10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2002

KLA CORP Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Dec 31, 2001

Filed February 13, 2002For Securities:KLAC

Summary

KLA-Tencor Corporation's (KLAC) 10-Q filing for the period ending December 31, 2001, reveals a challenging operating environment characterized by a significant downturn in the semiconductor industry. Revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2001, decreased by 19% year-over-year, reflecting reduced capital spending by customers. However, for the six-month period, revenues saw a modest 3% increase due to improved customer acceptances, despite a substantial decline in shipments. The company is actively managing costs and expenditures in response to the industry slowdown, while continuing to invest in new product development and strategic acquisitions. Despite the revenue pressures, KLA-Tencor maintains a strong financial position with no long-term debt and sufficient liquidity to meet its operational and capital needs. Management expresses confidence in its ability to navigate the current market conditions and position the company for future growth as the industry recovers.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenues declined 19% for the three-month period ended December 31, 2001, compared to the prior year, due to a semiconductor industry downturn and reduced customer capital spending.
  • 2For the six-month period ended December 31, 2001, revenues increased by 3% year-over-year, driven by improved customer acceptances despite a significant drop in shipments.
  • 3Gross margins decreased to 50% (three months) and 51% (six months) from 57% and 55% respectively in the prior year, impacted by unfavorable overhead absorption and reserves for potential excess inventory.
  • 4Engineering, Research & Development (R&D) expenses were reduced by approximately 23% for the three-month period and 17% for the six-month period compared to the prior year, reflecting cost-saving measures.
  • 5Selling, General & Administrative (SG&A) expenses also saw reductions of approximately 24% (three months) and 17% (six months) year-over-year, as part of cost control initiatives.
  • 6The company acquired QC Optics, Inc. for approximately $4 million in cash and other consideration on November 20, 2001, to enhance its intellectual property portfolio.
  • 7KLA-Tencor reported net income of $49.0 million ($0.25 per diluted share) for the three-month period and $135.5 million ($0.70 per diluted share) for the six-month period ended December 31, 2001.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason for the decrease in revenue for the three-month period ended December 31, 2001, was the significant downturn in the semiconductor industry, leading to reduced capital spending by KLA-Tencor's customers.

KLA-Tencor has implemented several cost-saving measures, including temporary shutdowns, management pay cuts, reductions in temporary labor and discretionary spending. R&D and SG&A expenses have been reduced year-over-year as a result.

The company maintains a strong financial position with no long-term debt. As of December 31, 2001, KLA-Tencor had approximately $1.07 billion in cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, and marketable securities. Management believes its current resources and expected cash flow from operations are adequate to meet its needs.

The adoption of SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 (SAB 101) effective July 1, 2000, changed KLA-Tencor's method for system sales revenue recognition. Revenue is now generally recognized upon positive customer affirmation of system installation and operation according to specifications, rather than solely upon shipment. This resulted in a deferred profit balance and a significant non-cash charge in the prior fiscal year.