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WEEBIT NANO LTD — Interim / Quarterly Report 2024
Apr 29, 2024
66042_rns_2024-04-29_8c5f1636-ca95-4074-90fe-e80d885147a5.pdf
Interim / Quarterly Report
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Weebit Nano advancing negotiations with partners and customers;
demonstrates ReRAM robustness
Tech transfer to DB HiTek progressing to schedule
Q3 FY24 Quarterly Activities Report
Key highlights
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Demonstrated ReRAM at extended automotive conditions, including lifetime operation at 150 degrees Celsius and endurance of 100K cycles
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Tech transfer to DB HiTek progressing to schedule; engaging with DB HiTek customers
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First live demonstration of Weebit ReRAM on GlobalFoundries’ 22FDX® wafers at Embedded World conference
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Progressed negotiations and evaluations with leading foundries, integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) and product companies
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Appointed IP industry veteran Issachar Ohana as Chief Revenue Officer to drive ReRAM licensing sales
30 April 2024 – Weebit Nano Ltd ( ASX: WBT , Weebit or Company ) is pleased to provide this activity report for the quarter ended 31 March 2024 ( Q3 FY24 ), along with the Company’s Appendix 4C cash flow report.
Weebit CEO Coby Hanoch said: “Weebit Nano has had a busy quarter on the technical front, demonstrating the robustness of its ReRAM under extended automotive conditions and confirming its capability at 22nm. These achievements have significantly increased interest in our embedded ReRAM, including from leading automotive companies. In parallel, we’ve stepped up our commercialisation progress with the appointment of a Chief Revenue Officer to focus on new partner and customer agreements.
“The strong performance of our ReRAM at 150 degrees Celsius and 100K cycles endurance demonstrates its suitability for applications in extreme environments where high-temperature stability and endurance are required, such as automotive, industrial, medical, and aerospace and defence applications.
“Our progress at 22nm on GlobalFoundries’ wafers further validates the suitability of our embedded ReRAM to replace embedded flash in more advanced geometries and applications. While testing of the 22nm demo chip is ongoing, we are highly encouraged by the quality of our initial results, which customers at the recent Embedded World show in Germany also reiterated. Our world-class team is continuing to improve the technical parameters and scalability of our ReRAM to meet evolving customer needs.
“Weebit is continuing to make in-roads with many of the world’s top-10 foundries and integrated device manufacturers (IDMs), with these engagements increasingly moving from technical evaluations to business discussions. We’ve been engaged in evaluations and negotiations with many of these companies for over a year, reflecting the complexity of individual foundry requirements. We’ve also started to cautiously re-engage with select Chinese vendors, which remains a significant opportunity for the business. At the same time, we’re also making progress with fabless product companies, as customer demand drives urgency for foundries to add our ReRAM to their IP libraries. In partnership with DB HiTek, we’ve also started reaching out to their extensive customer base.
Level 7, 330 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Office: +61-3-8689 9997 [email protected] | www.weebit-nano.com
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“We’ve also added another high-calibre executive to our team with IP industry veteran Issachar Ohana joining as Chief Revenue Officer. Issachar has a proven track record of driving customer expansion strategies for IP companies, building CEVA’s salesforce from the ground up into a high-performing team achieving US$135 million in annual revenue. His unique blend of technological expertise, global perspective, and strategic vision, combined with his hands-on experience, will be invaluable as we continue to expand commercialisation efforts and close new IP deals.”
Demonstrated ReRAM under extended automotive conditions
Weebit Nano continues to confirm the suitability of its ReRAM for automotive components, demonstrating lifetime operation of its embedded ReRAM at 150 degrees Celsius, as well as 100K cycles endurance. Reliability under extended automotive conditions opens new markets for Weebit ReRAM, and follows full qualification at automotive grade one temperatures of 125 degrees Celsius in SkyWater Technology’s S130 process.
Weebit ReRAM is ideal for applications requiring higher temperature and endurance levels, given its cost effectiveness, power efficiency, ease of integration, and tolerance to radiation and electromagnetic fields.
Weebit is continuing to test performance at 150 degrees Celsius, as well as higher temperatures and endurance levels, driven by automotive customer engagements and working in accordance with standards such as AECQ100.
Tech transfer to DB HiTek
During the quarter, Weebit Nano progressed the transfer of its embedded ReRAM IP to Tier-1 foundry DB HiTek, and is on track to complete the technology transfer process within the next six months. Weebit is already engaging with DB HiTek’s extensive customer base, as well as other customers who are interested in moving to DB HiTek in order to have access to our ReRAM, and is working to secure customer agreements before qualification at DB HiTek is completed.
Weebit’s embedded ReRAM IP will be first available in DB HiTek’s 130nm Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS (BCD) process, suitable for analog, mixed-signal and power designs in consumer, industrial, and other IoT applications.
Live demo of ReRAM on GlobalFoundries’ 22FDX wafers
In April, Weebit Nano showcased its ReRAM module implemented on GlobalFoundries’ advanced 22FDX wafers at leading industry conference, Embedded World 2024. Weebit’s 8Mb 22nm demo chip features the Company’s largest memory capacity module and is embedded in the most advanced process so far.
The live demonstration reaffirmed the capability of Weebit ReRAM at 22nm - one of the industry’s most common process nodes and a geometry where embedded flash is not viable - and was well received by potential partners and customers. Testing of the 22nm demo chip is ongoing with initial results exceeding expectations, including low Bit Error Rate (BER) which is a very important criteria for customers.
The live demonstration can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEHRQVueS-s
Negotiations with partners & customers
Securing agreements with multiple foundries and IDMs in 2024 remains the Company’s top priority. Technical evaluations and negotiations with many of the world’s leading foundries and IDMs are advancing, and are being supported by recent technical demonstrations and growing demand from fabless product companies. While negotiations with foundries and IDMs can be lengthy, each new agreement signed paves the way for additional
Level 7, 330 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Office: +61-3-8689 9997 [email protected] | www.weebit-nano.com
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agreements. ReRAM is increasingly being viewed as the leading emerging NVM technology, and Weebit is wellplaced for leadership in this domain as the market’s only qualified independent ReRAM provider.
The Company is also actively engaging with potential customers at both SkyWater Technology and DB HiTek.
New Chief Revenue Officer
During the quarter, Weebit Nano appointed Issachar Ohana to lead the sales function as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), driving growth for its embedded ReRAM with global customers and partners through licensing fees and royalties. Mr Ohana has more than 25 years’ sales and business development experience, previously holding multiple leadership positions at NASDAQ-listed semiconductor licensing company CEVA Inc as well as AI, voice processing, wireless technology company DSP Group (now Synaptics).
Mr Ohana is based in Silicon Valley and has already started expanding Weebit’s sales team.
Market engagement
Weebit Nano continues to build interest in its embedded ReRAM technology, engaging with potential customers and partners at leading industry trade shows and conferences during Q3 FY24. In addition to participating at these events, Weebit Nano’s executive team were invited speakers at Embedded World 2024 and Electron Devices Technology and Manufacturing Conference (IEEE EDTM 2024). In the coming quarter, Weebit will attend ChipEx in Israel, International Memory Workshop 2024 in South Korea, Global Semiconductor Alliance 2024 in Munich, Design Automation Conference 2024 in the USA, and Leti Innovation Days in France.
During the quarter, Weebit received the MOCCA award from supplier NplusT, which recognises customer innovation. The award was for the introduction of NplusT’s new NVM characterisation equipment within Weebit’s workflow.
Patents
During the quarter Weebit Nano was granted a new patent related to technology process innovations. This patent relates to reducing the forming voltage of the Weebit ReRAM cell, thereby enhancing reliability. Weebit now holds more than 50 patents and patent applications, further solidifying its IP position.
Investor briefing details
CEO Coby Hanoch will participate in a “Meet the CEO” interview covering the Company’s quarterly update at 3pm AEST on Wednesday, 1 May 2024. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the webinar.
To attend, please pre-register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qL1A2DAVQzeIArO4h6K6Cg
Financials
Notable quarterly net operating cash flow items included a $1.4 million GST refund in relation to Q2 FY24’s higher than normal milestone-based payments to research partner CEA-Leti. R&D expenses were A$11k for Q3 FY24. Payments to related parties, including fees paid to Directors and the CEO’s cost of payroll, were A$447,000. Weebit remains well-funded with a strong cash balance of A$67.8 million as at 31 March 2024.
Level 7, 330 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Office: +61-3-8689 9997 [email protected] | www.weebit-nano.com
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Looking forward
Weebit Nano is on track to achieve the following milestones in 2024:
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Sign additional customer agreements with IDMs/foundries/product companies;
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Complete technology transfer in DB HiTek’s production fab; and
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Complete testing of its 22nm GlobalFoundries wafers.
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ENDS -
This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of Weebit Nano Limited.
For further information, please contact:
Investors
Eric Kuret, Automic Group P: +61 417 311 335
Media – Australia Media – US Tristan Everett, Automic Group Jen Bernier-Santarini, Weebit Nano P: +61 403 789 096 P: +1 650-336-4222 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]
About Weebit Nano Limited
Weebit Nano Ltd. is a leading developer of advanced semiconductor memory technology. The company’s ground-breaking Resistive RAM (ReRAM) addresses the growing need for significantly higher performance and lower power memory solutions in a range of new electronic products such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, smartphones, robotics, autonomous vehicles, 5G communications and artificial intelligence.
Weebit’s ReRAM allows semiconductor memory elements to be significantly faster, less expensive, more reliable and more energy efficient than those using existing flash memory solutions. As it is based on fab-friendly materials, Weebit ReRAM can be integrated within existing flows and processes faster and easier than other emerging technologies, without requiring special equipment or large investments.
See: www.weebit-nano.com
Weebit Nano and the Weebit Nano logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Weebit Nano Ltd. in the United States and other countries. Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.
Level 7, 330 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Office: +61-3-8689 9997 [email protected] | www.weebit-nano.com
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Rule 4.7B
Appendix 4C Quarterly cash flow report for entities subject to Listing Rule 4.7B
Name of entity
Weebit Nano Limited (ASX: WBT)
ABN
15 146 455 576
Quarter ended (“current quarter”)
31 March 2024
| Consolidated statement of cash flows | Current quarter $A’000 |
Year to date (9 months) $A’000 |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cash flows from operating activities 1.1 Receipts from customers 1.2 Payments for (a) research and development (b) product manufacturing and operating costs (c) advertising and marketing (d) leased assets (e) staff costs (f) administration and corporate costs 1.3 Dividends received (see note 3) 1.4 Interest received 1.5 Interest and other costs of finance paid 1.6 Income taxes paid 1.7 Government grants and tax incentives 1.8 Other (provide details if material) 1.9 Net cash from / (used in) operating activities |
- (11) - (332) (59) (3,275) (713) - 869 (18) - - - |
457 (11,423) - (991) (278) (8,536) (1,816) - 2,449 (32) - - - |
| (3,539) | (20,170) |
Note - Weebit Nano is running many projects in parallel at R&D partner CEA-Leti. Payments to CEA-Leti are milestone based. In the previous quarter, CEA-Leti met many milestones, triggering higher payments than usual. This quarter, the company received GST/VAT refunds of AU$1.4M in relation to these costs which have offset current quarter development costs.
| 2. Cash flows from investing activities 2.1 Payments to acquire or for: (a) entities (b) businesses |
- - |
- - |
|---|---|---|
ASX Listing Rules Appendix 4C (17/07/20) + See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.
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Appendix 4C Quarterly cash flow report for entities subject to Listing Rule 4.7B
| Consolidated statement of cash flows | Current quarter $A’000 |
Year to date (9 months) $A’000 |
|---|---|---|
| (c) property, plant and equipment (d) investments (e) intellectual property (f) other non-current assets 2.2 Proceeds from disposal of: (a) entities (b) businesses (c) property, plant and equipment (d) investments (e) intellectual property (f) other non-current assets 2.3 Cash flows from loans to other entities 2.4 Dividends received (see note 3) 2.5 Other (provide details if material) 2.6 Net cash from / (used in) investing activities |
(742) - - - - - - - - - - - - |
(1,006) - - - - - - - - - - - - |
| (742) | (1,006) | |
| 3. Cash flows from financing activities 3.1 Proceeds from issues of equity securities (excluding convertible debt securities) 3.2 Proceeds from issue of convertible debt securities 3.3 Proceeds from exercise of options 3.4 Transaction costs related to issues of equity securities or convertible debt securities 3.5 Proceeds from borrowings 3.6 Repayment of borrowings 3.7 Transaction costs related to loans and borrowings 3.8 Dividends paid 3.9 Other (provide details if material) 3.10 Net cash from / (used in) financing activities |
- - - (4) - - - - - |
- - 490 (35) - - - - - |
| (4) | 455 |
ASX Listing Rules Appendix 4C (17/07/20) + See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.
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Appendix 4C Quarterly cash flow report for entities subject to Listing Rule 4.7B
| Consolidated statement of cash flows | Consolidated statement of cash flows | Current quarter $A’000 |
Year to date (9 months) $A’000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4. 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 |
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents for the period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Net cash from / (used in) operating activities (item 1.9 above) Net cash from / (used in) investing activities (item 2.6 above) Net cash from / (used in) financing activities (item 3.10 above) Effect of movement in exchange rates on cash held Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
72,051 (3,539) (742) (4) 75 |
87,957 (20,170) (1,006) 455 605 |
| 67,841 | 67,841 | ||
| 5. Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents at the end of the quarter (as shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows) to the related items in the accounts |
Current quarter $A’000 |
Previous quarter $A’000 |
|
| 5.1 Bank balances 5.2 Call deposits 5.3 Bank overdrafts 5.4 Other (provide details) 5.5 Cash and cash equivalents at end of quarter (should equal item 4.6 above) |
4,147 63,694 - - |
3,410 68,641 - - |
|
| 67,841 | 72,051 | ||
| 6. Payments to related parties of the entity and their associates |
Current quarter $A'000 |
||
| 6.1 Aggregate amount of payments to related parties and their associates included in item 1 447 6.2 Aggregate amount of payments to related parties and their associates included in item 2 - Note: if any amounts are shown in items 6.1 or 6.2, your quarterly activity report must include a description of, and an explanation for, such payments. The payments at 6.1 relate to salaries, bonuses and consulting/director fees for directors’ within the group. |
447 | ||
| - |
ASX Listing Rules Appendix 4C (17/07/20) + See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.
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Appendix 4C Quarterly cash flow report for entities subject to Listing Rule 4.7B
| 7. 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 |
Financing facilities Note: the term “facility’ includes all forms of financing arrangements available to the entity. Add notes as necessary for an understanding of the sources of finance available to the entity. Total facility amount at quarter end $A’000 Amount drawn at quarter end $A’000 Loan facilities - - Credit standby arrangements - - Other (please specify) - - Total financing facilities - - Unused financing facilities available at quarter end - Include in the box below a description of each facility above, including the lender, interest rate, maturity date and whether it is secured or unsecured. If any additional financing facilities have been entered into or are proposed to be entered into after quarter end, include a note providing details of those facilities as well. |
Total facility amount at quarter end $A’000 |
Amount drawn at quarter end $A’000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | ||
| - | - | ||
| - | - | ||
| - | - | ||
| 8. | Estimated cash available for future operating activities | $A’000 |
|---|---|---|
| 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 |
Net cash from / (used in) operating activities (item 1.9) (3,539) Cash and cash equivalents at quarter end (item 4.6) 67,841 Unused finance facilities available at quarter end (item 7.5) - Total available funding (item 8.2 + item 8.3) 67,841 Estimated quarters of funding available (item 8.4 divided by item 8.1) 19 Note: if the entity has reported positive net operating cash flows in item 1.9, answer item 8.5 as “N/A”. Otherwise, a figure for the estimated quarters of funding available must be included in item 8.5. If item 8.5 is less than 2 quarters, please provide answers to the following questions: 8.6.1 Does the entity expect that it will continue to have the current level of net operating cash flows for the time being and, if not, why not? |
(3,539) 67,841 - |
| 67,841 | ||
| 19 | ||
| Answer: | ||
| 8.6.2 Has the entity taken any steps, or does it propose to take any steps, to raise further cash to fund its operations and, if so, what are those steps and how likely does it believe that they will be successful? |
||
| Answer: | ||
| 8.6.3 Does the entity expect to be able to continue its operations and to meet its business objectives and, if so, on what basis? |
||
| Answer: | ||
| Note: where item 8.5 is less than 2 quarters, all of questions 8.6.1, 8.6.2 and 8.6.3 above must be answered. |
ASX Listing Rules Appendix 4C (17/07/20) + See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.
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Appendix 4C Quarterly cash flow report for entities subject to Listing Rule 4.7B
Compliance statement
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1 This statement has been prepared in accordance with accounting standards and policies which comply with Listing Rule 19.11A.
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2 This statement gives a true and fair view of the matters disclosed.
30 April 2024
Date: ...................................................................................
The Board of Directors
Authorised by: ...................................................................................
(Name of body or officer authorising release – see note 4)
Notes
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This quarterly cash flow report and the accompanying activity report provide a basis for informing the market about the entity’s activities for the past quarter, how they have been financed and the effect this has had on its cash position. An entity that wishes to disclose additional information over and above the minimum required under the Listing Rules is encouraged to do so.
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If this quarterly cash flow report has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, the definitions in, and provisions of, AASB 107: Statement of Cash Flows apply to this report. If this quarterly cash flow report has been prepared in accordance with other accounting standards agreed by ASX pursuant to Listing Rule 19.11A, the corresponding equivalent standard applies to this report.
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Dividends received may be classified either as cash flows from operating activities or cash flows from investing activities, depending on the accounting policy of the entity.
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If this report has been authorised for release to the market by your board of directors, you can insert here: “By the board”. If it has been authorised for release to the market by a committee of your board of directors, you can insert here: “By the [ name of board committee – eg Audit and Risk Committee ]”. If it has been authorised for release to the market by a disclosure committee, you can insert here: “By the Disclosure Committee”.
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If this report has been authorised for release to the market by your board of directors and you wish to hold yourself out as complying with recommendation 4.2 of the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations , the board should have received a declaration from its CEO and CFO that, in their opinion, the financial records of the entity have been properly maintained, that this report complies with the appropriate accounting standards and gives a true and fair view of the cash flows of the entity, and that their opinion has been formed on the basis of a sound system of risk management and internal control which is operating effectively.
ASX Listing Rules Appendix 4C (17/07/20) + See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.
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