10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2002

LAM RESEARCH CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Mar 31, 2002

Filed May 15, 2002For Securities:LRCX

Summary

Lam Research Corporation (LRCX) reported its first quarter 2002 financial results, showing a significant decline in revenue and a net loss for the nine-month period ending March 31, 2002. Total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2002, was $164.1 million, a sharp decrease of 64.7% compared to the prior year period. For the nine months ended March 31, 2002, revenue was $762.9 million, down 33.9% year-over-year. The company experienced a net loss of $59.0 million for the nine-month period, contrasting with a net income of $1.569 million for the three-month period. This downturn is attributed to reduced capital spending by semiconductor manufacturers due to a global decline in semiconductor demand. The company has also undergone significant restructuring, with multiple plans announced to reduce headcount and consolidate facilities in response to the industry slowdown, resulting in substantial restructuring charges. Despite the revenue decline and net loss, the company highlighted a strengthening in its cash position, with $901.6 million in cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, and restricted cash as of March 31, 2002. Management anticipates slightly higher revenues in the next two quarters based on initial signs of increased customer investment. The company also settled a patent infringement litigation with Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc., involving a cash payment and a stock warrant. Lam Research continues to invest in research and development to maintain competitiveness in the volatile semiconductor equipment market.

Key Highlights

  • 1Significant revenue decline: Total revenue for Q1 2002 was $164.1 million, down 64.7% year-over-year, reflecting a broad industry downturn.
  • 2Net loss for the nine-month period: The company reported a net loss of $59.0 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2002.
  • 3Restructuring charges: Lam Research has implemented multiple restructuring plans, resulting in substantial charges for headcount reductions, facility consolidations, and inventory write-downs.
  • 4Strong cash reserves: Despite operational challenges, the company maintained a healthy liquidity position with $901.6 million in cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, and restricted cash as of March 31, 2002.
  • 5Positive revenue outlook for next two quarters: Management expects slightly higher revenues in the upcoming quarters due to early signs of increased customer capital investment.
  • 6Patent litigation settlement: A final settlement was reached with Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc., involving a cash payment and a stock warrant.
  • 7New revenue recognition policy (SAB 101): The company's revenue recognition policy changed to customer acceptance, potentially delaying revenue recognition by 2-7 months from shipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

The substantial decrease in revenue is primarily attributed to reduced capital spending by semiconductor manufacturers, stemming from a worldwide decline in demand for semiconductors experienced throughout calendar year 2001. This industry-wide slowdown has directly impacted the demand for Lam Research's wafer fabrication equipment.

Lam Research anticipates slightly higher revenues in the next two quarters. This outlook is based on the beginning signs of increased capital investment and manufacturing activity by their customers. However, the full-year revenue for 2002 remains dependent on customers' investment decisions throughout the remainder of the year.

Lam Research has implemented several restructuring plans aimed at reducing global headcount and consolidating facilities to align costs with anticipated lower revenues. These plans have resulted in significant restructuring charges. The company also continues to invest in research and development to remain competitive and is managing its expense levels proactively.

The settlement with Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc., resolves a long-standing patent infringement litigation. Lam Research received a non-exclusive license to the patents, paid $20 million in cash, and issued a warrant for 2 million shares of common stock. This resolution removes a significant legal overhang for the company.