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Press Release

Asyst Technologies Reports Results For First Quarter Of Fiscal 2005

FREMONT, Calif., Aug. 4, 2004
– Asyst Technologies, Inc., (Nasdaq NM: ASYT), a leading provider
of integrated automation solutions that enhance semiconductor and
flat panel display manufacturing productivity, today announced consolidated
financial results for its fiscal first quarter ended
June 26, 2004.
For the quarter, Asyst reported consolidated net
sales of $140.9 million, up 8% from $130.1 million reported in the
prior sequential quarter and up 211% from $45.3 million in the same
quarter a year ago. Sales of tool and fab automation products at
ATI were $73.4 million, up 44% from $51.1 million reported in the
prior sequential quarter. Sales of automated material handling systems
(AMHS) at Asyst Shinko, Inc. (ASI), the company’s 51%-owned
joint venture company, were $67.5 million, which compares with $79.0
million in the prior quarter. The sequential quarterly decline in
sales at ASI is attributable primarily to the one-quarter delay
of expected revenue on a new flat panel display (FPD) automation
project, which the company now expects to recognize in the fiscal
second quarter.
GAAP net loss for the fiscal first quarter was
$0.9 million or $0.02 per share, which compares with a GAAP net
loss of $7.7 million, or $0.16 per share, in the prior sequential
quarter. The company reported pro forma net income for the fiscal
first quarter of $2.1 million, or $0.04 per share. The company believes
that its pro forma presentation provides useful supplemental information
for analyzing the business because it removes the effects of restructuring
and non-cash items such as stock-based compensation, amortization
of intangibles and the related tax impacts and other items detailed
in a table included as part of this release. The table provides
a reconciliation of operating results under GAAP to pro forma operating
results.
For the quarter, consolidated gross margin was
23.3%, which compares with 20.1% in the prior sequential quarter.
Gross margin at ATI was 35.7%, up from 32.1% in the prior quarter.
Gross margin at ASI was 9.9%, down from 12.3% in the prior quarter
primarily because of the previously discussed delay in expected
revenue.
Total net bookings in the quarter were $108.1 million,
compared with $148.7 million in the prior quarter and $44.5 million
in the same quarter a year ago. However, subsequent to the end of
the fiscal first quarter, ASI won a large FPD project resulting
in approximately $120 million of new bookings for the fiscal second
quarter. Because of the size of AMHS projects, bookings at ASI can
vary greatly from quarter-to-quarter. ASI bookings of $44.6 million
in the fiscal first quarter compare with $70.6 million in the prior
quarter. This reflects essentially flat semiconductor-related bookings
at ASI of $42.8 million versus $43.7 million in the prior quarter,
combined with only $1.8 million of FPD bookings at ASI for the quarter,
versus $26.8 million of FPD bookings in the prior quarter.
Fiscal first quarter bookings at ATI of $63.5 million
compare with $78.1 million in the prior quarter. This reflects a
32% decline in ATI’s 200mm bookings consistent with what the
company believes is a slowdown in 200mm capacity expansion by customers.
This was partially offset by a 16% increase in 300mm bookings, which
is consistent with continued 300mm capacity expansion.
“We are pleased with our performance at ATI,
which reflects our ability again to ramp production significantly
while at the same time achieving improvement in gross margin and
other operating metrics,” said Steve Schwartz, chairman and
CEO of Asyst. “At ASI, we continue to enjoy a robust flow
of new projects in both semiconductor and flat panel, which we believe
reflects our continued market leadership in 300mm AMHS and our new
status as a major AMHS supplier to the flat panel display industry.
We are working with ASI to implement business controls, processes
and systems that we believe will help to improve both profitability
and predictability at ASI. We have walked away from AMHS opportunities
that don’t meet our profitability threshold and have significantly
improved the profitability of several AMHS projects through better
management of scope and pricing. We believe that improved management
of pricing and scope will bear fruit beginning in the fiscal second
quarter in the form of improved gross margin performance at ASI,
with the opportunity to rapidly improve blended semiconductor and
FPD gross margin percentage into the mid- to high-teens over the
next three to four quarters. We continue to believe that we have
the opportunity to gain up to ten points of additional margin through
cost reduction at ASI, and believe that we will begin to see a benefit
from these efforts by the start of our next fiscal year.
“At ATI, our gross margin objective during
an upturn is at least 40%. However, in the near term our objective
will be to maintain gross margins in the low- to-mid-30 percent
range as our continued cost reduction is offset by a mix shift from
higher margin 200mm SMIF products, which are sold directly to fabs,
to lower margin 300mm products, which are sold primarily through
OEMs. We have designed our flagship 300mm IsoPort™ and Spartan™
product lines for low cost, but anticipate that it will take three
to four quarters for gross margins on these products to approach
those of our market-leading 200mm product set. If the mix of 200mm
bounces back in future quarters, this will provide an immediate
boost to our margins.
“We also have begun to execute the previously
discussed restructuring activities that will bring ATI into alignment
with our operating model. In the fiscal second quarter, we have
initiated a workforce reduction that will trim global headcount
by approximately 10% at ATI. We anticipate approximately $1.0 million
of quarterly savings from this action beginning in the December
quarter and expect to take a restructuring charge in the fiscal
second quarter of $1-$2 million for related costs. With our outsourcing
transition now essentially complete, we are evaluating potential
facility consolidation that could result in additional quarterly
savings as well as restructuring charges upon execution.”
Highlights
- In July the company announced that ASI has been
selected to install the AMHS for a large new Generation 6 FPD
factory in Taiwan. The AMHS project is valued at more than $120
million and is the company’s largest AMHS project to date.
Installation is expected to begin during the company’s fiscal
second quarter.
- In June the company announced that it has been
selected by Toshiba Corporation to install Asyst’s Performance
Automation Architecture™ at Toshiba’s new 300mm facility
in Oita, Japan. The suite of products and services includes Asyst’s
market-leading AMHS, IsoPort™ loadports, Advantag™
radio-frequency identification systems, and automation optimization
consulting and services. As part of its total solution, Asyst
will assume responsibility for automation performance and interoperability
between the AMHS and all loadports, including the loadports of
other vendors. The company believes this is a first in the industry.
- Among the company’s other AMHS bookings
during the first fiscal quarter were an expansion project for
a 300mm customer in Japan, continued expansion of two different
300mm fabs for the company’s largest customer in Taiwan,
expansion for a large 300mm DRAM customer in Taiwan, and a large
new 300mm project elsewhere in the world.
- AMHS sales during the quarter were generated
across 23 different projects at 13 different customers.
- The company achieved nine OEM design-in wins
during the fiscal first quarter. In addition, the company’s
IsoPort™ 300mm loadport and AdvanTag™ RFID products
were selected for a large new 300mm facility in Japan. The company’s
market-leading RFID products were qualified for an additional
300mm semiconductor fab in Japan and for a reticle management
application elsewhere in the world.
- At Semicon West in July, the company introduced
its new EIB (Equipment Information Bridge) software technology
platform, which provides real-time access to active streams of
distributed equipment information. Asyst believes EIB is the first
fully functional solution complying with the new Interface A and
Equipment Data Acquisition (EDA) industry standards. The company
also introduced NexEDA™, the first integrated software equipment
connectivity product that fully complies with the latest 300mm
and Electronic Data Acquisition (EDA) requirements.
- In June Asyst announced that it is extending
its industry-leading service capabilities in Asia through the
establishment of a new repair center in Singapore.
Outlook
For the fiscal second quarter ending Sept. 25,
2004, the company expects to report pro forma net income for the
quarter of $0.02 to $0.04 per share. The following table is based
on current expectations of approximate future results under GAAP.
This outlook is forward-looking, and actual results may differ materially.
Values are in millions except per share amounts.
ATI ASI Consolidated
-------------------------------------
Net sales $60 - $65 $85 - $90 $145 - $155
Gross margin 33% - 34% 13% - 14% 21% - 22%
R&D & SG&A expense $20 - $21 $6-$7 $26-$28
Amortization of intangibles $1 $4 $5
Restructuring charges $1 - $2 -- $1 - $2
Net loss $(3) - $(2)
Net loss per share $(0.06) - $(0.04)
Share count 47.2
Following is reconciliation of guidance under GAAP
to pro forma guidance. This outlook is forward-looking, and actual
results may differ materially. Values are in millions except per
share amounts:
Consolidated Anticipated Consolidated
Guidance Pro Forma Pro Forma
Under GAAP Adjustments Guidance
------------ ------------ --------------
Net sales $145 - $155 -- $145 - $155
Gross margin 21% - 22% -- 21% - 22%
R&D & SG&A expense $26-$28 $(0.5) $26-$28
Amortization of intangibles $5 $(5) --
Restructuring charges $1 - $2 $(1) - $(2) --
Net income (loss) $(3) - $(2) $3.5 - $4.5 $1 - $2
Net income per share $0.02 - $0.04
Share count 47.2 1.4 48.6
About our Pro Forma Net Income and Adjustments
To supplement our consolidated financial results
prepared under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"),
we use a pro forma measure of net income that is GAAP net income
adjusted to exclude certain costs, expenses and gains. Our pro forma
net income gives an indication of our baseline performance before
gains, losses or other charges that are considered by management
to be outside of our core operating results. In addition, pro forma
net income is among the primary indicators management uses as a
basis for planning and forecasting future periods. These measures
are not in accordance with, or an alternative for, GAAP and may
be materially different from pro forma measures used by other companies.
We compute pro forma net income by adjusting GAAP net income with
the impact of amortization of acquisition-related intangibles and
other non-cash charges and gains. The presentation of this additional
information should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute
for net income prepared in accordance with GAAP.
About Asyst
Asyst Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider
of integrated automation solutions that enable semiconductor and
flat panel display (FPD) manufacturers to increase their manufacturing
productivity and protect their investment in materials during the
manufacturing process. Encompassing isolation systems, work-in-process
materials management, substrate-handling robotics, automated transport
and loading systems, and connectivity automation software, Asyst’s
modular, interoperable solutions allow chip and FPD manufacturers,
as well as original equipment manufacturers, to select and employ
the value-assured, hands-off manufacturing capabilities that best
suit their needs. Asyst’s homepage is http://www.asyst.com
Conference Call Details
A live webcast of the conference call to discuss
the quarter’s financial results will take place today at 5:00
p.m. Eastern Time. The webcast will be publicly available on Asyst’s
website at http://www.asyst.com and accessible by going to the investor
relations page and clicking on the “webcast” link. For
more information, including this press release, any non-GAAP financial
measures that may be discussed on the webcast as well as the most
directly comparable GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation
of the difference between those GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures,
as well as any other material financial and other statistical information
contained in the webcast, please visit Asyst’s website at
www.asyst.com. A replay of the Webcast may be accessed via the same
procedure. In addition, a standard telephone instant replay of the
conference call is available by dialing (303) 590-3000, followed
by the passcode 577779#. The audio instant replay is available from
Aug. 4 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time through Aug. 18 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern
Time.
“Safe Harbor” Statement under
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Except for statements of historical fact, the statements
in this press release are forward-looking. Such statements are subject
to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results
to differ materially from the statements made. These factors include,
but are not limited to: the ability to achieve forecasted revenues
and to maintain and improve gross margins through outsourced manufacturing,
reduced costs, improved product mix and pricing, and improved supply
chain management, to reduce operating expenses, and to manage cash
flows (and the timing and degree of any such improvements in gross
margins, reductions in operating expenses and management of cash
flows), to respond to customer product and delivery demand shifts
and market opportunities, including the transition of the industry
from 200mm wafers to 300mm wafers and the timing and scope of decisions
by manufacturers to transition and expand fabrication facilities,
to reduce the company’s dependence on a few significant customers,
the risks associated with the acceptance of new products and product
capabilities, and customer delay, reduction or cancellation of planned
projects, bookings, or opportunities (and thus the delay, reduction
or cancellation in our anticipated bookings or revenue), volatility
and competition in the semiconductor equipment industry and specifically
in AMHS, the company’s failure to integrate in an efficient
and timely manner acquired companies and to complete planned restructuring
and outsourcing programs, and to retain and attract key employees,
and other factors more fully detailed in the company’s annual
report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 27, 2004, and quarterly
reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Asyst” is a registered trademark
and “Spartan,” “IsoPort,” “AdvanTag,”“EIB”
and “NexEDA” are trademarks of Asyst Technologies, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
ASYST TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited; in thousands)
June 26, March 27,
2004 2004
------------- -------------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term
investments $ 122,577 $ 117,860
Restricted cash and cash equivalents - 1,904
Accounts receivable, net 175,271 147,939
Inventories 51,703 27,694
Prepaid expenses and other 18,442 14,276
------------- -------------
Total current assets 367,993 309,673
------------- -------------
LONG-TERM ASSETS:
Property and equipment, net 21,485 22,868
Intangible assets, net and goodwill 130,291 137,751
Other assets 3,401 3,317
------------- -------------
Total long-term assets 155,177 163,936
------------- -------------
Total assets $ 523,170 $ 473,609
============= =============
LIABILITIES, MINORITY INTEREST AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities
and other $ 210,930 $ 158,481
Short-term loans and notes payable 17,002 18,161
Current portion of long-term debt and
capital leases 2,708 2,775
Deferred revenue 5,320 2,683
------------- -------------
Total current liabilities 235,960 182,100
------------- -------------
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Convertible notes 86,250 86,250
Long-term debt and capital leases, net
of current portion 4,132 4,824
Deferred tax and other long-term
liabilities 30,648 33,530
------------- -------------
Total long-term liabilities 121,030 124,604
------------- -------------
MINORITY INTEREST 62,523 63,796
------------- -------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: 103,657 103,109
------------- -------------
Total liabilities, minority interest and
shareholders' equity $ 523,170 $ 473,609
============= =============
ASYST TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended
------------------------------
June 26, March 27, June 28,
2004 2004 2003
---------- --------- ---------
NET SALES $140,937 130,137 $ 45,268
COST OF SALES 108,043 103,978 40,824
---------- --------- ---------
Gross profit 32,894 26,159 4,444
---------- --------- ---------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Research and development 9,679 9,157 9,624
Selling, general and administrative 18,976 19,267 17,605
Amortization of acquired intangible
assets 5,052 5,326 4,785
Restructuring and other charges/
(credits) 219 (12) 4,363
Asset impairment charges - - 6,853
---------- --------- ---------
Total operating expenses 33,926 33,738 43,230
---------- --------- ---------
Operating loss (1,032) (7,579) (38,786)
Other expense, net (556) (2,042) (925)
---------- --------- ---------
Loss before benefit from income
taxes and minority interest (1,588) (9,621) (39,711)
INCOME TAXES 349 1,648 1,380
MINORITY INTEREST 305 272 955
---------- --------- ---------
NET LOSS $ (934) $ (7,701) $(37,376)
========== ========= =========
---------- --------- ---------
BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER SHARE $ (0.02) $ (0.16) $ (0.97)
========== ========= =========
SHARES USED IN THE PER SHARE CALCULATION 47,179 47,020 38,475
========== ========= =========
ASYST TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF PRO FORMA RESULTS TO RESULTS UNDER GAAP
(Unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended
June 26, 2004
-----------------------------------
Results Pro Forma Pro Forma
under GAAP Adjustments Results
--------- --------- ------------
SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
NET SALES $140,937 $ - $140,937
COST OF SALES 108,043 - 108,043
--------- --------- ------------
Gross profit 32,894 - 32,894
--------- --------- ------------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Research and development 9,679 - 9,679
Selling, general and
administrative 18,976 (540)(1) 18,436
Amortization of acquired
intangible assets 5,052 (5,052) -
Restructuring charges 219 (219)(2) -
--------- --------- ------------
Total operating expenses 33,926 (5,811) 28,115
--------- --------- ------------
Operating loss (1,032) 5,811 4,779
Other expense, net (556) - (556)
--------- --------- ------------
Income (loss) before provision
for income taxes and minority
interest (1,588) 5,811 4,223
BENEFIT FROM (PROVISION) FOR INCOME
TAXES 349 (1,686)(3) (1,337)
MINORITY INTEREST 305 (1,141)(4) (836)
--------- --------- ------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) $ (934) $ 2,984 $ 2,050
========= ========= ============
Basic and diluted net income
(loss) per share $ (0.02) $ 0.06 $ 0.04
Basic and diluted net income
(loss) per share (0.02) 0.06 0.04
Shares used in the per share
calculation - basic 47,179 47,179 47,179
Shares used in the per share
calculation - diluted 47,179 48,632 48,632
(1) Stock-based compensation expense.
(2) Restructuring charges at Asyst Japan, Inc.
(3) Income tax adjustment based on a 42% statutory rate on the
amortization of intangibles attributable to ASI.
(4) Reflects 49% of the net pro forma adjustments to the net income at
ASI.
ASYST TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(Unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended
June 26, 2004
-----------------------------------
Consolidated
ATI ASI Under GAAP
--------- --------- ------------
SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
NET SALES $ 73,441 $67,496 $140,937
COST OF SALES 49,010 59,033 108,043
--------- --------- ------------
Gross profit 26,281 6,613 32,894
--------- --------- ------------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Research and development 8,161 1,518 9,679
Selling, general and
administrative 14,488 4,488 18,976
Amortization of acquired
intangible assets 1,038 4,014 5,052
Restructuring and other charges 219 - 219
--------- --------- ------------
Total operating expenses 23,906 10,020 33,926
--------- --------- ------------
Operating loss 2,375 (3,407) (1,032)
Other income (expense), net (810) 254 (556)
--------- --------- ------------
Income (loss) before
(provision for) benefit from
income taxes and minority
interest 1,565 (3,153) (1,588)
(PROVISION FOR) BENEFIT FROM INCOME
TAXES (249) 598 349
MINORITY INTEREST - 305 305
--------- --------- ------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 1,316 $(2,250) $ (934)
========= ========= ============
Basic net income (loss) per share $ 0.03 $ (0.05) $ (0.02)
Diluted net income (loss) per
share 0.03 (0.05) (0.02)
Shares used in the per share
calculation - basic 47,179 47,179 47,179
Shares used in the per share
calculation - diluted 48,632 47,179 47,179
CONTACT:
Investor Contact
John Swenson
Asyst Technologies, Inc.
(510) 661-5000
(510) 661-5166 (fax)
jswenson@asyst.com
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