10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2003

KLA CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Mar 31, 2003

Filed May 14, 2003For Securities:KLAC

Summary

KLA-Tencor Corporation (KLAC) reported its financial results for the quarter and nine months ended March 31, 2003. The company experienced a decline in product revenue compared to the prior year, reflecting the ongoing downturn in the semiconductor industry. However, service revenue continued to grow, demonstrating the increasing importance of its installed base. Financially, KLAC maintained a strong liquidity position with a significant increase in cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities. While overall revenue decreased, the company managed its expenses effectively, with reductions in R&D and SG&A. The company also provided forward-looking statements, acknowledging the cyclical nature of its industry and expressing cautious optimism for a modest recovery in 2003, driven by the demand for advanced process control solutions.

Key Highlights

  • 1Product revenue decreased by 22% for the three months ended March 31, 2003, compared to the same period last year, due to the semiconductor industry downturn.
  • 2Service revenue increased by 29% for the three months ended March 31, 2003, compared to the prior year, indicating growth in recurring revenue streams.
  • 3Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2003, was $27.3 million, down from $34.1 million in the prior year.
  • 4The company's cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities increased to $905 million as of March 31, 2003, up from $673 million at June 30, 2002.
  • 5Operating expenses, including R&D and SG&A, were reduced in absolute terms compared to the prior year, reflecting cost-saving measures.
  • 6KLA-Tencor maintained a strong backlog of unshipped system orders of approximately $473 million as of March 31, 2003.
  • 7The company continues to invest in R&D to address technological shifts in the semiconductor industry, such as shrinking device feature sizes and the transition to 300mm fabs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of KLA-Tencor's revenue performance is the semiconductor industry's cyclical nature. The company experienced a significant decline in product revenue due to a general downturn in semiconductor demand, which reduced capital spending by its customers. However, service revenue saw an increase, driven by a growing installed base of equipment.

KLA-Tencor is actively managing its expenses through cost-saving measures. The company has reduced absolute spending on Engineering, Research and Development (R&D) and Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) expenses compared to the prior year. These reductions are attributed to initiatives like company-mandated time-off, decreased labor and discretionary spending.

KLA-Tencor acknowledges the ongoing industry downturn but expresses cautious optimism for a modest recovery in calendar year 2003. They anticipate this recovery will translate into slightly positive growth for the semiconductor capital equipment business. Long-term growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for precise process control solutions due to shrinking device feature sizes and technological transitions.

KLA-Tencor maintains a strong liquidity position. As of March 31, 2003, its combined cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments stood at $905 million, an increase from $673 million at June 30, 2002. The company generates significant cash from operations and believes its liquid capital resources, combined with potential borrowing capabilities, are adequate to meet future business requirements.