SCHMID Group N.V. (NASDAQ: SHMD)

SCHMID Group N. V. is a long established fifth generation family controlled business that originated as an iron foundry and now supplies equipment software and services for industries such as printed circuit board, substrate manufacturing, glass, energy storage, and photovoltaics with a focus on high end technology.

The company operates 2 manufacturing sites, 1 in Germany and 1 in China. It maintains a network of service and sales centers across the United States, Europe, and Asia. SCHMID emphasizes research and development to keep its technology at the forefront of the industry.

The company generates revenue primarily through the sale of its machines and related software. Its product portfolio includes the Infinity C+ Line for vertical spin processes, the Infinity V+ Line for vertical inline processes, the Infinity P+ Line for high end single panel electroplating tools, CMP for chemical mechanical polishing, the PlasmaLine for plasma etching and sputtering, the Infinity A+ Line for automation, and the Infinity H+ Line for horizontal inline processing. In addition to equipment sales, SCHMID offers after sales services such as spare parts, upgrades, maintenance contracts, customer training, and on site management, which are delivered through a global network of service centers. SCHMID invests heavily in research and development, employing more than 150 scientists, engineers, and development personnel worldwide. The company also generates revenue from joint research and development projects with customers and from licensing of its patented technologies.

SCHMID holds a competitive position in the high end equipment market for printed circuit boards and substrates. It faces competition from a limited number of major suppliers such as MKS Instruments, as well as regional players in Asia. The company's advantages stem from its proprietary ET technology, its strong research and development focus, and its long standing relationships with leading original equipment manufacturers. SCHMID also holds more than 100 patents which protect its innovations. SCHMID's modular equipment approach allows customers to upgrade machines and extend equipment life. The company's focus on sustainability is reflected in its ET technology which can reduce energy consumption, water usage, and carbon dioxide emissions.

The company serves large global original equipment manufacturers in the semiconductor and consumer electronics sectors as well as printed circuit board makers and their suppliers. Its customer base includes well known technology firms and it collaborates with partners such as TRUMPF on advanced packaging projects. In addition to electronics, the company supplies equipment for photovoltaic production and energy storage applications. Its customer base includes manufacturers of solar cells and producers of battery components.