UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(MARK ONE)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended January 28, 2001 or
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________to _________
Commission file number 0-6920
APPLIED MATERIALS, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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3050 Bowers Avenue
Santa Clara, California 95054-3299
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(408) 727-5555
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES [X] NO [ ].
Number of shares outstanding of the issuer's common stock as of January 28, 2001: 809,993,944
APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
FORM 10-Q
INDEX
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements:
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of October 29, 2000 and January 28, 2001
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1: Legal Proceedings
Item 5: Other Information
Item 6: Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements
APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended
---------------------------
(In thousands, except per January 30, January 28,
share amounts) 2000 2001
- ---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Net sales.......................... $1,722,190 $2,731,132
Cost of products sold.............. 864,869 1,398,481
------------ ------------
Gross margin....................... 857,321 1,332,651
Operating expenses:
Research, development and
engineering................... 223,280 336,312
Marketing and selling........... 100,712 143,457
General and administrative...... 91,817 102,349
------------ ------------
Income from operations............. 441,512 750,533
Interest expense................... 12,230 12,375
Interest income.................... 37,920 59,138
------------ ------------
Income from continuing operations
before income taxes............. 467,202 797,296
Provision for income taxes......... 140,099 239,189
------------ ------------
Net income......................... $327,103 $558,107
============ ============
Earnings per share:
Basic........................... $0.41 $0.69
Diluted......................... $0.39 $0.66
Weighted average number of shares:
Basic........................... 798,096 810,437
Diluted......................... 849,010 844,893
APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS*
October 29, January 28,
(In thousands) 2000 2001
- ---------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents.................... $1,647,604 $1,648,966
Short-term investments....................... 2,580,435 2,285,036
Accounts receivable, net..................... 2,351,379 2,470,454
Inventories.................................. 1,503,751 1,709,176
Deferred income taxes........................ 549,108 545,716
Other current assets......................... 206,870 323,455
------------ ------------
Total current assets............................ 8,839,147 8,982,803
Property, plant and equipment, net.............. 1,366,782 1,441,028
Other assets.................................... 339,801 349,188
------------ ------------
Total assets....................................$10,545,730 $10,773,019
============ ============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Notes payable................................ $94,676 $145,553
Current portion of long-term debt............ 11,621 10,244
Accounts payable and accrued expenses........ 2,268,608 2,018,840
Income taxes payable......................... 384,806 385,636
------------ ------------
Total current liabilities....................... 2,759,711 2,560,273
Long-term debt.................................. 573,126 569,502
Deferred income taxes and other liabilities..... 108,545 124,442
------------ ------------
Total liabilities............................... 3,441,382 3,254,217
------------ ------------
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock................................. 8,125 8,100
Additional paid-in capital................... 1,930,212 1,756,850
Retained earnings............................ 5,185,181 5,743,288
Accumulated other comprehensive
income/(loss)............................... (19,170) 10,564
------------ ------------
Total stockholders' equity...................... 7,104,348 7,518,802
------------ ------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity......$10,545,730 $10,773,019
============ ============
*
Amounts as of January 28, 2001 are unaudited. Amounts as of October 29, 2000 are audited.
See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.
APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended
--------------------------
January 30, January 28,
(In thousands) 2000 2001
- --------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income...................................... $327,103 $558,107
Adjustments required to reconcile net income to
cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization............... 87,537 91,830
Deferred income taxes....................... 6,685 847
Adjustment to conform fiscal year end
for Etec Systems, Inc..................... (708) --
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of
amounts acquired:
Accounts receivable, net............... (114,637) (181,726)
Inventories............................ (55,797) (232,872)
Other current assets................... 5,676 (73,293)
Other assets........................... (1,754) (26,569)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses.. (51,877) (158,662)
Income taxes payable................... (36,305) 670
Other liabilities...................... 10,849 17,342
------------ ------------
Cash provided by (used for) operating activities.. 176,772 (4,326)
------------ ------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures, net of retirements........ (29,870) (163,796)
Proceeds from sales of short-term investments... 330,552 712,284
Purchases of short-term investments............. (597,383) (416,885)
------------ ------------
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities.. (296,701) 131,603
------------ ------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term debt activity, net................... (6,522) 60,610
Long-term debt activity, net.................... (1,092) (813)
Common stock transactions, net.................. 101,845 (173,387)
------------ ------------
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities.. 94,231 (113,590)
------------ ------------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash........... (846) (12,325)
------------ ------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents.. (26,544) 1,362
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period... 868,121 1,647,604
------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period......... $841,577 $1,648,966
============ ============
Cash payments for interest were $599 for the three
months ended January 30, 2000 and
$662 for the three months ended January 28, 2001.
Cash payments for income taxes were
$170,096 for the three months ended January 30, 2000
and $247,204 for the three months
ended January 28, 2001.
See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.
APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
THREE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 28, 2001
1) Basis of Presentation
In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim consolidated condensed
financial statements of Applied Materials, Inc. (Applied) included herein
have been prepared on a basis consistent with the October 29, 2000 audited
consolidated financial statements and include all material adjustments,
consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to fairly present the
information set forth therein. These unaudited interim consolidated
condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
October 29, 2000 audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto
included in Applied's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2000.
Applied's results of operations for the three months ended January 28, 2001
are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
All historical financial information presented herein has been restated to reflect the acquisition of Etec Systems, Inc. (Etec), which was completed on March 29, 2000 and was accounted for on the pooling-of-interests basis of accounting.
2) Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share has been determined using the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per
share has been determined using the weighted average number of common shares
and equivalents (representing the dilutive effect of stock options)
outstanding during the period. Applied's net income has not been adjusted
for any period presented for purposes of computing basic or diluted earnings
per share.
For purposes of computing diluted earnings per share, weighted average common share equivalents do not include stock options with an exercise price that exceeded the average fair market value of Applied's common stock for the period. For the three months ended January 28, 2001, options to purchase approximately 9,613,000 shares of common stock at an average exercise price of $68.74 were excluded from the computation.
3) Accounts Receivable, Net
Applied has agreements with various financial institutions to sell accounts
receivable from selected customers. During the three months ended January
30, 2000 and January 28, 2001, Applied sold $354 million and $460 million,
respectively, of accounts receivable under these agreements. Discounting
fees were not material for the three months ended January 30, 2000 or
January 28, 2001, and were recorded as interest expense. At January 28,
2001, $463 million of sold receivables remained outstanding under these
agreements. A portion of these sold receivables is subject to certain
recourse provisions. Applied has not experienced any losses under these
recourse provisions, and receivables sold under these provisions have terms
and credit risk characteristics similar to Applied's overall receivables
portfolio.
4) Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on a
first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis. Components of inventories were as follows (in
thousands):
October 29, January 28,
2000 2001
------------ ------------
Customer service spares............ $443,595 $515,352
Raw materials...................... 384,840 434,565
Work-in-process.................... 413,228 341,567
Finished goods..................... 262,088 417,692
------------ ------------
$1,503,751 $1,709,176
============ ============
5) Derivative Financial Instruments
Applied adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 (SFAS
133), "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," as
amended by SFAS 137 and SFAS 138, in the first fiscal quarter of 2001. SFAS
133 establishes new standards of accounting and reporting for derivative
instruments and hedging activities, and requires that all derivatives,
including foreign currency exchange contracts, be recognized on the balance
sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not
qualify for hedge treatment, as well as the ineffective portion of any
hedges, must be recognized currently in earnings. All of Applied's
derivative financial instruments are recorded at their fair value in other
current assets or accounts payable and accrued expenses. The transition
adjustment upon adoption of SFAS 133 was not material.
Applied conducts business in a number of foreign countries, with certain transactions denominated in local currencies, primarily Japanese yen and the British pound. The purpose of Applied's foreign currency management is to manage the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on certain foreign denominated revenues, costs and eventual cash flows. The terms of currency instruments used for hedging purposes are generally consistent with the timing of the transactions being hedged. Applied does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
Applied uses derivative financial instruments such as forward exchange contracts and currency option contracts to hedge certain forecasted foreign currency denominated transactions expected to occur within the next 12 months. In accordance with SFAS 133, these hedges related to anticipated transactions are designated and documented at the inception of the hedge as cash flow hedges, and are evaluated for effectiveness quarterly. The effective portion of the gain or loss on these hedges is reported as a component of other comprehensive income in stockholders' equity, and is reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. All amounts included in other comprehensive income at January 28, 2001 will be reclassified to earnings within 12 months. Changes in the fair value of currency option contracts due to changes in time value are excluded from the assessment of effectiveness, and are recognized in cost of products sold. For the three months ended January 28, 2001, the change in option time value was not material. If the underlying transaction being hedged fails to occur, or occurs prior to the maturity of the financial instrument, or if a portion of any derivative is ineffective, Applied immediately recognizes the gain or loss on the associated financial instrument in general and administrative expenses. Applied did not record any gains or losses due to hedge ineffectiveness, or due to the underlying transaction failing to occur, for the first fiscal quarter of 2001.
Forward exchange contracts are used to hedge certain foreign currency denominated assets or liabilities. These derivatives do not qualify for SFAS 133 hedge accounting treatment. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of these hedges are recorded immediately in earnings to offset the changes in the fair value of the assets or liabilities being hedged.
For the first fiscal quarter of 2001, the transition adjustment was not material. Unrealized gain on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges totaled $42 million, comprised of $46 million of net increase in fair value of derivatives, offset by $4 million in net gains reclassified from other comprehensive income to earnings.
6) Stockholders' Equity
Comprehensive Income
Components of comprehensive income, on an after-tax basis where applicable,
were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
---------------------------
January 30, January 28,
2000 2001
------------ ------------
Net income......................... $327,103 $558,107
Change in unrealized gain on
derivative instruments designated
and qualifying as cash flow
hedges........................... -- 42,391
Foreign currency translation
adjustments...................... 1,639 (12,657)
------------ ------------
Comprehensive income............... $328,742 $587,841
============ ============
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), on an after-tax basis where applicable, were as follows (in thousands):
October 29, January 28,
2000 2001
------------ ------------
Unrealized gain on derivative
instruments designated and
qualifying as cash flow hedges..... $ -- $42,391
Cumulative translation adjustments... (19,170) (31,827)
------------ ------------
Accumulated other comprehensive
income/(loss)...................... ($19,170) $10,564
============ ============
Stock Repurchase Program
Since March 1996, Applied has systematically repurchased shares of its
common stock in the open market to partially fund its stock-based employee
benefit and incentive plans. During the three months ended January 30, 2000,
Applied repurchased 304,000 shares of its common stock at an average price
of $62.50, for a total cash outlay of $19 million. During the three months
ended January 28, 2001, Applied repurchased 5,575,000 shares at an average
price of $40.61, for a total cash outlay of $226 million.
7) Business Combination
On March 29, 2000, Applied acquired Etec, a supplier of mask pattern
generating equipment for the semiconductor and electronics industries, in a
stock-for-stock merger. This transaction was accounted for as a pooling-of-interests;
therefore, all prior period amounts have been restated. Applied
issued approximately 29 million shares of its common stock to complete this
transaction, and recorded $40 million of transaction costs as a one-time
operating expense.
Prior to the merger, Etec's fiscal year end (July 31) was different than Applied's (last Sunday in October). Fiscal 2000 amounts included herein for Etec have been conformed to Applied's fiscal year. As a result, Etec's net loss for the three months ended October 31, 1999 was reflected as an adjustment to retained earnings in the first fiscal quarter of 2000.
Prior to the consummation of the merger, net sales for the first fiscal quarter of 2000 were $1.7 billion for Applied and $55 million for Etec. Net income for the first fiscal quarter of 2000 was $328 million for Applied and net loss for the first fiscal quarter for 2000 was $1 million for Etec.
8) Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff
Accounting Bulletin No. 101 (SAB 101), "Revenue Recognition in Financial
Statements," providing guidance on the recognition, presentation and
disclosure of revenue in financial statements. Applied is required to adopt
SAB 101 in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2001, retroactively effective to the
beginning of fiscal 2001. Management is currently evaluating the potential
effect of the implementation of SAB 101 on Applied's financial condition and
results of operations. Because Applied has complied with generally accepted
accounting principles for historical revenue recognition, any change in
revenue recognition resulting from SAB 101 will be reported as a change in
accounting principle in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2001. While SAB 101
would not affect the fundamental aspects of Applied's operations as measured
by shipments and cash flows, the implementation of SAB 101 could result in
changes to the timing of Applied's revenue recognition practices, and
therefore could have a material and adverse effect on Applied's financial
condition and results of operations in the period of implementation.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Certain information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is forward-looking in nature. All statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or made by management of Applied Materials, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Applied), other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements regarding Applied's future financial results, operating results, business strategies, projected costs, products, competitive positions and plans and objectives of management for future operations. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "should, " "would," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," "continue," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Any expectations based on these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and other important factors, including those discussed in the section below entitled "Trends, Risks and Uncertainties" and in Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q. Other risks and uncertainties are disclosed in Applied's prior SEC filings, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2000. These and many other factors could affect Applied's future financial and operating results, and could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations based on forward-looking statements made in this document or elsewhere by Applied or on its behalf.
All historical financial information presented herein has been restated to reflect the acquisition of Etec Systems, Inc. (Etec), which was completed on March 29, 2000 and was accounted for on the pooling-of-interests basis of accounting.
Results of Operations
Applied is a supplier of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and services to the global semiconductor industry. Business activity in the semiconductor and semiconductor manufacturing equipment industries has been cyclical; for this and other reasons, Applied's results of operations for the three months ended January 28, 2001 may not necessarily be indicative of future operating results.
During fiscal 2000, strong demand for Applied's products was driven by semiconductor manufacturers' needs for additional capacity and new technology to meet strong consumer demand for Internet, communications and digital devices. In addition, the semiconductor industry is transitioning to smaller device sizes, new materials, such as copper, and 300mm wafer processing, all of which require new manufacturing equipment and technology solutions. As a result of the industry expansion, Applied achieved record levels of new orders, net sales and net income each quarter during fiscal 2000.
During the first fiscal quarter of 2001, slowing worldwide demand for semiconductors resulted in a rapid decline in demand for manufacturing equipment. Inventory buildups in telecommunication products, slower than expected personal computer sales and slower global economic growth caused semiconductor companies to reevaluate their capital spending plans. A number of Applied's customers revised the timing of their capital spending and rescheduled or canceled existing backlog, resulting in the postponement of equipment delivery and a decline in new orders and net sales from the record levels of the fourth fiscal quarter of 2000.
Applied received new orders of $2.4 billion for the first fiscal quarter of 2001 compared to $3.6 billion for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2000 and $2.5 billion for the first fiscal quarter of 2000. The decrease in new orders was due primarily to the industry cycles discussed above. New orders by region were as follows (dollars in millions):
Three Months Ended
-----------------------------------
October 29, 2000 January 28, 2001
---------------- ----------------
($) (%) ($) (%)
------- ------- ------- -------
North America*..................... 1,038 29 713 29
Taiwan............................. 507 14 483 20
Japan.............................. 761 21 452 19
Europe............................. 556 15 400 16
Korea.............................. 364 10 117 5
Asia-Pacific....................... 375 11 265 11
------- ------- ------- -------
Total............................ 3,601 100 2,430 100
======= ======= ======= =======
*
Primarily the United States.
Applied's backlog at January 28, 2001 was $3.9 billion, compared to $4.4 billion at October 29, 2000.
Net sales for the first fiscal quarter of 2001 decreased 6 percent from the fourth fiscal quarter of 2000, and increased 59 percent from the first fiscal quarter of 2000. The fluctuations in net sales were due primarily to the industry cycles discussed above. Net sales by region were as follows (dollars in millions):
Three Months Ended
------------------------------------
January 30, 2000 January 28, 2001
----------------- ----------------
($) (%) ($) (%)
-------- ------- ------- -------
North America*...... 416 24 606 22
Taiwan.............. 526 31 518 19
Japan............... 315 18 704 26
Europe.............. 262 15 410 15
Korea............... 77 5 212 8
Asia-Pacific........ 126 7 281 10
-------- ------- ------- -------
Total............. 1,722 100 2,731 100
======== ======= ======= =======
*
Primarily the United States.
Applied's gross margin was 48.8 percent for the first fiscal quarter of 2001, compared to 51.7 percent for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2000 and 49.8 percent for the first fiscal quarter of 2000. Decreases from prior periods were caused primarily by changes in Applied's business volume and cost structure.
Operating expenses were 21 percent of net sales for the three months ended January 28, 2001, compared to 24 percent for the first fiscal quarter of 2000. The decrease as a percentage of net sales was due primarily to higher net sales for the first fiscal quarter of 2001. In terms of absolute dollars, operating expenses for the three months ended January 28, 2001 were 40 percent higher than for the comparable period of fiscal 2000. Research and development spending increased primarily to support the semiconductor industry's transition to 300mm wafer processing, new materials (including copper) and smaller chip feature sizes. Marketing, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to support Applied's increased business volume.
Net interest income for the three months ended January 28, 2001 was $47 million, compared to $26 million for the comparable period of fiscal 2000. The increases can be attributed primarily to higher average cash and investment balances.
Applied's effective income tax rate for the three months ended January 28, 2001 and January 30, 2000 was 30 percent.
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Applied's financial condition at January 28, 2001 remained strong, with a ratio of current assets to current liabilities of 3.5:1, compared to 3.2:1 at October 29, 2000. Applied had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $3.9 billion at January 28, 2001.
For the three months ended January 28, 2001, cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments decreased by $294 million. Significant uses of cash were changes in working capital, particularly increases in accounts receivable and inventories and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses, capital expenditures to complete strategic infrastructure projects and repurchases of common stock. These uses of cash were partially offset by net income, excluding depreciation and amortization expense. For further details, see the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows in this Form 10-Q.
Applied utilized programs to sell accounts receivable of $460 million during the three months ended January 28, 2001. Receivable sales have the effect of increasing cash and reducing accounts receivable and days sales outstanding. For further details regarding accounts receivable sales, see Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q.
As of January 28, 2001, Applied's principal sources of liquidity consisted of $3.9 billion of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments and approximately $526 million of existing credit facilities. Applied's liquidity is affected by many factors, some of which are based on the normal ongoing operations of the business, and others of which relate to the uncertainties of global economies and the semiconductor and semiconductor equipment industries. Although Applied's cash requirements fluctuate based on the timing and extent of these factors, Applied believes that cash generated from operations, together with the liquidity provided by existing cash balances and borrowing capability, will be sufficient to satisfy liquidity requirements for the next 12 months.
Trends, Risks and Uncertainties
The industry that Applied serves is highly volatile and unpredictable.
The semiconductor industry has historically been cyclical because of sudden
changes in customer capacity requirements and demand for semiconductors, which
have affected the timing and amounts of capital equipment purchases by
customers. The health of the semiconductor manufacturing equipment industry is
affected by these industry cycles, the timing, length and severity of which
are difficult to predict. Although semiconductors are used in many different
products, the markets for those products are interrelated to various degrees.
During periods of declining demand for semiconductor manufacturing equipment,
customers may reduce purchases, delay delivery of products and/or cancel
orders. Therefore, Applied must be able to quickly and effectively align its
cost structure with prevailing market conditions, to manage its inventory
levels in order to reduce the possibility of future inventory write-downs
resulting from obsolescence, and to motivate and retain key employees. During
periods of rapid growth, Applied must be able to acquire and/or develop
sufficient manufacturing capacity and inventory to meet customer demand, and
to attract, hire, assimilate and retain a sufficient number of qualified
people. If Applied is unable to achieve its objectives in a timely manner
during these industry cycles, there could be a material adverse effect on its
financial condition and results of operations.
Applied is exposed to the risks associated with
industry overcapacity.
Inventory buildups in telecommunication products, slower than expected
personal computer sales and slower global economic growth have caused
semiconductor manufacturers to reevaluate their capital spending plans.
Continued overcapacity and slowdown could cause further delays or decreased
demand for Applied's products and materially and adversely affect Applied's
business, financial condition and results of operations.
Applied is exposed to the risks of operating a global business.
Managing Applied's global operations presents challenges that could materially
and adversely affect demand for Applied's systems and related services. These
challenges include cultural diversities, periodic regional economic downturns,
trade balance issues, political instability and fluctuations in interest and
currency exchange rates, among other risks. For example, global uncertainties
with respect to: 1) decreased rates of gross domestic product growth globally;
2) foundry capacity utilization; 3) capital spending in the telecommunications
and personal computer industries; and 4) memory price weakness may affect
Applied's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Applied is exposed to the risks associated with an apparent slowdown in the
U.S. economy.
Concerns about inflation, decreased consumer confidence, reduced corporate
profits and a slowdown in the sale of electronic goods suggest slower growth
in the U.S. economy. A slowing domestic economy may materially and adversely
affect Applied's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Applied operates in a highly competitive industry characterized by
increasingly rapid technological changes.
Applied's competitive advantage and future success depend on its ability to
successfully: 1) develop new products and technologies; 2) develop new
markets in the semiconductor industry for its products and services; 3)
introduce new products to the marketplace in a timely manner; 4) qualify new
products with its customers; and 5) commence and adjust production to meet
customer demands. The introduction of new products and technologies,
including those to support the transition to new materials, smaller
linewidths and 300mm systems, grows increasingly complex over time. If
Applied does not develop and introduce new products and technologies in a
timely manner in response to changing market conditions or customer
requirements, its financial condition and results of operations could be
materially and adversely affected.
Applied is exposed to risks associated with acquisitions.
Applied has made, and may in the future make, acquisitions of, or significant
investments in, businesses with complementary products, services and/or
technologies. Acquisitions involve numerous risks, including but not limited
to: 1) diversion of management's attention from other operational matters; 2)
lack of synergy, or the inability to realize expected synergies, resulting
from the acquisition; 3) failure to commercialize purchased technology; and 4)
acquired intangible assets becoming impaired as a result of technological
advancements or worse-than-expected performance of the acquired company.
Mergers and acquisitions are inherently risky and the inability to effectively
manage these risks could materially and adversely affect Applied's business,
financial condition and results of operations.
Applied is subject to risks of non-compliance with environmental
and safety regulations.
Applied is subject to environmental and safety regulations in connection with its
business operations, including but not limited to regulations related to the
development, manufacturing and use of its products. From time to time, Applied
receives notices alleging violations of these regulations. It is Applied's
policy to respond promptly to these notices and to take necessary corrective
action. Failure or inability to comply with existing or future environmental
and safety regulations could result in significant remediation liabilities, the
imposition of fines and/or the suspension or termination of development,
manufacturing or use of certain of its products, each of which could have a
material adverse effect on Applied's financial condition and results of
operations.
The shortage of energy supplies in California could negatively affect
Applied's operations.
California is currently experiencing prolonged energy alerts caused by the
shortage and substantially increased costs of electricity and natural gas
supplies. Although the majority of Applied's manufacturing operations are
located outside of California, Applied conducts certain research, development
and engineering and pilot manufacturing activities in California. If Applied
encounters a disruption in its energy supplies and its backup generators fail
to provide adequate power, Applied's financial condition and results of
operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Applied is exposed to various risks related to legal proceedings
or claims.
Applied currently is, and in the future may be, involved in legal proceedings
or claims regarding patent infringement, intellectual property rights,
antitrust, environmental regulations, contracts and other matters (see Part II
below). These legal proceedings and claims, whether with or without merit,
could be time-consuming and expensive to prosecute or defend, and divert
management's attention and resources. There can be no assurance regarding the
outcome of current or future legal proceedings or claims. If Applied is not
able to resolve a claim, negotiate a settlement of the matter, obtain
necessary licenses on commercially reasonable terms, and/or successfully
prosecute or defend its position, Applied's financial condition and results of
operations could be materially and adversely affected. Applied's success is
dependent in part upon the protection of its propriety rights. Infringement of
Applied's proprietary rights by a third party could result in uncompensated
lost market and revenue opportunities for Applied.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Applied purchases forward exchange and currency option contracts to hedge certain existing and anticipated foreign currency denominated transactions expected to occur during the next year. Gains and losses on these contracts are recognized in income when the related transactions being hedged are recognized. Because the effect of movements in currency exchange rates on forward exchange and currency option contracts generally offsets the related effect on the underlying items being hedged, these financial instruments are not expected to subject Applied to risks that would otherwise result from changes in currency exchange rates. Net foreign currency gains and losses were not material for the three months ended January 28, 2001.
Applied has performed an analysis to assess the potential financial effect of
reasonably possible near-term changes in interest and foreign currency
exchange rates. Based upon Applied's analysis, the effect of such rate changes
is not expected to be material to Applied's cash flows, financial condition or
results of operations.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Varian
On June 13, 1997, Applied filed a lawsuit against Varian Associates, Inc.
(Varian) captioned Applied Materials, Inc. v. Varian Associates, Inc. (case
no. C-97-20523-RMW) in the United States District Court for the Northern
District of California, alleging infringement of several of Applied's patents
concerning physical vapor deposition (PVD) technology. Varian answered the
complaint by denying all allegations, counterclaiming for declaratory judgment
of invalidity and unenforceability and alleging conduct by Applied in
violation of antitrust laws. On July 8, 1997, Varian filed a separate lawsuit
against Applied captioned Varian Associates, Inc. v. Applied Materials, Inc.
(case no. C-97-20597-PVT) in the United States District Court for the Northern
District of California, alleging a broad range of conduct in violation of
federal antitrust laws and state unfair competition and business practice
laws. In September 2000, Applied and Varian settled their disputes, and on
October 3, 2000, Applied's claims against Varian and Varian's claims and
counterclaims against Applied were dismissed with prejudice.
Novellus
On July 7, 1997, Applied amended the patent infringement suit filed on June
13, 1997 against Varian, captioned Applied Materials, Inc. v. Varian
Associates, Inc. (case no. C-97-20523-RMW) in the United States District Court
for the Northern District of California, alleging infringement of several of
Applied's patents concerning PVD technology, to include Novellus Systems, Inc.
(Novellus) as a defendant, as a result of Novellus' acquisition of Varian's
thin film systems PVD business. Applied seeks damages for past infringement, a
permanent injunction, treble damages for willful infringement, pre-judgment
interest and attorneys' fees. On June 23, 1997, Novellus filed a separate
lawsuit against Applied captioned Novellus Systems, Inc. v. Applied Materials,
Inc. (case no. C-97-20551-EAI) in the United States District Court for the
Northern District of California, alleging infringement by Applied of three PVD
technology patents that were formerly owned by Varian. Fact discovery has
closed in these actions. The court has canceled the August 2001 trial date and
no new trial date has been set. Applied believes it has meritorious claims and
defenses and intends to pursue them vigorously.
Plasma Physics
On April 17, 2000, Applied filed a lawsuit against Plasma Physics Corp. (PPC)
and Solar Physics Corp. (SPC). The lawsuit seeks a judicial declaration that
Applied's chemical vapor deposition equipment does not infringe two patents
owned by PPC and exclusively licensed to SPC and/or that those patents are
invalid or unenforceable. On July 31, 2000, PPC and SPC answered the complaint
and filed a conditional counterclaim alleging that Applied had contributed to
or induced others to infringe the two patents. PPC and SPC seek an injunction
prohibiting infringement by Applied and an award of costs, expenses and
attorneys' fees. The counterclaim is conditional because PPC and SPC have
stated that they will not sue Applied for infringement of the two patents if
the Court dismisses the lawsuit initiated by Applied for lack of subject
matter jurisdiction. The Court subsequently denied without prejudice PPC and
SPC's motion to dismiss the lawsuit for lack of subject matter jurisdiction,
but stated that PPC and SPC could renew the motion to dismiss if appropriate
after further discovery. Discovery has commenced. No trial date has been set.
U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division
In September 2000, Applied received notice from the Department of Justice,
Antitrust Division that it had begun an investigation into Applied's licensing
of technology. Although neither the extent nor the outcome of this
investigation can be determined at this time, Applied does not believe that
the outcome will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or
results of operations.
Axcelis Technologies
On January 8, 2001, Axcelis Technologies, Inc. (Axcelis), formerly a
subsidiary of Eaton Corporation, filed a lawsuit in the United States District
Court for the District of Massachusetts captioned Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
v. Applied Materials, Inc. (case no. 01-10029 DPW). The lawsuit alleges that
Applied infringes a patent concerning ion implantation owned by Axcelis. The
complaint also alleges various Massachusetts state and common law tortious
interference and unfair competition claims. Axcelis seeks a preliminary and
permanent injunction, damages, costs and attorneys' fees. Trial is set for
August 2001. Applied believes it has meritorious defenses to the action and
intends to pursue them vigorously.
Applied is subject to various other legal proceedings and claims, either asserted or
unasserted, that arise in the ordinary course of business. Although the outcome of these
claims cannot be predicted with certainty, Applied does not believe that any of these other
legal matters will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of
operations.
Item 5. Other Information
The ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the three months ended January 30, 2000 and January 28, 2001, and for each of the last five fiscal years, was as follows:
Three Months Ended
Fiscal Year ----------------------
------------------------------------------------ January 30, January 28,
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2000 2001
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
19.44x 19.01x 7.56x 14.03x 32.82x 24.12x 23.00x
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========== ==========
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
a) Exhibits: None.
b) Applied did not file any reports on Form 8-K during its first fiscal quarter of 2001.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| APPLIED MATERIALS, INC. |
March 9, 2001
| By: | /s/ Joseph R. Bronson |
|
| |
| Joseph R. Bronson | |
|
Executive Vice President,
Office of the President and Chief Financial Officer |
| By: | /s/ Nancy H. Handel |
|
| |
| Nancy H. Handel | |
|
Group Vice President,
Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller |