Incorporated in 1967, Applied, a Delaware corporation, provides
Nanomanufacturing
Technologytm
solutions for the global semiconductor, flat panel display,
solar and related industries, with a broad portfolio of
innovative equipment, service and software products.
“Nanomanufacturing” is the production of ultra-small
structures, including the engineering of thin films on
substrates. Applied’s customers include manufacturers of
semiconductor wafers and chips, flat panel liquid crystal
displays (LCDs), solar photovoltaic cells and modules (solar
PVs), and other electronic devices, who use what they
manufacture in their own end products or sell the items to other
companies for use in advanced electronic components. The
Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in October.
Applied is the world’s largest semiconductor fabrication
equipment supplier based on revenue, with the capability to
provide global deployment and support services. Applied also is
the leading supplier of LCD fabrication equipment to the flat
panel display industry and in 2009 Applied was named by VLSI
Research as the leading supplier of solar PV manufacturing
systems to the solar industry.
Applied operates in four reportable segments: Silicon, Applied
Global Services, Display, and Energy and Environmental
Solutions. A summary of financial information for each
reportable segment is found in Note 12 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements. A discussion of factors that
could affect Applied’s operations is set forth under
“Risk Factors” in Item 1A, which is incorporated
herein by reference.
Silicon
Segment
Applied’s Silicon Systems Group (SSG), reported under its
Silicon segment, develops, manufactures and sells a wide range
of manufacturing equipment used to fabricate semiconductor
chips, also referred to as integrated circuits (ICs). Most chips
are built on a silicon wafer base and include a variety of
circuit components, such as transistors and other devices, that
are connected by multiple layers of wiring (interconnects).
Applied offers systems that perform most of the primary
processes used in chip fabrication including atomic layer
deposition (ALD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical
vapor deposition (PVD), etch, rapid thermal processing (RTP),
chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) and wafer metrology and
inspection, as well as systems that etch, measure and inspect
circuit patterns on masks used in the photolithography process.
Applied’s semiconductor manufacturing systems are used by
both integrated device manufacturers and foundries to build
memory, logic and other types of chips.
To build a chip, the transistors, capacitors and other circuit
components are first created on the surface of the wafer by
performing a series of processes to deposit and selectively
remove portions of successive film layers. Similar processes are
then used to build the layers of wiring structures on the wafer.
As the density of the circuit components increases to enable
greater computing capability in the same or smaller physical
area, the complexity of building the chip also increases,
necessitating more process steps to form smaller structures and
more intricate wiring schemes. A typical, simplified process
sequence for building the wiring or interconnect portion of a
chip involves initially depositing a dielectric film layer onto
the base layer of circuit components using a CVD system. An etch
system is then used to create openings and patterns in the
dielectric layer. To form the metal interconnects, these
openings and patterns are subsequently filled with conducting
material using PVD
and/or
electroplating technologies. A CMP step then polishes the wafer
to achieve a flat surface. Additional deposition, etch and CMP
steps are then performed to build up the layers needed to
complete the interconnection of the circuit elements. Advanced
chip designs require more than 500 steps involving these and
other processes to complete the manufacturing cycle.
While some device manufacturers are still using aluminum as the
main conducting material for building interconnect structures,
most have transitioned to copper. Copper has lower resistance
than aluminum and can carry more current in a smaller area.
Applied is the leading supplier of systems for manufacturing
copper-based chips, including equipment for depositing, etching
and planarizing copper interconnect layers. Complementing the
transition to copper to improve chip speed is the use of low
dielectric constant (low k) films to replace silicon
dioxide material as the insulator between the copper wiring
structures. Applied also leads the industry in providing systems
for depositing low k dielectric films.
The transistor is another key area of the chip where
semiconductor manufacturers are improving their device designs
to enhance speed. Applied has the industry’s largest
portfolio of technically advanced products for building smaller
and faster transistors. One method of enhancing chip performance
is strain engineering, a technique that stretches or compresses
the space between atoms, allowing electrical current to flow
more quickly. Multiple strain films are typically used in
advanced devices since they have an additive effect on
increasing transistor speed. Applied has a comprehensive
portfolio of systems to enable these applications using CVD and
epitaxial deposition technologies.
Most chips currently are fabricated using 65 nanometer (nm) and
larger linewidth dimensions, although Applied is also working
with customers on new technology for advanced nodes such as 45nm
and below. Major chipmakers have announced that they will be
integrating new high dielectric constant (high-k) and metal
materials and processes in their transistor gate structures to
increase chip performance and reduce power consumption. Applied
has a comprehensive portfolio of fully characterized processes
for building these high-k/metal gates. These solutions include
an integrated dielectric gate stack tool that combines four
critical processes in a single system, a portfolio of
metallization technologies using ALD and PVD, and an innovative
high temperature etch system.
Another emerging area for Applied’s technology is
three-dimensional (3D) ICs in which chips are vertically stacked
to deliver higher performance and functionality in a smaller
area. The individual chips are electrically connected using deep
holes called through-silicon vias (TSVs). Applied has the
production-proven systems and processes required for the
majority of TSV manufacturing steps, including mask, etch, film
deposition and CMP systems. Applied is leading efforts to enable
the adoption of TSV technology, working with consortiums and
other equipment suppliers to lower the cost to customers for
implementing TSV technology.
Most of Applied’s semiconductor equipment products are
single-wafer systems with multiple process chambers attached to
a base platform. This enables each wafer to be processed
separately in its own environment, allowing precise process
control, while the system’s multiple chambers enable
simultaneous, high productivity manufacturing. Applied sells
most of its single-wafer, multi-chamber systems on four basic
platforms: the
Centura®,
the
Endura®,
the
Producer®
and the
Vantage®.
These platforms support ALD, CVD, PVD, etch and RTP technologies.
Over time, the semiconductor industry has migrated to
increasingly larger wafers to build chips. The predominant or
common wafer size used today for volume production of advanced
chips is 300 millimeter (mm), or
12-inch,
wafers. Applied offers a comprehensive range of 300mm systems.
Applied also offers earlier-generation 200mm systems, as well as
products and services to support all of its systems, which are
reported under its Applied Global Services segment.
The following summarizes Applied’s portfolio of products
and their associated process technology areas reported under its
Silicon segment.
Deposition
Deposition is a fundamental step in fabricating a chip. During
deposition, layers of dielectric (an insulator), barrier, or
electrically conductive (typically metal) films are deposited or
grown on a wafer. Applied currently provides equipment to
perform three types of deposition: ALD, CVD and PVD. In
addition, Applied’s RTP systems can be used to perform
certain types of dielectric deposition.
Atomic
Layer Deposition
ALD is an advanced technology in which atoms are deposited one
layer at a time to build chip structures. This technology
enables customers to fabricate thin films of either conducting
or insulating material with uniform coverage in
sub-nanometer
sized structures. Applied offers ALD chambers for depositing
tungsten and
high-k/metal
gate films. The Applied Centura
iSprinttm
Tungsten system (iSprint) combines an ALD chamber, which
deposits a tungsten nucleation film, with a CVD tungsten bulk
fill process in one system. The iSprint is used to form contact
structures that connect the transistors to the wiring areas of
the chip. Applied’s high-k/metal gate
ALD process is part of the Centura Advanced Gate Stack system,
which enables a single integrated solution for building
high-k/metal gate structures.
Chemical
Vapor Deposition
CVD is used to deposit dielectric and metal films on a wafer.
During the CVD process, gases that contain atoms of the material
to be deposited react on the wafer surface, forming a thin film
of solid material. Films deposited by CVD may be silicon oxide,
single-crystal epitaxial silicon, amorphous silicon, silicon
nitride, dielectric anti-reflective coatings, low k dielectric
(for highly efficient insulating materials), aluminum, titanium,
titanium nitride, polysilicon, tungsten, refractory metals or
silicides. Applied offers the following CVD products and
technologies:
The Applied Producer CVD platform — This
high-throughput platform features
Twin-Chamber®
modules that have two single-wafer process chambers per unit. Up
to three Twin-Chamber modules can be mounted on each Producer
platform, giving it a simultaneous processing capacity of six
wafers. Many dielectric CVD processes can be performed on this
platform. The highest productivity model of this system is the
Applied Producer GT, which has achieved rapid customer
acceptance due to its fast wafer handling performance and
compact design.
Low k Dielectric Films — Low k dielectric
materials are used in copper-based chip designs to further
improve interconnect speed. Using conventional CVD equipment,
the Applied Producer Black
Diamond®
family of low k systems provides customers with a proven,
cost-effective way to integrate a variety of low k films into
advanced interconnect structures. To further increase the
performance of the complete multi-layer dielectric structure,
Applied offers a line of
BLOKtm
(barrier low k) films deposited with the Producer system.
Lithography-Enabling Solutions — Applied offers
several technologies on the Producer system to help chipmakers
extend their current 193nm lithography tools, including a line
of Applied
APF®
(advanced patterning film) films and Applied
DARC®
(dielectric anti-reflective coating) films. Together, they
provide a film stack with the precise dimensional control and
compatibility needed to cost-effectively pattern nano-scale
features without additional integration complexity.
Gap Fill Films — There are many steps during
the chipmaking process in which very small and deep, or high
aspect ratio (HAR), structures must be filled void-free with a
dielectric film. Many of these applications include the
deposition of silicon oxides in substrate isolation structures,
contacts and interconnects. The Applied Centura Ultima
HDP-CVD®
(high-density plasma CVD) system has been an industry
workhorse, providing multi-generational gap-fill capability for
both logic and memory devices. The Applied Producer HARP (high
aspect ratio process) provides customers with device scaling
capability to 32nm and below using
sub-atmospheric
CVD (SACVD) technology enabling the seamless, void-free fill of
tightly packed HAR structures.
Strain Engineering Solutions — The Applied
Producer
HARPtm
system also plays a key role in enhancing transistor
performance, enabling chipmakers to boost chip speed by
depositing strain-inducing dielectric films. Offering the
industry’s first integrated stress nitride deposition and
ultraviolet (UV) cure solution, the Applied Producer Celera CVD
delivers benchmark levels of high-stress tensile silicon nitride
films. The Company also offers the Applied Centura SiNgenPlus
low pressure CVD system for low temperature silicon nitride
films. Used together, and in conjunction with silicon germanium
(SiGe) films using Applied’s epitaxial deposition
technologies, these systems can provide additive strain
engineering benefits.
Epitaxial Deposition — Epitaxial silicon
(epitaxy or epi) is a layer of pure silicon grown in a uniform
crystalline structure on the wafer to form a high quality base
for the device circuitry. Epi technology is used in an
increasing number of integrated circuit devices in both the
wafer substrate and transistor areas of a chip to enhance speed.
The Applied Centura Epi system integrates pre- and post-epi
processes on the same system to improve film quality and reduce
production costs. This system is also used for SiGe epi
technology, which reduces power usage and increases speed in
certain types of advanced chips. For emerging transistor
designs, the Applied Centura RP Epi system offers selective epi
processes to enable faster transistor switching through strain
engineering techniques.
Polysilicon Deposition — Polysilicon is a type
of silicon used to form portions of the transistor structure
within the integrated circuit device. The Applied Centura
Polygentm
LPCVD system is a single-wafer, multi-chamber product that
deposits thin polysilicon films at high temperatures to create
transistor gate structures. To address the challenging
requirements of shrinking gate dimensions, the Applied Centura
DPN Gate Stack system integrates chambers for decoupled plasma
nitridation (DPN), RTP anneal and polysilicon deposition on one
platform to enable superior film quality and material properties.
Tungsten Deposition — Tungsten is used in the
contact area of a chip that connects the transistors to the
wiring circuitry. In aluminum-based devices, tungsten is also
used in the structures that connect the multiple layers of
aluminum wiring. Applied has two products for depositing
tungsten: the Applied Centura
Sprint®
Tungsten CVD system for 90nm and below devices and the Applied
Centura iSprint ALD/CVD system for more advanced applications.
The latter product combines ALD technology and CVD chambers on
the same platform.
Physical
Vapor Deposition
PVD is a physical process in which atoms of a gas, such as
argon, are accelerated toward a metal target. The metal atoms
chip off, or sputter away, and are then deposited on the wafer.
Applied leads the industry in PVD technology with its Applied
Endura PVD system. This system offers a broad range of advanced
deposition processes, including aluminum, aluminum alloys,
cobalt, titanium/titanium nitride, tantalum/tantalum nitride,
tungsten/tungsten nitride, nickel, vanadium and copper.
The Applied Endura CuBS (copper barrier/seed) PVD system is
widely used by customers for fabricating copper-based chips.
Using PVD technology, the system deposits a tantalum-based
barrier film that prevents copper material from entering other
areas of the device and then a copper seed layer that primes the
structure for the subsequent deposition of bulk copper. This
system also features Activ Pre-clean technology to provide clean
film interfaces while preserving the k-value integrity of the
structure. In 2009, the Company introduced the Applied Endura
CuBS RFX PVD system, extending its cost-effective CuBS
technology to the 22nm node. Applied’s Endura system has
also been used for many years in back-end applications to
deposit metal layers before final bump or wire bonding packaging
steps are performed. In 2009, the Company introduced a new
cost-efficient platform specifically designed for under-bump
metallization (UBM) and other back-end processes. The Applied
Charger UBM PVD system’s new linear architecture offers
reliable performance and very high productivity at a low
cost-per-wafer.
Etch
Etching is used many times throughout the integrated circuit
manufacturing process to selectively remove material from the
surface of a wafer. Before etching begins, the wafer is coated
with a light-sensitive film, called photoresist. A
photolithography process then projects the circuit pattern onto
the wafer. Etching removes material only from areas dictated by
the photoresist pattern. Applied offers a wide range of systems
for etching dielectric, metal and silicon films to meet the
requirements of
sub-100nm
processing.
For dielectric applications, the Applied Centura
eMax®
system etches a broad range of dielectric films in the contact
and interconnect regions of the chip. Applied’s Producer
Etch system utilizes the Company’s Twin-Chamber Producer
platform to target cost-sensitive dielectric etch applications
in 90nm and below design geometries. To address advanced low k
etch applications, the Applied Centura
Enabler®
Etch system performs etch, strip and clean steps in a single
chamber. The Enabler’s
all-in-one
capability streamlines the process flow for advanced chip
designs and significantly reduces operating costs. The Applied
Centura Carina system uses innovative, high-temperature
technology to deliver the etch capability essential for scaling
logic and memory devices with high-k/metal gates at 45nm and
below.
The Applied Centura
AdvantEdgetm
Silicon Etch system offers chipmakers high precision gate
etching for advanced-generation devices. The Applied Centura
Mariana Trench Etch system provides customers with the
capability to scale memory devices by etching 80:1 aspect ratio
structures. In 2009, the Company introduced the Applied Centura
Silvia system, specifically designed for etching small, deep
holes for TSV applications in 3D-ICs. For etching metals, the
Applied Opus AdvantEdge Metal Etch uses an optimized 5-chamber
platform configuration
that enables customers to extend aluminum interconnect
technology and productivity to
sub-70nm
dimensions for flash and DRAM memory applications.
Rapid
Thermal Processing
RTP is a process in which a wafer is subjected to rapid bursts
of intense heat that can take the wafer from room temperature to
more than 1,000 degrees Celsius in less than 10 seconds. A rapid
thermal process is used mainly for annealing, which modifies the
properties, of deposited films. The Applied Centura
Radiance®Plus
and Applied Vantage
RadOxtm
RTP systems feature advanced RTP technology with differing
platform designs. While the multi-chamber Centura platform
offers exceptional process flexibility, the streamlined
two-chamber Vantage platform is designed for dedicated
high-volume manufacturing. These single-wafer RTP systems are
also used for growing high quality oxide and oxynitride films,
deposition steps that traditional large batch furnaces can no
longer achieve with the necessary precision and control. With
its proprietary radical-based oxidation process, the Applied
Vantage RadOx system deposits high-performance transistor gate
oxides with high productivity and low operating cost for flash
memory applications.
Chemical
Mechanical Planarization
The CMP process removes material from a wafer to create a flat
(planarized) surface. This process allows subsequent
photolithography patterning steps to occur with greater accuracy
and enables film layers to build with minimal height variations.
Applied has led the industry with its 300mm Applied
Reflexion®
LK system, with features such as integrated cleaning, film
measurement and process control capabilities.
Metrology
and Wafer Inspection
Applied offers several products for measuring features and
inspecting defects on the wafer during various stages of the
fabrication process. These systems enable customers to
characterize and control critical dimension (CD) and defect
issues, especially at advanced generation technology nodes.
Critical
Dimension and Defect Review Scanning Electron Microscopes
(CD-SEMs and DR-SEMs)
Scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) use an electron beam to
form images of microscopic features of a patterned wafer at
extremely high magnification. Applied’s SEM products
provide customers with full automation, along with the high
accuracy and sensitivity needed for measuring very small CDs.
The Applied
VeritySEM®
Metrology system uses proprietary SEM imaging technology to
enable precise control of the lithography and etching processes.
The VeritySEM measures CDs at a precision of less than 3.2
angstroms, a requirement for 32nm and below device production
and incorporates automation and software advancements for
significantly higher throughput. Applied’s OPC
Checktm
software for the VeritySEM system performs automated
qualification of OPC-based (optical proximity correction) chip
designs, significantly reducing mask (see Mask Making section
below) verification time over conventional manual methods.
DR-SEMs review defects on the wafer (such as particles,
scratches or residues) that are first located by a defect
detection system and then classify the defects to identify their
source. The high-throughput, fully automatic Applied
SEMVisiontm
Defect Analysis products enable customers to use this technology
as an integral part of their production lines to analyze defects
as small as 30nm with industry-leading throughput. The Applied
SEMVision FIB integrates advanced defect review SEM capability
with automated focused ion beam (FIB) technology in one system.
The FIB provides a cross-sectional view of the defects reviewed
by the SEM, enabling chipmakers to analyze the defects in
minutes as part of their in-line review process.
Wafer
Inspection
Using laser-based technology, defects can be detected on
patterned wafers (wafers with printed circuit images) as they
move between processing steps. Defects include particles, open
circuit lines, and shorts between lines. Incorporating key
advances in imaging technology, the Applied
ComPlustm
Inspection system, for darkfield applications, detects defects
in devices with design rules of 65nm and below with the high
speed required for customers’ volume production lines. The
Applied
UVision®
Inspection system is the industry’s first laser-based,
three dimensional brightfield tool. Utilizing multi-beam, deep
ultraviolet (DUV) laser illumination and high efficiency
detectors, the UVision system uncovers previously undetectable
defects on the wafer, enabling customers to rapidly resolve
defect issues and achieve greater chip yields.
Mask
Making
Masks are used by photolithography systems to transfer
microscopic circuit designs onto wafers. Since an imperfection
in a mask may be replicated on the wafer, the mask must be
virtually defect-free. Applied provides systems for etching,
cleaning and inspecting masks.
The Applied Tetra
IIItm
Advanced Reticle Etch system, an advanced etch tool for
fabricating leading-edge masks, is used by virtually every
advanced mask maker in the world for 45nm photomask development
and production. The groundbreaking Applied
Aera2tm
Mask Inspection system allows customers to meet the most
critical defect detection challenges of advanced masks. Using
sophisticated aerial imaging technology, the Aera2 is the first
mask inspection system that allows users to immediately see how
the pattern on the mask will appear on the wafer, revealing only
the defects most likely to print and significantly reducing
inspection time.
Applied
Global Services Segment
The Applied Global Services segment encompasses products and
services designed to improve the performance and productivity,
and reduce the environmental impact, of the fab operations of
semiconductor, LCD and solar PV manufacturers. The in-depth
expertise and best known methods of Applied’s extensive
global support infrastructure enable Applied to continuously
support customers’ production requirements. Trained
customer engineers and process support engineers are deployed in
more than a dozen countries. These engineers are usually located
at or near customers’ fab sites and service over 31,000
installed Applied systems, as well as non-Applied systems.
Applied offers the following general types of services and
products:
Fab Services — Applied offers a portfolio of
fab-wide operations services to maintain and optimize
customers’ fabrication facilities. Applied Performance
Services offers customers comprehensive equipment support with
performance-based pricing and predictable costs to enable
improved cost of ownership. Included in this program is
Applied’s ExpertConnect remote diagnostic capability,
providing expert support around the clock. The Company also
offers Performance Services for its
SunFabtm
Thin Film Line for producing large-size solar PV panels. The
first service product of its kind for the solar industry, the
program enables customers to quickly ramp to volume production
while optimizing the performance, cost and output of their
SunFab lines.
The Company also offers Performance Spares, which are spare
parts manufactured to Applied’s strict technical
specifications and quality standards. The Company’s Metron
Chamber Performance Services unit provides precision cleaning,
technology-enhanced coating and refurbishment on chamber process
kits and components. The unit also has extensive analytical
testing capabilities to validate and certify performance
specifications.
Mature Technology Services — Applied offers a
wide range of products and services to extend the productive
life of 200mm semiconductor fabs, including new and
remanufactured 200mm equipment, system enhancements and fab
transition services. Designed to maximize productivity and lower
cost of ownership, these products also assist customers in
implementing green manufacturing solutions. Applied’s 200mm
systems are available in a broad range of production-proven
technologies, including CVD, PVD, etch, implant, RTP, CMP,
epitaxy, metrology and inspection tools.
Automation Systems — Applied offers automated
factory-level and tool-level control software systems for
semiconductor, LCD and solar cell manufacturing facilities.
These enterprise solutions include manufacturing execution
systems (MES) to automate the production of wafers and LCD and
solar substrates, advanced process control systems, and
scheduling and materials handling control systems. Applied also
offers computerized maintenance management systems, performance
tracking, and modeling and simulation tools for improving asset
utilization. Applied’s breakthrough E3 equipment
engineering system solution, for example, uniquely integrates
all critical equipment automation and process control
components. In 2009, the Company introduced its Applied
SmartMove system, enabling wireless wafer management in
non-automated 200mm and 300mm fabs.
Abatement Systems — Applied’s family of
Metron abatement systems is a comprehensive line of
environmental solutions for the semiconductor, solar and display
industries. These systems include a wide range of
point-of-use
scrubbing tools such as wet, dry, thermal and integrated
technologies for reliable, cost-effective abatement of exhaust
gases. Applied’s Marathon Series, for example, offers smart
abatement technology that specifically targets perfluorocarbon
effluents from processing systems.
Display
Segment
Applied’s AKT subsidiary, reported under the Display
segment, designs, manufactures and sells equipment to fabricate
thin film transistor LCDs for televisions, computer displays and
other consumer-oriented electronic applications. While
similarities exist between the technologies utilized in
chipmaking and LCD fabrication, the most significant differences
are in the size and composition of the substrate. Substrates
used to manufacture LCD panels can be more than 70 times larger
in area than 300mm wafers and are made of glass, while wafers
are made of silicon. This technology for deposition on
large-size substrates is also used in the Applied
SunFabtm
Thin Film Line.
Applied supplies a wide range of systems that process and test
different glass substrate sizes. For fabricating the transistor
layer of these panels, the Company offers a line of
plasma-enhanced CVD (PECVD) systems that use multi-chamber
platform architecture to deposit dielectric and semiconducting
films. The
AKT-PiVottm
55KV system employs high-productivity, cost-efficient PVD
technology to deposit metal and transparent conductive oxide
films on the substrate. For manufacturing the color filter of
LCD panels, Applied offers the AKT-NEW
ARISTOtm
for transparent conductive oxide film deposition.
To complement these systems, Applied also offers a line of
electron beam test (EBT) systems for testing substrates during
production for defective pixels and other imperfections.
Featuring one of the industry’s fastest and most accurate
pixel test technologies with the lowest operating cost, the EBT
systems’ non-contact test technology enables the safe
testing of high-value LCD TV panels without damaging or
scratching the display.
To meet growing consumer demand for larger, more cost-efficient
LCD TVs, LCD manufacturers have moved to increasingly
larger-sized substrates. Applied’s latest generation (Gen)
10 systems can process substrates sized at approximately 2.85 x
3.05 meters, with each substrate enabling the production of up
to six
65-inch LCD
TV screens. These Gen-10 systems include the AKT-90K PECVD and
the Gen-10 AKT-90K EBT products.
Energy
and Environmental Solutions Segment
The Energy and Environmental Solutions segment includes
manufacturing solutions for the generation and conservation of
energy. Applied entered the solar PV market in 2006, announcing
its objective to lower the overall cost per watt of solar
electricity to parity with that of electricity generated by
other sources such as the burning of fossil fuels. Applied
offers manufacturing solutions for both wafer-based crystalline
silicon (c-Si) and glass-based thin film applications to enable
customers to increase the conversion efficiency and yields of
solar PV devices.
Applied’s extensive portfolio of solar PV cell fabrication
technologies has made it the leading supplier of c-Si
manufacturing systems worldwide. Key benefits of these systems
are high-productivity, advanced ultra-thin wafer handling, and
extensive automation, helping customers to lower the cost per
watt. Applied offers a comprehensive line of automated
metallization and test systems for c-Si cell manufacturing. In
2009, the Company introduced its Baccini
Esattotm
Technology, a high precision, multi-step printing capability
designed to increase the efficiency of c-Si solar cells. Applied
also offers systems for slicing and squaring wafers from silicon
ingots. In 2009, the Company introduced its Applied HCT
MaxEdgetm
wire saw, featuring the industry’s first dual-wire
management system for slicing ultra-thin wafers. Applied also
introduced the HCT Diamond
Squarertm
system with novel diamond wire technology that eliminates the
need for abrasive slurry and significantly cuts electricity
consumption.
For thin film applications, Applied developed the Applied SunFab
Thin Film Line, which is the world’s only integrated glass-
in/panel-out production line for manufacturing thin film silicon
solar modules using 5.7 square meter
(m2)
glass substrates. These ultra-large panels, which are
approximately four times the size of thin film solar panels
offered by others in the industry, are intended for large-scale
applications such as solar farms, utilities and
building-integrated solar PV system installations. Applied has
entered into multiple contracts for its SunFab line with
customers in Europe, Asia and Saudi Arabia. Several of these
lines have passed final acceptance testing, and
customers have begun volume manufacturing of SunFab modules.
SunFab modules have met the stringent requirements of the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), certifying that
these modules will meet performance and safety specifications
under challenging environmental conditions. In 2009, Applied
announced its second-generation SunFab technology that enables
customers to achieve a 22% reduction in materials cost.
Products in this segment also include the
ATONtm
in-line deposition system, a large-area platform for
high-quality deposition and high-throughput in both c-Si and
thin film solar PV cell manufacturing, as well as processes,
materials-handling technologies and fabrication services. Other
products include
roll-to-roll,
vacuum web coating systems for high-performance deposition of a
range of films on flexible substrates for functional, aesthetic
or optical properties. In 2009, the Company shipped its new
Applied Topmet 4450, the world’s largest and fastest
roll-to-roll
machine that deposits ultra-thin aluminum films for flexible
packaging applications on 4.5m wide rolls of substrate material
at 20 meters per second. Applied also offers large-area
deposition equipment for the production of low-emissivity
(low-E) and solar control architectural glass.
Backlog
Applied manufactures systems to meet demand represented by order
backlog and customer commitments. Backlog consists of:
(1) orders for which written authorizations have been
accepted and assigned shipment dates are within the next
12 months, or shipment has occurred but revenue has not
been recognized; (2) contractual service revenue and
maintenance fees to be earned within the next 12 months;
and (3) orders for SunFab lines that are anticipated to be
recognized as revenue within the next 12 months.
Applied’s backlog decreased from $4.8 billion at
October 26, 2008 to $2.7 billion at October 25,
2009. Applied’s backlog on any particular date is not
necessarily indicative of actual sales for any succeeding
period. Customers may delay delivery of products or cancel
orders prior to shipment, subject to possible cancellation
penalties. Backlog adjustments were negative for fiscal 2009 and
totaled $1.2 billion, consisting primarily of customer
cancellations and financial debookings, reflecting the decline
in demand for semiconductor equipment. Delays in delivery
schedules
and/or a
reduction of backlog during any particular period could have a
material adverse effect on Applied’s business and results
of operations.
Manufacturing,
Raw Materials and Supplies
Applied’s manufacturing activities consist primarily of
procurement, assembly, test and integration of various
proprietary and commercial parts, components and subassemblies
(collectively, parts) that are used to manufacture systems.
Products in the Silicon segment are manufactured in Austin,
Texas and Rehovot, Israel. Remanufactured products in the
Applied Global Services segment are produced primarily in
Austin, Texas. Products in the Display segment are manufactured
in Santa Clara, California; Alzenau, Germany; and Tainan,
Taiwan. Products in the Energy and Environmental Solutions
segment are manufactured primarily in Alzenau, Germany;
Cheseaux, Switzerland; Treviso, Italy; and Santa Clara,
California. Manufacturing requires raw materials, including a
wide variety of mechanical and electrical components, to be
manufactured to Applied’s specifications. Applied uses
numerous companies, including contract manufacturers, to supply
parts for the manufacture and support of its products. Although
Applied makes reasonable efforts to assure that parts are
available from multiple qualified suppliers, this is not always
possible. Accordingly, some key parts may be obtained from only
a single supplier or a limited group of suppliers. Applied seeks
to reduce costs and to lower the risks of production and service
interruptions, as well as shortages of key parts, by:
(1) selecting and qualifying alternate suppliers for key
parts; (2) monitoring the financial condition of key
suppliers; (3) maintaining appropriate inventories of key
parts; (4) qualifying new parts on a timely basis; and
(5) locating certain manufacturing operations in areas that
are closer to suppliers and customers.
Research,
Development and Engineering
Applied’s long-term growth strategy requires continued
development of new products. Applied’s significant
investment in research, development and engineering (RD&E)
has generally enabled it to deliver new products and
technologies before the emergence of strong demand, thus
allowing customers to incorporate these products into their
manufacturing plans at an early stage in the technology
selection cycle. Applied works closely with its global
customers to design systems and processes that meet their
planned technical and production requirements. Product
development and engineering organizations are located primarily
in the United States, as well as in Europe, Israel and China. In
addition, Applied outsources certain RD&E activities, some
of which are performed outside the United States. Process
support and customer demonstration laboratories are located in
the United States, China, Europe and Israel.
Applied’s investments in RD&E for product development
and engineering programs to create or improve products and
technologies over the last three years were as follows:
$934 million (19 percent of net sales) in fiscal 2009,
$1.1 billion (14 percent of net sales) in fiscal 2008
and $1.1 billion (12 percent of net sales) in fiscal
2007. Applied has spent an average of 14 percent of net
sales in RD&E over the last five years. In addition to
RD&E for specific product technologies, Applied maintains
ongoing programs for automation control systems, materials
research and environmental control that are applicable to its
products. In fiscal 2009, Applied focused on developing systems
for semiconductor customers’ new chip designs with 32nm and
below geometries, including systems to enable faster transistors
using strain engineering and high-k/metal gate technologies, as
well as double patterning processes that allows customers to
extend their existing 193nm lithography tools through additional
technology generations. Applied also focused on developing
technology for through-silicon vias, an emerging solution for
interconnecting three dimensional chip stacks to provide better
device performance, lower power consumption and the integration
of heterogeneous devices. RD&E also included activities to
develop products that enable lower-cost production of solar
energy and other products to enable energy conservation.
Marketing
and Sales
Because of the highly technical nature of its products, Applied
markets and sells products worldwide through a direct sales
force. Approximately 81 percent of Applied’s fiscal
2009 net sales were to regions outside of the
United States. Net sales to customers by region as a
percentage of total net sales were: Taiwan 21 percent,
North America (primarily the United States) 19 percent,
Asia-Pacific (including China) 18 percent, Europe
15 percent, Japan 14 percent, and Korea
13 percent.
General economic conditions impact Applied’s business and
financial results. From time to time, the markets in which
products are sold experience weak economic conditions that may
negatively impact sales. Applied’s business is usually not
seasonal in nature, but it is cyclical, based on capital
equipment investment by major semiconductor, flat panel display,
solar PV and other manufacturers. These expenditures depend on
many factors, including: anticipated market demand and pricing
for semiconductors, LCDs, solar cells and modules, architectural
glass and other substrates; the development of new technologies;
customers’ factory utilization; capital resources and
financing; and global and regional economic conditions.
Applied manages its business and reports financial results based
on the segments described above, but does not allocate certain
sales and marketing costs to the segments.
Information on net sales to unaffiliated customers and
long-lived assets attributable to Applied’s geographic
regions is included in Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements. In fiscal 2009, Intel Corporation
accounted for 12 percent of Applied’s net sales.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. accounted for 10 percent of
Applied’s net sales in fiscal 2009, 16 percent of net
sales in fiscal 2008, and 12 percent of net sales in fiscal
2007. These net sales were for products in multiple reportable
segments.
Competition
The industries in which Applied operates are highly competitive
and characterized by rapid technological change. Applied’s
ability to compete generally depends on its ability to timely
commercialize its technology, continually improve its products
and develop new products that meet constantly evolving customer
requirements. Significant competitive factors include technical
capability and differentiation, productivity and
cost-effectiveness. The importance of these factors varies
according to customers’ needs, including product mix and
respective product requirements, applications, and the timing
and circumstances of purchasing decisions. Substantial
competition exists in all areas of Applied’s business.
Competitors range from small companies that compete with a
single product
and/or in a
single region, to global, diversified companies with a range of
products. Applied’s ability to
compete requires a high level of investment in RD&E,
marketing and sales and global customer support activities.
Management believes that many of Applied’s products have
strong competitive positions.
The competitive environment for each segment is described below:
The semiconductor industry has been increasingly driven by
consumer demand for lower-cost electronic products with
increased capability and, to a lesser extent, by demand for
commercial applications. As a result, products within the
Silicon segment are subject to rapid changes in customer
requirements, including transitions to smaller dimensions, new
materials and an increasing number of applications. While
certain existing technologies may be adapted to new
requirements, some applications create the need for an entirely
different technical approach. The rapid pace of technological
change can quickly diminish the value of current technologies
and products and create opportunities for existing and new
competitors. Applied offers a broad portfolio of technically
differentiated products that must continuously evolve to satisfy
customers’ requirements in order to compete effectively.
Applied allocates resources among its many product offerings and
therefore may decide not to invest in an individual product to
the same degree as competitors who specialize in fewer products.
There are many competitors serving the semiconductor
manufacturing equipment industry, with some offering a single
product line and others offering multiple product lines. These
competitors range from suppliers serving a single region to
global, diversified companies.
Products and services within the Applied Global Services segment
are characterized by demanding worldwide service requirements
and a diverse group of numerous competitors. To compete
effectively, Applied offers products and services to reduce
costs, improve productivity, and lessen the environmental impact
of customers’ fab operations. Significant competitive
factors include productivity, cost-effectiveness, and the level
of technical service and support. The importance of these
factors varies according to customers’ needs and the type
of products or services offered.
Products in the Display segment are subject to strong
competition from a number of major competitors. Applied holds
established market positions with its technically differentiated
thin film technology (TFT)-LCD manufacturing solutions for
PECVD, color filter PVD and TFT array testing, although its
market position could change quickly due to customers’
evolving requirements. In fiscal 2007, Applied entered the array
PVD market with the
AKT-PiVottm
55KV PVD system. Applied faces significant competition from
existing array PVD suppliers.
Applied’s products within the Energy and Environmental
Solutions segment compete in diverse market areas, including
equipment to make solar PV cells and modules, flexible
electronics and energy-efficient glass. In solar, Applied offers
products for two distinct technologies, c-Si wafer-based and
thin film glass-based applications. As a recent entrant to the
solar equipment business, Applied competes with many other
companies that have more experience with solar applications.
Applied also is a recent entrant to the flexible electronics
equipment business, which operates in an emerging market sector
characterized by diverse types of applications, customer
requirements and competitors. Applied’s glass coating
equipment faces significant competition from at least one
established supplier and another recent market entrant.
Patents
and Licenses
Management believes that Applied’s competitive position
significantly depends upon the Company’s research,
development, engineering, manufacturing and marketing
capabilities, and not just on its patent position. However,
protection of Applied’s technological assets through
enforcement of its intellectual property rights, including
patents, is important. Therefore, Applied’s practice is to
file patent applications in the United States and other
countries for inventions that Applied considers significant.
Applied has a substantial number of patents in the United States
and other countries, and additional applications are pending for
new inventions. Although Applied does not consider its business
materially dependent upon any one patent, the rights of Applied
and the products made and sold under its patents, taken as a
whole, are a significant element of Applied’s business. In
addition to patents, Applied also possesses other intellectual
property, including trademarks, know-how, trade secrets and
copyrights.
Applied enters into patent and technology licensing agreements
with other companies when management determines that it is in
the Company’s best interest to do so. Applied pays
royalties under existing patent license agreements for the use,
in several of its products, of certain patented technologies
that are licensed to Applied for the life of the patents.
Applied also receives royalties from licenses granted to third
parties. Royalties received from or paid to third parties have
not been, and are not expected to be, material to Applied’s
consolidated results of operations.
In the normal course of business, Applied periodically receives
and makes inquiries regarding possible patent infringement. In
dealing with such inquiries, it may become necessary or useful
for Applied to obtain or grant licenses or other rights.
However, there can be no assurance that such licenses or rights
will be available to Applied on commercially reasonable terms,
or at all. If Applied is not able to resolve or settle claims,
obtain necessary licenses on commercially reasonable terms,
and/or
successfully prosecute or defend its position, Applied’s
business, financial condition and results of operations could be
materially and adversely affected.
Environmental
Matters
Two of Applied’s locations have been designated as
environmental cleanup sites. In 1987, the United States
Environmental Protection Agency designated one of the locations,
in Santa Clara, California, as a Superfund site and named
Applied as a “Responsible Party.” Cleanup activities
at this site began in 1984 and were substantially completed in
February 2002, and present activities consist of annual sampling
of wells. The California Regional Water Quality Control Board
designated Applied as a “Discharger” with respect to
another site in Sunnyvale, California. Applied was named a
Discharger upon its acquisition of the property in 1997 solely
due to its status as property owner. The prior owners of the
site and/or
operators who caused the contamination are responsible for
performing cleanup and monitoring activities.
Applied maintains a number of environmental, health and safety
programs that are primarily preventive in nature. As part of
these programs, Applied regularly monitors ongoing compliance
and periodically conducts investigations of possible
contamination.
Compliance with federal, state and local provisions regulating
the discharge of materials into the environment, remedial
agreements and other actions relating to the environment have
not had, and are not expected to have, a material effect on
Applied’s capital expenditures, competitive position,
financial condition or results of operations.
The most recent report on Applied’s environmental, health
and safety activities can be found in the Company’s
Citizenship Report on its website at
http://www.appliedmaterials.com/about/environment.html.
This report is updated periodically. This website address is
intended to be an inactive textual reference only. None of the
information on Applied’s website is part of this
Form 10-K
or is incorporated by reference herein.
Employees
At October 25, 2009, Applied employed 12,619 regular
employees and 413 temporary employees. In the high-technology
industry, competition for highly-skilled employees is intense.
Applied believes that its future success is highly dependent
upon its continued ability to attract, retain and motivate
qualified employees. There can be no assurance that Applied will
be able to attract, hire, assimilate, motivate and retain a
sufficient number of qualified employees.
Executive
Officers of the Registrant
The following table and notes set forth information about
Applied’s executive officers as of October 25, 2009:
Name of Individual
Position
Michael R. Splinter(1)
Franz Janker(2)
George S. Davis(3)
Manfred Kerschbaum(4)
Mark R. Pinto(5)
Joseph J. Sweeney(6)
Randhir Thakur(7)
Chris Bowers(8)
Ron Kifer(9)
Mary Humiston(10)
Charlie Pappis(11)
Yvonne Weatherford(12)
Available
Information
Applied’s website is
http://www.appliedmaterials.com.
Applied makes available free of charge, on or through its
website, its annual, quarterly and current reports, and any
amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable
after electronically filing such reports with, or furnishing
them to, the SEC. This website address is intended to be an
inactive textual reference only. None of the information on
Applied’s website is part of this
Form 10-K
or is incorporated by reference herein.
The following factors could materially affect Applied’s
business, financial condition or results of operations and
should be carefully considered in evaluating the Company and its
business, in addition to other information presented elsewhere
in this report.
The
industries that Applied serves are volatile and difficult to
predict.
As a supplier to the global semiconductor, flat panel display,
solar and related industries, Applied is subject to business
cycles, the timing, length and volatility of which can be
difficult to predict and which vary by reportable segment. These
industries historically have been cyclical due to sudden changes
in customers’ manufacturing capacity requirements and
spending, which depend in part on customers’ capacity
utilization, production volumes, end-use demand, inventory
levels relative to demand, and access to affordable capital.
These changes have affected the timing and amounts of
customers’ purchases and investments in technology, and
continue to affect Applied’s orders, net sales, operating
expenses and net income.
To meet rapidly changing demand in the industries it serves,
Applied must effectively manage its resources and production
capacity for each of its segments as well as across multiple
segments. The challenging economic and industry conditions have
adversely affected Applied’s customers and led to a
significant decrease in demand for many of Applied’s
products, although indications of improving conditions are
beginning to appear. During periods of increasing demand for its
products, Applied must have sufficient manufacturing capacity
and inventory to meet customer demand; effectively manage its
supply chain; attract, retain and motivate a sufficient number
of qualified individuals; and continue to control costs. During
periods of decreasing demand, Applied must be able to
appropriately align its cost structure with prevailing market
conditions; effectively manage its supply chain; and motivate
and retain key employees. If Applied is not able to timely and
appropriately adapt to changes in its business environment,
Applied’s business, financial condition or results of
operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Applied
is exposed to risks associated with the difficult financial
markets and weak global economy.
The tightening of the credit markets, disruption in the
financial markets, and global economic downturn experienced over
the last several quarters contributed to significant slowdowns
in the industries in which Applied operates, which slowdowns may
persist or worsen if these economic conditions are prolonged or
deteriorate further. The markets for semiconductors and flat
panel displays in particular depend largely on consumer
spending. Economic uncertainty exacerbates negative trends in
consumer spending and may cause certain Applied customers to
push out, cancel, or refrain from placing orders for equipment
or services, which may reduce net sales, reduce backlog, and
affect Applied’s ability to convert backlog to sales.
Difficulties in obtaining capital and uncertain market
conditions may also lead to the inability of some customers to
obtain affordable financing and to customer insolvencies,
resulting in lower sales
and/or
additional inventory or bad debt expense for Applied. These
conditions may also similarly affect key suppliers, which could
impair their ability to deliver parts and result in delays for
Applied’s products. In addition, these conditions may lead
to strategic alliances by, or consolidation of, other equipment
manufacturers, which could adversely affect Applied’s
ability to compete effectively.
Further, these adverse conditions and uncertainty about future
economic and industry conditions make it challenging for Applied
to forecast its operating results, make business decisions, and
identify the risks that may affect its business, sources and
uses of cash, financial condition and results of operations.
Applied may be required to implement additional cost reduction
efforts, including restructuring activities,
and/or
modify its business model, which may adversely affect
Applied’s ability to capitalize on opportunities in a
market recovery. In addition, Applied maintains an investment
portfolio that is subject to general credit, liquidity, foreign
exchange, market and interest rate risks and that also includes
some exposure to asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities.
The risks to Applied’s investment portfolio may be
exacerbated by deteriorating financial market conditions and, as
a result, the value and liquidity of the investment portfolio
could be negatively impacted and lead to impairment charges. If
Applied is not able to timely and appropriately adapt to changes
resulting from the difficult macroeconomic environment and
industry conditions, Applied’s business, financial
condition or results of operations may be materially and
adversely affected.
Applied
is exposed to risks as a result of ongoing changes in the
various industries in which it operates.
The global semiconductor, flat panel display, solar and related
industries in which Applied operates are characterized by
ongoing changes affecting some or all of these industries,
including:
If Applied does not successfully manage the risks resulting from
the ongoing changes in the semiconductor, flat panel display,
solar and related industries, its business, financial condition
and results of operations could be materially and adversely
affected.
Applied
is exposed to risks as a result of ongoing changes specific to
the semiconductor industry.
The greatest portion of Applied’s revenues and
profitability historically has been derived from sales of
manufacturing equipment to the global semiconductor industry. In
addition, a majority of the revenues of Applied Global Services
is from sales of service products to semiconductor
manufacturers. The semiconductor industry is characterized by
ongoing changes particular to that industry, in addition to the
general industry changes described in the preceding risk factor,
which may result in decreased spending by customers and
negatively impact the Company’s financial condition and
results of operations. The changes include:
If Applied does not successfully manage the risks resulting from
the ongoing changes occurring in the semiconductor industry, its
business, financial condition and results of operations could be
materially and adversely affected.
Applied
is exposed to risks as a result of ongoing changes specific to
the flat panel display industry.
The global flat panel display industry historically has
experienced considerable volatility in capital equipment
investment levels, due in part to the limited number of LCD
manufacturers and the concentrated nature of LCD end-use
applications. Recently, industry growth has depended to a
considerable extent on consumer demand for increasingly larger
and more advanced TVs. In addition to the general industry
changes described above in the third risk factor, the display
industry is characterized by ongoing changes particular to that
industry, including:
If Applied does not successfully manage the risks resulting from
the ongoing changes occurring in the display industry, its
business, financial condition and results of operations could be
materially and adversely affected.
Applied
is exposed to risks as a result of ongoing changes specific to
the solar industry.
Applied anticipates that an increasing portion of its business
will be in the emerging solar market, which, in addition to the
general industry changes described above in the third risk
factor, is characterized by ongoing changes specific to the
solar industry, including:
If Applied does not successfully manage the risks resulting from
the ongoing changes occurring in the solar industry, its
business, financial condition and results of operations could be
materially and adversely affected.
Applied
must adapt its business and product offerings to respond to
competition and rapid technological changes.
As Applied operates in a highly competitive environment, its
future success depends on many factors, including the effective
commercialization and customer acceptance of its
nanomanufacturing technology equipment, service and related
products. In addition, Applied must successfully execute its
growth strategy, including enhancing market share in existing
markets, expanding into related markets, cultivating new markets
and exceeding industry growth rates, while constantly improving
its operational performance. The development, introduction and
support of a broadening set of products in more varied
competitive environments have grown increasingly complex and
expensive over time. Furthermore, new or improved products may
entail higher costs and reduced profits. Applied’s success
is subject to many risks, including but not limited to its
ability to timely, cost-effectively and successfully:
If Applied does not successfully manage these challenges, its
business, financial condition and results of operations could be
materially and adversely affected.
Operating
in multiple industries and the entry into new markets and
industries entail additional challenges.
As part of its growth strategy, Applied must successfully expand
into related or new markets and industries, either with its
existing nanomanufacturing technology products or with new
products developed internally or obtained through acquisitions.
The entry into different markets involves additional challenges,
including those arising from:
If Applied does not successfully manage the risks resulting from
its diversification and entry into new markets and industries,
its business, financial condition and results of operations
could be materially and adversely affected.
Applied
is exposed to the risks of operating a global
business.
In fiscal 2009, approximately 81 percent of Applied’s
net sales were to customers in regions outside the
United States. Certain of Applied’s R&D
and/or
manufacturing facilities, as well as suppliers to Applied, are
also located outside the United States, including in China.
Applied is also expanding its business and operations in new
countries. The global nature of Applied’s business and
operations presents challenges, including but not limited to
those arising from:
Many of these challenges are present in China, which is
experiencing significant growth of both suppliers and
competitors to Applied. Applied further believes that China
presents a large potential market for its products and
opportunity for growth over the long term, although at lower
projected levels of profitability and margins than historically
have been achieved in other regions. In addition, Applied must
regularly reassess the size, capability and location of its
global infrastructure and make appropriate changes, and must
have effective change management processes and procedures to
address changes in its business and operations. These challenges
may materially and adversely affect Applied’s business,
financial condition and results of operations.
Applied
is exposed to risks associated with a highly concentrated
customer base.
Applied’s semiconductor and flat panel display customer
bases historically have been, and are becoming even more, highly
concentrated as a result of industry conditions. These
conditions are also adversely affecting customers’
profitability and access to capital, which leads to lower
R&D funding and capital expenditures. In addition, certain
customers have entered into strategic alliances or industry
consortia that have increased the influence of key industry
participants in technology decisions made by their partners. In
the solar area, while the number of solar PV manufacturing
customers increases as the number of market entrants grows, the
size of contracts with particular customers is expected to rise
substantially as the industry moves to greater solar module
factory output capacity. The ongoing adverse conditions in the
credit and financial markets and industry slowdowns have caused,
and may continue to cause, some customers to postpone delivery,
reduce or cancel orders, exit businesses, merge with other
manufacturers or file for bankruptcy protection and potentially
cease operations. In this environment, contracts or orders from
a relatively limited number of semiconductor, display and solar
manufacturers have accounted for, and are expected to continue
to account for, a substantial portion of Applied’s
business. In addition, the mix and type of customers, and sales
to any single customer, may vary significantly from quarter to
quarter and from year to year. If customers do not place orders,
or they substantially reduce, delay or cancel orders, Applied
may not be able to replace the business. As Applied’s
products are configured to customer specifications, changing,
rescheduling or canceling orders may result in significant,
non-recoverable costs. Major customers may also seek, and on
occasion receive, pricing, payment, intellectual
property-related, or other commercial terms that are less
favorable to Applied. In addition, certain customers have
undergone significant ownership
and/or
management changes, outsourced manufacturing activities, engaged
in collaboration or cooperation arrangements with other
customers, or consolidated with other customers, each of which
may result in additional complexities in managing customer
relationships and transactions, as well as cancelled or
decreased orders and lower net sales. These factors could have a
material adverse effect on Applied’s business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Applied
is exposed to risks associated with acquisitions and strategic
investments.
Applied has made, and in the future intends to make,
acquisitions of, and investments in, companies, technologies or
products in existing, related or new markets for Applied.
Acquisitions involve numerous risks, including but not limited
to:
Applied also makes strategic investments in other companies,
including companies formed as joint ventures, which may decline
in value
and/or not
meet desired objectives. The success of these investments
depends on various factors over which Applied may have limited
or no control and, particularly with respect to joint ventures,
requires
ongoing and effective cooperation with strategic partners. The
risks to Applied’s strategic investment portfolio may be
exacerbated by unfavorable financial market and macroeconomic
conditions and, as a result, the value of the investment
portfolio could be negatively impacted and lead to impairment
charges. Mergers and acquisitions and strategic investments are
inherently subject to significant risks, and the inability to
effectively manage these risks could materially and adversely
affect Applied’s business, financial condition and results
of operations. If Applied does not successfully manage the risks
associated with acquisitions and strategic investments, its
business, financial condition and results of operations could be
materially and adversely affected.
Manufacturing
interruptions or delays could affect Applied’s ability to
meet customer demand, while the failure to estimate customer
demand accurately could result in excess or obsolete
inventory.
Applied’s business depends on its ability to timely supply
equipment, services and related products that meet the rapidly
changing technical and volume requirements of its customers,
which depends in part on the timely delivery of parts,
components and subassemblies (collectively, parts) from
suppliers. Some key parts may be subject to long lead-times
and/or
obtainable only from a single supplier or limited group of
suppliers, and some sourcing or subassembly is provided by
suppliers located in countries other than the United States,
including China. Further, the ongoing adverse conditions in the
credit and financial markets and industry slowdowns have caused,
and may continue to cause, some suppliers to scale back
operations, exit businesses, merge with other companies, or file
for bankruptcy protection and possibly cease operations,
potentially affecting Applied’s ability to obtain parts.
Applied may experience significant interruptions of its
manufacturing operations, delays in its ability to deliver
products or services, increased costs or customer order
cancellations as a result of:
In addition, Applied’s need to rapidly increase its
business and manufacturing capacity to meet increases in demand
or expedited shipment schedules may exacerbate any interruptions
in Applied’s manufacturing operations and supply chain and
the associated effect on Applied’s working capital.
Moreover, if actual demand for Applied’s products is
different than expected, Applied may purchase more/fewer parts
than necessary or incur costs for canceling, postponing or
expediting delivery of parts. The volatility of demand for
capital equipment increases capital, technical and other risks
for companies in the supply chain. Any or all of these factors
could materially and adversely affect Applied’s business,
financial condition and results of operations.
The
failure to successfully implement and conduct off-shoring and
outsourcing activities and other operational initiatives could
adversely affect results of operations.
To better align its costs with market conditions, increase its
presence in growing markets, enhance productivity, and improve
efficiencies, Applied conducts engineering, software development
and other operations in regions outside the United States,
particularly India and China, and outsources certain functions
to third parties, including companies in the United States,
India, China and other countries. Outsourced functions include
certain engineering, manufacturing, customer support, software
development, information technology support, finance and
administrative activities. The expanding role of third party
providers has required changes to Applied’s existing
operations and the adoption of new procedures and processes for
retaining and managing these providers, as well as
redistributing responsibilities as warranted, in order to
realize the potential productivity and operational efficiencies,
assure quality and continuity of supply, and protect
Applied’s intellectual property. In addition, Applied has
implemented several key operational initiatives intended to
improve manufacturing efficiency, including
integrate-to-order,
module-final-test and
merge-in-transit
programs. Applied also is implementing a multi-year,
company-wide program to transform certain business processes,
including the transition to a single enterprise resource
planning (ERP) software system to perform various functions. The
implementation of additional functionality to the ERP system
entails certain risks, including difficulties with changes in
business processes that could disrupt Applied’s operations,
such as its ability to track orders and timely ship products,
project inventory requirements, manage its supply chain and
aggregate financial and operational data. The implementation of
new initiatives may not achieve the anticipated benefits and may
divert management’s attention from other operational
activities, negatively affect employee morale, or have other
unintended consequences.
If Applied does not effectively develop and implement its
off-shoring and outsourcing strategies, if required export and
other governmental approvals are not timely obtained, if
Applied’s third party providers do not perform as
anticipated, or if there are delays or difficulties in
implementing a new ERP system or enhancing business processes,
Applied may not realize anticipated productivity improvements or
cost efficiencies, and may experience operational difficulties,
increased costs (including energy and transportation),
manufacturing interruptions or delays, inefficiencies in the
structure
and/or
operation of its supply chain, loss of its intellectual property
rights, quality issues, increased product
time-to-market
and/or
inefficient allocation of human resources, any or all of which
could materially and adversely affect Applied’s business,
financial condition and results of operations.
The
ability to attract, retain and motivate key employees is vital
to Applied’s success.
Applied’s success and competitiveness depend in large part
on its ability to attract, retain and motivate key employees.
Achieving this objective may be difficult due to many factors,
including fluctuations in global economic and industry
conditions, changes in Applied’s management or leadership,
competitors’ hiring practices, cost reduction activities
(including workforce reductions, unpaid shutdowns and salary
reductions), and the effectiveness of Applied’s
compensation and benefit programs, including its equity-based
programs. Applied periodically evaluates its overall
compensation program and makes adjustments, as appropriate, to
enhance its competitiveness. If Applied does not successfully
attract, retain and motivate key employees, Applied may be
unable to capitalize on its opportunities and its operating
results may be materially and adversely affected.
Changes
in tax rates or tax assets and liabilities could affect results
of operations.
As a global company, Applied is subject to taxation in the
United States and various other countries. Significant judgment
is required to determine and estimate worldwide tax liabilities.
Applied’s future annual and quarterly tax rates could be
affected by numerous factors, including changes in the:
(1) applicable tax laws; (2) amount and composition of
pre-tax income in countries with differing tax rates; or
(3) valuation of Applied’s deferred tax assets and
liabilities. In addition, Applied is subject to regular
examination by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax
authorities, and from time to time initiates amendments to
previously filed tax returns. Applied regularly assesses the
likelihood of favorable or unfavorable outcomes resulting from
these examinations and amendments to determine the adequacy of
its provision for income taxes. Although Applied believes its
tax estimates are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the
tax authorities will agree with such estimates. Applied may have
to engage in litigation to achieve the results reflected in the
estimates, which may be time-consuming and expensive. There can
be no assurance that Applied will be successful or that any
final determination will not be materially different from the
treatment reflected in Applied’s historical income tax
provisions and accruals, which could materially and adversely
affect Applied’s financial condition and results of
operations.
Applied
is exposed to various risks related to legal proceedings or
claims and protection of intellectual property
rights.
Applied from time to time is, and in the future may be, involved
in legal proceedings or claims regarding patent infringement,
intellectual property rights, antitrust, environmental
regulations, securities, contracts, product performance, product
liability, unfair competition, employment and other matters. In
addition, Applied on occasion receives notification from
customers who believe that Applied owes them indemnification or
other obligations related to claims made against such customers
by third parties. These legal proceedings and claims, whether
with or without merit, may be time-consuming and expensive to
prosecute or defend, divert management’s attention and
resources,
and/or
inhibit Applied’s ability to sell its products. There can
be no assurance regarding the outcome of
current or future legal proceedings or claims. Applied
previously entered into a mutual covenant-not-to-sue arrangement
with one of its competitors to decrease the risk of patent
infringement lawsuits in the future. There can be no assurance
that the intended results of this arrangement will be achieved
or that Applied will be able to adequately protect its
intellectual property rights with the restrictions associated
with such a covenant. In addition, Applied’s success
depends in significant part on the protection of its
intellectual property and other rights. Infringement of
Applied’s rights by a third party, such as the unauthorized
manufacture or sale of equipment or spare parts, could result in
uncompensated lost market and revenue opportunities for Applied.
Applied’s intellectual property rights may not provide
significant competitive advantages if they are circumvented,
invalidated, rendered obsolete by the rapid pace of
technological change, or if Applied does not adequately protect
or assert these rights. Furthermore, the laws and practices of
other countries, including China, India, Taiwan and Korea,
permit the protection and enforcement of Applied’s rights
to varying extents, which may not be sufficient to protect
Applied’s rights. If Applied is not able to obtain or
enforce intellectual property rights, resolve or settle claims,
obtain necessary licenses on commercially reasonable terms,
and/or
successfully prosecute or defend its intellectual property
position, Applied’s business, financial condition and
results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
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 global business operations, including but
not limited to: regulations related to the development,
manufacture and use of its products; recycling and disposal of
materials used in its products or in producing its products; the
operation of its facilities; and the use of its real property.
The failure or inability to comply with existing or future
environmental and safety regulations could result in:
(1) significant remediation liabilities; (2) the
imposition of fines; (3) the suspension or termination of
the development, manufacture, sale or use of certain of its
products; (4) limitations on the operation of its
facilities or ability to use its real property;
and/or
(5) a decrease in the value of its real property, each of
which could have a material adverse effect on Applied’s
business, financial condition and results of operations.
Applied
is exposed to various risks related to the regulatory
environment.
Applied is subject to various risks related to: (1) new,
different, inconsistent or even conflicting laws, rules and
regulations that may be enacted by legislative bodies
and/or
regulatory agencies in the countries in which Applied operates;
(2) disagreements or disputes between national or regional
regulatory agencies related to international trade; and
(3) the interpretation and application of laws, rules and
regulations. If Applied is found by a court or regulatory agency
not to be in compliance with applicable laws, rules or
regulations, Applied’s business, financial condition and
results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Applied
is subject to internal control evaluations and attestation
requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act.
Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
Applied must include in its Annual Report on
Form 10-K
a report of management on the effectiveness of Applied’s
internal control over financial reporting. Ongoing compliance
with this requirement is complex, costly and time-consuming. If
Applied fails to maintain effective internal control over
financial reporting or Applied’s management does not timely
assess the adequacy of such internal control, Applied could be
subject to regulatory sanctions and the public’s perception
of Applied may decline.
None.
Information concerning Applied’s principal properties at
October 25, 2009 is set forth below:
Location
Type
Principal Use
Footage
Santa Clara, CA
Austin, TX
Rehovot, Israel
Alzenau, Germany
Cheseaux, Switzerland
Treviso, Italy
Tainan, Taiwan
Xi’an, China
Hsinchu, Taiwan
Singapore
Shanghai, China
Because of the interrelation of Applied’s operations,
properties within a country may be shared by the segments
operating within that country. Products in the Silicon segment
are manufactured in Austin, Texas and Rehovot, Israel.
Remanufactured products in the Applied Global Services segment
are produced primarily in Austin, Texas. Products in the Display
segment are manufactured in Santa Clara, California;
Alzenau, Germany; and Tainan, Taiwan. Products in the Energy and
Environmental Solutions segment are primarily manufactured in
Alzenau, Germany; Cheseaux, Switzerland; Treviso, Italy; and
Santa Clara, California.
In addition to the above properties, Applied leases office space
for marketing, sales, engineering and customer support offices
in 81 locations throughout the world: 21 in Europe, 18 in Japan,
17 in North America (principally the United States), 16 in
Asia-Pacific (including China and India), 7 in Korea and 2 in
Taiwan. At October 25, 2009, Applied had a
298,000 square foot facility under construction in
Singapore.
In addition, Applied owns 112 acres of buildable land in
Texas that could accommodate approximately 1,708,000 square
feet of additional building space, 43 acres in California
that could accommodate approximately 1,247,000 square feet
of additional building space, and 6 acres in Colorado that
could accommodate approximately 87,000 square feet of
additional building space. Applied also leases: 13 acres in
Taiwan that could accommodate approximately 270,000 square
feet of additional building space; 5 acres in Singapore
that could accommodate approximately 333,000 square feet of
additional building space; 4 acres in Italy that could
accommodate approximately 180,000 square feet of additional
building space; 10 acres in Israel that could accommodate
approximately 111,000 square feet of additional building
space; and 25 acres in China that could accommodate
approximately 768,000 square feet of additional building
space.
Applied considers the properties that it owns or leases as
adequate to meet its current and future requirements. Applied
regularly assesses the size, capability and location of its
global infrastructure and periodically makes adjustments based
on these assessments.
The information set forth under “Legal Matters” in
Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements is
incorporated herein by reference.
Market
Information
The following table sets forth the high and low closing sale
prices for the periods presented as reported on the NASDAQ
Global Select Market.
Fiscal 2008
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Fiscal 2009
Applied’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global
Select Market under the symbol AMAT. As of November 20,
2009, there were 4,641 directly registered holders of Applied
common stock.
Performance
Graph
The performance graph below shows the five-year cumulative total
stockholder return on Applied common stock during the period
from October 31, 2004 through October 25, 2009. This
is compared with the cumulative total return of the
Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index and the RDG
Semiconductor Composite Index over the same period. The
comparison assumes $100 was invested on October 31, 2004 in
Applied common stock and in each of the foregoing indices and
assumes reinvestment of dividends, if any. Dollar amounts in the
graph are rounded to the nearest whole dollar. The performance
shown in the graph represents past performance and should not be
considered an indication of future performance.
Comparison
of 5 Year Cumulative Total Return*
Among
Applied Materials, Inc., The S&P 500 Index
And The RDG Semiconductor Composite Index
Applied Materials
S&P 500 Index
RDG Semiconductor Composite Index
Dividends
During fiscal 2009, Applied’s Board of Directors declared
four quarterly cash dividends in the amount of $0.06 per
share each quarter. The fourth quarterly cash dividend declared
in fiscal 2009 was paid on December 3, 2009 to stockholders
of record as of November 12, 2009. During fiscal 2008,
Applied’s Board of Directors declared four quarterly cash
dividends in the amount of $0.06 per share each quarter.
Dividends declared during fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008 totaled
$320 million and $325 million, respectively. Applied
currently anticipates that it will continue to pay cash
dividends on a quarterly basis in the future, although the
declaration of any future cash dividend is at the discretion of
the Board of Directors and will depend on Applied’s
financial condition, results of operations, capital
requirements, business conditions and other factors, as well as
a determination that cash dividends are in the best interest of
Applied’s stockholders.
Repurchases
of Applied Common Stock
In November 2008, Applied announced that it was suspending stock
repurchases in order to maintain financial flexibility in light
of the deteriorating global economic and market conditions. The
stock repurchase program that the Board of Directors approved in
2006 expired in September 2009.
The following selected financial information has been derived
from Applied’s historical audited consolidated financial
statements and should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes for
the corresponding fiscal years:
Fiscal Year Ended(1)
Net sales
Gross margin
(% of net sales)
Research, development and engineering
Marketing, selling, general and administrative
Income (loss) before income taxes
Effective tax rate(%)
Net income (loss)
Earnings (loss) per diluted share
Weighted average common shares
Order backlog
Working capital(2)
Current ratio(2)
Long-term debt
Cash dividends declared per common share
Stockholders’ equity
Book value per share
Total assets
Capital expenditures, net of loss on fixed asset retirements
Regular employees
Introduction
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (MD&A) is intended to facilitate
an understanding of Applied’s business and results of
operations. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with
Applied’s Consolidated Financial Statements and the
accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included
elsewhere in this
Form 10-K.
The following discussion contains forward-looking statements and
should also be read in conjunction with the cautionary statement
set forth at the beginning of this
Form 10-K.
MD&A consists of the following sections:
Overview
Applied provides Nanomanufacturing
Technologytm
solutions for the global semiconductor, flat panel display,
solar and related industries, with a broad portfolio of
innovative equipment, service and software products.
Applied’s customers are primarily manufacturers of
semiconductors, flat panel liquid crystal displays (LCDs), solar
photovoltaic cells and modules (solar PVs), flexible electronics
and energy-efficient glass. Applied operates in four reportable
segments: Silicon, Applied Global Services, Display, and Energy
and Environmental Solutions. Product development and
manufacturing activities occur primarily in North America,
Europe, Israel and Asia. Applied’s broad range of equipment
and service products are highly technical and are sold primarily
through a direct sales force.
Applied’s results historically have been driven primarily
by worldwide demand for semiconductors, which in turn depends on
end-user demand for electronic products. Each of Applied’s
businesses is subject to cyclical industry conditions, as demand
for manufacturing equipment and services can change depending on
supply and demand for chips, LCDs, solar PVs and other
electronic devices, as well as other factors, such as global
economic and market conditions, and technological advances in
fabrication processes. Credit constraints in the financial
markets and the weak global economy are compounding the impact
of the highly cyclical markets in which Applied operates.
The following table presents certain significant measurements
for the past three fiscal years:
Fiscal Year
New orders
Gross margin percent
Earnings (loss) per share
Fiscal 2009 financial results reflected significantly reduced
demand for manufacturing equipment and services due to extremely
unfavorable global economic and industry conditions,
particularly in the first half of fiscal 2009. Negative trends
in consumer spending and pervasive economic uncertainty led some
customers to dramatically reduce factory operations and to
reduce their spending. In the second half of fiscal 2009, demand
for semiconductor and display equipment increased, but was still
down significantly from fiscal 2008 levels. Fiscal 2009
financial results included charges associated with restructuring
programs. While Applied achieved profitability in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2009, a meaningful improvement in the
equipment sector for fiscal 2010 will depend on a recovery
in customers’ end markets sufficient to support factories
running at higher utilization and to encourage customers’
investments in new capacity, as well as advanced technologies.
Applied currently expects a recovery in fiscal 2010,
particularly in the market for semiconductor capital equipment,
and anticipates that total net sales will increase more than
30 percent in fiscal 2010 as compared to fiscal 2009.
Fiscal 2008 financial results reflected decreased demand for
semiconductor equipment and, to a lesser extent, service
products, due to unfavorable market conditions in the
semiconductor industry, partially offset by increased demand for
LCD and solar products. New orders decreased from fiscal 2007
due to lower demand for semiconductor equipment from memory,
foundry and logic chip manufacturers, partially offset by
increased demand by LCD customers and, beginning in the first
quarter of fiscal 2008, the recognition of orders for
Applied’s
SunFabtm
Thin Film Line for manufacturing solar panels. Net sales
decreased during fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007 due to the
decline in investment from memory and logic customers, partially
offset by increased sales of crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar
manufacturing products. Net income decreased in fiscal 2008
compared to fiscal 2007 due to lower net sales, offset in part
by lower operating expenses. Fiscal 2008 financial results
included charges associated with restructuring programs.
Fiscal 2007 financial results reflected improved conditions in
the semiconductor industry that began with the industry’s
recovery in 2006, while conditions in the display industry were
mixed as manufacturers postponed capacity additions despite
strong consumer demand for LCD TVs. Total orders decreased
slightly from fiscal 2006, primarily due to the significant
decline in demand for display manufacturing products, partially
offset by increased demand for products and services in all
other segments. Net sales in fiscal 2007 reflected strong demand
from dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and flash memory chip
manufacturers, partially offset by a significant decline in LCD
equipment sales as manufacturers absorbed capacity following
substantial investment in 2006. Improved net income in fiscal
2007 reflected higher sales and lower operating expenses, offset
in part by lower interest income. Fiscal 2007 financial results
included restructuring and asset impairment and other charges
associated with ceasing development of beamline implant
products, and an in-process research and development
(IPR&D) expense associated with the acquisition of certain
net assets of Brooks Automation, Inc. (Brooks Software).
Results
of Operations
The following table presents certain quarterly and full fiscal
year financial information:
2009:
New orders
Net sales
Gross margin
Net income (loss)
Earnings (loss) per diluted share
2008:
Net income
Earnings per diluted share
2007:
Applied’s business was subject to cyclical industry
conditions in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007. As a result of these
conditions and the global economic environment, there were
significant fluctuations in Applied’s quarterly new orders
and net sales, both within and across the fiscal years. Demand
for manufacturing equipment has historically been volatile as a
result of sudden changes in chip, LCD and solar PV supply and
demand and other factors, including global economic and market
conditions and rapid technological advances in fabrication
processes. In response to the challenging economic environment
in fiscal 2009, Applied implemented certain temporary cost
reduction programs such as company-wide shutdowns.
New
Orders
New orders by geographic region, which are attributed according
to the location of customers’ facilities, were as follows:
China
North America(1)
Europe
Taiwan
Korea
Japan
Southeast Asia
New orders decreased 55 percent to $4.1 billion in
fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008. The decrease in new orders
was across all segments, and particularly in the semiconductor
and display businesses, reflecting the challenging economic and
industry conditions prevalent during fiscal 2009. Customer
demand for semiconductor and LCD equipment began to recover in
the second half of fiscal 2009.
New orders decreased 5 percent to $9.2 billion in
fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007, due to lower demand for
semiconductor equipment from logic, memory, and foundry chip
manufacturers, partially offset by increased demand for LCD and
solar equipment, including the initial recognition of orders for
the Applied SunFab Thin Film Line. Demand for LCD equipment
slowed substantially in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, as
Display customers absorbed capacity following robust demand over
the preceding three quarters.
New orders for fiscal 2007 decreased 2 percent to
$9.7 billion from $9.9 billion in the prior year,
reflecting delays in investment by LCD customers, partially
offset by increased demand for solar equipment, semiconductor
equipment, and service products. Demand for semiconductor
equipment slowed in the second half of fiscal 2007 as customers
absorbed added capacity, while demand from LCD customers
recovered in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.
Applied’s backlog as of the end of each of the last three
fiscal years was as follows: $2.7 billion at
October 25, 2009, $4.8 billion at October 26,
2008, and $3.7 billion at October 28, 2007. Backlog
decreased in fiscal 2009 primarily due to customer cancellations
and financial debookings which totaled $1.2 billion,
reflecting the decline in demand for semiconductor equipment.
Backlog consists of: (1) orders for which written
authorizations have been accepted and assigned shipment dates
are within the next 12 months, or shipment has occurred but
revenue has not been recognized; (2) contractual service
revenue and maintenance fees to be earned within the next
12 months; and (3) orders for SunFab lines that are
anticipated to be recognized as revenue within the next
12 months. Due to the potential for customer changes in
delivery schedules or cancellation of orders, Applied’s
backlog at any particular time is not necessarily indicative of
actual sales for any future periods.
Net
Sales
Net sales by geographic region, which are attributed according
to the location of customers’ facilities, were as follows:
Net sales decreased 38 percent to $5.0 billion in
fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008, as a result of
significantly lower sales of equipment and services to
semiconductor and display customers, partially offset by
increased sales of solar manufacturing equipment. Net sales
decreased 16 percent to $8.1 billion in fiscal 2008
compared to fiscal 2007, due to decreased investment from memory
and logic chip manufacturers, partially offset by increased
demand from solar and LCD customers. During fiscal 2007, net
sales increased by 6 percent, to $9.7 billion from
$9.2 billion in fiscal 2006, led by strength in memory
capacity expansion throughout the year.
Gross
Margin
Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to
28.5 percent in fiscal 2009 from 42.4 percent in
fiscal 2008, compared to 46.1 percent in fiscal 2007. The
decrease in the gross margin percentage in fiscal 2009 from
fiscal 2008 was due to lower net sales, lower-margin product
mix, and reduced factory absorption, offset in part by cost
control initiatives. The decrease in the gross margin percentage
from fiscal 2007 to fiscal 2008 was attributable to lower net
sales and lower margin product mix. Gross margin during fiscal
2009, 2008 and 2007 included $28 million, $32 million
and $27 million, respectively, of equity-based compensation
expense.
Research,
Development and Engineering
Applied’s future operating results depend to a considerable
extent on its ability to maintain a competitive advantage in the
equipment and service products it provides. Applied believes
that it is critical to continue to make substantial investments
in RD&E to assure the availability of innovative technology
that meets the current and projected requirements of its
customers’ most advanced designs. Applied historically has
maintained its commitment to investing in RD&E in order to
continue to offer new products and technologies. RD&E
expenses were $934 million (19 percent of net sales)
in fiscal 2009, $1.1 billion (14 percent of net sales)
in fiscal 2008 and $1.1 billion (12 percent of net
sales) in fiscal 2007. RD&E expense during fiscal 2009,
2008 and 2007 included $50 million, $59 million and
$56 million, respectively, of equity-based compensation
expense. Development cycles range from 12 to 36 months
depending on whether the product is an enhancement of an
existing product, which typically has a shorter development
cycle, or a new product, which typically has a longer
development cycle. Most of Applied’s existing products
resulted from internal development activities and innovations
involving new technologies, materials and processes. In certain
instances, Applied acquires technologies, either in existing or
new product areas, to complement its existing technology
capabilities and to reduce time to market.
In fiscal 2009, Applied focused on developing systems for
semiconductor customers’ new chip designs with 32nm and
below geometries, including systems to enable faster transistors
using strain engineering and
high-k/metal
gate technologies, as well as double patterning processes that
enable customers to extend their existing 193nm lithography
tools through additional technology generations. Applied also
focused on developing
technology for manufacturing next generation displays. RD&E
also included activities to develop products that enable
lower-cost production of solar energy and other products to
enable energy conservation.
In fiscal 2008, Applied focused on the development of processes
and systems for the continued scaling of semiconductor devices.
Applied pioneered a self-aligned double patterning approach that
can enable 22nm and below device fabrication using conventional
optical lithography. The Company also developed technology for
the implementation of through-silicon vias. Efforts were also
focused on developing the systems and technology to reduce the
cost-per-watt
of solar electricity.
In fiscal 2007, Applied focused on developing systems for
customers’ new chip designs with 45nm and below geometries,
including systems to enable faster transistors using strain
engineering and high-k/metal gate technologies, and patterning
processes to enable customers to extend their existing 193 nm
lithography tools through additional technology generations.
Applied also continued to invest in solar research and
development.
There were no IPR&D charges recorded in either fiscal 2009
or 2008. During fiscal 2007, Applied recorded an IPR&D
expense of $5 million associated with the acquisition of
certain net assets of Brooks Software, a division of Brooks
Automation Inc. Applied’s methodology for allocating the
purchase price relating to purchased acquisitions to IPR&D
was determined through established valuation techniques. The
IPR&D was expensed upon acquisition because technological
feasibility had not been established and no future alternative
uses existed.
Marketing,
Selling, General and Administrative
Marketing, selling, general and administrative expenses were
$735 million (15 percent of net sales) in fiscal 2009,
$965 million (12 percent of net sales) in fiscal 2008,
and $952 million (10 percent of net sales) in fiscal
2007. The decrease in marketing, selling, general and
administrative expenses in fiscal 2009 from fiscal 2008 was
primarily due to cost control initiatives. The increase in
marketing, selling, general and administrative expenses in
fiscal 2008 from fiscal 2007 was principally attributable to
increased operating costs from business acquisitions and equity
compensation expenses, offset in part by cost control
initiatives. Marketing, selling and general and administrative
expenses during fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 included
$69 million, $88 million and $77 million,
respectively, of equity-based compensation expense.
Restructuring
and Asset Impairments
During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, Applied announced a
restructuring program to reduce its global workforce by
approximately 1,800 positions. During the second quarter of
fiscal 2009, Applied expanded the scope of the restructuring
program by approximately 200 positions. During fiscal 2009,
Applied recorded restructuring charges of $143 million
associated with this program. The restructuring charges
consisted of employee related costs to reduce the Company’s
workforce through a combination of attrition, voluntary
separation and other workforce reduction programs. During fiscal
2009, Applied also determined that the carrying value of certain
fixed assets to be sold exceeded the estimated fair value and,
as a result, recorded a $15 million impairment charge.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2008, Applied announced a
global cost reduction plan that primarily affected its Silicon
and Applied Global Services segments and related support
organizations. As part of this plan, Applied reduced its global
workforce through a combination of job elimination and
attrition. For fiscal 2008, Applied recorded restructuring
charges of $29 million relating to this plan, consisting
primarily of employee related costs to reduce its workforce. The
affected employees were based in North America, Europe and Asia,
and represented multiple functions.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2007, Applied announced a
plan (the Implant Plan) to cease development of beamline implant
products for semiconductor manufacturing and curtail the
operations of its Implant group based in Horsham, England. Under
the Implant Plan, Applied closed its research, development and
manufacturing operations in Horsham in October 2007.
Restructuring charges under the Implant Plan for fiscal 2008
totaled $11 million and were associated with facilities.
Restructuring and asset impairment charges under the Implant
Plan in fiscal 2007 aggregated $30 million and consisted of
$21 million in restructuring charges primarily associated
with employee related costs and $9 million in asset
impairments. The majority of the affected employees were based
in Horsham, England, and represented multiple functions. Costs
associated with the Implant Plan in fiscal 2007 also
included inventory-related charges, reported as cost of products
sold, of $56 million and other operating expenses of
$10 million. The Implant group operated in the Silicon
segment, and the results of its operations were not material to
Applied’s financial position or results of operations.
For further details, see Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements.
Net
Interest Income
Net interest income was $27 million for fiscal 2009,
$89 million for fiscal 2008, and $98 million for
fiscal 2007. The decrease in net interest and other income in
fiscal 2009 from fiscal 2008 was primarily due to a decrease in
interest rates. The decrease in net interest and other income in
fiscal 2008 from fiscal 2007 was primarily due to a reduction in
investments and a decrease in interest rates, offset by a
decrease in interest expense associated with scheduled debt
maturities that occurred in September 2007.
Income
Taxes
Applied’s effective income tax rate for fiscal 2009 was a
benefit of 37.2 percent as compared to a provision of
31.8 percent for fiscal 2008, and a provision of
29.9 percent for fiscal 2007. The change in the fiscal 2009
tax rate from the fiscal 2008 rate was principally attributable
to the net loss before taxes incurred in fiscal 2009.
Applied’s effective tax rate was higher for fiscal 2008
compared to fiscal 2007 as fiscal 2007 reflected a benefit of
$36 million principally related to the favorable resolution
of audits of prior years’ income tax filings, partially
offset by a $13 million charge from the expensing of
equity-based compensation.
Applied’s future effective income tax rate depends on
various factors, such as tax legislation, the geographic
composition of Applied’s pre-tax income, and non-tax
deductible expenses incurred in connection with acquisitions.
Management carefully monitors these factors and timely adjusts
the effective income tax rate accordingly.
Segment
Information
Applied operates in four reportable segments: Silicon, Applied
Global Services, Display, and Energy and Environmental
Solutions. A description of the products and services, as well
as financial data, for each reportable segment can be found in
Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Applied does not allocate to its reportable segments certain
operating expenses, which it manages separately at the corporate
level. These unallocated costs include those for equity-based
compensation and certain components of variable compensation,
corporate marketing and sales, corporate functions (certain
management, finance, legal, human resources and RD&E), and
unabsorbed information technology and occupancy.
Discussions below include the results of each reportable segment.
Silicon
Segment
The Silicon segment includes semiconductor capital equipment for
deposition, etch, rapid thermal processing (RTP), chemical
mechanical planarization (CMP), and metrology and inspection.
Development efforts are focused on solving customers’ key
technical challenges, including transistor performance and
nanoscale patterning, and on improving chip manufacturing
productivity to reduce costs.
Certain significant measures for the past three fiscal years
were as follows:
Operating income
Fiscal 2009 financial results reflected significantly reduced
demand for manufacturing equipment due to extremely unfavorable
global economic and industry conditions. Silicon new orders
decreased 59 percent to $1.7 billion in fiscal 2009
compared to fiscal 2008. The decrease in new orders reflected
significantly lower demand, primarily from memory and logic
customers. Net sales decreased 51 percent to
$2.0 billion in fiscal 2009
compared to fiscal 2008. The decrease in net sales was due to
decreased capital investments, primarily by memory customers.
Operating income decreased 88 percent to $152 million
in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008. The decrease in
operating income was due to significantly lower sales resulting
in lower factory absorption, partially offset by lower operating
expenses from cost control initiatives. Operating income for
fiscal 2009 also reflected an increase in bad debt expense.
After an operating loss in the first half of fiscal 2009, the
Silicon segment returned to operating profitability during the
second half of the year, which was primarily driven by sales to
foundry customers. During the year, the Company introduced a new
platform specifically designed for under-bump metallization
(UBM) and other back-end processes, the Applied Charger UBM PVD
system.
Fiscal 2008 Silicon new orders decreased 38 percent to
$4.1 billion compared to fiscal 2007. The decrease in new
orders was due to reduced demand for equipment from logic,
memory and foundry customers. Net sales decreased
38 percent to $4.0 billion in fiscal 2008 compared to
fiscal 2007. The decrease in net sales was due to decreased
investment by logic and memory customers. Operating income
decreased 48 percent to $1.2 billion in fiscal 2008
compared to fiscal 2007. The decrease in operating income was
due to significantly lower revenue levels from the slowdown in
the semiconductor equipment industry, partially offset by lower
operating expenses attributable to continued focus on cost
controls and improvement in manufacturing activities. In fiscal
2008, the Company launched two key products for photomask
applications: the Applied Aera2 Mask Inspection system, which
detects critical defects on a photomask, and the Applied Tetra
Reticle Clean system, which cleans 32nm and below photomasks
using wet clean chemistry. The Company also introduced the
Applied Producer eHARP system for depositing films in high
aspect ratio device structures.
Silicon orders in fiscal 2007 reflected the semiconductor
industry’s strength during this period, driven by demand
for cell phones, computers, digital TVs, game consoles, MP3
players and other electronic products. The majority of new
orders were for memory applications as customers invested in
leading-edge flash and DRAM memory devices, while orders from
foundries remained at low levels. Net sales reflected increased
investment by memory and logic semiconductor customers in
multiple areas, including etch, inspection, and RTP products.
Operating income reflected higher revenue levels and continued
focus on cost controls. Operating income for fiscal 2007
included charges of $66 million related to ceasing
development of beamline implant products. In fiscal 2007, the
Company launched the Applied Producer GT for chemical vapor
deposition processing for 45 nm and beyond applications. Applied
also announced its portfolio of high-k/metal gate solutions,
including the Applied Advanced Gate Stack and Applied Centura
Carina Etch systems. Other new etch systems introduced were the
Applied Mariana Trench, for etching high aspect ratio
structures, the Applied Opus AdvantEdge Metal Etch with a
new 5-chamber
platform, and the Applied Centura Tetra III Advanced
Reticle Etch. The Company also added to its line of
lithography-enabling systems with the new Applied Producer ACE
SACVD and added to its line of strain engineering solutions with
the Applied Producer Celera CVD.
Applied
Global Services Segment
The Applied Global Services segment encompasses technically
differentiated products, including spares, services, certain
earlier generation equipment products, and remanufactured
equipment, to improve operating efficiency, reduce operating
costs, and lessen the environmental impact of semiconductor,
display and solar customers’ factories. Customer demand for
products and services is fulfilled through a global distribution
system with trained service engineers located in close proximity
to customer sites.
Fiscal 2009 financial results reflected significantly reduced
demand for manufacturing services due to extremely unfavorable
global economic and industry conditions, as well as a
significant reduction in the installed base of 200mm systems.
New orders decreased 48 percent to $1.2 billion in
fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008, due primarily to decreased
demand for spares and refurbished equipment arising from
semiconductor manufacturers’
low wafer production volumes. Net sales decreased
40 percent to $1.4 billion in fiscal 2009 compared to
fiscal 2008, reflecting lower sales of spares and refurbished
equipment. Operating income decreased 80 percent to
$113 million in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 as a
result of lower sales volumes, which led to lower infrastructure
cost absorption, partially offset by lower operating expenses
from cost control initiatives. Operating income for fiscal 2009
also included an increase in bad debt expense. In the second
half of fiscal 2009, the Applied Global Services segment
returned to operating profitability as sales of spares improved.
Fiscal 2008 results were impacted by lower levels of
semiconductor and display customers’ factory utilization.
New orders decreased 10 percent to $2.2 billion in
fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007, due to lower orders for
spares, fab-wide services, and refurbished equipment, partially
offset by increased orders for service and system enhancements.
Net sales decreased 1 percent to $2.3 billion in
fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007. The net sales decrease
reflected lower sales of fab-wide services and spares, offset by
increased sales in services and system enhancements. Operating
income decreased 9 percent to $575 million in fiscal
2008 compared to fiscal 2007 due to higher operating expenses in
fiscal 2008.
New orders in fiscal 2007 reflected increased demand for spare
parts and services, as well as demand for factory automation
products obtained as part of the Brooks Software acquisition.
Net sales in fiscal 2007 reflected increases in factory
automation sales offset by declines in spares sales. Fiscal 2007
remanufactured equipment orders and net sales remained
consistent with fiscal 2006 levels. Operating income compared to
fiscal 2006 reflected changes in product mix and increased
operating expenses and charges related to the Brooks Software
acquisition.
Display
Segment
The Display segment encompasses products for manufacturing LCDs
for TVs, personal computers and other video-enabled devices. The
business is focused on expanding market share by differentiation
with larger-scale substrates, entry into new markets, and
development of products to enable cost reductions through
productivity and uniformity.
Fiscal 2009 financial results reflected significantly reduced
demand for LCD equipment due to extremely unfavorable global
economic and industry conditions. New orders decreased
significantly to $287 million in fiscal 2009 compared to
$1.5 billion in fiscal 2008, which reflected the slowdown
in the display industry from fiscal 2008 when display
manufacturers added capacity. Net sales decreased
49 percent to $502 million in fiscal 2009 compared to
fiscal 2008 as a result of significantly lower orders. Operating
income decreased to $65 million in fiscal 2009 from
$310 million in fiscal 2008. Operating income decreased due
to significantly lower revenue, partially offset by lower
operating expenses due to cost control initiatives.
In fiscal 2008, new orders increased significantly to
$1.5 billion compared to $273 million in fiscal 2007.
Increased orders were due to substantial increases in demand by
Display customers in response to strong end-product demand. This
demand for LCD equipment reached an inflection point in the
third quarter of fiscal 2008 and decreased significantly in the
fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, reflecting the volatility of the
display industry. Net sales increased 38 percent to
$976 million in fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007,
primarily due to customers’ investment in Gen-8 products.
Operating income increased to $310 million in fiscal 2008
from $159 million in fiscal 2007. Operating income
increased due to higher revenue levels, product mix and lower
operating costs. In fiscal 2008, the Company introduced its
Gen-10 systems that can process substrates sized at
approximately 2.85 x 3.05 meters. These systems include the
AKT-90K PECVD and AKT-90K EBT products.
New orders for fiscal 2007 reflected delays in capacity
expansion plans by LCD panel makers in light of excess
inventories and end product sales price declines. Display
customers increased spending levels in the fourth quarter
of fiscal 2007 as panel makers began to experience more
favorable market conditions. Net sales reflected lower
investment by LCD manufacturers as they absorbed capacity.
Operating income reflected lower revenues and factory
absorption, product mix and higher operating expenses in support
of the expanded product portfolio resulting from the acquisition
of Applied Films in July 2006. In 2007, Applied launched the
AKT-PiVottm
55KV system, which employs high-productivity, cost-efficient PVD
technology to deposit metal and transparent conductive oxide
films on the substrate.
Energy
and Environmental Solutions Segment
The Energy and Environmental Solutions segment includes products
for fabricating solar PV cells and modules, high throughput
roll-to-roll
coating systems for flexible electronics and web products, and
systems used in the manufacture of energy-efficient glass. This
segment also includes products for manufacturing c-Si solar PVs
that were obtained through the acquisitions of HCT Shaping
Systems SA (HCT) in fiscal 2007 and Baccini S.p.A. (Baccini) in
fiscal 2008. This business is focused on delivering solutions to
generate and conserve energy, with an emphasis on lowering the
cost to produce solar power by providing equipment to enhance
manufacturing scale and efficiency.
Operating loss
New orders of $955 million in fiscal 2009 decreased from
$1.3 billion in fiscal 2008. The decrease in new orders was
primarily due to decreased demand from c-Si customers and
reflected the challenging global economic environment, solar
manufacturers’ difficulties in obtaining cost-effective
capital, and a decrease in end demand. Net sales of
$1.2 billion in fiscal 2009 increased from
$819 million in fiscal 2008 due to an increase in sales for
the Applied
SunFabtm
Thin Film Line. The operating loss of $242 million in
fiscal 2009 increased from $183 million in fiscal 2008 due
to an increase in RD&E expenses and unfavorable gross
margins associated with initial SunFab line
start-ups,
offset in part by cost control initiatives. In 2009, the Company
introduced its Baccini Esatto Technology, a high precision,
multi-step printing capability designed to increase the
efficiency of c-Si solar cells, and its Applied HCT MaxEdge wire
saw, featuring the industry’s first dual-wire management
system for slicing ultra-thin silicon wafers.
New orders of $1.3 billion in fiscal 2008 increased from
$245 million in fiscal 2007. The increase in new orders was
primarily due to the recognition of orders for the SunFab line
beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, as well as growth
in orders for c-Si products. Net sales of $819 million in
fiscal 2008 increased from $165 million in fiscal 2007 due
to customers’ investment in c-Si products from the
acquisitions of HCT and Baccini, in addition to increased sales
across all other products in the segment. The increase in net
sales for fiscal 2008 included the first revenue recognition of
a SunFab line. The operating loss of $183 million in fiscal
2008 increased from $89 million in fiscal 2007. The
increase in operating loss reflected increased RD&E
spending to develop products that enable lower-cost production
of solar energy, increased operating costs, amortization of
acquisition-related costs, and costs related to expansion of
solar marketing efforts, partially offset by higher revenues.
New orders in fiscal 2007 reflected increased demand for c-Si
solar, glass and flexible electronics products. Net sales in
fiscal 2007 reflected higher net sales in glass, flexible
electronics and c-Si solar products. Operating loss for fiscal
2007 reflected increased RD&E spending to develop products
and services that enable lower-cost production of solar energy
and costs related to expansion of solar marketing efforts,
offset by higher revenues. In fiscal 2007, Applied introduced
the Applied
SunFabtm
Thin Film Line, the first integrated production line designed
for manufacturing thin film silicon solar modules using
5.7 square meter glass panels.
Business
Combinations
On November 16, 2009, Applied entered into an agreement to
acquire all of the outstanding shares of Semitool, Inc.
(Semitool), a public company based in the state of Montana, for
$11 per share in an all-cash tender offer. Semitool is a leading
supplier of electrochemical plating and wafer surface
preparation equipment used by semiconductor packaging and
manufacturing companies globally. Under the terms of the
agreement approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies,
Applied will pay an aggregate purchase price of approximately
$364 million based on the fully-diluted capitalization of
Semitool. The acquisition will be conducted through a tender
offer for all of the outstanding shares of Semitool and is
conditioned on the occurrence or absence of certain events,
including the tender of at least 66.67% of Semitool’s
outstanding stock on a fully-diluted basis, as well as
regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. In
connection with this tender offer, Applied has been named as a
defendant in three purported class action lawsuits filed in
Montana state court. For further details, see Note 15 of
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
On January 31, 2008, Applied acquired all of the
outstanding shares of Baccini, a privately-held company based in
Italy, for a purchase price of $215 million in cash, net of
cash and marketable securities acquired. The acquired business
is a leading supplier of automated metallization and test
systems for manufacturing c-Si photovoltaic cells.
On November 9, 2007, Applied purchased from Edwards Vacuum,
Inc. certain assets of its Kachina semiconductor equipment parts
cleaning and refurbishment business for $19 million.
On August 23, 2007, Applied acquired all of the outstanding
shares of Switzerland-based HCT for $463 million in cash,
net of cash acquired. The acquired business is the world’s
leading supplier of precision wafering systems used principally
in manufacturing c-Si substrates for the solar industry.
On March 30, 2007, Applied purchased Brooks Software for
$137 million in cash. The acquired business is a leading
provider of factory management and control software to the
semiconductor and flat panel display industries. Its products
complement Applied’s existing software applications and
enable Applied to offer customers a comprehensive computer
integrated manufacturing solution for optimizing fab operations.
For further details, see Notes 14 and 15 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
In October 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance for
revenue recognition with multiple deliverables. This
authoritative guidance impacts the determination of when the
individual deliverables included in a multiple-element
arrangement may be treated as separate units of accounting.
Additionally, this guidance modifies the manner in which the
transaction consideration is allocated across the separately
identified deliverables by no longer permitting the residual
method of allocating arrangement consideration. Applied will
adopt this authoritative guidance prospectively commencing in
its first quarter of fiscal 2010. The implementation is not
expected to have a material impact on Applied’s financial
position or results of operations.
In October 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance for the
accounting for certain revenue arrangements that include
software elements. This authoritative guidance amends the scope
of pre-existing software revenue guidance by removing from the
guidance non-software components of tangible products and
certain software components of tangible products. Applied will
adopt this authoritative guidance prospectively commencing in
its first quarter of fiscal 2010. The implementation is not
expected to have a material impact on Applied’s financial
position or results of operations.
In June 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on variable
interest entities, which becomes effective the first annual
reporting period after November 15, 2009 and will be
effective for Applied in fiscal 2011. This authoritative
guidance requires revised evaluations of whether entities
represent variable interest entities, ongoing assessments of
control over such entities, and additional disclosures for
variable interests. Applied is evaluating the potential impact
of the implementation of this authoritative guidance on its
consolidated financial statements.
In April 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on
accounting for assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a
business combination that arise from contingencies, which amends
the provisions related to the initial
recognition and measurement, subsequent measurement and
disclosure of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies
in a business combination under previously issued guidance. The
authoritative guidance requires that such contingencies be
recognized at fair value on the acquisition date if fair value
can be reasonably estimated during the allocation period. This
authoritative guidance will be effective for Applied in fiscal
2010. Applied expects that this authoritative guidance will have
an impact on its consolidated financial statements, but the
nature and magnitude of the specific effects will depend upon
the nature, term and size of the acquired contingencies.
In December 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on
employer’s disclosures about plan assets of a defined
benefit pension or other postretirement plan. Applied will
comply with this authoritative guidance in fiscal 2010.
In December 2007, the FASB revised the authoritative guidance on
business combinations, including the measurement of acquirer
shares issued in consideration for a business combination, the
recognition of contingent consideration, the accounting for
preacquisition gain and loss contingencies, the recognition of
capitalized
in-process
research and development, the accounting for acquisition-related
restructuring cost accruals, the treatment of
acquisition-related transaction costs, and the recognition of
changes in the acquirer’s income tax valuation allowance.
This authoritative guidance will be effective for Applied in
fiscal 2010, with early adoption prohibited. Applied expects
that this authoritative guidance will have an impact on its
consolidated financial statements, but the nature and magnitude
of the specific effects will depend upon the nature, terms and
size of the acquisitions it consummates after the effective date.
In December 2007, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on
noncontrolling interests, which changes the accounting for
noncontrolling (minority) interests in consolidated financial
statements, including the requirements to classify
noncontrolling interests as a component of consolidated
stockholders’ equity, and the elimination of “minority
interest” accounting in results of operations with earnings
attributable to noncontrolling interests reported as part of
consolidated earnings. Additionally, this authoritative guidance
revises the accounting for both increases and decreases in a
parent’s controlling ownership interest. This authoritative
guidance will be effective for Applied in fiscal 2010, with
early adoption prohibited. Applied is evaluating the potential
impact of the implementation of this authoritative guidance on
its financial position or results of operations.
In February 2007, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on the
fair value option for financial assets and financial
liabilities, which permits entities to elect to measure many
financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that
are not currently required to be measured at fair value. This
election is irrevocable. This authoritative guidance became
effective for Applied beginning with its 2009 fiscal year.
Applied has not elected the fair value measurement option for
its financial assets or liabilities that are not currently
required to be measured at fair value.
In September 2006, the FASB issued authoritative guidance for
fair value measurements, which defines fair value, establishes a
framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about
fair value measurements. In February 2008, the FASB issued
authoritative guidance on fair value measurements for purposes
of lease classification, which amends previously issued guidance
on fair value measurements to remove certain leasing
transactions from its scope. The FASB also issued authoritative
guidance on the effective date of fair value measurements, which
delays the effective date for Applied for all non-financial
assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are
recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial
statements on a recurring basis (at least annually), until the
beginning of Applied’s first quarter of fiscal 2010. The
measurement and disclosure requirements related to financial
assets and financial liabilities became effective for Applied
beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. In October 2008,
the FASB issued authoritative guidance that clarifies the
application of fair value measurements in a market that is not
active, and provides guidance on the key considerations in
determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market
for that financial asset is not active. Applied adopted the
effective portions of fair value measurements beginning in the
first quarter of fiscal 2009. See Note 3 for information
and related disclosures regarding Applied’s fair value
measurements.
Financial
Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Applied’s cash, cash equivalents and investments decreased
to $3.3 billion at October 25, 2009 from
$3.5 billion at October 26, 2008, due primarily to a
decrease in cash generated from operating activities. Applied
has not undertaken any significant external financing activities
for several years.
Cash, cash equivalents and investments consist of the following:
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Long-term investments
Total cash, cash-equivalents and investments
Applied generated cash from operating activities of
$333 million in fiscal 2009, $1.7 billion in fiscal
2008, and $2.2 billion in fiscal 2007. The primary sources
of cash from operations in fiscal 2009 were collections of
accounts receivable and a reduction in inventories, which was
offset by a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses
and in income taxes payable. The net loss incurred was offset by
the effect of non-cash charges, including depreciation,
amortization, restructuring and asset impairments, equity-based
compensation, impairment of investments, and provision for bad
debts. Applied utilized programs to discount letters of credit
issued by customers of $299 million in fiscal 2009,
$167 million in fiscal 2008, and $431 million in
fiscal 2007. Discounting of letters of credit depends on many
factors, including the willingness of financial institutions to
discount the letters of credit and the cost of such
arrangements. In fiscal 2009 and 2008, Applied factored accounts
receivable and discounted promissory notes totaling
$43 million and $138 million, respectively. Days sales
outstanding were 75 days at the end of fiscal 2009 and
79 days at the end of both fiscal 2008 and 2007.
Applied generated $113 million of cash from investing
activities in fiscal 2009 and used $76 million and
$977 million of cash in investing activities in fiscal 2008
and 2007, respectively. Proceeds from sales and maturities of
investments, net of purchases of investments, totaled
$361 million in fiscal 2009 and $405 million in fiscal
2008. Purchases of investments, net of proceeds from sales and
maturities of investments, totaled $150 million in fiscal
2007.
Capital expenditures were $248 million in fiscal 2009,
$288 million in fiscal 2008, and $265 million in
fiscal 2007. These expenditures were primarily for the
implementation of an enterprise resource planning software
system and the construction of a solar R&D/demonstration
center in Xi’an, China. Capital expenditures in fiscal 2009
also included investment to construct a facility in Singapore.
Investing activities also included investments in technology and
acquisitions of companies to allow Applied to access new market
opportunities or emerging technologies. During fiscal 2008,
Applied acquired all of the outstanding shares of Baccini, a
privately-held company based in Italy, for a purchase price of
$215 million in cash, net of cash and marketable securities
acquired. Also in fiscal 2008, Applied also purchased certain
assets from Edwards Vacuum, Inc. consisting of its Kachina
semiconductor equipment parts cleaning and refurbishment
business for $19 million. During fiscal 2007, Applied
acquired all of the outstanding shares of HCT for
$463 million in cash, net of cash acquired, and certain net
assets of Brooks Automation, Inc. consisting of its Brooks
Software division for $137 million in cash. See
Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for
additional details.
Applied used cash of $281 million for financing activities
in fiscal 2009, $1.4 billion in fiscal 2008, and
$892 million in fiscal 2007. Financing activities included
payment of cash dividends to stockholders and to a lesser extent
issuances and repurchases of common stock. Since November 2008,
Applied has temporarily suspended stock repurchases in order to
maintain financial flexibility in light of uncertain global
economic and market conditions. Cash used to repurchase shares
totaled $23 million in fiscal 2009, $1.5 billion in
fiscal 2008, and $1.3 billion in fiscal 2007. In each of
fiscal 2009 and 2008, Applied’s Board of Directors declared
four quarterly cash dividends in the amount of $0.06 per share
each. The fourth quarterly cash dividend declared in fiscal 2009
was paid on December 3, 2009 to stockholders of record as
of November 12, 2009. During fiscal 2007, Applied’s
Board
of Directors declared one quarterly cash dividend in the amount
of $0.05 per share and three quarterly cash dividends in the
amount of $0.06 per share each. Dividends paid during fiscal
2009, 2008 and 2007 were $320 million, $325 million
and $306 million, respectively. Applied currently
anticipates that it will continue to pay cash dividends on a
quarterly basis in the future, although the declaration of any
future cash dividend is at the discretion of the Board of
Directors and will depend on Applied’s financial condition,
results of operations, capital requirements, business conditions
and other factors, as well as a determination that cash
dividends are in the best interest of Applied’s
stockholders. Financing activities also included borrowings and
repayments of debt. Applied did not have any borrowings in
fiscal years 2009, 2008 or 2007. Cash used for debt repayments
totaled $1 million for fiscal 2009, $2 million for
fiscal 2008, and $202 million for fiscal 2007. Cash
generated from issuances of common stock pursuant to
Applied’s equity compensation programs totaled
$62 million for fiscal 2009, $401 million for fiscal
2008, and $948 million for fiscal 2007.
Applied has credit facilities for unsecured borrowings in
various currencies of up to $1.2 billion, of which
$1.0 billion is comprised of a
5-year
revolving credit agreement with a group of banks that is
scheduled to expire in January 2012. This agreement provides for
borrowings in United States dollars at interest rates keyed to
one of the two rates selected by Applied for each advance and
includes financial and other covenants with which Applied was in
compliance at October 25, 2009. In May 2009, Applied
amended certain terms of this credit agreement, including
(i) replacing the funded-debt-to-adjusted-earnings ratio
financial covenant with a minimum liquidity covenant and a
funded-debt-to-total-capital ratio covenant and
(ii) increasing the facility fee and applicable interest
rate margins on advances. Remaining credit facilities in the
amount of approximately $165 million are with Japanese
banks. Applied’s ability to borrow under these facilities
is subject to bank approval at the time of the borrowing
request, and any advances will be at rates indexed to the
banks’ prime reference rate denominated in Japanese yen. No
amounts were outstanding under any of the above credit
facilities at October 25, 2009.
In the ordinary course of business, Applied provides standby
letters of credit or other guarantee instruments to third
parties as required for certain transactions initiated by either
Applied or its subsidiaries. As of October 25, 2009, the
maximum potential amount of future payments that Applied could
be required to make under these guarantee arrangements was
$83 million. Applied has not recorded any liability in
connection with these guarantee arrangements beyond that
required to appropriately account for the underlying transaction
being guaranteed. Applied does not believe, based on historical
experience and information currently available, that it is
probable that any amounts will be required to be paid under
these guarantee arrangements.
Applied expects that changes in its business will affect its
working capital components, primarily related to its Energy and
Environmental Solutions segment, which includes products for
manufacturing solar PVs. Applied has entered into contracts with
multiple customers for its SunFab Thin Film Line for projects of
varying scale. Fulfillment of these contracts requires Applied
to invest in inventory, particularly work in process, which
investment may be offset by customer deposits. Changes in these
contracts may result in inventory charges if Applied determines
the inventory to be in excess of anticipated demand.
Applied’s investment portfolio consists principally of
investment grade money market mutual funds, U.S. Treasury
and agency securities, municipal bonds, corporate bonds and, to
a small extent, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, as
well as equity securities. Applied regularly monitors the credit
risk in its investment portfolio and takes appropriate measures,
which may include the sale of certain securities, to manage such
risks prudently in accordance with its investment policies.
In fiscal 2009, as part of its regular investment review
process, Applied recorded impairment charges of $84 million
associated with its equity method investment in Sokudo Co.,
Ltd., other strategic investments and marketable securities. At
October 25, 2009, Applied had a gross unrealized loss of
$1 million due to a decrease in the fair value of certain
fixed income securities. Applied regularly reviews its
investment portfolio to identify and evaluate investments that
have indications of possible impairment. Factors considered in
determining whether a loss is temporary include: the length of
time and extent to which fair value has been lower than the cost
basis; the financial condition, credit quality and near-term
prospects of the investee; and whether it is more
likely-than-not
that Applied will be required to sell the security prior to any
anticipated recovery in fair value. Generally, the contractual
terms of the investments do not permit settlement at prices less
than the amortized cost of the investments. While Applied cannot
predict future market conditions or market liquidity, Applied
believes that its
investment policies provide an appropriate means to manage the
risks in its investment portfolio. The following types of
financial instruments may present additional risks arising from
liquidity
and/or
credit concerns: structured investment vehicles, auction rate
securities,
sub-prime
and “Alt-A” mortgage-backed securities, and
collateralized debt obligations. At October 25, 2009,
Applied’s holdings in these categories of investments
totaled $6 million, or less than 1% of total cash, cash
equivalents and investments, which Applied does not consider to
be material. In the event that these categories of investments
become illiquid, Applied does not believe that this will
materially affect its liquidity or results of operations.
During fiscal 2009, Applied recorded a bad debt provision of
$63 million as a result of certain customers’
deteriorating financial condition. While Applied believes that
its allowance for doubtful accounts at October 25, 2009 is
adequate, it will continue to closely monitor customer liquidity
and other economic conditions.
On November 11, 2009, Applied announced that it will
implement a restructuring program beginning in the first quarter
of fiscal 2010. As part of this program, Applied plans to reduce
its global workforce as of October 25, 2009 by
approximately 1,300 to 1,500 positions, or 10 to
12 percent, over a period of 18 months, consistent
with local legal requirements and in consultation with employee
works councils and other representatives, as applicable. The
Company anticipates cash outlays of between $100 million
and $125 million for this plan.
On November 16, 2009, Applied entered into an agreement to
acquire all of the outstanding shares of Semitool, a public
company based in the state of Montana, for $11 per share in an
all-cash tender offer. Under the terms of the agreement approved
by the Boards of Directors of both companies, Applied will pay
an aggregate purchase price of approximately $364 million
based on the fully-diluted capitalization of Semitool. The
acquisition will be conducted through a tender offer for all of
the outstanding shares of Semitool and is conditioned on the
occurrence or absence of certain events, including the tender of
at least 66.67% of Semitool’s outstanding stock on a
fully-diluted basis, as well as regulatory approvals and other
customary closing conditions.
Although cash requirements will fluctuate based on the timing
and extent of factors such as those discussed above,
Applied’s management believes that cash generated from
operations, together with the liquidity provided by existing
cash balances and borrowing capability, will be sufficient to
satisfy Applied’s liquidity requirements for the next
12 months. For further details regarding Applied’s
operating, investing and financing activities for each of the
three years in the period ended October 25, 2009, see the
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in this report.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
During the ordinary course of business, Applied provides standby
letters of credit or other guarantee instruments to third
parties as required for certain transactions initiated either by
Applied or its subsidiaries. As of October 25, 2009, the
maximum potential amount of future payments that Applied could
be required to make under these guarantee agreements was
$83 million. Applied has not recorded any liability in
connection with these guarantee arrangements beyond that
required to appropriately account for the underlying transaction
being guaranteed. Applied does not believe, based on historical
experience and information currently available, that it is
probable that any amounts will be required to be paid under
these guarantee arrangements.
Applied also has operating leases for various facilities. Total
rental expense for operating leases was $64 million for
fiscal 2009, $68 million for fiscal 2008, and
$62 million for fiscal 2007.
Contractual
Obligations
The following table summarizes Applied’s contractual
obligations as of October 25, 2009:
Contractual Obligations
Long-term debt obligations
Interest expense associated with long-term debt obligations
Operating lease obligations
Purchase obligations*
Other long-term liabilities
In addition to the contractual obligations disclosed above, the
Company has certain tax obligations. Gross interest and
penalties and unrecognized tax benefits that are not expected to
result in payment or receipt of cash within one year have been
reported as non-current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance
Sheet. As of October 25, 2009, the gross liability for
unrecognized tax benefits was $325 million, exclusive of
interest and penalties. Increases or decreases to interest and
penalties on uncertain tax positions are included in provision
for income taxes in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions were
$8 million as of October 26, 2008 and $5 million
as of October 25, 2009. All $5 million in interest and
penalties is classified as long-term payable in the Consolidated
Balance Sheets. At this time, the Company is unable to make a
reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of payments in
individual years due to uncertainties in the timing of tax audit
outcomes and, accordingly, such amounts are not included in the
above contractual obligation table.
As discussed above, on November 16, 2009, Applied entered
into an agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of
Semitool, a public company based in the state of Montana, for
$11 per share in an all-cash tender offer. Under the terms of
the agreement approved by the Boards of Directors of both
companies, Applied will pay an aggregate purchase price of
approximately $364 million based on the fully-diluted
capitalization of Semitool. The acquisition will be conducted
through a tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of
Semitool and is conditioned on the occurrence or absence of
certain events, including the tender of at least 66.67% of
Semitool’s outstanding stock on a fully-diluted basis, as
well as regulatory approvals and other customary closing
conditions.
Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements and related
disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America requires management to
make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the
amounts reported. Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements describes the significant accounting policies used in
the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
Certain of these significant accounting policies are considered
to be critical accounting policies.
A critical accounting policy is defined as one that is both
material to the presentation of Applied’s consolidated
financial statements and requires management to make difficult,
subjective or complex judgments that could have a material
effect on Applied’s financial condition or results of
operations. Specifically, these policies have the following
attributes: (1) Applied is required to make assumptions
about matters that are highly uncertain at the time of the
estimate; and (2) different estimates Applied could
reasonably have used, or changes in the estimate that are
reasonably likely to occur, would have a material effect on
Applied’s financial condition or results of operations.
Estimates and assumptions about future events and their effects
cannot be determined with certainty. Applied bases its estimates
on historical experience and on various other assumptions
believed to be applicable and
reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates may change
as new events occur, as additional information is obtained and
as Applied’s operating environment changes. These changes
have historically been minor and have been included in the
consolidated financial statements as soon as they became known.
In addition, management is periodically faced with
uncertainties, the outcomes of which are not within its control
and will not be known for prolonged periods of time. These
uncertainties are discussed in the section above entitled
“Risk Factors.” Based on a critical assessment of its
accounting policies and the underlying judgments and
uncertainties affecting the application of those policies,
management believes that Applied’s consolidated financial
statements are fairly stated in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America,
and provide a meaningful presentation of Applied’s
financial condition and results of operations.
Management believes that the following are critical accounting
policies:
Warranty
Costs
Applied provides for the estimated cost of warranty when revenue
is recognized. Estimated warranty costs are determined by
analyzing specific product, current and historical configuration
statistics and regional warranty support costs. Applied’s
warranty obligation is affected by product and component failure
rates, material usage and labor costs incurred in correcting
product failures during the warranty period. As Applied’s
customer engineers and process support engineers are highly
trained and deployed globally, labor availability is a
significant factor in determining labor costs. The quantity and
availability of critical replacement parts is another
significant factor in estimating warranty costs. Unforeseen
component failures or exceptional component performance can also
result in changes to warranty costs. If actual warranty costs
differ substantially from Applied’s estimates, revisions to
the estimated warranty liability would be required, which could
have a material adverse effect on Applied’s business,
financial condition and results of operations.
Allowance
for Doubtful Accounts
Applied maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for
estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers
to make required payments. This allowance is based on historical
experience, credit evaluations, specific customer collection
history and any customer-specific issues Applied has identified.
Changes in circumstances, such as an unexpected material adverse
change in a major customer’s ability to meet its financial
obligation to Applied or its payment trends, may require Applied
to further adjust its estimates of the recoverability of amounts
due to Applied, which could have a material adverse effect on
Applied’s business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Inventory
Valuation
Inventories are generally stated at the lower of cost or market,
with cost determined on a
first-in,
first-out basis. The carrying value of inventory is reduced for
estimated obsolescence by the difference between its cost and
the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future
demand. Applied evaluates the inventory carrying value for
potential excess and obsolete inventory exposures by analyzing
historical and anticipated demand. In addition, inventories are
evaluated for potential obsolescence due to the effect of known
and anticipated engineering change orders and new products. If
actual demand were to be substantially lower than estimated,
additional adjustments for excess or obsolete inventory may be
required, which could have a material adverse effect on
Applied’s business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Goodwill
and Intangible Assets
Applied reviews goodwill and intangible assets for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable, and also
annually reviews goodwill and intangibles with indefinite lives
for impairment. Intangible assets, such as purchased technology,
are generally recorded in connection with a business
acquisition. The value assigned to intangible assets is usually
based on estimates and judgments regarding expectations for the
success and life cycle of products and technology acquired. If
actual product acceptance differs significantly from the
estimates, Applied may be required to record an impairment
charge to reduce the carrying value of the reporting unit to its
realizable value. The fair value of a
reporting unit is estimated using both the income approach and
the market approach taking into account such factors as future
anticipated operating results and estimated cost of capital.
Management uses significant judgment when assessing goodwill for
potential impairment, especially in new emerging markets. A
severe decline in market value could result in an unexpected
impairment charge for impaired goodwill, which could have a
material adverse effect on Applied’s business, financial
condition and results of operations.
The effective tax rate is highly dependent upon the geographic
composition of worldwide earnings, tax regulations governing
each region, non-tax deductible expenses incurred in connection
with acquisitions and availability of tax credits. Management
carefully monitors the changes in many factors and adjusts the
effective income tax rate as required. If actual results differ
from these estimates, Applied could be required to record a
valuation allowance on deferred tax assets or adjust its
effective income tax rate, which could have a material adverse
effect on Applied’s business, financial condition and
results of operations.
Applied accounts for income taxes by recognizing deferred tax
assets and liabilities using statutory tax rates for the effect
of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of
recorded assets and liabilities, net operating losses and tax
credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets are also reduced by a
valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that a portion
of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Management has
determined that it is more likely than not that Applied’s
future taxable income will be sufficient to realize its deferred
tax assets.
The calculation of tax liabilities involves significant judgment
in estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of
complex tax laws. Resolution of these uncertainties in a manner
inconsistent with Applied’s expectations could have a
material impact on Applied’s results of operations and
financial condition.
Interest
Rate Risk
At October 25, 2009, Applied’s investment portfolio
included fixed-income securities with a fair value of
approximately $2.6 billion. Applied’s primary
objective for investing in fixed-income securities is to
preserve principal while maximizing returns and minimizing risk.
These securities are subject to interest rate risk and will
decline in value if interest rates increase. Based on
Applied’s investment portfolio at October 25, 2009, an
immediate 100 basis point increase in interest rates would
result in a decrease in the fair value of the portfolio of
approximately $21 million. While an increase in interest
rates reduces the fair value of the investment portfolio,
Applied will not realize the losses in the Consolidated
Statement of Operations unless the individual fixed-income
securities are sold prior to recovery or the investment is
determined to be
other-than-temporarily
impaired.
All of Applied’s debt bears interest at fixed rates.
Therefore, an immediate 100 basis point increase in
interest rates would not be expected to have a material effect
on Applied’s near-term financial condition or results of
operations.
Foreign
Currency Exchange Rate Risk
Certain operations of Applied are conducted in foreign
currencies, such as Japanese yen, euro, Israeli shekel and Swiss
francs. Applied enters into forward exchange and currency option
contracts to hedge a portion of, but not all, existing and
anticipated foreign currency denominated transactions expected
to occur typically within 24 months. Gains and losses on
these contracts are generally recognized in the Consolidated
Statements of Operations at the time that 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.
Applied does not use derivative financial instruments for
trading or speculative purposes.
Forward exchange contracts are denominated in the same currency
as the underlying transactions (primarily Japanese yen, euro,
Israeli shekel and Swiss francs), and the terms of the forward
exchange contracts generally match the terms of the underlying
transactions. Applied’s outstanding forward exchange
contracts are
marked-to-market
as are the majority of the related underlying transactions being
hedged; therefore, the effect of exchange rate changes on
forward exchange contracts is expected to be substantially
offset by the effect of these changes on the underlying
transactions. The effect of an immediate 10 percent change
in exchange rates on forward exchange contracts and the
underlying hedged transactions is not expected to be material to
Applied’s near-term financial condition or results of
operations. Applied’s risk with respect to currency option
contracts is limited to the premium paid for the right to
exercise the option. Premiums paid for options outstanding at
October 25, 2009 were not material. For further details,
see Note 3 and Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated
Condensed Financial Statements.
The consolidated financial statements required by this Item are
set forth on the pages indicated at Item 15(a).
Disclosure
Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, management
of Applied conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and
with the participation of Applied’s Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design
and operation of Applied’s disclosure controls and
procedures, as such term is defined in
Rule 13a-15(e)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act). Based
upon that evaluation, Applied’s Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer concluded that Applied’s disclosure
controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the
period covered by this report in ensuring that information
required to be disclosed was recorded, processed, summarized and
reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s
rules and forms, and to provide reasonable assurance that
information required to be disclosed by Applied in such reports
is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s
management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions
regarding required disclosure.
Management’s
Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Applied’s management is responsible for establishing and
maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting,
as such term is defined in
Rule 13a-15(f)
of the Exchange Act. Under the supervision and with the
participation of Applied’s Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer, management of Applied conducted an
evaluation of the effectiveness of Applied’s internal
control over financial reporting based upon the framework in
“Internal Control — Integrated Framework”
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission. Based on that evaluation, Applied’s
management concluded that Applied’s internal control over
financial reporting was effective as of October 25, 2009.
KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has
audited the consolidated financial statements included in this
Form 10-K
and, as part of the audit, has issued a report, included herein,
on the effectiveness of Applied’s internal control over
financial reporting as of October 25, 2009.
Changes
in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, there were no changes
in the internal control over financial reporting that materially
affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect,
Applied’s internal control over financial reporting.
Inherent
Limitations of Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal
Control over Financial Reporting
It should be noted that any system of controls, however well
designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not
absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system will be
met. In addition, the design of any control system is based in
part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future
events.
None
REPORT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Applied Materials, Inc.:
We have audited Applied Materials, Inc. and subsidiaries’
(the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of
October 25, 2009, based on criteria established in
Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible
for maintaining effective internal control over financial
reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of
internal control over financial reporting, included in the
accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over
Financial Reporting in Item 9A. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over
financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control
over financial reporting was maintained in all material
respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of
internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk
that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the
design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on
the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We
believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a
process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s
internal control over financial reporting includes those
policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance
of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly
reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the
company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions
are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company
are being made only in accordance with authorizations of
management and directors of the company; and (3) provide
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of
unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the
company’s assets that could have a material effect on the
financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over
financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future
periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree
of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Applied Materials, Inc. and subsidiaries
maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control
over financial reporting as of October 25, 2009, based on
criteria established in Internal Control —
Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the
consolidated balance sheets of Applied Materials Inc. and
subsidiaries as of October 25, 2009 and October 26,
2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss), and
cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
October 25, 2009. In connection with our audits of the
consolidated financial statements, we have also audited the
financial statement schedule II. Our report dated
December 11, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on those
consolidated financial statements and financial statement
schedule.
/s/ KPMG
LLP
KPMG LLP
Mountain View, California
December 11, 2009
Pursuant to Paragraph G(3) of the General Instructions to
Form 10-K,
portions of the information required by Part III of
Form 10-K
are incorporated by reference from Applied’s Proxy
Statement to be filed with the SEC in connection with the 2010
Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Proxy Statement).
(1) Information concerning directors, including director
nominations, and Applied’s audit committee and audit
committee financial expert, appears in the Proxy Statement under
“Election of Directors,” and is incorporated herein by
reference.
(2) For information with respect to Executive Officers, see
Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on
Form 10-K,
under “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”
(3) Information concerning Section 16(a) beneficial
ownership reporting compliance appears in the Proxy Statement
under “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting
Compliance,” and is incorporated herein by reference.
Applied has implemented the Standards of Business Conduct, a
code of ethics with which every person who works for Applied and
every member of the Board of Directors is expected to comply. If
any substantive amendments are made to the Standards of Business
Conduct or any waiver is granted, including any implicit waiver,
from a provision of the code to Applied’s Chief Executive
Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Chief Accounting Officer,
Applied will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on
its website or in a report on
Form 8-K.
The above information, including the Standards of Business
Conduct, is available on Applied’s website under the
Investors section at
http://www.appliedmaterials.com/investors/index.html.
This website address is intended to be an inactive, textual
reference only. None of the material on this website is part of
this report or is incorporated by reference herein.
Information concerning executive compensation appears in the
Proxy Statement under “Executive Compensation and Related
Information” and is incorporated herein by reference.
Information concerning compensation committee interlocks and
insider participation appears in the Proxy Statement under
“Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
Participation” and is incorporated herein by reference.
Information concerning the compensation committee report appears
in the Proxy Statement under “Human Resources and
Compensation Committee Report” and is incorporated herein
by reference.
Information concerning the security ownership of certain
beneficial owners and management appears in the Proxy Statement,
under “Principal Stockholders,” and is incorporated
herein by reference.
The following table summarizes information with respect to
options and other equity awards under Applied’s equity
compensation plans as of October 25, 2009:
Equity
Compensation Plan Information
Plan Category
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
Total
Applied has the following equity compensation plans that have
not been approved by stockholders:
2000 Global Equity Incentive Plan The 2000 Global Equity
Incentive Plan (the 2000 Plan) was adopted effective as of
June 21, 2000. The 2000 Plan provides for the grant of
non-qualified stock options to employees other than officers and
directors. The administrator of the 2000 Plan (either the Board
of Directors of Applied or a committee appointed by the Board)
determines the terms and conditions of all stock options
granted; provided, however, that (1) the exercise price
generally may not be less than 100 percent of the fair
market value (on the date of grant) of the stock covered by the
option, and (2) the term of options can be no longer than
10 years (or 13 years in the event of death). A total
of 147,000,000 shares have been authorized for issuance
under the 2000 Plan, and 47,955 shares remain available for
issuance as of October 25, 2009.
Stock Purchase Plan for Offshore Employees The Stock
Purchase Plan for Offshore Employees (the Offshore ESPP) was
adopted effective as of October 16, 1995 for the benefit of
employees of Applied’s participating affiliates (other than
United States citizens or residents). The Offshore ESPP provides
for the grant of options to purchase shares of Applied common
stock through payroll deductions pursuant to one or more
offerings. The administrator of the Offshore ESPP (the Board of
Directors of Applied or a committee appointed by the Board)
determines the terms and conditions of all options prior to the
start of an offering, including the purchase price of shares,
the number of shares covered by the option and when the option
may be exercised. All options granted as part of an offering
must be granted on the same date. Prior to June 8, 2009, a
total of 12,800,000 shares had been authorized for issuance
under the Offshore ESPP. Effective June 8, 2009, Applied
amended the Offshore ESPP to increase the number of shares
available for issuance under such plan by 3,000,000 shares
and correspondingly amended the stockholder-approved Applied
Materials, Inc. Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (the
U.S. ESPP) to reduce the number of shares available for
issuance under such plan by 3,000,000 shares. Accordingly,
as of October 25, 2009 a total of 15,800,000 shares
have been authorized for issuance under the Offshore ESPP, and
2,033,000 shares remain available for issuance. These plan
amendments did not result in any increase in the total aggregate
number of shares authorized for issuance under the Offshore ESPP
and the U.S. ESPP.
Nonemployee Director Share Purchase Plan The Applied
Materials, Inc. Nonemployee Director Share Purchase Plan was
adopted effective March 22, 2005. The Nonemployee Director
Share Purchase Plan provides a method by which non-employee
directors may purchase Applied common stock at 100% of fair
market value on the purchase date by foregoing cash they have
earned as retainer fees or meeting fees. The shares generally
are purchased at the same time the directors otherwise would
have been paid the fees in cash. Since the directors pay full
fair market value for the shares, there is no reserved amount of
shares under this plan and, accordingly, the table above does
not include any set number of shares available for future
issuance under the plan.
Applied Materials Profit Sharing Scheme The Applied
Materials Profit Sharing Scheme was adopted effective
July 3, 1996 to enable employees of Applied Materials
Ireland Limited and its participating subsidiaries to purchase
Applied common stock at 100% of fair market value on the
purchase date. Under this plan, eligible employees may elect to
forego a certain portion of their base salary and certain
bonuses they have earned and that otherwise would be payable in
cash to purchase shares of Applied common stock at full fair
market value. Since the eligible employees pay full fair market
value for the shares, there is no reserved amount of shares
under this plan and, accordingly, the table above does not
include any set number of shares available for future issuance
under the plan.
The information appearing in the Proxy Statement under the
heading “Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions” is incorporated herein by reference.
The information appearing in the Proxy Statement under the
heading “Director Independence” is incorporated herein
by reference.
Information concerning principal accounting fees and services
and the audit committee’s preapproval policies and
procedures appears in the Proxy Statement under the headings
“Fees Paid to KPMG LLP” and “Policy on Audit
Committee’s Pre-Approval of Audit and Permisssible
Non-audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm,” is incorporated herein by reference.
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this
Annual Report on
Form 10-K:
(1)
(2)
(3)
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable
or the required information is shown in the Consolidated
Financial Statements or Notes thereto.
APPLIED
MATERIALS, INC.
Cost of products sold
Operating expenses:
Research, development and engineering
General and administrative
Marketing and selling
Restructuring and asset impairments
Gain on sale of facility
Income (loss) from operations
Pretax loss of equity-method investment
Impairment of investments
Interest expense
Interest income
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic
Diluted
Weighted average number of shares:
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
APPLIED
MATERIALS, INC.
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of
$67,313 and $5,275 at 2009 and 2008, respectively
Inventories
Deferred income taxes, net
Income taxes receivable
Other current assets
Total current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
Net property, plant and equipment
Goodwill, net
Purchased technology and other intangible assets, net
Equity-method investment
Deferred income taxes and other assets
Total assets
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Customer deposits and deferred revenue
Income taxes payable
Total current liabilities
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock: $.01 par value per share;
1,000 shares authorized; no shares issued
Common stock: $.01 par value per share;
2,500,000 shares authorized; 1,340,917 and
1,330,761 shares outstanding at 2009 and 2008, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Treasury stock: 508,254 and 513,232 shares at 2009 and
2008, respectively, net
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Total stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
APPLIED
MATERIALS, INC.
Balance at October 29, 2006
Components of comprehensive income:
Net income
Change in unrealized net loss on investments
Change in unrealized net gain on derivative instruments
Change in minimum pension liability
Change in retiree medical benefit
Translation adjustments
Comprehensive income
Adjustment to initially apply authoritative guidance on defined
benefit pension plans, net of tax of $959
Dividends
Equity-based compensation
Issuance under stock plans, including tax benefits of $48,870
and other
Treasury stock repurchases
Balance at October 28, 2007
Cumulative effect of adoption of interpretative tax guidance on
uncertainties in income taxes
Issuance under stock plans, including a tax detriment of $11,519
and other
Balance at October 26, 2008
Components of comprehensive loss:
Net loss
Change in unrealized net gain on investments
Comprehensive loss
Change in measurement date to apply authoritative guidance on
defined benefit plans
Issuance under stock plans, including a tax detriment of $13,409
and other
Balance at October 25, 2009
APPLIED
MATERIALS, INC.
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)
Adjustments required to reconcile net income (loss) to cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Loss on fixed asset retirements
Provision for bad debts
Restructuring and asset impairments
Acquired in-process research and development expense
Pretax loss of equity-method investment
Impairment of investments
Net recognized loss on investments
Deferred income taxes
Excess tax benefits from equity-based compensation plans
Equity-based compensation
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of amounts
acquired:
Accounts receivable
Inventories
Other current assets
Other assets
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Customer deposits and deferred revenue
Income taxes payable
Other liabilities
Cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Proceeds from sale of facility
Proceeds from disposition of assets held for sale
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments
Purchases of investments
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Cash flows used for financing activities:
Short-term debt repayments
Long-term debt repayments
Proceeds from common stock issuances
Common stock repurchases
Excess tax benefit from equity-based compensation plans
Payments of dividends to stockholders
Cash used in financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents — end of year
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash payments for income taxes, net
Cash payments for interest
Principles
of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
Applied Materials, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Applied or the
Company) after elimination of intercompany balances and
transactions. All references to a fiscal year apply to
Applied’s fiscal year which ends on the last Sunday in
October. Fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 contained 52 weeks
each. Each fiscal quarter of 2009, 2008 and 2007 contained
13 weeks.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial
statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ
materially from those estimates.
Prior year amounts for customer deposits and deferred revenue
have been reclassified to conform to the current year
presentation.
During fiscal 2009, Applied implemented authoritative guidance
and changed the measurement date for its defined and
postretirement benefit plan assets and obligations from an
interim date to Applied’s fiscal year end. Accordingly,
Applied recorded a $2 million (after tax) adjustment to the
fiscal 2009 beginning balance of retained earnings.
Cash
Equivalents
All highly-liquid investments with a remaining maturity of three
months or less at the time of purchase are considered to be cash
equivalents. Cash equivalents consists primarily of investments
in institutional money market funds.
Investments
All of Applied’s investments are classified as
available-for-sale
at the respective balance sheet dates. Investments classified as
available-for-sale
are recorded at fair value based upon quoted market prices, and
any temporary difference between the cost and fair value of an
investment is presented as a separate component of accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss). The specific identification
method is used to determine the gains and losses on investments.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost
determined on a
first-in,
first-out (FIFO) basis.
Property,
Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is
provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the
straight-line method. Estimated useful lives for financial
reporting purposes are as follows: buildings and improvements, 3
to 30 years; demonstration and manufacturing equipment, 3
to 5 years; software, 3 to 5 years; and furniture,
fixtures and other equipment, 3 to 15 years. Land
improvements are amortized over the shorter of 15 years or
the estimated useful life. Leasehold improvements are amortized
over the shorter of five years or the lease term.
Intangible
Assets
Goodwill and indefinite-lived assets are not amortized, but are
reviewed for impairment annually during the fourth quarter of
each fiscal year. Purchased technology and other intangible
assets are presented at cost, net of
NOTES TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS — (Continued)
accumulated amortization, and are amortized over their estimated
useful lives of 1 to 15 years using the straight-line
method.
Long-Lived
Assets
Applied reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events
or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of
these assets may not be recoverable. Applied assesses these
assets for impairment based on estimated future cash flows from
these assets.
Research,
Development and Engineering Costs
Research, development and engineering costs are expensed as
incurred.
Advertising
Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs
were not material for all periods presented.
Sales and
Value Added Taxes
Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental
authorities are presented on a net basis in the accompanying
Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Income
Taxes
Income tax expense is based on pretax earnings. Deferred tax
assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax
consequences of temporary differences between the book and tax
bases of recorded assets and liabilities, net operating losses
and tax credit carryforwards.
Revenue
Recognition
Applied recognizes revenue when all four revenue recognition
criteria have been met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement
exists; delivery has occurred or services have been rendered;
seller’s price to buyer is fixed or determinable; and
collectability is reasonably assured. Applied’s shipping
terms are customarily FOB Applied shipping point or equivalent
terms. Applied’s revenue recognition policy generally
results in revenue recognition at the following points:
(1) for all transactions where legal title passes to the
customer upon shipment, Applied recognizes revenue upon shipment
for all products that have been demonstrated to meet product
specifications prior to shipment; the portion of revenue
associated with certain installation-related tasks is deferred
based on the estimated fair value, and that revenue is
recognized upon completion of the installation-related tasks;
(2) for products that have not been demonstrated to meet
product specifications prior to shipment, revenue is recognized
at customer technical acceptance; (3) for transactions
where legal title does not pass at shipment, revenue is
recognized when legal title passes to the customer, which is
generally at customer technical acceptance; and (4) for
arrangements containing multiple elements, the revenue relating
to the undelivered elements is deferred at their estimated
relative fair values until delivery of the deferred elements. In
cases where Applied has sold products that have been
demonstrated to meet product specifications prior to shipment,
Applied believes that at the time of delivery, it has an
enforceable claim to amounts recognized as revenue. The
completed contract method is used for
SunFabtm
Thin Film Lines. Certain SunFab Thin Film contracts have
provisions for additional amounts to become due to Applied if
the line achieves certain output criteria subsequent to factory
acceptance. Any additional amounts earned under these contracts
are recognized upon achievement. Spare parts revenue is
generally recognized upon shipment, and services revenue is
generally recognized over the period that the services are
provided.
Derivative
Financial Instruments
Applied uses financial instruments, such as forward exchange and
currency option contracts, to hedge a portion of, but not all,
existing and anticipated foreign currency denominated
transactions typically expected to occur within 24 months.
The terms of currency instruments used for hedging purposes are
generally consistent with the timing of the transactions being
hedged. The purpose of Applied’s foreign currency
management is to mitigate the effect of exchange rate
fluctuations on certain foreign currency denominated revenues,
costs and eventual cash flows. All of Applied’s derivative
financial instruments are recorded at fair value based upon
quoted market prices for comparable instruments. For derivative
instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges of
anticipated foreign currency denominated transactions, the
effective portion of the gain or loss on these hedges is
reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) in stockholders’ equity, and is reclassified
into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. If
the transaction being hedged fails to occur, or if a portion of
any derivative is ineffective, the gain or loss on the
associated financial instrument is recorded promptly in
earnings. For derivative instruments used to hedge existing
foreign currency denominated assets or liabilities, the gain or
loss on these hedges is recorded promptly in earnings to offset
the changes in the fair value of the assets or liabilities being
hedged. Applied does not use derivative financial instruments
for trading or speculative purposes.
Foreign
Currency Translation
As of October 25, 2009, primarily all of Applied’s
subsidiaries use the United States dollar as their functional
currency. Accordingly, assets and liabilities of these
subsidiaries are translated using exchange rates in effect at
the end of the period, except for non-monetary assets, such as
inventories and property, plant and equipment, which are
translated using historical exchange rates. Revenues and costs
are translated using average exchange rates for the period,
except for costs related to those balance sheet items that are
translated using historical exchange rates. The resulting
translation gains and losses are included in the Consolidated
Statements of Operations as incurred.
Concentrations
of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject Applied to
significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of
cash equivalents, investments, trade accounts receivable and
derivative financial instruments used in hedging activities.
Applied invests in a variety of financial instruments, such as,
but not limited to, certificates of deposit, corporate and
municipal bonds, United States Treasury and agency securities,
and asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities, and, by policy,
limits the amount of credit exposure with any one financial
institution or commercial issuer. Applied performs ongoing
credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition
and generally requires no collateral to secure accounts
receivable. Applied maintains an allowance reserve for
potentially uncollectible accounts receivable based on its
assessment of the collectibility of accounts receivable. Applied
regularly reviews the allowance by considering factors such as
historical experience, credit quality, age of the accounts
receivable balances, and current economic conditions that may
affect a customer’s ability to pay. In addition, Applied
utilizes letters of credit to mitigate credit risk when
considered appropriate. Applied is exposed to credit-related
losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to
derivative financial instruments, but does not expect any
counterparties to fail to meet their obligations.
Equity-Based
Compensation
Applied has adopted stock plans that permit grants to employees
of equity-based awards, including stock options, restricted
stock and restricted stock units (also referred to as
“performance shares” under the Applied Materials, Inc.
Employee Stock Incentive Plan). In addition, the Employee Stock
Incentive Plan provides for the automatic grant of restricted
stock units to non-employee directors and permits the grant of
equity-based awards to consultants. Applied also has an Employee
Stock Purchase Plan for United States employees, and a second
Employee Stock Purchase Plan for international employees
(collectively, ESPP), which enable eligible employees to
purchase Applied common stock.
During fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, Applied recognized total
equity-based compensation expense related to stock options, ESPP
shares, restricted stock units and restricted stock of
$147 million (or $0.08 per diluted share),
$179 million (or $0.09 per diluted share) and
$161 million (or $0.08 per diluted share), respectively.
During fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, Applied recognized income tax
benefits related to equity-based compensation of
$41 million, $50 million and $45 million,
respectively. The equity-based compensation expense related to
restricted stock units and restricted stock for fiscal 2009,
2008 and 2007 was $115 million, $137 million and
$104 million, respectively. The cost associated with
Applied’s stock options and restricted stock units less
expected forfeitures, is recognized over the awards’
service period for the entire award on a straight-line basis.
The cost associated with Applied’s performance-based equity
awards are recognized over the service for each tranche.
Stock
Options
The exercise price of each stock option equals the fair market
value of Applied common stock on the date of grant. Most options
are scheduled to vest over four years and expire no later than
seven years from the grant date. The fair value of each option
grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes
option pricing model. This model was developed for use in
estimating the value of publicly traded options that have no
vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Applied’s
employee stock options have characteristics significantly
different from those of publicly traded options. The weighted
average assumptions used in the model are outlined in the
following table:
Stock Options:
Dividend yield
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Expected life (in years)
The computation of the expected volatility assumption used in
the Black-Scholes calculations for new grants is based on a
combination of historical and implied volatilities. When
establishing the expected life assumption, Applied periodically
reviews historical employee exercise behavior with respect to
option grants with similar vesting periods.
Options outstanding had an aggregate intrinsic value of
$109 million, $0.6 million and $190 million at
October 25, 2009, October 26, 2008 and
October 28, 2007, respectively. The total grant date fair
value of options granted during fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 was
$62 million, $34,000 and $2 million, respectively. The
total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal 2009,
2008 and 2007 was $1 million, $54 million and
$141 million, respectively. The total fair value of options
that vested during fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 was
$14 million, $55 million and $124 million,
respectively. At October 25, 2009, Applied had
$42 million of total unrecognized compensation expense, net
of estimated forfeitures, related to stock option plans that
will be recognized over the weighted average period of
1.3 years. Cash received from stock option exercises was
$9 million, $328 million and $837 million,
respectively, during fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007. The actual tax
benefit realized for the tax deductions from options exercised
for fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 totaled $22 million,
$57 million and $50 million, respectively.
Employee
Stock Purchase Plans
Under the ESPP, substantially all employees may purchase Applied
common stock through payroll deductions at a price equal to
85 percent of the lower of the fair market value of Applied
common stock at the beginning of the applicable offering period
or at the end of each applicable purchase period. Effective
March 2, 2009, the length of offering periods under the
ESPP was reduced to 6 months from a maximum of
24 months in duration. The
incremental compensation cost associated with this modification
was insignificant. The number of shares issued under the ESPP
during fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 was 6,920,000 shares,
4,617,000 shares and 4,310,000 shares, respectively.
Based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model, the weighted
average estimated fair value of purchase rights under the ESPP
was $3.19 per share for the year ended October 25, 2009,
$4.97 per share for the year ended October 26, 2008 and
$4.83 per share for the year ended October 28, 2007.
Compensation expense is calculated using the fair value of the
employees’ purchase rights under the Black-Scholes model.
Underlying assumptions used in the model are outlined in the
following table:
ESPP:
Restricted
Stock Units and Restricted Stock
Restricted stock units are converted into shares of Applied
common stock upon vesting on a
one-for-one
basis. Restricted stock units typically vest over three to four
years. Vesting of restricted stock units usually is subject to
the grantee’s continued service with Applied. The
compensation expense related to these awards is determined using
the fair value of Applied common stock on the date of the grant,
and compensation is recognized over the vesting period. At
October 25, 2009, Applied had $136 million total
unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures,
related to restricted stock unit grants, which will be
recognized over the weighted average period of 1.2 years
(see Note 10).
Beginning in fiscal 2007, Applied initiated a performance-based
equity award program for named executive officers and other key
employees. These awards vest only if specific performance goals
set by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee of
Applied’s Board of Directors (the Committee) are achieved
and if the grantee remains employed by Applied through the
applicable vesting date. The performance goals require the
achievement of targeted relative annual operating profit margin
levels as compared to Applied’s peer companies in at least
one of the four fiscal years beginning with the fiscal year of
the grant. There were no performance-based awards granted in
fiscal 2009. The Committee approved grants of 1,565,000 and
1,950,000 performance-based restricted stock units under this
program for fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively. The
Committee also approved the issuance to Applied’s President
and Chief Executive Officer of performance-based restricted
stock in the amounts of 100,000 and 150,000 shares for
fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively, at $0.01 per share.
The fair value of the performance-based restricted stock units
and restricted stock is estimated using the fair market value of
Applied common stock on the date of the grant and assumes that
the performance goals will be achieved. If achieved, the award
vests over a specified remaining service period. If the
performance goals are not met, no compensation expense is
recognized and any previously recognized compensation expense is
reversed. The expected cost of each award is reflected over the
service period and is reduced for estimated forfeitures. As of
October 25, 2009, 70% of the performance goals associated
with the fiscal 2008 awards were achieved. The performance goals
associated with the remaining 30% may still be achieved,
depending on future performance, during fiscal 2010. The
performance goals associated with the fiscal 2007 awards were
achieved prior to fiscal 2009. Fiscal 2009 equity-based
compensation expense included $13 million attributable to
the performance-based awards granted in fiscal 2008 and fiscal
2007. Fiscal 2008 equity-based compensation expense included
$21 million attributable to the performance-based awards
granted in fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007. Fiscal 2007 equity-based
compensation expense included $13 million attributable to
the performance-based awards granted in fiscal 2007.
Earnings
Per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per share is determined using the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding during the period.
Diluted earnings per share is determined using the weighted
average number of common shares and potential common shares
(representing the dilutive effect of stock options, restricted
stock units, and ESPP shares) outstanding during the period.
Applied’s net income (loss) has not been adjusted for any
period presented for purposes of computing basic or diluted
earnings (loss) per share due to the Company’s non-complex
capital structure.
For purposes of computing diluted earnings per share, weighted
average potential common shares do not include stock options
with an exercise price greater than the average fair market
value of Applied common stock for the period, as the effect
would be anti-dilutive. Accordingly, options to purchase
36,423,000 and 51,094,000 shares of common stock for the
fiscal years ended October 26, 2008 and October 28,
2007, respectively, were excluded from the computation.
Potential common shares have not been included in the
calculation of diluted net loss per share for the year ended
October 25, 2009, as the effect would be anti-dilutive. As
such, the numerator and the denominator used in computing both
basic and diluted net loss per share for fiscal 2009 are the
same. The number of potential common shares that were excluded
from the computation of diluted earnings per share was
85,049,000 for fiscal 2009.
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on
accounting for assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a
business combination that arise from contingencies, which amends
the provisions related to the initial recognition and
measurement, subsequent measurement and disclosure of assets and
liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination
under previously issued guidance. The authoritative guidance
requires that such contingencies be recognized at fair value on
the acquisition date if fair value can be reasonably estimated
during the allocation period. This authoritative guidance will
be effective for Applied in fiscal 2010. Applied expects that
this authoritative guidance will have an impact on its
consolidated financial statements, but the nature and magnitude
of the specific effects will depend upon the nature, term and
size of the acquired contingencies.
In December 2007, the FASB revised the authoritative guidance on
business combinations, including the measurement of acquirer
shares issued in consideration for a business combination, the
recognition of contingent consideration, the accounting for
preacquisition gain and loss contingencies, the recognition of
capitalized in-process research and development, the accounting
for acquisition-related restructuring cost accruals, the
treatment of acquisition-related transaction costs, and the
recognition of changes in the acquirer’s income tax
valuation allowance. This authoritative guidance will be
effective for Applied in fiscal 2010, with early adoption
prohibited. Applied expects that this authoritative guidance
will have an impact on its consolidated financial statements,
but the nature and magnitude of the specific effects will depend
upon the nature, terms and size of the acquisitions it
consummates after the effective date.
In September 2006, the FASB issued authoritative guidance for
fair value measurements, which defines fair value, establishes a
framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about
fair value measurements. In February 2008, the FASB issued
authoritative guidance on fair value measurements for purposes
of lease classification, which amends previously issued guidance
on fair value measurements to remove certain leasing
transactions from its scope. The FASB also issued authoritative
guidance on the effective date of fair value measurements, which
delays the effective date for Applied for all non-financial
assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are
recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial
statements on a recurring basis (at least annually), until the
beginning of Applied’s first quarter of fiscal 2010. The
measurement and disclosure requirements related to financial
assets and financial liabilities were effective for Applied
beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. In October 2008,
the FASB issued authoritative guidance that clarifies the
application of fair value measurements in a market that is not
active, and provides guidance on the key considerations in
determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market
for that financial asset is not active. Applied adopted the
effective portions of fair value measurements beginning in the
first quarter of fiscal 2009. See Note 3 for information
and related disclosures regarding Applied’s fair value
measurements.
Applied records treasury stock purchases under the cost method
using the
first-in,
first-out (FIFO) method. Upon reissuance of treasury stock,
amounts in excess of the acquisition cost are credited to
additional paid in capital. If Applied reissues treasury stock
at an amount below its acquisition cost and additional paid in
capital associated with prior treasury stock transactions is
insufficient to cover the difference between the acquisition
cost and the reissue price, this difference is recorded against
retained earnings. During fiscal 2009, shares of treasury stock
were issued in connection with Applied’s ESPP at an
aggregate value that was less than the treasury stock’s
acquisition price, resulting in $40 million being recorded
against retained earnings.
Investments by security type at October 25, 2009 were as
follows:
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
U.S. commercial paper, corporate bonds and medium-term notes
Other debt securities
Total fixed income securities
Publicly traded equity securities
Equity investments in privately-held companies
Total
Investments by security type at October 26, 2008 were as
follows:
Bank certificate of deposit
Cash and cash equivalents included investments in debt and other
securities of $228 million at October 25, 2009 and
$224 million at October 26, 2008. Other debt
securities consist primarily of investment grade asset-backed
and mortgage-backed securities.
Contractual maturities of investments at October 25, 2009
were as follows:
Due in one year or less
Due after one through five years
Due after five years
No single maturity date*
The following table provides the gross unrealized losses and the
fair market value of Applied’s investments with unrealized
losses that are not deemed to be
other-than-temporarily
impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time
that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized
loss position as of October 25, 2009.
At October 25, 2009, Applied had a gross unrealized loss of
$1 million due to a decrease in the fair value of certain
fixed income securities. Applied regularly reviews its
investment portfolio to identify and evaluate investments that
have indications of possible impairment. Factors considered in
determining whether a loss is temporary include: the length of
time and extent to which fair value has been lower than the cost
basis; the financial condition, credit quality and near-term
prospects of the investee; and whether it is more likely than
not that Applied will be required to sell the security prior to
recovery. Generally, the contractual terms of the investments do
not permit settlement at prices less than the amortized cost of
the investments. In fiscal 2009, Applied recognized an
impairment of its marketable securities in the amount of
$2 million. Applied has determined that the gross
unrealized losses on its investments at October 25, 2009
are temporary in nature. Accordingly, Applied does not consider
the investments to be
other-than-temporarily
impaired at October 25, 2009.
Applied manages its cash equivalents and investments, excluding
strategic investments, as a single portfolio of highly
marketable securities that is intended to be available to meet
Applied’s current cash requirements. For fiscal 2009, gross
realized gains on sales of investments were $9 million, and
gross realized losses were $10 million. For fiscal 2008,
gross realized gains on sales of investments were
$13 million, and gross realized losses were
$15 million. For fiscal 2007, gross realized gains on sales
of investments were $2 million, and gross realized losses
were $2 million.
On October 27, 2008, Applied adopted authoritative guidance
for fair value measurements and the fair value option for
financial assets and liabilities. This authoritative guidance
defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair
value and enhances disclosure requirements for fair value
measurements. Fair value is defined under this authoritative
guidance as the exchange price that would be received for an
asset, or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price), in the
principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability
in an orderly transaction between market participants on the
measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair
value under this guidance must maximize the use of observable
inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. This
authoritative guidance describes a fair value hierarchy based on
three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered
observable and the last is considered unobservable, which may be
used to measure fair value:
Applied’s investments are comprised primarily of debt
securities that are classified as
available-for-sale
and recorded at their fair value. In determining the fair value
of investments, Applied uses pricing information from pricing
services that value securities based on quoted market prices and
models that utilize observable market inputs. In the event a
fair value estimate is unavailable from a pricing service,
Applied generally obtains non-binding price quotes from brokers.
Applied then reviews the information provided by the pricing
services or brokers to determine the fair value of its
short-term and long-term investments. In addition, to validate
pricing information obtained from pricing services, Applied
periodically performs supplemental analysis on a sample of
securities. Applied reviews any significant unanticipated
differences identified through this analysis to determine the
appropriate fair value.
In general, investments with remaining effective maturities of
12 months or less from the balance sheet date are
classified as short-term investments. Investments with remaining
effective maturities of more than 12 months from the
balance sheet date are classified as long-term investments. As
of October 25, 2009, a substantial majority of
Applied’s
available-for-sale,
short-term and long-term investments were recognized at fair
value that was determined based upon observable inputs.
Unrealized gains and temporary losses on investments classified
as
available-for-sale
are included within accumulated other comprehensive income
(loss), net of any related tax effect. Upon realization, those
amounts are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) to results of operations.
Financial
Assets/Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring
Basis
Financial assets and liabilities (excluding cash balances)
measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below
as of October 25, 2009:
Assets
Money market funds
Foreign exchange derivative assets
Liabilities
Foreign exchange derivative liabilities
During fiscal 2009, Level 3 assets consisted of
asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities, which values were
based on non-binding, broker-provided price quotes and may not
have been corroborated by observable market data. The following
table presents the changes in Level 3 instruments for the
fiscal year ended October 25, 2009:
Balance, October 26, 2008
Total realized and unrealized losses:
Included in earnings
Included in other comprehensive loss
Purchases, sales, and maturities
Transfers out of Level 3, net
Balance, October 25, 2009
Financial
Assets/Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring
Basis
Equity investments in privately-held companies are generally
accounted for under the cost method of accounting and are
periodically assessed for
other-than-temporary
impairment when an event or circumstance indicates that an
other-than-temporary
decline in value may have occurred. If Applied determines that
an
other-than-temporary
impairment has occurred, the investment will be written down to
its estimated fair value based on available information, such as
pricing in recent rounds of financing, current cash positions,
earnings and cash flow forecasts, recent operational performance
and any other readily available market data. Equity investments
in privately-held companies totaled $91 million at
October 25, 2009, of which $52 million of investments
were accounted for under the cost method of accounting and
$39 million of investments had been measured at fair value
on a non-recurring basis during fiscal 2009 due to an
other-than-temporary
decline in value. The following table presents the balance of
equity securities at October 25, 2009 that had been
measured at fair value on a non-recurring
basis, using the process described above, and the impairment
charges recorded during the twelve months then ended:
Equity investments in privately-held companies measured at fair
value on a non-recurring basis during fiscal 2009
Impairments associated with financial assets for fiscal 2009
totaled $84 million and consisted of the following: equity
method investment in Sokudo Co., Ltd., a Japanese joint venture
company, $45 million; publicly traded equity securities,
$20 million; equity investments in privately-held
companies, $17 million; and marketable securities of
$2 million.
Derivative instruments and hedging activities, including foreign
currency exchange contracts, are 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, are 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.
Applied conducts business in a number of foreign countries, with
certain transactions denominated in local currencies, such as
Japanese yen, euro, Israeli shekel and Swiss francs. The purpose
of Applied’s foreign currency management is to mitigate the
effect of exchange rate fluctuations on certain foreign currency
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 typically within the next 24 months.
Hedges related to anticipated transactions are designated and
documented at the inception of the hedge as cash flow hedges and
are typically entered into once per month. Cash flow hedges are
evaluated for effectiveness quarterly. The effective portion of
the gain or loss on these hedges is reported as a component of
accumulated other comprehensive income or loss (AOCI) in
stockholders’ equity and is reclassified into earnings when
the hedged transaction affects earnings. The majority of the
after-tax net income or loss related to derivative instruments
included in AOCI at October 25, 2009 is expected to be
reclassified into earnings within 12 months. Changes in the
fair value of currency forward exchange and option contracts due
to changes in time value are excluded from the assessment of
effectiveness. Both ineffective hedge amounts and hedge
components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are
recognized promptly in earnings. If the transaction being hedged
is no longer probable to occur, or if a portion of any
derivative is deemed to be ineffective, Applied promptly
recognizes the gain or loss on the associated financial
instrument in general and administrative expenses. The amount
recognized due to discontinuance of cash flow hedges that were
probable not to occur by the end of the originally specified
time period was $25 million for the fiscal 2009. The amount
recognized due to discontinuance of cash flow hedges that were
probable not to occur by the end of the originally specified
time period was not significant for fiscal 2008 or 2007.
Forward exchange contracts are generally used to hedge certain
foreign currency denominated assets or liabilities. These
derivatives are typically entered into once per month and are
not designated for hedge accounting treatment. Accordingly,
changes in the fair value of these hedges are recorded promptly
in earnings to offset the changes in the fair value of the
assets or liabilities being hedged.
Fair values of derivative instruments were as follows:
Foreign exchange contracts
Total derivatives
The effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated
Condensed Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended
October 25, 2009 was as follows:
Foreign exchange contracts
Total
Derivative-related activity in accumulated other comprehensive
loss, net of taxes, was as follows:
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments at beginning of
period
Increase (decrease) in fair value of derivative instruments
(Gain) loss reclassified into earnings, net
Unrealized gain, net, on derivative instruments at end of period
The $25 million recognized in fiscal 2009, due to
discontinuance of cash flow hedges, has been presented on a net
basis in the accumulated other comprehensive loss activity above.
Credit
Risk Contingent Features
If Applied’s credit rating were to fall below investment
grade, it would be in violation of credit risk contingent
provisions, and certain counterparties to the derivative
instruments could request immediate payment on derivative
instruments in net liability positions. The aggregate fair value
of all derivative instruments with credit-risk related
contingent features that were in a liability position was
immaterial as of October 25, 2009.
Entering into foreign exchange contracts with banks exposes
Applied to credit-related losses in the event of the banks’
nonperformance. However, Applied’s exposure is not
considered significant.
For further details, see Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated
Condensed Financial Statements.
Fair
Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of Applied’s financial instruments,
including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, notes
payable, and accounts payable and accrued expenses, approximate
fair value due to the short maturities of these financial
instruments. At October 25, 2009, the carrying amount of
long-term debt was $202 million and the estimated fair
value was $216 million. At October 26, 2008, the
carrying amount of long-term debt was $203 million and the
estimated fair value was $198 million. The estimated fair
value of long-term debt is determined by Level 2 inputs and
is based primarily on quoted market prices for the same or
similar issues.
Inventories
Customer service spares
Raw materials
Work-in-process
Finished goods*
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Land and improvements
Buildings and improvements
Demonstration and manufacturing equipment
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment
Construction in progress
Gross property, plant and equipment
Accumulated depreciation
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Accounts payable
Compensation and employee benefits
Warranty
Dividends payable
Other accrued taxes
Restructuring reserve
Other
Customer Deposits and Deferred Revenue
Customer deposits
Deferred revenue
Goodwill
and Purchased Intangible Assets
Goodwill and purchased intangible assets with indefinite useful
lives are not amortized, but are reviewed for impairment
annually during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. For goodwill,
Applied performs a two-step
impairment test. In the first step, Applied compares the
estimated fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying
value. Applied’s reporting units are consistent with the
reportable segments identified in Note 12, based on the
manner in which Applied operates its business and the nature of
those operations. Applied determines the fair value of each of
its reporting units based on a weighting of income and market
approaches. Under the income approach, Applied calculates the
fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of
estimated future cash flows. Under the market approach, Applied
estimates the fair value based on market multiples of revenue or
earnings for comparable companies. If the fair value of the
reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets
assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired and no further
testing is performed. If the carrying value of the net assets
assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the
reporting unit, then Applied would perform the second step of
the impairment test in order to determine the implied fair value
of the reporting unit’s goodwill. Applied would then
allocate the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the
assets and liabilities of that unit, as if Applied had acquired
the reporting unit in a business combination, with the fair
value of the reporting unit being the “purchase
price”. The excess of the “purchase price” over
the carrying amounts assigned to assets and liabilities
representing the implied fair value of goodwill. If Applied
determined that the carrying value of a reporting unit’s
goodwill exceeded its implied fair value, Applied would record
an impairment loss equal to the difference.
Applied conducted these impairment tests in the fourth quarter
of fiscal 2009, and the results of these tests indicated that
Applied’s goodwill and purchased intangible assets with
indefinite useful lives were not impaired.
Applied’s methodology for allocating the purchase price
relating to purchase acquisitions is determined through
established and generally accepted valuation techniques.
Goodwill is measured as the excess of the cost of the
acquisition over the sum of the amounts assigned to tangible and
identifiable intangible assets acquired less liabilities
assumed. Applied assigns assets acquired (including goodwill)
and liabilities assumed to a reporting unit as of the date of
acquisition. Typically, acquisitions relate to a single
reporting unit and thus do not require the allocation of
goodwill to multiple reporting units. If the products obtained
in an acquisition are assigned to multiple reporting units, the
goodwill is distributed to the respective reporting units as
part of the purchase price allocation process.
Details of indefinite-lived intangible assets were as follows:
Gross carrying amount
Accumulated amortization
From October 26, 2008 to October 25, 2009, goodwill
decreased by $4 million primarily due to an adjustment in
the purchase price allocation of an acquisition as a result of a
change in estimate of Applied’s ability to utilize tax net
operating loss carryforwards associated with this acquisition.
Other intangible assets that are not subject to amortization
consist primarily of a trade name. As of October 25, 2009,
indefinite-lived intangible assets by reportable segment were:
Energy and Environmental Solutions, $654 million; Silicon,
$224 million; Applied Global Services, $195 million;
and Display, $116 million.
Finite-Lived
Purchased Intangible Assets
Applied amortizes purchased intangible assets with finite lives
using the straight-line method over the estimated economic lives
of the assets, ranging from 1 to 15 years.
Applied evaluates long-lived assets, such as property, plant and
equipment, and purchased intangible assets with finite lives,
for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate the carrying value of an asset
group may not be recoverable. Applied assesses the fair value of
the assets based on the amount of the undiscounted future cash
flow that the assets are expected to generate and recognizes an
impairment loss when estimated undiscounted future cash flow
expected to result from the use of the asset, plus net proceeds
expected from disposition of the asset, if any, are less than
the carrying value of the asset. When Applied identifies an
impairment, Applied reduces the carrying value of the group of
assets to comparable market values, when available and
appropriate, or to its estimated fair value based on a
discounted cash flow approach.
Intangible assets, such as purchased technology, are generally
recorded in connection with a business acquisition. The value
assigned to intangible assets is usually based on estimates and
judgments regarding expectations for the success and life cycle
of products and technology acquired. Applied evaluates the
useful lives of its intangible assets each reporting period to
determine whether events and circumstances require revising the
remaining period of amortization. In addition, Applied reviews
intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in
circumstances indicate their carrying value may not be
recoverable. Management considers such indicators as significant
differences in actual product acceptance from the estimates,
changes in the competitive and economic environment,
technological advances, and changes in cost structure.
Details of amortized intangible assets were as follows:
Aggregate amortization expense was $89 million,
$121 million and $57 million for fiscal 2009, 2008 and
2007, respectively. As of October 25, 2009, future
estimated amortization expense is expected to be
$65 million for fiscal 2010, $52 million for fiscal
2011, $47 million for fiscal 2012, $43 million for fiscal
2013, $39 million for fiscal 2014, and $42 million
thereafter. As of October 25, 2009, amortized intangible
assets by reportable segment were: Energy and Environmental
Solutions, $211 million; Applied Global Services,
$42 million; Display, $29 million; and Silicon,
$7 million.
Long-term debt outstanding at the end of the fiscal year was as
follows:
Japanese debt, 3.00%, maturing through 2011
7.125% unsecured senior notes due 2017, interest payable April
15 and October 15
Current portion
Applied has debt agreements that contain financial and other
covenants. These covenants require Applied to maintain certain
minimum financial ratios. At October 25, 2009, Applied was
in compliance with all such covenants. Aggregate debt maturities
at October 25, 2009 were: $1 million in fiscal 2010,
$1 million in fiscal 2011, and $200 million thereafter.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, Applied announced a
restructuring program to reduce its global workforce by
approximately 1,800 positions. During the second quarter of
fiscal 2009, Applied expanded the scope of the restructuring
program by approximately 200 positions. During fiscal 2009,
Applied recognized restructuring and asset impairment charges of
$156 million, primarily consisting of $143 million in
restructuring charges associated with this program and
$15 million in asset impairments. The restructuring charges
consisted of employee-related costs to reduce the Company’s
workforce through a combination of attrition, voluntary
separation and other workforce reduction programs. During fiscal
2008, Applied recognized restructuring charges of
$40 million, of which $29 million was associated with
a global cost reduction plan announced in fiscal 2008, and
$11 million with a plan announced in fiscal 2007. During
fiscal 2007, Applied recognized restructuring and asset
impairment charges of $26 million. The fiscal 2007 charge
consisted of $21 million in restructuring charges and
$9 million in asset impairments, associated with the
decision to cease development of beamline implant products,
offset by adjustment to restructuring reserves.
Changes in restructuring reserves related to severance under the
restructuring program announced in the first quarter of fiscal
2009 were as follows:
Provision for restructuring reserves
Consumption of reserves
Adjustment of restructuring reserves
Changes in restructuring reserves for fiscal 2009, 2008, and
2007 related to other restructuring plans and facilities
realignment programs initiated in prior periods were as follows:
Balance, October 29, 2006
Foreign currency changes
Balance, October 28, 2007
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Loss
See the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for
the components of comprehensive income (loss). Components of
accumulated other comprehensive loss, on an after-tax basis
where applicable, were as follows:
Pension liability
Retiree medical benefits
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments qualifying as cash
flow hedges
Cumulative translation adjustments
For further details on derivative instruments, see Note 3
of the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
Stock
Repurchase Program
On September 15, 2006, Applied’s Board of Directors
approved a stock repurchase program for up to $5.0 billion
in repurchases over the three years ending in September 2009.
Under this authorization, Applied implemented a systematic stock
repurchase program and also made supplemental repurchases of its
common stock from time to time in the open market, depending on
market conditions, stock price and other factors, for a total of
$2.7 billion. In November 2008, Applied announced that it
was suspending stock repurchases in light of uncertain
global economic and market conditions. In fiscal 2009, prior to
such suspension, Applied repurchased 1,942,000 shares of
its common stock at an average price of $11.80 per share for a
total cash outlay of $23 million. In fiscal 2008, Applied
repurchased 83,163,000 shares of its common stock at an
average price of $18.04 per share for a total cash outlay of
$1.5 billion. In fiscal 2007, Applied repurchased
60,561,000 shares of its common stock at an average price
of $19.81 per share for a total cash outlay of $1.3 billion.
Dividends
During fiscal 2009, Applied’s Board of Directors declared
four quarterly cash dividends in the amount of $0.06 per share
each quarter. The fourth quarterly cash dividend declared in
fiscal 2009 was paid on December 3, 2009 to stockholders of
record as of November 12, 2009. During fiscal 2008,
Applied’s Board of Directors declared four quarterly cash
dividends in the amount of $0.06 per share each. During fiscal
2007, Applied’s Board of Directors declared one quarterly
cash dividend in the amount of $0.05 per share and three
quarterly cash dividends in the amount of $0.06 per share each.
Dividends declared during fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 amounted to
$320 million, $325 million and $306 million,
respectively. Applied currently anticipates that it will
continue to pay cash dividends on a quarterly basis in the
future, although the declaration of any future cash dividend is
at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on
Applied’s financial condition, results of operations,
capital requirements, business conditions and other factors, as
well as a determination that cash dividends are in the best
interest of Applied’s stockholders.
Applied grants options to purchase shares of its common stock to
employees and consultants, at future dates, at the fair market
value on the date of grant. Most options are scheduled to vest
over four years, and expire no later than seven years from the
grant date. There were 151,809,000 shares available for
grant at October 25, 2009, 167,289,000 shares
available for grant at October 26, 2008, and
156,322,624 shares available for grant at October 28,
2007. Stock option activity was as follows:
Outstanding, beginning of year
Granted and assumed
Exercised
Canceled
Outstanding, end of year
Exercisable, end of year
The following table summarizes information with respect to
options outstanding and exercisable at October 25, 2009:
Exercise Prices
$0.01 — $9.99
$10.00 — $19.99
$20.00 — $29.99
$30.00 — $59.99
Options exercisable and expected to become exercisable
Restricted
Stock Units
Applied grants restricted stock units (also referred to as
“performance shares” under the Applied Materials, Inc.
Employee Stock Incentive Plan). Restricted stock units typically
vest over three to four years, subject to the grantee’s
continued service to Applied on each vesting date.
A summary of the changes in restricted stock units outstanding
under Applied’s equity compensation plans during fiscal
2009 is presented below:
Non-vested restricted stock units at October 26, 2008
Granted
Vested
Non-vested restricted stock units at October 25, 2009
Non-vested restricted stock units expected to vest
Applied sponsors two Employee Stock Purchase Plans
(collectively, ESPP) for the benefit of United States (U.S.) and
international employees, respectively. The U.S. plan is
qualified under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Under the ESPP, substantially all employees may purchase Applied
common stock through payroll deductions at a price equal to
85 percent of the lower of the fair market value of Applied
common stock at the beginning of the applicable offering period
or at the end of each applicable purchase period. Effective
March 2, 2009, the length of offering periods under the
ESPP was reduced to 6 months, from a maximum of
24 months in duration. The incremental compensation cost
associated with this modification was insignificant. ESPP
contributions are limited to a maximum of 10 percent of an
employee’s eligible compensation, up to a maximum of $6,500
per six-month purchase period. ESPP participants are also
limited to purchasing a maximum of 1,000 shares per
purchase period. Shares issued under the ESPP were 6,920,000 for
fiscal 2009, 4,617,000 for fiscal 2008, and 4,310,000 for fiscal
2007. At October 25, 2009, there were
64,822,000 shares available for future issuance under the
ESPP.
Employee
Bonus Plans
Applied has various employee bonus plans. A discretionary bonus
plan provides for the distribution of a percentage of pre-tax
profits to Applied employees who are not eligible for other
performance-based incentive plans, up to a maximum percentage of
eligible compensation. Other plans award annual bonuses to
Applied’s executives and other key contributors based on
the achievement of profitability
and/or other
specified performance criteria. There were no charges to expense
under these plans for fiscal 2009. Charges to expense under
these plans were $150 million for fiscal 2008 and
$271 million for fiscal 2007.
Employee
Savings and Retirement Plan
Applied’s Employee Savings and Retirement Plan (401(k)
Plan) is qualified under Sections 401(a) and (k) of
the Internal Revenue Code. Eligible employees may make salary
deferral and
catch-up
contributions under the 401(k) Plan on a pre-tax basis. Applied
matches a percentage of each participant’s salary deferral
contributions with cash contributions. In general, these
matching contributions become 20 percent vested at the end
of an employee’s second year of service with Applied, and
vest 20 percent per year of service thereafter, becoming
fully vested at the end of six years of service. Participants
may direct that funds held in their 401(k) Plan accounts,
including any Applied matching contributions, be invested in any
of the diversified investment funds available under the 401(k)
Plan or in the Applied Materials, Inc. Common Stock Fund (Stock
Fund), which invests solely in shares of Applied common stock.
Effective June 21, 2007, the Stock Fund was converted into
a non-leveraged employee stock ownership plan (within the
meaning of Section 4975(e)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code)
and, as a result, participants have the option of specifying
that any future cash dividends paid on shares held in the Stock
Fund be either reinvested in the Stock Fund or distributed
directly to them in cash no later than 90 days after the
calendar year for which the dividends were paid. Applied’s
matching contributions under this plan were approximately
$24 million, net of $1 million in forfeitures, for
fiscal 2009; $29 million, net of $2 million in
forfeitures, for fiscal 2008; and $28 million, net of
$1 million in forfeitures, for fiscal 2007.
Defined
Benefit Pension Plans of Foreign Subsidiaries and Other
Post-Retirement Benefits
Several of Applied’s foreign subsidiaries have defined
benefit pension plans covering substantially all of their
eligible employees. Benefits under these plans are typically
based on years of service and final average compensation levels.
The plans are managed in accordance with applicable local
statutes and practices. Applied deposits funds for certain of
these plans with insurance companies, pension trustees,
government-managed accounts,
and/or
accrues the expense for the unfunded portion of the benefit
obligation on its consolidated financial statements.
Applied’s practice is to fund the various pension plans in
amounts sufficient to meet the minimum requirements as
established by applicable local governmental oversight and
taxing authorities. Depending on the design of the plan, local
custom and market circumstances, the liabilities of a plan may
exceed qualified plan assets. The differences between the
aggregate projected benefit obligations and aggregate plan
assets of these plans have been recorded as liabilities by
Applied and are included in accrued expenses and other
liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In fiscal 2009,
Applied changed the measurement date for its defined and
postretirement benefit plan assets and obligations from an
interim date to Applied’s fiscal year end.
On October 28, 2007, Applied implemented authoritative
guidance that required Applied to recognize the funded status
(the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the
projected benefit obligations) of the defined benefit plan in
the Consolidated Balance Sheet, with a corresponding adjustment
to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, to
measure the fair value of plan benefit obligations as of its
fiscal year ending October 28, 2007 and to provide
additional disclosures.
On January 1, 1999, Applied implemented a post-retirement
plan that provides certain medical and vision benefits to
eligible retirees who are at least age 55 and who have at
least 10 years of service at their date of retirement. An
eligible retiree may elect coverage for an eligible spouse or
domestic partner who is not eligible for Medicare. Coverage
under the plan generally ends for both the retiree and spouse or
domestic partner upon becoming eligible for Medicare.
Applied’s liability under this post-retirement plan, which
was included in other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated
Balance Sheets, was $11 million at October 25, 2009
and $9 million at October 26, 2008.
A summary of the changes in benefit obligations and plan assets,
which includes post-retirement benefits, for fiscal 2009 and
2008 is presented below.
Change in projected benefit obligation
Beginning projected benefit obligation
Service cost
Interest cost
Plan participants’ contributions
Actuarial loss (gain)
Curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
Benefits paid
Plan amendments and business combinations
Ending projected benefit obligation
Ending accumulated benefit obligation
Range of assumptions to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate
Rate of compensation increase
Change in plan assets
Beginning fair value of plan assets
Return on plan assets
Employer contributions
Divestitures, settlements and business combinations
Ending fair value of plan assets
Funded status
Employer contributions after the measurement date
Net amount recognized
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets
Noncurrent asset
Current liability
Noncurrent liability
Estimated amortization from accumulated other comprehensive
loss into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year
Actuarial loss
Prior service credit
Transition obligation
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Net actuarial loss
Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan
assets
Projected benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets
Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan
assets
Accumulated benefit obligation
Plan assets — allocation
Equity securities
Debt securities
Real Estate
Cash
Applied’s investment strategy for its defined benefit plans
is to invest assets in a prudent manner, maintaining
well-diversified portfolios with the long-term objective of
meeting the obligations of the plans as they come due. Asset
allocation decisions are typically made by plan fiduciaries with
input from Applied’s pension committee. Applied’s
asset allocation strategy incorporates a sufficient equity
exposure in order for the plans to benefit from the expected
long-term outperformance of equities relative to the plans’
liabilities. Applied retains investment managers, where
appropriate, to manage the assets of the plans. Performance of
investment managers is monitored by plan fiduciaries with the
assistance of local investment consultants. The investment
managers make investment decisions within the guidelines set
forth by plan fiduciaries. Risk management practices include
diversification across asset classes and investment styles, and
periodic rebalancing toward target asset allocation ranges.
Investment managers may use derivative instruments for efficient
portfolio management purposes. Plan assets do not include any of
Applied’s own equity or debt securities.
A summary of the components of net periodic benefit costs and
the weighted average assumptions used for net periodic benefit
cost and benefit obligation calculations for fiscal 2009, 2008
and 2007 is presented below.
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of actuarial loss
Amortization of prior service costs (credit)
Amortization of transition obligation
Settlement loss to be recognized
Curtailment loss (gain)
Net periodic pension cost
Weighted average assumptions
Discount rate
Expected long-term return on assets
Rate of compensation increase
Asset return assumptions are derived based on actuarial and
statistical methodologies, from analysis of long-term historical
data relevant to the country in which each plan is in effect and
the investments applicable to the corresponding plan. The
discount rate for each plan was derived by reference to
appropriate benchmark yields on high quality corporate bonds,
allowing for the approximate duration of both plan obligations
and the relevant benchmark yields.
Future expected benefit payments for the pension plans and the
post-retirement plan over the next ten fiscal years are:
$8 million in fiscal 2010, $9 million in fiscal 2011,
$10 million in fiscal 2012, $10 million in fiscal
2013,
$15 million in fiscal 2014, and $83 million
collectively for fiscal years 2015 through 2019. Company
contributions to these plans for fiscal 2010 are expected to be
approximately $10 million.
Executive
Deferred Compensation Plans
Applied sponsors two unfunded deferred compensation plans, the
Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (Predecessor EDCP) and the
2005 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (2005 EDCP), under
which certain employees may elect to defer a portion of their
following year’s eligible earnings. The Predecessor EDCP
was frozen as of December 31, 2004 such that no new
deferrals could be made under the plan after that date and the
plan would qualify for “grandfather” relief under
Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. The Predecessor
EDCP participant accounts continue to be maintained under the
plan and credited with deemed interest. The 2005 EDCP was
implemented by Applied effective as of January 1, 2005 and
is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A
of the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts payable, including accrued
deemed interest, totaled $77 million at October 25,
2009 and $80 million at October 26, 2008, which were
included in other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated
Balance Sheets.
The components of income (loss) from operations before income
taxes were as follows:
U.S.
Foreign
The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes were
as follows:
Current:
State
Deferred:
A reconciliation between the statutory U.S. federal income
tax rate of 35 percent and Applied’s actual effective
income tax rate is as follows:
Tax provision at U.S. statutory rate
Favorable resolutions from audits of prior years’ income
tax filings
Effect of foreign operations taxed at various rates
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
Research and other tax credits
Export sales/production benefit
Equity method investment loss/impairment
Equity compensation
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary
differences between the carrying amounts of assets and
liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts
used for income tax purposes. The components of deferred income
tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
Deferred tax assets:
Inventory reserves and basis difference
Installation and warranty reserves
Accrued liabilities
Restructuring reserves
Deferred revenue
Capital loss carryforward
Tax credits and net operating losses
Deferred compensation
Equity-based compensation
Intangibles
Gross deferred tax assets
Valuation allowance
Total deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation
Purchased technology
Other
Total gross deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax assets
The following table presents the breakdown between current and
non-current net deferred tax assets and liabilities:
Deferred Income Taxes
Current deferred tax asset
Non-current deferred tax asset
Current deferred tax liability
Non-current deferred tax liability
Current deferred tax liabilities are included in accounts
payable and accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets
and non-current deferred tax liabilities are included in other
liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
A valuation allowance is recorded to reflect the estimated
amount of deferred tax assets that may not be realized. The
valuation allowance has been established against capital loss
carryforwards where it is believed that it is not more likely
than not that sufficient capital gains will be realized within
the remaining carryforward period.
For fiscal 2009, U.S. income taxes have not been provided
for approximately $412 million of cumulative undistributed
earnings of several
non-U.S. subsidiaries.
Applied intends to reinvest these earnings indefinitely in
operations outside of the U.S.
At October 25, 2009, Applied’s state net operating
loss carryforwards were $152 million. The carryforwards
expire between fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2029. Applied has a
California research and development tax credit carryforward of
$27 million which has an unlimited life. Applied has a
foreign tax credit carryforward of $14 million which
expires in fiscal 2019. Applied also has net operating loss
carryforwards in foreign jurisdictions of $89 million. The
carryforwards have lives ranging from five years to indefinite.
Management believes it is more likely than not that all loss and
tax credit carryforwards at October 25, 2009 will be
utilized in future periods.
Applied’s income taxes payable have been reduced by the tax
benefits associated with employee stock option transactions.
These benefits, credited directly to stockholders’ equity,
amounted to $0.4 million for fiscal 2009, $7 million
for fiscal 2008, and $50 million for fiscal 2007 with a
corresponding reduction to taxes payable of $0.4 million in
fiscal 2009, $7 million in fiscal 2008, and
$50 million for fiscal 2007.
Applied maintains liabilities for uncertain tax positions. These
liabilities involve considerable judgment and estimation and are
continuously monitored by management based on the best
information available. A reconciliation of the beginning and
ending balances of the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax
benefits is as follows (in thousands):
Beginning balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits
Settlements with tax authorities
Increases in tax positions for prior years
Decreases in tax positions for prior years
Ending balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits
Applied implemented new authoritative guidance for accounting
for uncertain tax positions in the first quarter of fiscal 2008.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, Applied identified a tax
position that met the more likely than not recognition
threshold. Applied determined that a tax benefit of
$100 million existed upon implementation of this
authoritative guidance and therefore made the correction to
retained earnings. The impact of the correction was not
considered material to prior reporting periods.
As of October 25, 2009, Applied had unrecognized tax
benefits, net of federal deduction for state tax, of
$325 million, all of which, if recognized, would result in
a reduction of Applied’s effective tax rate.
As of October 25, 2009, the gross liability for
unrecognized tax benefits was $325 million, exclusive of
interest and penalties. Increases or decreases to interest and
penalties on uncertain tax positions are included in provision
for income taxes in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions were
$8 million as of October 26, 2008 and $5 million
as of October 25, 2009. All $5 million in interest and
penalties is classified as long-term liability in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets. Long term income taxes payable has
been reduced by certain unrecognized tax benefits.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2009, the Internal Revenue
Service began an examination of Applied’s federal income
tax returns for fiscal years 2007 and 2006. Applied believes it
has adequately reserved for any income tax uncertainties that
may arise as a result of this examination.
A number of Applied’s tax returns remain subject to
examination by taxing authorities. These include
U.S. federal returns for fiscal 2005 and later years,
California returns for fiscal 2006 and later years, tax returns
for certain states for fiscal 2002 and later years, and tax
returns in certain jurisdictions outside of the U.S. for
fiscal 2003 and later years.
During fiscal 2009, Applied received notice from the State of
California stating that its examination of Applied’s
returns for fiscal years 2002 through 2005 had been settled. The
settlement resulted in a decrease to net unrecognized tax
benefits of $14 million and reduced the effective tax rate
for fiscal 2009.
The timing of the resolution of income tax examinations is
highly uncertain as well as the amounts and timing of various
tax payments that may be part of the settlement process. This
could cause large fluctuations in the balance sheet
classification of current assets and non-current assets and
liabilities. The Company does not expect a material change in
unrecognized tax benefits in the next 12 months.
Applied’s four reportable segments are: Silicon, Applied
Global Services, Display, and Energy and Environmental
Solutions. Applied’s chief operating decision-maker has
been identified as the President and Chief Executive Officer,
who reviews operating results to make decisions about allocating
resources and assessing performance for the entire Company.
Segment information is presented based upon Applied’s
management organization structure as of October 25, 2009
and the distinctive nature of each segment. Future changes to
this internal financial structure may result in changes to the
Company’s reportable segments.
Each reportable segment is separately managed and has separate
financial results that are reviewed by Applied’s chief
operating decision-maker. Each reportable segment contains
closely related products that are unique to the particular
segment. Segment operating income is determined based upon
internal performance measures used by Applied’s chief
operating decision-maker.
Applied derives the segment results directly from its internal
management reporting system. The accounting policies Applied
uses to derive reportable segment results are substantially the
same as those used for external reporting purposes. Management
measures the performance of each reportable segment based upon
several metrics including orders, net sales and operating
income. Management uses these results to evaluate the
performance of, and to assign resources to, each of the
reportable segments. Applied does not allocate to its reportable
segments certain operating expenses that it manages separately
at the corporate level, which include costs related to
equity-based compensation and certain components of variable
compensation, the global sales organization, corporate functions
(certain management, finance, legal, human resources, marketing,
and research, development and engineering), and unabsorbed
information technology and occupancy. In addition, Applied does
not allocate to
its reportable segments restructuring and asset impairment
charges and any associated adjustments related to restructuring
actions. Segment operating income excludes interest
income/expense and other financial charges and income taxes
according to how a particular reportable segment’s
management is measured. Management does not consider the
unallocated costs in measuring the performance of the reportable
segments.
The Silicon segment includes semiconductor capital equipment for
etch, rapid thermal processing, deposition, chemical mechanical
planarization, and metrology and inspection.
The Applied Global Services segment includes technically
differentiated products and services to improve operating
efficiency, reduce operating costs and lessen the environmental
impact of semiconductor, display and solar customers’
factories. Applied Global Services’ products consist of
spares, services, certain earlier generation products, and
remanufactured equipment. Customer demand for these products and
services is fulfilled through a global distribution system with
trained service engineers located in close proximity to customer
sites.
The Display segment encompasses products for manufacturing LCDs
for TVs, personal computers and other video-enabled devices. The
Display segment also includes the design and manufacture of
differentiated stand-alone equipment for the Applied SunFab Thin
Film Line.
The Energy and Environmental Solutions segment includes products
for fabricating solar photovoltaic cells and modules, high
throughput
roll-to-roll
coating systems for flexible electronics and web products, and
systems used in the manufacture of energy-efficient glass.
Information for each reportable segment as of October 25,
2009, October 26, 2008 and October 28, 2007 and for
the years then ended, is as follows:
Silicon
Applied Global Services
Display
Energy and Environmental Solutions
Total Segment
Reconciliations of segment operating results to Applied
consolidated totals for the fiscal years ending October 25,
2009, October 26, 2008 and October 28, 2007 are as
follows:
Total segment operating income
Corporate and unallocated costs
Restructuring and asset impairment charges
Gain on sale of facility
Reconciliations of depreciation and amortization expense to
Applied consolidated totals for the fiscal years ending
October 25, 2009, October 26, 2008 and
October 28, 2007 are as follows:
Total segment depreciation and amortization
Depreciation on shared facilities
Depreciation on information technology assets
Consolidated depreciation and amortization
Reconciliations of capital expenditures to Applied consolidated
totals for the fiscal years ending October 25, 2009,
October 26, 2008 and October 28, 2007 are as follows:
Total segment capital expenditures
Shared facilities
Information technology assets
Consolidated capital expenditures
Reconciliations of segment assets to Applied consolidated totals
as of October 25, 2009, October 26, 2008 and
October 28, 2007 are as follows:
Total segment assets
Cash and investments
Allowance for bad debts
Deferred income taxes
Other current assets
Common property, plant and equipment
Other assets
Consolidated total assets
For geographical reporting, revenue is attributed to the
geographic location in which the customers’ facilities are
located. Long-lived assets consist primarily of property, plant
and equipment and equity-method investments, and are attributed
to the geographic location in which they are located. Net sales
and long-lived assets by geographic region were as follows:
North America(1)
Taiwan
Japan
Europe
Korea
China
Southeast Asia
Total outside North America
Consolidated total
In fiscal 2009, Intel Corporation accounted for 12 percent
of Applied’s net sales. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
accounted for 10 percent of net sales in fiscal 2009,
16 percent of net sales in fiscal 2008, and 12 percent
of net sales in fiscal 2007. These net sales were for products
in multiple reportable segments.
Leases
Applied leases some of its facilities and equipment under
non-cancelable operating leases and has options to renew most
leases, with rentals to be negotiated. Total rent expense was
$64 million for fiscal 2009, $68 million for fiscal
2008, and $62 million for fiscal 2007. Future minimum lease
payments at October 25, 2009 totaled $143 million and
were: $43 million for fiscal 2010; $29 million for
fiscal 2011; $20 million for fiscal 2012; $11 million
for fiscal 2013; $8 million for fiscal 2014; and
$32 million collectively for all periods thereafter.
Discounted
Letters of Credit
Applied discounts letters of credit through various financial
institutions. Under these agreements, Applied discounted letters
of credit in the amounts of $299 million for fiscal 2009,
$167 million for fiscal 2008 and $431 million for
fiscal 2007. Discounting fees were not material for all periods
presented. In fiscal 2009 and 2008, Applied factored accounts
receivable and discounted promissory notes totaling
$43 million and $138 million, respectively.
Warranty
Applied products are generally sold with a
12-month
warranty period following installation. The provision for the
estimated cost of warranty is recorded when revenue is
recognized. Parts and labor are covered under the terms of the
warranty agreement. The warranty provision is based on
historical experience by product, configuration and geographic
region.
Changes in the warranty reserves were as follows:
Beginning balance
Provisions for warranty
Ending balance
As noted above, Applied’s products are generally sold with
a 12-month
warranty. Accordingly, current warranty provisions are related
to the current year’s net sales, and warranty consumption
is associated with current and prior year’s net sales.
Guarantees
During the ordinary course of business, Applied provides standby
letters of credit or other guarantee instruments to certain
parties as required for certain transactions initiated by either
Applied or its subsidiaries. As of October 25, 2009, the
maximum potential amount of future payments that Applied could
be required to make under these guarantee agreements was
approximately $83 million. Applied has not recorded any
liability in connection with these guarantee arrangements below
that required to appropriately account for the underlying
transaction being guaranteed. Applied does not believe, based on
historical experience and information currently available, that
it is probable that any amounts will be required to be paid
under these guarantee arrangements.
Applied also has agreements with various banks to facilitate
subsidiary banking operations worldwide, including overdraft
arrangements, issuance of bank guarantees, and letters of
credit. As of October 25, 2009, Applied Materials Inc. has
provided parent guarantees to banks for approximately
$179 million to cover these services.
Legal
Matters
Jusung
Applied has been engaged in a number of lawsuits and patent and
administrative proceedings in Taiwan and South Korea since 2003
with Jusung Engineering Co., Ltd. (Jusung Engineering)
and/or
Jusung Pacific Co., Ltd. (Jusung Pacific, referred to together
with Jusung Engineering as Jusung) involving technology used in
manufacturing LCDs. Applied believes that it has meritorious
claims and defenses against Jusung that it intends to pursue
vigorously.
In 2004, Applied filed a complaint for patent infringement
against Jusung in the Hsinchu District Court in Taiwan seeking
damages and a permanent injunction for infringement of a patent
related to chemical vapor deposition (CVD) equipment, and
this case remains pending. Jusung Pacific unsuccessfully sought
invalidation of Applied’s CVD patent in the Taiwanese
Intellectual Property Office (TIPO). Jusung Pacific’s
initial appeal of the TIPO’s decision was denied, and it
has filed a further appeal to the Taipei High Supreme
Administrative Court. In 2006, Applied filed an action in the
TIPO challenging the validity of a patent owned by Jusung
Engineering related to severability of the transfer chamber on a
CVD tool. Jusung Engineering filed a lawsuit against Applied and
AKT America in Hsinchu District Court in Taiwan alleging
infringement of the same patent. The TIPO granted Applied’s
request for invalidation and revoked Jusung Engineering’s
patent. In March 2009, the Hsinchu District Court dismissed
Jusung Engineering’s lawsuit, and in April 2009, the
Ministry of Economic Affairs overruled Jusung Engineering’s
administrative appeal of the decision revoking its patent.
Jusung has appealed both decisions. In 2006, Jusung Engineering
filed a complaint of private prosecution in the Taipei District
Court of Taiwan alleging that Applied’s outside counsel
received from the Court and used a copy of an expert report that
Jusung had filed in the ongoing patent infringement lawsuits
that Jusung had intended to remain confidential. The complaint
names as defendants Applied’s outside counsel in Taiwan, as
well as Michael R. Splinter, Applied’s President and Chief
Executive Officer, as the statutory representative of Applied.
The Taipei District Court dismissed the private prosecution
complaint, and the matter was transferred to the Taipei District
Attorney’s Office. The Taipei District Attorney’s
Office has issued three successive rulings not to prosecute,
each of which Jusung Engineering has appealed to the Taiwan High
Court District Attorney. In each instance, the Taiwan High Court
District Attorney has returned the matter to the Taipei District
Attorney’s Office for further consideration, where it
remains pending.
In 2007, Jusung Engineering filed a complaint against AKT
America in Seoul Central District Court in Seoul, Korea,
alleging infringement of a Jusung patent involving the
showerhead assembly of plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition
(PECVD) equipment. After the Korean Intellectual Property Office
(KIPO) ruled that Jusung’s patent was invalid, the District
Court dismissed Jusung Engineering’s infringement action,
which Jusung Engineering appealed. In July 2009, the Korean
Supreme Court dismissed Jusung’s appeal of the KIPO’s
determination that the showerhead assembly patent is invalid,
and Jusung’s related
confirmation-of-scope
action was also dismissed. On September 10, 2009, Jusung
Engineering withdrew its appeal of the dismissal of its
infringement action, and all proceedings regarding Jusung’s
invalidated Korean showerhead assembly patent are now concluded.
Also in 2007, Applied filed a complaint against Jusung
Engineering in the Seoul Central District Court for infringement
of an Applied patent involving the housing for a substrate
supporting pin used in PECVD equipment. After the KIPO ruled
that Applied’s patent was invalid, the District Court
dismissed Applied’s infringement action. Applied’s
appeals of the dismissals of the infringement action, as well as
a related confirmation of scope case, were dismissed. On
September 10, 2009, the Korean Supreme Court affirmed the
KIPO’s determination that the pin patent was invalid, and
all proceedings regarding Applied’s invalidated Korean
substrate supporting pin patent are now concluded.
From time to time, Applied receives notification from third
parties, including customers and suppliers, seeking
indemnification, litigation support, payment of money or other
actions by Applied in connection with claims made against them.
In addition, from time to time, Applied receives notification
from third parties claiming that Applied may be or is infringing
their intellectual property or other rights. Applied also is
subject to various other legal proceedings and claims, both
asserted and unasserted, that arise in the ordinary course of
business.
Although the outcome of the above-described matters or these
claims and proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty,
Applied does not believe that any of these proceedings or other
claims will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated
financial condition or results of operations.
On January 31, 2008, Applied acquired all of the
outstanding shares of Baccini, a privately-held company based in
Italy, for a purchase price of $215 million in cash, net of
cash and marketable securities acquired. The acquired business
is a leading supplier of automated metallization and test
systems for manufacturing c-Si photovoltaic cells. In connection
with this acquisition, Applied recorded goodwill of
$158 million and intangible assets of $130 million. Of
the $130 million of acquired intangible assets,
$61 million was assigned to acquired backlog (to be
amortized over 2 years), $34 million was assigned to
customer relationships (to be amortized over 9 years),
$27 million was assigned to purchased technology (to be
amortized over 7 years), $6 million was assigned to
covenants not to compete (to be amortized over 2 years),
and $3 million was assigned to trademarks and tradenames
(to be amortized over 7 years). The allocation of the
purchase price was based on estimates of the fair value of the
assets acquired and is subject to adjustment upon finalization
of the purchase price allocation. The acquired business is
reported under the Energy and Environmental Solutions segment.
On November 9, 2007, Applied purchased from Edwards Vacuum,
Inc. certain assets of its Kachina semiconductor equipment parts
cleaning and refurbishment business for $19 million. The
acquisition expanded Applied’s existing Chamber Performance
Services network of facilities that provide customers worldwide
with technology and support for maintaining their chamber
components. In connection with this acquisition, Applied
recorded goodwill of $13 million and an intangible asset of
$3 million (customer relationships, to be amortized over
13 years). The acquired business is reported under the
Applied Global Services segment.
On August 23, 2007, Applied acquired all of the outstanding
shares of Switzerland-based HCT for $463 million in cash,
net of cash acquired. The acquired business is a leading
supplier of precision wafering systems used principally in
manufacturing c-Si substrates for the solar industry. In
connection with this acquisition, Applied recorded goodwill of
$354 million and other intangible assets of
$180 million. Of the $180 million of acquired
intangible assets, $59 million was assigned to purchased
technology (to be amortized over 11 years),
$59 million was assigned to customer relationships (to be
amortized over 7 years), $47 million was assigned to
acquired backlog (to be amortized over 1 year),
$8 million was assigned to trademarks and tradenames (to be
amortized over 13 years), and $7 million was assigned
to covenants not to compete (to be amortized over 3 years).
The acquired business is reported under the Energy and
Environmental Solutions segment.
On March 30, 2007, Applied purchased Brooks Software, a
division of Brooks Automation, Inc., for $137 million in
cash. The acquired business is a leading provider of factory
management and control software to the semiconductor and flat
panel display industries. The products complement Applied’s
existing software applications and enable Applied to offer
customers a comprehensive computer integrated manufacturing
(CIM) solution for optimizing fab operations. Applied
recorded an in-process research and development (IPR&D)
expense of $5 million, reported as research, development
and engineering expense, goodwill of $77 million, and other
intangible assets of $47 million. Of the $47 million
of acquired intangible assets, $21 million was assigned to
purchased technology (to be amortized over 4 to 11 years),
$21 million was assigned to maintenance contracts (to be
amortized over 7 years), $2 million was assigned to
acquired backlog (to be amortized over 1 year),
$2 million was assigned to trademarks and tradenames (to be
amortized over 7 years), and $1 million was assigned
to customer
relationships (to be amortized over 4 years). The acquired
business is reported under the Applied Global Services segment.
The acquired IPR&D expense was determined by identifying
research projects for which technological feasibility had not
been established and no alternative future use existed. The
value of the projects identified as in-process was determined by
estimating the future cash flows from the projects once
commercially feasible, discounting the net cash flows back to
their present value at a rate commensurate with the level of
risk and maturity of the projects, and then applying a
percentage of completion to the calculated value.
For all of the purchase business combinations discussed above,
the results of operations prior to the acquisition dates were
not material in relation to those of Applied for any of the
periods presented herein. Goodwill is not amortized but is
reviewed periodically for impairment and purchased technology is
amortized over its useful life of 1 to 15 years.
On November 11, 2009, Applied announced that it will
implement a restructuring program beginning in the first quarter
of fiscal 2010. As part of this program, Applied plans to reduce
its global workforce as of October 25, 2009 by
approximately 1,300 to 1,500 positions, or 10 to
12 percent, over a period of 18 months, consistent
with local legal requirements and in consultation with employee
works councils and other employee representatives, as
applicable. The Company anticipates the pre-tax cost of the plan
to be between $100 million and $125 million.
On November 16, 2009, Applied entered into an agreement to
acquire all of the outstanding shares of Semitool, Inc.
(Semitool), a public company based in the state of Montana, for
$11 per share in an all-cash tender offer (the Offer). Semitool
is a leading supplier of electrochemical plating and wafer
surface preparation equipment used by semiconductor packaging
and manufacturing companies globally. Under the terms of the
agreement approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies,
Applied will pay an aggregate purchase price of approximately
$364 million based on the fully-diluted capitalization of
Semitool upon closing the acquisition (the Merger). The
acquisition will be conducted through a tender offer for all of
the outstanding shares of Semitool and is conditioned on the
occurrence or absence of certain events, including the tender of
at least 66.67% of Semitool’s outstanding stock on a
fully-diluted basis, as well as regulatory approvals and other
customary closing conditions.
Subsequent to announcement of the Offer, three purported class
action lawsuits were filed in state court in the County of
Flathead, State of Montana, against Semitool, Semitool’s
directors, Applied and Applied’s acquisition subsidiary.
The actions seek certification of a class of all holders of
Semitool common stock (except the defendants and their
affiliates). The complaints allege, among other things, that
Semitool’s directors breached their fiduciary duties by
failing to maximize shareholder value, securing benefits for
certain defendants at the expense or to the detriment of
Semitool’s public shareholders, discouraging
and/or
inhibiting alternative offers, and failing to disclose material
nonpublic information, and that Applied aided and abetted such
alleged breaches. The actions seek injunctive relief enjoining
the defendants from consummating the Offer and the Merger,
damages, and attorneys’ fees. Applied believes the claims
alleged against it are without merit and intends to defend
against them vigorously.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
Applied Materials, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of
October 25, 2009 and October 26, 2008, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity
and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the
years in the three-year period ended October 25, 2009. In
connection with our audits of the consolidated financial
statements, we also have audited the financial statement
schedule II. These consolidated financial statements and
financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the
Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial
statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Applied Materials, Inc. and subsidiaries as of
October 25, 2009 and October 26, 2008, and the results
of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years
in the three-year period ended October 25, 2009, in
conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement
schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated
financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all
material respects, the information set forth therein.
As discussed in Note 11 to the consolidated financial
statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for
uncertainty in income taxes at the beginning of fiscal year 2008.
As discussed in Note 10 to the consolidated financial
statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for
defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans at the
beginning of fiscal year 2009.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States),
Applied Materials, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control
over financial reporting as of October 25, 2009, based on
criteria established in Internal Control —
Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report
dated December 11, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on
the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over
financial reporting.
/s/ KPMG
LLP
These Exhibits are numbered in accordance with the
Exhibit Table of Item 601 of
Regulation S-K:
Exhibit No.
Description
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
/s/ MICHAEL
R. SPLINTER
Michael R. Splinter
President, Chief Executive Officer
Dated: December 11, 2009
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons
on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
Title
Date
/s/ MICHAEL
R. SPLINTER
/s/ GEORGE
S. DAVIS
/s/ YVONNE
WEATHERFORD
/s/ Michael
R. Splinter
*
Representing a majority of the members of the Board of
Directors.
Michael R. Splinter
Attorney-in-Fact**
VALUATION
AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
2009
2008
2007