ACM Research (NASDAQ: ACMR) unit sees 65% order jump, >20 SPM tools
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
ACM Research, Inc. reported that its subsidiary ACM Research (Shanghai), Inc. held an investor earnings conference call on May 14, 2026, in connection with its listing on the STAR Market of the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Management said new orders signed in the first quarter of 2026 grew 65% year over year, which they described as a favorable foundation for future revenue. They explained that order delivery and revenue recognition depend on installation, commissioning, inspection and customer acceptance, with an average delivery cycle of about six months.
ACM Shanghai highlighted progress in its high-temperature single-wafer SPM cleaning tools, stating these can control down to 15 particles at the 15 nm level and avoid periodic DI water cleaning through a patented nozzle design. Management plans to further improve performance toward 13 nm particle sizes and expects to deliver more than 20 medium- to low-temperature and high-temperature SPM tools to multiple customers in 2026. The company emphasized forward-looking risks, including order timing, qualification and acceptance of tools, supply constraints, market acceptance, competition and global regulatory and macroeconomic conditions.
Positive
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Negative
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Insights
Subsidiary reports 65% Q1 order growth and advanced cleaning-tool performance, but revenue impact depends on delivery and acceptance.
The call shows ACM Research (Shanghai), Inc. entering 2026 with strong demand, as new orders in Q1 2026 rose 65% year over year. Management framed this as a solid base for future revenue, while noting their practice of disclosing order backlog only at the end of September each year.
They detailed a high-temperature single-wafer SPM tool that targets 15 particles at the 15 nm level, with a nozzle design intended to avoid periodic DI water cleaning. Plans to push performance toward 13 nm suggest continued R&D focus in advanced-node cleaning for AI and memory applications.
Financial impact depends on converting orders into accepted shipments. Management cited an average delivery cycle of about six months and expects to deliver more than 20 SPM tools in 2026, but also listed extensive risks, including potential order delays or cancellations, qualification challenges, supply constraints and evolving trade regulations affecting China-based semiconductor manufacturers.
8-K Event Classification
2 items: 8.01, 9.01
2 items
Item 8.01
Other Events
Other
Voluntary disclosure of events the company deems important to shareholders but not covered by other items.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
New orders YoY growth: 65%
Average delivery cycle: Approximately six months
Current SPM particle control: 15 particles at 15 nm level
+4 more
7 metrics
New orders YoY growth
65%
Orders newly signed in Q1 2026 vs prior year
Average delivery cycle
Approximately six months
Typical order delivery and revenue recognition timing
Current SPM particle control
15 particles at 15 nm level
High-temperature single-wafer SPM cleaning performance
Target particle size roadmap
13 nm
Planned improvement for future advanced processes
Expected SPM tools delivered
More than 20 tools
Medium- to low- and high-temperature SPM tools in 2026
Record posting date
May 19, 2026
Record of May 2026 Investor Relations Activity on SSE website
Earnings conference call date
May 14, 2026
Investor relations activity conference call for ACM Shanghai
Key Terms
STAR Market, high-temperature single-wafer SPM, order backlog, forward-looking statements, +2 more
6 terms
STAR Market financial
"listed on the Sci-Tech innovation board (the “STAR Market”) of the Shanghai Stock Exchange"
A Star Market is a specialized segment of a stock exchange designed to list fast-growing, technology- or innovation-focused companies under rules intended to make it easier for startups and research-driven firms to raise capital. For investors it matters because it provides a way to access potentially high-growth opportunities that come with higher risk and volatility—like buying early-stage products at a startup fair rather than established brands at a supermarket.
high-temperature single-wafer SPM technical
"Our independently developed high-temperature single-wafer SPM solution delivers strong particle control performance"
order backlog financial
"As a general practice, we disclose order backlog at the end of September each year"
Order backlog is the total value or number of customer orders a company has received but not yet fulfilled or delivered. It acts like a queue at a busy restaurant: a healthy backlog signals steady future sales and revenue visibility, while a growing backlog can also warn of production bottlenecks, delayed cash collection, or rising costs — all important when assessing a company’s near-term performance and operational risks.
forward-looking statements regulatory
"Information presented in the Record includes forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions"
Forward-looking statements are predictions or plans that companies share about what they expect to happen in the future, like estimating sales or profits. They matter because they help investors understand a company's outlook, but since they are based on guesses and assumptions, they can sometimes be wrong.
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regulatory
"forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995"
trade regulations regulatory
"trade regulations, including those recently published by the U.S. Department of Commerce imposing certain restrictions"
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 19, 2026
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
| (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | ||||||
| (Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) | ||||
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (510 ) 445-3700
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
| Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) | |||||
| Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) | |||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) | |||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) | |||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:Emerging growth company o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Item 8.01 Other Events.
The shares of our operating subsidiary ACM Research (Shanghai), Inc. (“ACM Shanghai”) are listed on the Sci-Tech innovation board (the “STAR Market”) of the Shanghai Stock Exchange (the “SSE”). In accordance with the SSE’s rules governing the STAR Market, ACM Shanghai filed with the SSE a Record of May 2026 Investor Relations Activity (the “Record”). The SSE posted the Record to the SSE’s website on May 19, 2026. A copy of the Record is attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.
The information in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1, is intended to be furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section, nor shall it be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of ACM Research, Inc. under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
| Exhibit | Description | |||||||
99.1* 104 | Record of May 2026 Investor Relations Activity filed by ACM Research (Shanghai), Inc. with the Shanghai Stock Exchange on May 19, 2026 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the XBRL document) | |||||||
* Unofficial English translation of original document prepared in Mandarin Chinese.
2
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.
ACM RESEARCH, INC.
By: /s/ Mark McKechnie________________________
Mark McKechnie
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Dated: May 22, 2026
3
Exhibit 99.1 Internal Stock Code: 688082 Short Name: ACM Shanghai ACM Research (Shanghai), Inc. Records of Investor Relations Activity No.: 2026-03 Type of investor relation activities □ Targeted investor meeting □ Analyst meeting □ Media interview √ Earnings Conference Call □ Press conference □ Roadshow □ On-site visit □ Others Date May 14, 2026 Venue Conference call Representatives of the listed company President: HUI WANG General Manager: JIAN WANG Chief Financial Officer: LISA YI LU FENG Board Secretary: MINGZHU LUO Summary of investor relation activities I. Company Introduction: Management of ACM Research (Shanghai), Inc. (the “Company”) briefly reviewed the Company’s operating results and financial condition for the first quarter of 2026 and responded to investor questions. II. Q&A 1. Q: How were the orders newly signed by ACM Shanghai in the first quarter of 2026? Can you provide the year-over-year growth rate? A: The year-over-year growth rate of orders newly signed in the first quarter of 2026 was 65%. This provides a favorable foundation for revenue growth. As a general practice, we disclose order backlog at the end of September each year.
Exhibit 99.1 Internal 2. Q: The Company kept its 2026 revenue guidance unchanged. Given the strong growth in new orders, does that mean orders signed in the first quarter of 2026 will be delivered in the second half of this year and therefore recognized in next year’s revenue? A: The timing of order delivery depends on installation, commissioning, inspection and customer acceptance. In general, some orders signed in the first quarter will be delivered this year, while others will be carried over into the first quarter of next year. The average delivery cycle is approximately six months, although actual timing may vary depending on project progress at the customer site. 3. Q: The Company reported encouraging progress in high- temperature SPM tools. Can you provide more details? A: Our independently developed high-temperature single-wafer SPM solution delivers strong particle control performance and can achieve control down to 15 particles at the 15 nm level, which we believe is materially better than mainstream solutions currently available in the market. In addition, unlike mainstream solutions that require periodic DI water cleaning of the chambers and surrounding environment to remove high-temperature SPM gas residues, our unique nozzle design (protection of global patent application in progress) can help avoid such contamination and maintain stable cleaning performance without periodic DI water cleaning. This may improve yield for both logic and memory customers and reduce maintenance efforts by eliminating exterior chamber cleaning. Building on the current performance of this product, we also plan to further improve performance and reduce particle size to 13nm, which we believe may better meet future advanced processes requirements. Our unique
Exhibit 99.1 Internal nozzle-based SPM process represents a meaningful technological advancement in the more than ten years since single-wafer high- temperature SPM cleaning was introduced to the market. We believe it may help improve yield for large-die AI chips at advanced nodes and create substantial commercial value for the AI chip manufacturing market. At the same time, our strategy of differentiated technological innovation and patent protection may help us avoid homogeneous competition over the long term and support sustainable profitability. 4. Q: How about the orders for high-temperature SPM tools? A: We have reached the internationally advanced level in high- temperature and medium-temperature SPM tools, which can help improve product yield for global customers. At present, this tool has attracted interest from both domestic and overseas customers. We expect to deliver more than 20 medium- to low-temperature and high- temperature SPM tools to multiple customers in 2026.
Internal Enclosure: List of participants DC Investments IGWT Investment Oxbow Capital Management (HK) Limited Baoying Fund Management Co., Ltd. Beijing BSCOM Cathay Asset Management Co., Ltd. Beijing Life Insurance Co., Ltd. Beijing Xinhan Capital Management Co., Ltd. Beijing Zhongze Holdings Group Co., Ltd. Daiwa (Shanghai) Corporate Strategic Advisory Co., Ltd. Greater Bay Area Development Fund Management Limited Orient Fund Management Co., Ltd. Donghai Securities Co., Ltd. Fengyuan (Ningbo) Private Equity Fund Management Co., Ltd. Pramerica Fosun Life Insurance Co., Ltd. Granford (Beijing) Capital Management Co., Ltd. Guangdong Bozhong Intelligent Technology Investment Co., Ltd. Guangdong Wens Investment Co., Ltd. Guangdong Zhengyuan Private Fund Management Co., Ltd. Guotai Haitong Securities Co., Ltd. Guosen Securities Co., Ltd. Hainan Lingzhan Private Fund Management Partnership (Limited Partnership) Hainan Yangjiao Private Fund Management Partnership (Limited Partnership) Hangzhou KECE Investment Management Partnership (Limited Partnership) Hangzhou Zhangbuting Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd. Manulife Fund Management Co., Ltd. Hongyun Private Fund Management (Hainan) Co., Ltd. Hunan Changxin Private Fund Management Co., Ltd. Citigroup Global Markets Asia Limited Huafu Securities Co., Ltd. Huatai Securities Co., Ltd. Huatai Asset Management Co., Ltd. Huaxi Yinfeng Investment Co., Ltd. Jifu Investment Co., Ltd. Linyi Hongen Assets Management Co., Ltd. J.P. Morgan Securities (China) Company Limited Nanchang Industrial Investment Fund Management Co., Ltd. Ping An Trust Co., Ltd. AXA SPDB Investment Managers Co., Ltd. Capital Investment Trust Corporation UBS Securities Co., Ltd. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. Shandong Zhongjinrongshi Technology Co., Ltd.
Internal Shanghai Bodu Investment Management Co., Ltd. Shanghai Dehui Group Co., Ltd. Shanghai Duoshi Investment Co., Ltd. ShangHai Guxin Capital Management Co., Ltd. Shanghai International Trust Corp. Ltd. Shanghai Higher Progressive Investment Management Co., Ltd. Shanghai Huizheng Research Institute Shanghai Jiashi Private Fund Management Co., Ltd. Shanghai Shenyin Wanguo Research and Consulting Co., Ltd. Shanghai Shiheng Private Fund Management Co., Ltd. Shanghai Wanna Asset Management Co., Ltd. Shanghai Xianhe Management Co., Ltd. Shanghai Xinheng Private Fund Management Co., Ltd. Shanghai Yiheyuan Asset Management Co., Ltd. Bank of Shanghai Co., Ltd. Shanghai Yuanhai Private Fund Management Co., Ltd. Shanghai Zhongyu Asset Management Center (Limited Partnership) Shenzhen Wisdom Asset Management Co., Ltd. Elitimes Capital Management Co., Ltd. Shenzhen Qianhai Chenxing Private Securities Investment Fund Management Partnership (Limited Partnership) Shenzhen Qianhai Huijiedali Capital Co., Ltd. Shenzhen Qianhai Jun’an Asset Management Co., Ltd. Shenzhen Guohui Investment Co., Ltd. Shenzhen Shangcheng Asset Management Co., Ltd. Shenzhen Weihong Long-term Asset Management Co., Ltd. Shenzhen Yujin Investment Co., Ltd. Shenzhen Tuosen Investment Holdings Co., Ltd. Tianfeng Securities Co., Ltd. Wuhan Weiersi Equity Investment Fund Management Co., Ltd. Xi'an Jiangyue Private Fund Management Co., Ltd. Western Leadbank Fund Management Co., Ltd. Western Securities Co., Ltd. Tibet Yuancheng Investment Management Co., Ltd. Industrial Bank Co., Ltd. Symbol Investment (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. V-Capital Co., Ltd. Zhangjiagang Gaozhu Private Fund Management Co., Ltd. Changjiang Securities Co., Ltd. Zhejiang Xiangyuxing Investment Management Co., Ltd. Zheshang Securities Co., Ltd. China International Capital Corporation Limited China Life Insurance (Group) Company China Galaxy Securities Co., Ltd.
Internal China United Insurance Group Co., Ltd. Zhongtai Securities Co., Ltd. CITIC Futures Co., Ltd. Central China Securities Co., Ltd. Admiralty Harbour Capital Limited * * * The following information is provided in connection with the furnishing of the above Record of May 2026 Investor Relation Activity of ACM Research (Shanghai), Inc. (“ACMSH”) (the “Record”) pursuant to the Current Report on Form 8-K reporting requirements of ACM Research, Inc.: Forward-Looking Statements Information presented in the Record includes forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in the Record that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on ACMSH management’s current expectations and beliefs, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by the forward-looking statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: anticipated customer orders or identified market opportunities may not grow or develop as anticipated; customer orders already received may be postponed or canceled; ACMSH may be unable to obtain the qualification and acceptance of its delivered tools when anticipated or at all, which would delay or preclude ACMSH’s recognition of revenue from the sale of those tools; suppliers may not be able to meet ACMSH’s demands on a timely basis; ACMSH’s technologies and tools may not gain market acceptance; ACMSH may be unable to compete effectively by, among other things, enhancing its existing tools, adding additional production capacity and engaging additional major customers; ACMSH may incur significant expenses long before it can recognize revenue from new products, if at all, due to the costs and length of research, development, manufacturing and customer evaluation process cycles; volatile global economic, market, industry and other conditions could result in sharply lower demand for products containing semiconductors and for ACMSH’s products and in disruption of capital and credit markets; ACMSH’s failure to successfully manage its operations, including its inability to hire, train, integrate and manage additional qualified engineers for research and development activities; and trade regulations, including those recently published by the U.S. Department of Commerce imposing certain restrictions on equipment shipments and business practices with China-based semiconductor manufacturers, currency fluctuations, political instability and war, all of which may materially adversely affect ACMSH due to its substantial non-U.S. customer and supplier base and its substantial non-U.S. manufacturing operations. A further description of these risks, uncertainties and other
Internal matters can be found in filings ACM Research, Inc. makes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results and events may differ materially from results and events currently expected by ACMSH. ACMSH undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof or to reflect any change in its expectations with regard to these forward-looking statements or the occurrence of unanticipated events.
FAQ
What did ACMR’s Shanghai subsidiary report about Q1 2026 orders?
ACM Research (Shanghai), Inc. reported that orders newly signed in the first quarter of 2026 grew 65% year over year. Management said this strong order growth provides a favorable foundation for future revenue, though actual revenue depends on delivery and customer acceptance.
How does ACM Research (ACMR) describe its high-temperature SPM tool performance?
ACM Research’s Shanghai unit said its high-temperature single-wafer SPM solution delivers strong particle control down to 15 particles at the 15 nm level. It plans to further improve performance toward 13 nm to better support future advanced semiconductor processes.
What is the typical delivery cycle for ACMR Shanghai’s orders discussed in the call?
Management explained that delivery timing depends on installation, commissioning, inspection and customer acceptance. On average, the delivery cycle is approximately six months, so some first-quarter 2026 orders should be delivered this year while others may shift into the first quarter of next year.
How many SPM tools does ACMR Shanghai expect to deliver in 2026?
ACM Research (Shanghai), Inc. stated that it expects to deliver more than 20 medium- to low-temperature and high-temperature SPM tools to multiple customers in 2026. These tools are intended to improve product yields for both domestic and overseas semiconductor manufacturers.
What risks did ACM Research highlight around the forward-looking statements in this 8-K?
The company cited risks that customer orders may not grow as anticipated or could be postponed or canceled, qualification and acceptance of delivered tools may be delayed, suppliers might miss demand, technologies may not gain market acceptance and global trade regulations and macro conditions could materially affect results.
Why did ACM Research furnish the May 2026 investor relations record instead of filing it?
ACM Research stated that the Record of May 2026 Investor Relations Activity is being furnished, not filed, under the Exchange Act. As a result, it is not subject to Section 18 liabilities and is not automatically incorporated by reference into Securities Act filings.