October 18, 2007 – In a two-fer announcement, Axcelis Technologies Inc. says it will cease future product development for rapid thermal processing tools and curing, in order to focus on profitable growth areas in its core ion implant and dry strip businesses. The move is expected to widen the company’s 3Q07 net loss to about -$0.08 EPS, with $0.05 of that attributed to impairment charges of good will relating to the RTP products.

Also, citing “continuing market softness,” the company says 3Q revenues will be “slightly below” the range of $110-$120M previously provided, and gross margins will be lower than anticipated due to “timing of shipments and product mix.” In a statement, the firm claimed that it is getting “positive feedback” from customers about its Optima HD line of implanters, and volume orders should follow once industry conditions improve — though that may not happen until after 4Q07.