| PRI Automation Announces Q4 and Fiscal Year 2001 Financial Results BILLERICA, Mass., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- PRI Automation, Inc. (Nasdaq: PRIA - news; Toronto: PRJ - news), a global leader in advanced automation systems, software and services for the semiconductor and precision electronics industries, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended September 30, 2001. The Company also reported its fourth quarter transition from its historical accounting method (``shipment method''), under which PRI recognized revenue from factory automation systems upon shipment to customers, to the new method required by the Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 (``SAB 101''), under which the Company defers revenue until final customer acceptance is received.
 
 Pro forma net revenue, loss per share consistent with previous guidance
 
 For comparative purposes, PRI also reported its pro forma results reflecting revenue under the shipment method and before special charges. Pro forma net revenue for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2001 was $59.2 million, a decrease of 26 percent from $79.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2000. Pro forma net loss for the quarter was $10.8 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, compared with pro forma net income of $1.5 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2000. PRI's cash balance at September 30, 2001 was approximately $59 million.
 
 PRI's pro forma net revenue for fiscal year 2001 was $320.4 million, an increase of 5 percent from $303.9 million in fiscal year 2000. Pro forma net loss for the fiscal year was $33.3 million, or $1.32 per diluted share, compared with pro forma net income of $17.4 million, or $0.68 per diluted share, in fiscal year 2000.
 
 SAB 101 results and special charges
 
 PRI adopted SAB 101 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2001. The Company has reported its results for fiscal year 2001 with SAB 101 implemented as of October 1, 2000 and recorded $5.7 million or $0.23 per diluted share in the first quarter to reflect the cumulative effect of the application of SAB 101. A table with quarterly performance under SAB 101 is included for purposes of comparison with historical results (shipment method).
 
 On a SAB 101 basis, PRI's net revenue for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2001 was $49.1 million and net loss before special charges was $16.7 million, or $0.66 per diluted share. PRI recorded special charges of $25.0 million in the fourth quarter for provisions for warranty and contract losses, inventory write-downs, employee severance and facilities exit costs.
 
 Net revenue under SAB 101 for fiscal year 2001 was $268.6 million and net loss before special charges was $51.9 million, or $2.05 per diluted share. Special charges for the fiscal year ended 2001 were $41.4 million.
 
 PRI continuing to execute on its strategy for downturn
 
 ``PRI's fourth quarter results were in line with the guidance the company provided in July 2001, and reflect continued weakness in the semiconductor market,'' said Mitch Tyson, president and CEO of PRI Automation, Inc. ``Gross bookings for the quarter were $25 million. PRI's backlog at September 30, including SAB 101 deferred revenue and long-term contracts, was $151 million.
 
 ``We haven't seen any signs of an upturn, and clearly the full-scale transition to 300mm has been delayed. However, based on conversations with customers, we believe that the market may be bottoming out,'' Tyson continued. ``Semiconductor manufacturers are proceeding with evaluations -- they don't want to be caught unprepared when the upturn occurs. And we're continuing to work closely with these companies to help them plan for the future.''
 
 PRI continues to execute on its three-pronged strategy for the downturn: to complete the development of next-generation products that offer higher performance for customers and higher margins for PRI; to prepare the company's manufacturing operations for high-volume production; and to continue its cost-reduction programs including headcount reductions, salary reductions, furloughs and overall cost management. ``These programs are designed to enable PRI to weather the downturn and emerge as a stronger, leaner organization,'' said Tyson. ``Based on our current estimates for the first quarter, pro forma revenues under the shipment method should be in the range of $46 to $49 million while GAAP revenues and EPS under SAB 101 should be in the range of $50 to $55 million with a loss per share of $0.24 to $0.29.''
 
 Brooks Automation's pending acquisition of PRI Automation
 
 On October 24, 2001, Brooks Automation and PRI Automation announced a definitive agreement under which Brooks will acquire PRI, creating the leading supplier of semiconductor automation systems, software and services, with pro forma annual sales for fiscal year 2001 (ended September 30) of approximately $700 million.
 
 ``Together, Brooks and PRI are uniquely suited to provide the fully integrated, end-to-end automation solutions required in 300mm fabs, and to capitalize on this tremendous growth opportunity when the upturn occurs,'' said Tyson. The two companies expect the transaction to close in the second quarter of fiscal 2002.
 
 PRI to host a teleconference and Webcast for investors at Noon Eastern
 
 today
 
 PRI will host a teleconference and Webcast to discuss its fourth quarter and fiscal 2001 results today at noon Eastern. To access the Webcast, go to PRI's Web site at pria.com and click on the Investors button. From there you will find the Webcast link. PRI encourages you to review the site prior to the Webcast to ensure that your computer is configured properly. The Webcast will be archived at PRI's site for seven days and a telephonic replay will be available at 703-326-3020, access code #5617535.
 
 About PRI Automation
 
 PRI Automation, Inc., headquartered in Billerica, Massachusetts, is a leading global supplier of advanced factory automation systems, software, and services that optimize the productivity of semiconductor and precision electronics manufacturers as well as OEM process tool manufacturers. PRI is the only company to provide a tightly integrated and flexible hardware and software solution that optimizes the flow of products, data, materials and resources throughout the production chain. The company has thousands of systems installed at approximately one hundred locations throughout the world. For more information, visit PRI online at www.pria.com.
 
 Safe Harbor Statement
 
 This release includes forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements relating to the expected impact of our restructuring on our operations and expenses, the benefits to customers of our products and services, our future ability to take advantage of an industry upturn, if any, our plans to announce new products, and our expected levels of revenue and results of operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2002. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. The shipments, revenue and EPS ranges described above represent PRI's best estimate of its first quarter financial performance, based on currently available information and assumptions that PRI believes to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the company's actual results will conform to these estimates. The company's ability to predict the amount and mix of its revenues during the current market downturn is limited, and its software and OEM businesses in particular are characterized by short lead times and little, if any, backlog. Other risks and uncertainties include: the manner in which the customer uses our products and integrates them with third-party components may affect their performance; the downturn in the semiconductor capital equipment industry is harming our business; fluctuating demand for our products makes it difficult to manage our business efficiently; we have reduced our workforce in response to the industry downturn and reduced demand for our products and our smaller workforce may be inadequate to handle increased demand for our products; we may continue to experience delays and technical difficulties with new product introductions; 300mm technology, in which we have invested heavily, is being adopted more slowly than we expected and competition for early 300mm orders is intense; our lengthy sales cycle makes it difficult to anticipate revenues; our operating results fluctuate significantly in response to a variety of factors; delays in shipment or customer acceptance of a single significant order could substantially decrease our revenues for a period; the application of new accounting guidance under SAB 101 will result in delayed recognition of revenues from our factory automation systems; we typically charge a fixed price for our factory automation systems and therefore, we are vulnerable to cost overruns; we have a limited number of customers, we do not have long-term purchase agreements with our customers, and the loss, cancellation or delay of an order by any of these customers could harm our business; we must continually improve our technology and develop new products to remain competitive; demand for less expensive semiconductors is increasing pressure to reduce our prices; industry consolidation and outsourcing could reduce the number of available customers; our operations outside North America expose us to special risks of doing business internationally; our investments in the Asia-Pacific market may not be successful; we face significant competition from other automation companies; we are increasingly dependent on subcontractors and one or a few suppliers of certain components, subassemblies and manufacturing processes; the failure of our key suppliers to deliver components on time could harm our business; we depend on our executive officers and other key personnel; our software products may contain defects that could result in claims and harm our business; we may be unable to protect our proprietary technology; others might claim that we infringe their technology; rising energy costs may increase our operating expenses; future acquisitions may disrupt the Company's operations; we are subject to pending class action securities litigation that could be costly to defend, divert the attention of our management and, if determined adversely to us, seriously harm our business; and other factors identified in our registration statement on Form S-3, file number 333-60180, filed with the SEC on May 3, 2001. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements included in this release.
 
 PRI AUTOMATION, INC.
 Pro Forma Summary Statements of Operations
 Before Special Charges and Adoption of SAB 101
 (In thousands, except per share data)
 
 Three Months Ended             Year Ended
 September 30,              September 30,
 2001          2000         2001           2000
 
 Net revenue            $59,163      $ 79,650    $ 320,396      $303,885
 Cost of revenue         44,787        47,581      242,450       183,944
 Gross profit            14,376        32,069       77,946       119,941
 Total operating
 expenses               25,038        31,161      112,548       103,884
 Operating income
 (loss)               (10,662)           908     (34,602)        16,057
 
 Net income (loss)    $(10,755)       $ 1,452    $(33,340)       $17,384
 
 Net income (loss)
 per share:
 Basic                $(0.42)         $0.06      $(1.32)         $0.74
 Diluted              $(0.42)         $0.06      $(1.32)         $0.68
 Weighted average
 shares outstanding:
 Basic                 25,370        24,877       25,265        23,645
 Diluted               25,370        26,155       25,265        25,518
 
 PRI AUTOMATION, INC.
 Pro Forma Quarterly Impact on Adoption of SAB 101
 Fiscal Quarters 2001
 (In thousands, except per share data)
 
 Before Special Charges
 
 Shipment Method (Historical)
 
 Net
 Gross      Income      Diluted
 Revenue      Margin      (Loss)         EPS
 Q1                 $94,852     $31,273      $1,214       $0.05
 Q2                  91,191      19,496     (9,622)      (0.38)
 Q3                  75,190      12,801    (14,177)      (0.56)
 Q4                  59,163      14,376    (10,755)      (0.42)
 FY01              $320,396     $77,946   $(33,340)     $(1.32)
 
 PRI AUTOMATION, INC.
 Pro Forma Quarterly Impact on Adoption of SAB 101
 Fiscal Quarters 2001
 (In thousands, except per share data)
 
 Before Special Charges
 
 SAB 101
 
 Net
 Gross      Income      Diluted
 Revenue      Margin      (Loss)*       EPS*
 Q1                 $84,704     $26,051    $(4,008)     $(0.16)
 Q2                  72,942      15,744    (13,374)      (0.53)
 Q3                  61,826       9,142    (17,836)      (0.70)
 Q4                  49,086       8,470    (16,661)      (0.66)
 FY01              $268,558     $59,407   $(51,879)     $(2.05)
 
 Before SAB 101 cumulative loss effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax, of $5,748 or $0.23 per share.
 PRI AUTOMATION, INC.
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Under SAB 101
 (In thousands, except per share data)
 
 Three Months Ended        Year Ended
 September 30,        September 30,
 2001       2000       2001       2000
 
 Net revenue (A)           $49,086    $75,537   $268,558   $299,772
 Cost of revenue (B)        60,197     68,236    233,228    204,599
 
 Gross profit             (11,111)      7,301     35,330     95,173
 
 Operating expenses:
 Research and development 15,719     15,612     62,175     54,568
 Selling, general and
 administrative           9,319     16,118     50,373     49,885
 Restructuring and other
 costs (C)                5,452         --     17,340         --
 
 Total operating
 expenses              30,490     31,730    129,888    104,453
 
 Operating loss           (41,601)   (24,429)   (94,558)    (9,280)
 Other income, net             585      1,045      3,353      2,554
 
 Loss before provision for
 income taxes and
 cumulative effect of
 change in accounting
 principle               (41,016)   (23,384)   (91,205)    (6,726)
 Provision for income
 taxes                        678        500      2,091      1,227
 
 Loss before cumulative
 effect of change in
 accounting principle    (41,694)   (23,884)   (93,296)    (7,953)
 Cumulative effect of
 change in accounting
 principle(D)                  --         --    (5,748)         --
 
 Net loss                $(41,694)  $(23,884)  $(99,044)   $(7,953)
 
 Basic and diluted net
 loss per common share:
 Loss before cumulative
 effect of change in
 accounting principle   $(1.64)    $(0.96)    $(3.69)    $(0.34)
 Cumulative effect of
 change in accounting
 principle                   --         --     (0.23)         --
 Basic and diluted net
 loss per common share    $(1.64)    $(0.96)    $(3.92)    $(0.34)
 
 Weighted average shares
 used in basic and diluted
 share calculations        25,370     24,877     25,265     23,645
 
 (A)  The fourth quarter and year ended September 30, 2000 included special
 charges of $4,113,000 primarily for customer penalties.
 (B)  The fourth quarter ended September 30, 2001 included special charges
 of $19,581,000 consisting of $8,153,000 for contract losses,
 $6,263,000 for warranty provisions, and $5,165,000 related to
 inventory provisions and writedowns.  The year ended September 30,
 2001 included special charges of $24,077,000 consisting of $8,153,000
 for contract losses, $6,263,000 for warranty provisions and
 $9,661,000 related to inventory writedowns and costs associated with
 order cancellations.  The fourth quarter and year ended September 30,
 2000 included special charges of $20,655,000 consisting of
 $14,657,000 related to inventory provisions and writedowns,
 $4,765,000 for contract losses, and $1,233,000 for provisions for
 warranty expense and other items.
 (C)  Special charges for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 consisted of
 $3,367,000 for employee severance costs and $2,085,000 for facilities
 exit costs.  Special charges for the year ended September 30, 2001
 consisted of $7,460,000 for employee severance costs, $2,980,000 for
 a reserve for legal costs to defend against a pending shareholder
 class action lawsuit, $2,944,000 for writedowns of impaired assets,
 $2,085,000 for facilities exit costs, and $1,871,000 for other costs
 including product discontinuance.
 (D)  Represents a non-cash charge of $5,748,000 or $0.23 per share for the
 cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle due to the
 adoption of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101.  The charge represents
 the net profit recognized on products shipped prior to the end of
 fiscal year 2000 which had not received final customer acceptance as
 of September 30, 2000.
 
 PRI AUTOMATION, INC.
 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Under SAB 101
 (In thousands)
 
 September 30,
 2001           2000
 
 Assets
 Cash and cash equivalents                       $58,968        $92,484
 Accounts receivable, net                         31,561         73,019
 Contracts in progress                             2,270         23,668
 Inventories                                      90,408         59,104
 Other current assets                              7,940          2,686
 Property and equipment, net                      18,489         24,065
 Long-term investments                             4,890             --
 Other assets, net                                 4,429          1,898
 Total assets                                 $218,955       $276,924
 
 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 Liabilities:
 Accounts payable                                $15,662        $28,536
 Accrued expenses and other liabilities           38,240         33,755
 Deferred revenue and customer advances           52,589         11,986
 Accrued legal and restructuring costs             8,707             --
 
 Stockholders' equity                            103,757        202,647
 
 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $218,955       $276,924
 
 SOURCE: PRI Automation, Inc.
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