10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2003

KLA CORP Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Dec 31, 2002

Filed February 13, 2003For Securities:KLAC

Summary

KLA Corporation's (KLAC) 10-Q filing for the period ending December 30, 2002, indicates a challenging environment within the semiconductor industry, characterized by a significant downturn that began in early 2001. Despite this, the company saw sequential growth in new orders for the quarter. Revenue for the three months ending December 31, 2002, was $334.9 million, a decrease from $404.1 million in the prior year's comparable period, driven by a decline in product revenue. However, service revenue showed growth, increasing to $66.8 million from $49.5 million year-over-year, reflecting the expanding installed base of equipment. The company's financial position remains solid, with total assets of $2.75 billion and total stockholders' equity of $2.1 billion. Cash and cash equivalents saw a notable increase to $530.6 million from $429.8 million. KLA Corp managed its expenses by implementing cost-saving measures, including company-mandated time-off and reductions in labor and discretionary spending, leading to a decrease in R&D and SG&A expenses in absolute terms, although they represented a higher percentage of revenue. The company is actively managing its capital, repurchasing shares and maintaining a significant cash balance, suggesting confidence in navigating the industry downturn.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2002, was $334.9 million, a decrease from $404.1 million in the prior year, primarily due to a decline in product revenue.
  • 2Service revenue increased to $66.8 million from $49.5 million year-over-year, indicating growth in the services segment.
  • 3Net income for the quarter was $29.2 million ($0.15 per basic share), down from $49.0 million ($0.26 per basic share) in the prior year.
  • 4The company's cash and cash equivalents increased significantly to $530.6 million as of December 31, 2002, from $429.8 million at the end of the previous fiscal year.
  • 5Operating expenses were managed through cost-saving measures, with R&D and SG&A expenses decreasing in absolute terms year-over-year.
  • 6KLA Corp repurchased shares under its stock repurchase program, spending $48 million in the six months ended December 31, 2002, down from $111 million in the prior year's period.
  • 7The company reported a net gain of $9.4 million from the sale of software and intellectual property related to its iSupport technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of the revenue decline in the current quarter is a significant reduction in capital spending by semiconductor industry customers due to a prolonged downturn in the demand for semiconductors, which has negatively impacted product revenue.

KLA Corp is managing expenses through various cost-saving measures, including company-mandated time-off, reductions in labor and discretionary spending, and streamlining operations. These efforts have led to a decrease in absolute R&D and SG&A expenses compared to the prior year.

The company acknowledges the ongoing significant downturn in the semiconductor industry with limited visibility regarding the timing of a broad-based turnaround. However, they anticipate increased demand for their products and services in the longer term, driven by factors like shrinking device feature sizes and the transition to new materials and wafer technologies.

KLA Corp is involved in patent infringement lawsuits with competitors like ADE Corporation and Tokyo Seimitsu Co. Ltd. While these matters are ongoing, the company believes it has valid defenses and does not anticipate a material adverse effect on its financial condition. However, they acknowledge that an unfavorable ruling could impact operating results for the period in which it occurs.