10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2007

LAM RESEARCH CORP Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Dec 24, 2006

Filed January 30, 2007For Securities:LRCX

Summary

Lam Research Corporation (LRCX) reported strong financial performance for the quarter ended December 24, 2006, with revenues increasing significantly both sequentially and year-over-year. The company demonstrated robust profitability, with operating margins exceeding 30% for the third consecutive quarter, driven by strong demand in the semiconductor equipment industry. Key investments in research and development continue, focused on new product growth opportunities. The company also completed a significant acquisition of Bullen Ultrasonics, Inc. assets, which is expected to strengthen its competitive position. Despite a notable increase in short-term investments and an increase in accounts receivable due to business growth, the company maintains a healthy liquidity position with substantial cash and investments, enabling continued share repurchases and investments in R&D and capital infrastructure.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue for the quarter ended December 24, 2006, increased 5% sequentially to $633.4 million and 77% year-over-year, indicating strong market demand.
  • 2Gross margin remained strong at 51.0% of revenue, meeting guidance and demonstrating effective cost management on higher volumes.
  • 3Operating income as a percentage of revenue reached 30.7%, a third consecutive quarter above this threshold, highlighting operational efficiency.
  • 4The company acquired the U.S. silicon growing and silicon fabrication assets of Bullen Ultrasonics, Inc. for $177.1 million to enhance its product offerings and competitive position.
  • 5Cash flow from operations was robust at $378.7 million for the six months ended December 24, 2006, indicating strong cash generation capabilities.
  • 6Lam Research continued its share repurchase program, buying back approximately 1.4 million shares for $75.0 million during the six-month period.
  • 7Deferred revenue increased to $284.4 million, signaling future revenue potential from existing orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

The acquisition of Bullen Ultrasonics' silicon growing and fabrication assets was completed in November 2006 for $177.1 million. This acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination and is included in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements from the acquisition date. The company recognized $55.9 million in goodwill and $64.6 million in intangible assets related to this acquisition. While the initial financial impact was not material enough to warrant pro forma disclosures, it is strategically important for enhancing the company's dielectric etch products.

Lam Research demonstrated significant year-over-year growth. Revenue for the quarter ended December 24, 2006, was $633.4 million, a 77% increase compared to $358.2 million in the same period of the prior year. Net income also saw substantial growth, reaching $167.3 million for the quarter, up from $77.8 million in the prior year's comparable quarter. Diluted earnings per share rose to $1.15 from $0.55 year-over-year.

For the March 2007 quarter, Lam Research estimates revenues to range between $635 million and $650 million. The company expects gross margin as a percentage of revenue to be approximately 50% in the March 2007 quarter. Management cautions that these are forward-looking statements and actual results could differ materially.

Lam Research maintained a strong liquidity position, with $1.6 billion in cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, and restricted cash and investments as of December 24, 2006. Cash provided by operating activities was robust, and the company actively managed its investment portfolio, including net purchases of short-term investments to reposition assets after a foreign earnings repatriation. Significant uses of cash included the Bullen acquisition, share repurchases, and debt repayment.