NASDAQ: SKYT) reported mixed Q4 2024 results with revenue declining 5% YoY to $75.5 million, while gross margin improved to 25.6% from 15.2% in Q4 2023. The company posted a Q4 GAAP net loss of $0.7 million ($(0.01) per share).
For full fiscal year 2024, SKYT achieved record revenue of $342.3 million, up 19% YoY, though gross margin slightly decreased to 20.3% from 20.7%. Advanced Technology Services (ATS) revenue grew 13% to $238.6 million, while Wafer Services declined 56%. The company recognized $76.8 million in Tools revenue, representing 22% of total revenue.
Looking ahead to Q1 2025, SKYT projects revenue between $59-63 million with expected GAAP net loss per share of $(0.14) to $(0.20). The company secured a preliminary $16 million CHIPS program award and $19 million in Minnesota state incentives to enhance production capabilities.
SkyWater Technology (NASDAQ: SKYT) has announced a change in the timing of its fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results release. The company has moved the earnings report and webcast earlier to precede market open on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, at 7:30 a.m. CST (8:30 a.m. EST). This rescheduling was done to avoid overlap with other semiconductor companies reporting that afternoon.
The earnings webcast will be accessible through SkyWater's Investor Relations website, with an archived version available for later viewing.
SkyWater Technology (NASDAQ: SKYT) has announced it will release its fiscal fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results after market close on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. The company will host a webcast at 3:30 p.m. CST (4:30 p.m. EST) on the same day to discuss the business and financial results. Investors can access the live webcast through the company's investor relations website, and an archived version will be available afterward.
SkyWater Technology (NASDAQ: SKYT) has launched ThermaView℠ Solutions, a comprehensive suite of services and technologies for thermal imaging system designers. The initial offering includes their 90nm CMOS process (S90LN), specifically designed for read-out ICs (ROICs) in thermal imaging applications.
The S90LN platform features industry-leading low noise performance and high-density routing technology, enabling up to 15% improvement in chip density compared to conventional 90nm technology. These ROICs are designed to perform reliably in extreme conditions, including high altitude and space applications.
The thermal cameras market is projected to reach $9 billion by 2029, according to Yole Intelligence. As a DMEA-accredited Category 1A Trusted Supplier with IATF16949 automotive certification, SkyWater aims to serve aerospace, defense, automotive, and industrial markets with domestically sourced solutions.
SkyWater Technology (NASDAQ: SKYT) has announced its participation in the 27th Annual Needham Growth Conference at the Lotte New York Palace. The company's management will engage in a fireside chat, scheduled for Wednesday, January 15th at 11:45am EST.
The presentation will be accessible through a live webcast at wsw.com/webcast/needham143/skywa/2473174. Investors and interested parties can access both the presentation materials and the webcast (live and archived versions) through SkyWater's Investor Relations page at ir.skywatertechnology.com.
SkyWater Technology (NASDAQ: SKYT) has signed a preliminary memorandum of terms for up to $16 million in CHIPS Act funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce, complemented by $19 million in incentives from Minnesota's Forward Fund. Combined with existing customer-funded CapEx co-investments of $320 million through 2026, total outside investments are expected to exceed $350 million this decade.
The funding will enhance production capabilities at SkyWater's Minnesota facility, targeting aerospace, defense, biomedical, industrial, thermal imaging, and quantum computing markets. Key objectives include increasing 200mm semiconductor production capacity by 30% and creating 70 new jobs in Bloomington. The company will also benefit from an Advanced Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit of up to 25% on qualified capital expenditures.