10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2009

KLA CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Mar 31, 2009

Filed April 24, 2009For Securities:KLAC

Summary

KLA-Tencor Corporation (KLAC) reported a net loss of $82.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, a significant decline from the net income of $111.0 million reported in the same period of the prior year. This downturn is primarily attributed to the severe global economic downturn, which has led to a substantial contraction in customer capital spending for semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Total revenues for the quarter were $309.6 million, down 49% year-over-year, driven by a sharp decrease in product revenue. The company has implemented significant cost-reduction measures, including workforce reductions, which resulted in a $16.6 million restructuring charge during the quarter. Despite the challenging environment, KLA-Tencor maintained a strong cash position, with $664.9 million in cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2009, although this represents a decrease from the previous fiscal year-end.

Key Highlights

  • 1Significant year-over-year revenue decline: Total revenues decreased by 49% to $309.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, compared to $602.2 million in the prior year period.
  • 2Net loss reported: The company reported a net loss of $82.8 million for the quarter, a stark contrast to the net income of $111.0 million in the same period last year.
  • 3Substantial decrease in product revenue: Product revenue fell by 56% year-over-year to $207.3 million, reflecting reduced customer capital expenditures.
  • 4Increased restructuring charges: The company recorded a $16.6 million restructuring charge related to workforce reductions and other cost-saving initiatives.
  • 5Reduced operating expenses: Despite the revenue decline, total operating expenses were managed, with R&D and SG&A expenses showing decreases compared to the prior year.
  • 6Healthy cash reserves: KLA-Tencor maintained a substantial cash and cash equivalents balance of $664.9 million as of March 31, 2009, providing liquidity.
  • 7Goodwill impairment: A significant goodwill impairment charge of $272.1 million was recognized in the prior quarter (ended December 31, 2008) due to the economic downturn, impacting the balance sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason for the significant decline in financial performance is the severe global economic downturn. This has led to a sharp contraction in capital spending by KLA-Tencor's customers in the semiconductor industry, resulting in reduced orders and lower revenues.

KLA-Tencor is implementing significant cost-reduction measures. This includes workforce reductions (approximately 10% of its global workforce announced in March 2009, following a 15% reduction in November 2008) and other cost-saving initiatives to lower its operating expense run rate and align costs with the current demand environment. These actions resulted in restructuring charges during the quarter.

Despite the net loss and revenue decline, KLA-Tencor maintained a strong liquidity position. As of March 31, 2009, the company had $664.9 million in cash and cash equivalents, and $592.6 million in marketable securities, totaling $1.26 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities. The company believes its current liquidity is sufficient to meet its requirements for at least the next twelve months.

While the most significant goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges ($272.1 million and $162.8 million, respectively) were recorded in the previous quarter (ended December 31, 2008), the company continued to incur excess inventory write-downs. Additionally, restructuring charges of $16.6 million were recorded in the current quarter.