Net income for the quarter was a record $26.5 million, which was 28.0 percent higher than the $20.7 million reported in the same quarter last year. The increase was primarily due to higher revenue and a higher gross profit margin, partially offset by a higher tax rate and higher operating expenses. Excluding amortization expense related to NexPlanar, net income this quarter was $27.6 million on a non-GAAP basis. Net income for the full fiscal year was a record $87.0 million, which increased by 45.3 percent from $59.8 million in fiscal 2016. The increase was primarily due to higher revenue and a higher gross profit margin, partially offset by a higher tax rate and higher operating expenses. Excluding the referenced amortization expense, net income this fiscal year was $91.2 million on a non-GAAP basis.

Diluted earnings per share were a record $1.03 this quarter, which was 24.1 percent higher than the $0.83 reported in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. Excluding the amortization expense related to NexPlanar, diluted earnings per share this quarter were $1.07 on a non-GAAP basis. The company achieved record diluted earnings per share of $3.40 for full fiscal year 2017, which is 39.9 percent higher than the $2.43 reported last year. Excluding the amortization expense, diluted earnings per share this fiscal year were $3.56 on a non-GAAP basis.

CONFERENCE CALL
Cabot Microelectronics Corporation’s quarterly earnings conference call will be held today at 9:00 a.m. Central Time. The conference call will be available via live webcast and replay from the company’s website, www.cabotcmp.com, or by phone at (844) 825-4410. Callers outside the U.S. can dial (973) 638-3236. The conference code for the call is 95400341. A transcript of the formal comments made during the conference call will also be available in the Investor Relations section of the company’s website.

USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The company presented the following measures considered as non-GAAP by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission: gross profit margin, net income and diluted earnings per share, excluding the effects of amortization expense related to its October 2015 acquisition of NexPlanar Corporation. The non-GAAP financial information provided in this press release is a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the company’s financial results presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures are provided to enhance the investor's understanding about the company's ongoing operations. Specifically, the company believes the NexPlanar amortization expense is not indicative of its core operating results, and thus presents its gross profit margin, net income and diluted earnings per share excluding this expense. The presentation of non-GAAP financial information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation table of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures, including gross profit percentage, net income and diluted earnings per share, is contained in this press release.

ABOUT CABOT MICROELECTRONICS CORPORATION
Cabot Microelectronics Corporation, headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, is the world's leading supplier of CMP polishing slurries and second largest CMP pads supplier to the semiconductor industry. The company’s products play a critical role in the production of advanced semiconductor devices, helping to enable the manufacture of smaller, faster and more complex devices by its customers. The company's mission is to create value by delivering high-performing and innovative solutions that solve its customers’ challenges. The company has approximately 1,150 employees on a global basis. For more information about Cabot Microelectronics Corporation, visit www.cabotcmp.com or contact Trisha Tuntland, Director of Investor Relations at 630-499-2600.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
This news release may include statements that constitute “forward looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities regulations. These forward-looking statements include statements related to: future sales and operating results; growth or contraction, and trends in the industry and markets in which the company participates; the company’s management; various economic or political factors and international or national events; regulatory or legislative activity; product performance; the generation, protection and acquisition of intellectual property, and litigation related to such intellectual property; new product introductions; development of new products, technologies and markets; the company’s supply chain; the financial conditions of the company’s customers; natural disasters; the acquisition of, investment in, or collaboration with other entities; uses and investment of the company’s cash balance, including dividends and share repurchases, which may be suspended, terminated or modified at any time for any reason, based on a variety of factors; financing facilities and related debt, payment of principal and interest, and compliance with covenants and other terms; the company’s capital structure; the company’s current or future tax rate; and the operation of facilities by Cabot Microelectronics Corporation. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including those described from time to time in Cabot Microelectronics’ filings with the SEC, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described by these forward-looking statements. In particular, see "Risk Factors" in the company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 and in the company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, both filed with the SEC. Cabot Microelectronics assumes no obligation to update this forward-looking information.