SCHEDULE: BlackRock Boosts Onto Innovation Stake to 10.3%

BlackRock, Inc. has reported an increased beneficial ownership of 10.3% in Onto Innovation Inc., holding over 5 million common shares as of September 30, 2025.

Summary

• BlackRock, Inc. reported beneficial ownership of 5,039,082 shares of Onto Innovation Inc. common stock.
• This represents 10.3% of the total outstanding common stock of Onto Innovation Inc.
• BlackRock holds sole voting power over 4,872,451 shares and sole dispositive power over 5,039,082 shares.
• This filing is an Amendment No. 5 to a Schedule 13G, indicating a change in previously reported beneficial ownership.
• The shares are held in the ordinary course of business and not for the purpose of changing or influencing control of Onto Innovation Inc.
• BlackRock Fund Advisors is identified as an entity within BlackRock, Inc. that beneficially owns 5% or greater of the outstanding shares of Onto Innovation Inc.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The filing indicates a significant institutional investor, BlackRock, has a substantial and passive stake in Onto Innovation, which is generally viewed as a positive signal of confidence in the company's long-term value, without suggesting any immediate operational changes or financial distress.

Positives

• Increased institutional ownership by a major asset manager like BlackRock can signal confidence in Onto Innovation's long-term prospects and stability.
• The stated purpose of the holding is in the ordinary course of business, indicating a passive investment rather than an activist stance that could introduce uncertainty or conflict.

Risks

• The filing explicitly states the securities were not acquired or held for the purpose of changing or influencing control of the issuer, mitigating potential risks associated with activist investor involvement or hostile takeover attempts.

Future Outlook

BlackRock, Inc. certifies that the securities were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and not for the purpose or effect of changing or influencing the control of Onto Innovation Inc.

Management Comments

• "I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the securities referred to above were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired and are not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having that purpose or effect, other than activities solely in connection with a nomination under §§ 240.14a-11."

Industry Context

Onto Innovation Inc. operates in the semiconductor equipment and materials industry, a sector critical for global technology advancements. BlackRock's significant stake indicates continued institutional interest in companies supporting the semiconductor supply chain, reflecting broader market confidence in the industry's growth trajectory and long-term demand for advanced chip manufacturing.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: May view BlackRock's increased stake as a vote of confidence in Onto Innovation's future, potentially leading to increased investor interest and stability in the stock.

Key Dates

Recommendation

The filing reveals a significant increase in institutional ownership by BlackRock, a major asset manager, which typically signals confidence in the company's long-term prospects. However, a Schedule 13G filing primarily discloses ownership and does not provide operational or financial performance data to warrant a 'buy' or 'sell' recommendation. For existing shareholders, this increased institutional backing may reinforce a 'hold' position, while new investors would require further fundamental analysis beyond this ownership disclosure.

Keywords

Onto Innovation, BlackRock, Beneficial Ownership, Institutional Investor, Common Stock, SEC Filing, Schedule 13G, Semiconductor Equipment