10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2007

KLA CORP Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Dec 31, 2006

Filed February 9, 2007For Securities:KLAC

Summary

KLA Corporation's (KLAC) 10-Q filing for the period ending December 30, 2006, is heavily dominated by the fallout from a stock option backdating investigation. The company has restated its financial statements due to improperly accounted for stock options, primarily granted between 1997 and 2002. This has led to significant additional pre-tax, non-cash, stock-based compensation expenses and has triggered investigations by the SEC and USAO, as well as shareholder litigation. The company has also faced challenges with Nasdaq listing requirements due to late filings, though it has since returned to compliance. Financially, the company demonstrated revenue growth, with total revenues reaching $649 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2007, up from $488 million in the prior year's comparable period. Gross margin was reported at 54% for the quarter. Despite the significant overhang from the stock option issue, the company reported positive cash flow from operations of $257 million for the first six months of fiscal 2007, though investing activities showed a significant outflow of $502 million, largely due to the acquisition of ADE Corporation.

Key Highlights

  • 1KLA Corp. is restating past financial statements due to stock option backdating discovered during an internal investigation. This has resulted in significant additional stock-based compensation expenses ($348 million under APB 25 and $28 million under SFAS 123(R)).
  • 2The company is subject to formal investigations by the SEC and USAO regarding its historical stock option practices, leading to potential civil and criminal actions and significant legal expenses.
  • 3KLA Corp. faced Nasdaq delisting proceedings due to late filings but has since returned to compliance after filing its delinquent reports.
  • 4Shareholder derivative and class action lawsuits have been filed against the company and its current/former directors and officers concerning stock option practices and related financial reporting.
  • 5Total revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 2007 increased to $649 million, a significant rise from $488 million in the same period of fiscal 2006.
  • 6Gross margin for the second quarter of fiscal 2007 was 54%, with a decrease attributed to acquisition-related amortization, severance costs, and tax reimbursements.
  • 7The company acquired ADE Corporation for $390 million, contributing to a substantial outflow in investing activities ($502 million for the six months ended Dec 31, 2006).

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary issue is the restatement of financial statements due to the discovery of stock option backdating. This involved options where the exercise price was set at a lower market price on a date prior to the actual grant date, leading to improper accounting for stock-based compensation.

The company recorded additional pre-tax, non-cash, stock-based compensation expenses. This includes $348 million for periods under APB Opinion No. 25 and $28 million for periods under SFAS No. 123(R), totaling $376 million in additional expense.

Yes, KLA Corporation is cooperating with formal investigations by the SEC and the U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO). Additionally, the company is facing multiple shareholder derivative and class action lawsuits concerning these stock option practices.

The company reported total revenues of $649 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2007, an increase from $488 million in the same period of fiscal 2006. Product revenues grew by 35% year-over-year, and service revenues increased by 22%.

For the six months ended December 31, 2006, KLA Corp. generated $257 million in cash from operations. However, investing activities used $502 million, primarily due to the $390 million acquisition of ADE Corporation. The company's cash and marketable securities decreased from $2.326 billion to $2.143 billion during this period.