home  | feedback  | sitemap  | privacy policy  | support  | contact us
Infinite Menus, Copyright 2006, OpenCube Inc. All Rights Reserved.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





Press Release

Asyst Technologies Reports Results for Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2006


FREMONT, Calif., May 9, 2006 – 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 fourth quarter ended Mar. 31, 2006.

The company reported GAAP net income of $2.0 million, or $0.04 per share, for the fiscal fourth quarter, which compares with GAAP net income of $3.0 million, or $0.06 per share, in the prior sequential quarter.  On a non-GAAP basis, the company reported net income for the fiscal fourth quarter of $4.8 million, or $0.10 per share, compared with non-GAAP net income of $4.7 million, or $0.10 per share, in the prior sequential quarter.  Both the GAAP and non-GAAP results for the prior sequential quarter included the one-time impact of $2.2 million of additional royalty income.  A table reconciling GAAP net income to non-GAAP net income is provided as part of this release.

Consolidated net sales for the fiscal fourth quarter were $110.7 million, which compares with $106.8 million in the prior quarter.  Net sales for the fiscal fourth quarter at ATI were $46.3 million, an increase of 17% over the $39.5 million reported in the prior sequential quarter.  Net sales for the fiscal fourth quarter at Asyst Shinko, Inc. (ASI), the company’s 51%-owned joint venture in Japan, were $64.3 million, which compares with $67.3 million in the prior sequential quarter.

For the fiscal fourth quarter, consolidated gross margin was 38%, which compares with 39% in the fiscal third quarter.  Gross margin at ATI was 41%, down from 42% in the prior sequential quarter primarily as a result of product mix.  Gross margin at ASI was 37%, down from 38% in the prior sequential quarter.  Gross margin at ASI continued to reflect favorable project mix.  The company believes that, based on a normalized mix, gross margins at ASI will trend toward a range of 26-30% in the near term, which is more consistent with ASI’s historical gross margin performance.

Total net bookings for the fiscal fourth quarter increased 81% to $154 million, compared with $85 million in the prior sequential quarter.  Bookings at ATI were $55 million, up 49% from $37 million in the prior sequential quarter.  Bookings at ASI were $99 million, which is more than double the $48 million reported for the prior sequential quarter.   AMHS bookings can be volatile based on the timing of customer investment decisions.

Steve Schwartz, chairman and CEO, said, “The fourth quarter again evidenced strong execution as well as a significant rebound in bookings at both ATI and ASI.  Sales at ATI were up 17%, largely on the strength of 300mm OEM products and increased sales of the Spartan™ Sorter and EFEM, which drove solid increases in gross profit and non-GAAP operating income at ATI.  As compared to the current up-cycle in tool-related shipments that we are seeing at ATI, our strong AMHS bookings at ASI relate to customer installation requirements that are several months out.  As a result, during the fiscal fourth quarter at ASI we saw essentially flat sales and added substantially to our backlog.  In our fiscal first quarter, we see the opportunity to again achieve a book-to-bill ratio in excess of 1.0 at both ATI and ASI, which positions us well to increase sales in later quarters.”

Outlook

For the fiscal first quarter ending June 30, 2006, the company provided the following guidance:

  • Consolidated net sales are expected to be in the range of $110 to $120 million.
  • As a result of facilities consolidation, the company expects to take a charge of $2.0 to $2.5 million, resulting in a GAAP net loss of $0 to $1 million, or $(0.00) to $(0.02) per share.
  • On a non-GAAP basis, the company expects to report net income of $4 to $5 million, or $0.08 to $0.10 per share.  To reconcile net income (loss) under GAAP to non-GAAP net income, the company expects to exclude:
    • $1.6 million related to the amortization of intangibles, net of taxes and minority interest
    • $2.0 to $2.5 million of facility consolidation charges
    • $0.4 million of stock-based compensation expense
    • $0.7 million of FAS 123R stock option expense

This guidance is forward-looking, and actual results may differ materially.  The company has no obligation to update this guidance.

Contact: John Swenson
Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
Asyst Technologies, Inc.
510-661-5000

About Our Non-GAAP Operating Results and Adjustments

To supplement our consolidated financial results prepared under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), we use a non-GAAP measure of operating results that is GAAP net income (loss) adjusted to exclude certain costs, expenses and gains. Our non-GAAP net income (loss) 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, our non-GAAP net income (loss) is among the primary indicators management uses as a basis for planning and forecasting future periods. This measure is not in accordance with, or an alternative for, GAAP and may be materially different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies. We compute non-GAAP net income (loss) by adjusting GAAP net income (loss) for the impact of amortization of acquisition-related intangibles, restructuring and impairment charges, costs related to events outside the normal course of business, 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 (loss) 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, May 9, 2006, 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 11059285#.  The audio instant replay is available from May 9 at 7 p.m. Eastern Time through May 23 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 volatility of semiconductor industry cycles; our ability to achieve forecasted revenues and profits; failure to respond to rapid demand shifts; dependence on a few significant customers; the timing and scope of decisions by customers to transition and expand fabrication facilities; continued risks associated with the acceptance of new products and product capabilities; the risk that customers will delay, reduce or cancel planned projects or bookings and thus delay recognition or the amount of our anticipated revenue; competition in the semiconductor equipment industry and specifically in AMHS; failure 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 31, 2005, and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Asyst is a registered trademark and Spartan is a trademark of Asyst Technologies, Inc.  Asyst Shinko is a registered trademark of Asyst Shinko, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.


                       ASYST TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                       (Unaudited; in thousands)

                                                   March 31, March 31,
                                                     2006      2005
                                                   --------- ---------

ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
    Cash, cash equivalents and short-term
     investments                                   $109,926  $101,180
    Accounts receivable, net                        141,565   189,943
    Inventories                                      33,219    33,515
    Prepaid expenses and other                       25,904    33,971
                                                   --------- ---------
       Total current assets                         310,614   358,609
                                                   --------- ---------

LONG-TERM ASSETS:
    Property and equipment, net                      23,305    15,458
    Goodwill                                         58,840    64,014
    Intangible assets, net                           19,334    40,898
    Other assets                                      2,583     4,795
                                                   --------- ---------
       Total long-term assets                       104,062   125,165
                                                   --------- ---------

Total assets                                       $414,676  $483,774
                                                   ========= =========

LIABILITIES, MINORITY INTEREST AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
    Short-term loans and notes payable             $  1,443  $ 20,563
    Current portion of long-term debt and capital
     leases                                           1,368     2,757
    Accounts payable                                 88,785   123,155
    Accrued liabilities                              62,918    70,439
    Deferred revenue                                  5,109     6,013
                                                   --------- ---------

       Total current liabilities                    159,623   222,927
                                                   --------- ---------

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
    Convertible notes                                86,250    86,250
    Long-term debt and capital leases, net of
     current portion                                    918     2,500
    Deferred tax and other long-term liabilities     14,093    18,319
                                                   --------- ---------

       Total long-term liabilities                  101,261   107,069
                                                   --------- ---------

MINORITY INTEREST                                    66,333    63,855
                                                   --------- ---------

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:                                87,459    89,923
                                                   --------- ---------

Total liabilities, minority interest and
 shareholders' equity                              $414,676  $483,774
                                                   ========= =========


                       ASYST TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
            CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
           (Unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)


                               Three Months Ended  Fiscal Year Ended
                              -------------------- -------------------
                               March 31, March 31, March 31, March 31,
                                 2006      2005      2006      2005
                               ---------------------------------------

NET SALES                      $110,689  $143,573  $459,559  $612,987
COST OF SALES                    68,241   106,828   297,905   490,730
                               --------- --------- --------- ---------
  Gross profit                   42,448    36,745   161,654   122,257
                               --------- --------- --------- ---------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
  Research and development        7,356     7,510    27,817    34,747
  Selling, general and
   administrative                21,758    21,427    84,208    78,247
  Amortization of acquired
   intangible assets              3,464     5,258    16,590    20,436
  Restructuring credits              (1)      107       (46)    1,810
  Impairment charges                  -         -         -     4,645
                               --------- --------- --------- ---------
    Total operating expenses     32,577    34,302   128,569   139,885
                               --------- --------- --------- ---------

    Operating income (loss)       9,871     2,443    33,085   (17,628)

Other income (expense), net          14       335       953      (729)
                               --------- --------- --------- ---------

    Income (loss) before
     benefit from (provision
     for) income taxes and
     minority interest            9,885     2,778    34,038   (18,357)
BENEFIT FROM (PROVISION FOR)
 INCOME TAXES                    (3,570)     (633)  (19,761)    1,916
MINORITY INTEREST                (4,294)   (3,926)  (14,409)   (1,101)
                               --------- --------- --------- ---------
NET INCOME (LOSS)                $2,021   $(1,781)    $(132) $(17,542)
                               ========= ========= ========= =========

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER BASIC
 SHARE                            $0.04    $(0.04)   $(0.00)   $(0.37)
                               ========= ========= ========= =========
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER DILUTED
 SHARE                            $0.04    $(0.04)   $(0.00)   $(0.37)
                               ========= ========= ========= =========

WEIGHTED SHARES USED IN THE
 PER SHARE CALCULATION -
 BASIC                           48,207    47,678    47,933    47,441
                               ========= ========= ========= =========
WEIGHTED SHARES USED IN THE PER
 SHARE CALCULATION -  DILUTED    50,174    47,678    47,933    47,441
                               ========= ========= ========= =========


                       ASYST TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
     RECONCILIATION OF GAAP NET LOSS TO NON-GAAP NET INCOME (LOSS)
           (Unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)

                                             Three Months Ended
                                        ------------------------------
                                         March     December    March
                                          31,         31,       31,
                                         2006        2005      2005
                                        --------   --------   --------

GAAP net income (loss)                   $2,021     $2,979    $(1,781)
Adjustments:
  Stock based compensation expense          670        271        566
  Amortization of intangible assets       3,464      3,494      5,258
  Restructuring and impairment charges
   (credits)                                179       (138)        55
  Corporate facility relocation
   expense                                  340          -          -
  Release of deferred tax valuation
   allowance                                  -          -     (2,161)
  Income tax benefit relating to
   amortization of intangible assets
   (1)                                   (1,068)(1) (1,079)    (2,508)
  Minority interest relating to the
   ASI adjustments above (2)               (793)(2)   (801)      (839)
                                        --------   --------   --------
     Total adjustments                    2,792      1,747        371
                                        --------   --------   --------
Non-GAAP net income (loss)               $4,813     $4,726    $(1,410)
                                        ========   ========   ========

Non-GAAP net income (loss) per basic
 share                                    $0.10      $0.10     $(0.03)
                                        ========   ========   ========
Non-GAAP net income (loss) per diluted
 share                                    $0.10      $0.10     $(0.03)
                                        ========   ========   ========
Weighted shares used in the per share
 calculation - basic                     48,207     48,019     47,678
                                        ========   ========   ========
Weighted shares used in the per share
 calculation - diluted                   50,174     48,789     47,678
                                        ========   ========   ========

(1) Income tax adjustment relating to the amortization of intangibles
    attributable to ASI.

(2) Reflects 49% minority interest adjustment relating to the net
    adjustments at ASI.


                       ASYST TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
                  SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
           (Unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)

                                             Three Months Ended
                                               March 31, 2006
                                        ------------------------------
                                          ATI      ASI    Consolidated
                                                           Under GAAP
                                        -------- -------- ------------

SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
NET SALES                               $46,341  $64,348     $110,689
COST OF SALES                            27,506   40,735       68,241
                                        -------- -------- ------------
  Gross profit                           18,835   23,613       42,448
                                        -------- -------- ------------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
  Research and development                5,729    1,627        7,356
  Selling, general and administrative    14,227    7,531       21,758
  Amortization of acquired intangible
   assets                                   778    2,686        3,464
  Restructuring credits                      (1)       -           (1)
                                        -------- -------- ------------
     Total operating expenses            20,733   11,844       32,577
                                        -------- -------- ------------
     Operating income (loss)             (1,898)  11,769        9,871

Other income (expense), net                (288)     302           14
                                        -------- -------- ------------
     Income (loss) before provision for
      income taxes and minority interest (2,186)  12,071        9,885
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES                 (292)  (3,278)      (3,570)
MINORITY INTEREST                             4   (4,298)      (4,294)
                                        -------- -------- ------------
NET INCOME (LOSS)                       $(2,474)  $4,495       $2,021
                                        ======== ======== ============

Net income (loss) per basic share        $(0.05)   $0.09        $0.04
                                        ======== ======== ============
Net income (loss) per diluted share      $(0.05)   $0.09        $0.04
                                        ======== ======== ============
Weighted shares used in the per share
 calculation - basic                     48,207   48,207       48,207
                                        ======== ======== ============
Weighted shares used in the per share
 calculation - diluted                   48,207   50,174       50,174
                                        ======== ======== ============

 


Copyright © 2005 Asyst Technologies, Inc.  All rights reserved.