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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 


 

(Mark One)

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004

 

or

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from              to             

 

Commission file number 0-26482

 


 

TRIKON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

DELAWARE

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

Ringland Way,

Newport, Gwent NP18 2TA, United Kingdom

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

95-4054321

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

(Zip Code)

 

44 (0)1633 414 000

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

 


 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class


 

Name of each exchange on which registered


NONE   NONE

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value

(Title of Class)

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    x  Yes    ¨  No

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    x  Yes    ¨  No

 

As of June 30, 2004, the last business day of our most recently completed second quarter, there were 15,750,410 shares of common stock outstanding. The aggregate market value of our common stock held by non affiliates, based on the closing price of our common stock on June 30, 2004 as reported on the Nasdaq National Market was approximately $46,621,213. Common stock held by our officers and directors and by each person owning, to our knowledge, 5% or more of our common stock are excluded because such persons may be deemed affiliates of Trikon. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily determinative for other purposes.

 

As of February 22, 2005, the registrant had outstanding 15,754,985 shares of Common Stock.

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference: None.



Table of Contents

TRIKON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

Annual Report On Form 10-K For The Year Ended December 31, 2004

 

Index

 

          Page

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

   2

PART I

   3

  ITEM 1.

  

BUSINESS

   3

  ITEM 2.

  

PROPERTIES

   10

  ITEM 3.

  

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

   11

  ITEM 4.

  

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

   11

PART II

   12

  ITEM 5.

  

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

   12

  ITEM 6.

  

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

   12

  ITEM 7.

  

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

   14

  ITEM 7A.

  

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

   28

  ITEM 8.

  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

   29

  ITEM 9.

  

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

   29

  ITEM 9A.

  

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

   29

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

   31

  ITEM 9B.

  

OTHER INFORMATION

   32

PART III

   33

  ITEM 10.

  

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

   33

  ITEM 11.

  

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

   35

  ITEM 12.

  

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

   39

  ITEM 13.

  

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

   41

  ITEM 14.

  

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

   41

PART IV

   42

  ITEM 15.

  

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

   42


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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 based on the beliefs of our management as of the filing date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements about new product development, our ability to penetrate new markets and the potential growth of these markets, our product strategies, availability to achieve or to raise additional capital or reduce expenditure.

 

Any expectations based on these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and other important factors discussed below in the section titled Risk Factors and in our prior Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These and other factors could affect our future financial condition and operating results and could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations based on forward looking statements made in this document and elsewhere.

 

All forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are based on information available to us as of the filing date of this Annual Report on 10-K, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Stockholders are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements.

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

Overview

 

Trikon Technologies Inc. (‘Trikon’ or ‘the Company’) was founded in 1987 as Plasma & Materials Technologies, Inc (‘PMT’), a California corporation. In August 1995, we completed our initial public offering of common stock. In November 1996, we acquired Electrotech Limited and Electrotech Equipments Limited (jointly ‘Electrotech’), both United Kingdom companies that were significantly larger than PMT and the Company was renamed Trikon Technologies, Inc. In 2002, the Company reincorporated into Delaware as Trikon Technologies, Inc. Our principal executive offices are located at Ringland Way, Newport, South Wales NP18 2TA, United Kingdom, and our telephone number is 44 (0) 1633-414-000. Our head quarters and management team together with our principle operations are based in the United Kingdom.

 

We design, manufacture, market and sell advanced production equipment used to process semiconductor wafers for the manufacture of integrated circuits. These circuits and devices are key components in most advanced electronic products, such as telecommunications devices, consumer and industrial electronics and computers. Our equipment has typical selling prices between $0.8 million and $3.5 million depending on the configuration of the equipment.

 

Our products carry out processes to deposit and/or remove materials on the surface of a wafer. In particular, our products are used for three of the primary steps in the manufacture of integrated circuits; chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD) and dry etch processes. We sell, install and service our systems to semiconductor manufacturers worldwide and our existing customers include a wide range of semiconductor companies, including large independent device makers. We use a direct sales model in all of our markets except in Asia, where we use a combination of direct sales and distributors.

 

Our goal is to be responsive to the continually changing needs of our customers and the specialist demands associated with niche applications. There are many applications that require specialized development of standard equipment and we focus on those applications that we believe have significant growth potential. We have identified applications that include solutions for the power semiconductor, systems in a package (SiP.)/MEMS, Bulk Acoustic Wave Filter (BAW) and other Aluminum Nitride deposition needs and compound semiconductor markets. We believe that our 200 mm wafer and below processes satisfy the demands for cost effective production worthy tooling for a large variety of applications, while our flowfill and ORION technology provides solutions for gap fill and low k dielectrics at the leading edge of semiconductor development on 300 mm wafer. Overall, our strategy is to identify applications in which we believe we have a technology advantage, and we are positioned to be agile and responsive to support our customer’s equipment needs.

 

We make available free of charge through our website, www.trikon.com, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically submitted to the Securities Exchange Commission. Our Internet website and the information contained therein or incorporated therein are not intended to be incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Recent Developments

 

On March 14, 2005, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Aviza Technology, Inc. (“Aviza”), a privately held global supplier of thermal process and atomic layer deposition systems. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Baseball Acquisition Corp. I, a wholly-owned subsidiary of New Athletics, Inc., a newly formed Delaware corporation (“New Athletics”), will merge with and into us (the “Trikon Merger”), and Baseball Acquisition Corp. II, a wholly-owned subsidiary of New Athletics, will merge with and into Aviza (the “Aviza Merger”). Upon consummation of the mergers, we and Aviza will each continue as wholly-owned subsidiaries of New Athletics.

 

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In the Trikon Merger, each outstanding share of our common stock will be exchanged for 0.333 shares (the “Trikon Exchange Ratio”) of New Athletics common stock. In addition, each outstanding option and warrant to purchase shares of our common stock will be assumed by New Athletics and will thereafter represent the right to purchase a number of shares of New Athletics common stock based on the Trikon Exchange Ratio, and the exercise price per share will be adjusted accordingly.

 

In the Aviza Merger, (i) each outstanding share of Aviza common stock will be exchanged for a number of shares of New Athletics common stock equal to the Aviza Exchange Ratio, (ii) each outstanding share of Aviza Series A Preferred Stock will be exchanged for a number of shares of New Athletics common stock equal to the product of (x) the number of shares of Aviza common stock into which such share of Aviza Series A Preferred Stock would have been convertible immediately prior to the effective time of the Aviza Merger multiplied by (y) the Aviza Exchange Ratio, and (iii) each outstanding share of non-voting, redeemable Aviza Series B Preferred Stock will remain outstanding. In addition, each outstanding option to purchase shares of Aviza common stock will be assumed by New Athletics and will thereafter represent the right to purchase a number of shares of New Athletics common stock based on the Aviza Exchange Ratio, and the exercise price per share will be adjusted accordingly. Each outstanding warrant to purchase shares of Aviza Series A Preferred Stock that remains unexercised at the effective time of the Aviza Merger will be cancelled. The holders of such warrants have executed an irrevocable election to net exercise their warrants prior to the effective time of the Aviza Merger. The “Aviza Exchange Ratio” means the quotient obtained by dividing 8,325,000 by, as of immediately prior to the effective time of the Aviza Merger, the sum of all shares of Aviza common stock then (i) issued and outstanding, (ii) issuable upon the conversion of all shares of Aviza Series A Preferred Stock then issued and outstanding, (iii) issuable upon the exercise of all Aviza options then unexercised, unexpired and outstanding and (iv) issuable upon the conversion, exercise or exchange of any other securities then issued and outstanding.

 

Immediately after completion of the mergers, the New Athletics board of directors will consist of seven directors, including three current members of our board, three current members of the Aviza board, and one member who is not affiliated with us or Aviza.

 

Concurrently with entering into the Merger Agreement, Trikon and New Athletics entered into a Stockholder Agreement with VantagePoint Venture Partners IV (Q), L.P., VantagePoint Venture Partners IV, L.P. and VantagePoint Venture Partners IV Principals Fund, L.P. (collectively, “VPVP”). Under the terms of the Stockholder Agreement, among other commitments, VPVP will guarantee certain obligations of New Athletics and Aviza under a credit facility with a third-party commercial bank. In consideration for the guarantee, New Athletics will issue VPVP warrants to purchase 333,333 shares of New Athletics common stock.

 

The consummation of the merger is subject to the approval of our stockholders and other customary closing conditions. The requisite approval of the stockholders of Aviza has already been obtained. New Athletics intends to account for the transaction as a “purchase” of Trikon by Aviza for financial reporting and accounting purposes, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The merger is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2005.

 

Our Products

 

Integrated circuits are built on a silicon or other material wafer base, and include a variety of circuit components, such as transistors and other devices, that are connected by multiple layers of wiring (interconnects). To build an integrated circuit, the transistors, capacitors and other circuit components are first created on the surface of the wafer by performing a series of processes to modify, deposit and remove selected film layers. Similar processes are then used to build the layers of wiring structures on the wafer.

 

Our products are used in these processes to create the integrated circuit, which includes among many different processes; the following basic operations are used to create interconnect layers:

 

    deposition, or adding material to a substrate, typically a silicon wafer;

 

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    patterning, or printing a circuit outline on the substrate; and

 

    etching, or removing layers, of material from the substrate.

 

These, and other processes, are repeated in multiple cycles, building up microscopically thin layers, thereby interconnecting countless transistors.

 

We supply production equipment for two of the most typical deposition techniques, chemical vapor deposition and physical vapor deposition, and plasma etching equipment for selective material removal.

 

Our proprietary technologies and leading-edge wafer processes capabilities enable our customers to perform new and advanced fabrication processes, thereby improving their products.

 

Chemical Vapor Deposition

 

Chemical vapor deposition is a process that can be used to deposit thin films of dielectric (insulating) and, to a lesser extent, conductive materials. During the CVD process, gases that contain atoms of the material to be deposited chemically react to form a thin film of solid material on the wafer. Typical uses for dielectric deposition by CVD include:

 

    Shallow Trench Isolation (“STI”), to isolate one transistor from another;

 

    the pre-metal dielectric (“PMD”), the insulating layer between the active components and the first interconnect metal layer;

 

    the inter-metal dielectric (“IMD”), the insulating layer between the different metal layers; and

 

    the final passivation layer that seals the completed device from atmospheric moisture.

 

Our CVD products are based on our single chamber PECVD Delta 201 product and our Planar fxP and Planar 300 cluster tool products. The Planar systems can be configured with up to six process module positions and in addition to the deposition of silicon dioxide, the most common insulating material deposited, we have our Flowfill, low k Flowfill and Orion processes.

 

Silicon dioxide, when deposited by conventional techniques, displays small voids inside the structure and does not provide for a high degree of planarization. Our patented Flowfill and low k Flowfill products are directed towards customers that require the deposition of a planarizing layer or the deposition into small gaps that reduces the need for chemical metal polishing (CMP) processing with a corresponding reduction in cost of ownership, or in some cases actually removes the CMP steps. Our Flowfill process is a patented CVD technology that was developed to form high quality silicon dioxide layers that possess the properties of both gap fill and a high degree of planarization. When a high degree of planarization is reached, the upper surface of the layer is relatively flat, irrespective of the topography of the surface covered. Flowfill can fill features less than 40 nm wide with a less than 8:1 height to width ratio and simultaneously achieve a very high degree of planarization for large gaps up to 20 microns.

 

Our low k Flowfill product has similar gap filling and planarization properties to the Flowfill product but also provides a low k dielectric process, which enables device manufacturers to speed up the performance of their integrated circuits. Our low k Flowfill technology is in production with a tunable dielectric constant (‘dielectric constant’ or ‘k value’) of between 2.8 and 3.3 and has the capability of achieving a dielectric constant of 2.5.

 

Advanced logic device makers use copper damascene wiring for the interconnect with a low k IMD to enhance device performance. Our ORION technology is an ultra low k offering aimed at advanced copper damascene applications where a k value of 2.5 or below is required. ORION can be deposited at dielectric constants of both 2.5 and 2.2, values, which have been independently verified.

 

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Physical Vapor Deposition

 

Physical vapor deposition is a process used to deposit conducting, liner and barrier metal layers on an integrated circuit. One of the primary PVD methods is sputtering, a process in which an electrical discharge creates ions of an inert gas, such as argon, which are then accelerated in a vacuum at a target typically composed of pure metal or metal compound, such as aluminum, aluminum compounds, tantalum or copper. The target atoms are sputtered away and deposited on the wafer to form a thin film. Thin conductive films, when patterned by lithography and etching, are used to wire an integrated circuit. These sputtered thin films consist of:

 

    the bulk conducting layers;

 

    the barrier and liner metal layers to prevent diffusion or reactions between metals and silicon regions; and

 

    the seed layer for electroplating.

 

Our Sigma fxP systems are used to sputter uniform layers of pure metals or metal alloys and metal compounds such as oxides or nitrides. These products are cluster tools based on industry standard robotics platforms.

 

Sigma is designed to be one of the cleanest PVD systems on the market, which is a key technology requirement for sputtering the wafer with as high quality film as possible. Various process chambers are available for a large variety of specific functions. In particular, there are advanced PVD chambers for depositing high quality barrier and liner layers for advanced metalization structures. These consist of the “long throw” Hi-Fill and “ionized metal” Advanced Hi-Fill PVD chambers for improved barrier and liner deposition into high aspect ratio structures. Where step coverage over high aspect ratio features is critical, a metal organic CVD (MOCVD) module is available to provide low temperature, largely conformance titanium nitride films. Additional chambers consist of pre heat and sputter etch. We believe that the Sigma systems have the lowest cost of ownership compared to our main competitors, and cost of ownership is an important factor for integrated circuit manufacturers.

 

We have developed unique, and in many cases patented processes for many markets. For example, in the rapidly growing power device market, we support both front side interconnect and backside solder metal applications, minimizing operating costs by offering same-type equipment for the entire metal module. We also supply technology for the emerging Aluminum Nitride deposition market, which includes the Bulk Acoustic Wave (‘BAW’) market, a technology driven sector for next generation communication devices. BAW devices require very uniform deposition of piezoelectric films and we have developed significant intellectual property in this arena.

 

Plasma Etch

 

Plasma etch is a process that removes precisely defined patterns from the wafer surface by chemically converting exposed portions of the surface into a gaseous by-product that is pumped away from the process chamber. Almost all deposition processes create a film covering the entire wafer surface. Many layers are required only in selected parts of the wafer, for example to create wires of metal that may be created by a series of steps including a Plasma etch step. Firstly, the entire wafer surface is covered with sputtered aluminum alloys and its associated barrier layers. These conductive layers are then coated with photo resist and are exposed to the wiring pattern during the photolithography process. Plasma etching is then used to remove the exposed conductive layer, thus replicating the wiring pattern. The metal remains in place under the protective photo resist, which is then stripped off.

 

Our Omega plasma etch system is available on two platforms as the Omega fxP and a single chamber Omega 201. The Omega fxP, offers up to six process modules combined with tools for wafer alignment and cool-down and two vacuum cassette stations. Multiple chambers provide high throughput for the high volume

 

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user or the option to ‘mix and match’ different plasma sources so that advanced sequential etching processes can be addressed. The Omega 201 features our plasma source technologies in a single chamber format that combines high performance etching with small footprint and low costs. These attributes make the tool particularly well suited to cost-sensitive manufacturing of silicon integrated circuits, compound device makers and other niche markets.

 

Both platforms support our three main plasma sources, our M0RI etch technology (M0RI), Plasma Enhanced Reactive Ion Etch (PERIE) and Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP). Additional modules may also be added that provide secondary functions, such as post etch corrosion processes. M0RI offers the highest plasma density that provides process solutions for the most advanced polysilicon, oxide and low k etch requirements. The ICP is used extensively for high-density aluminium and polysilicon etching as well as for a broad range of front and back face processing on compound semiconductors. The PERIE offers medium plasma density for silicon and dielectric etching where the feature sizes are less challenging. We have also developed a variant of our M0RI etch process chamber specifically for very high aspect ratio silicon etching/micro machining. This Deep Silicon (DSi) chamber offers benefits to production users in Systems in a Package (SiP)/Wafer Level Packaging (WLP) and conventional MEMS applications. Deep Silicon etch techniques are used in a myriad of applications such as the manufacture of discrete components in SiP and accelerometers for car air bags. We also offer a Gas Phase Etch (GPE) module, which removes sacrificial layers to create microscopic moveable structures.

 

Marketing, Sales and Customer Support

 

We sell, install and service our systems to semiconductor manufacturers worldwide and our focus is upon building positive long-term relationships with our customers. We believe that we offer highly reliable products that give our customers a competitive edge through technology or cost advantage, comprehensive field support and a responsive parts replacement and service program. Our sales are divided among three geographic regions – Europe, North America and Asia. Set forth below in tabular format is the geographic distribution of our revenue for the past three fiscal years, expressed as a percentage of sales: -

 

     Europe

    North America

    Asia

 

2004

   61 %   29 %   10 %

2003

   56 %   39 %   5 %

2002

   64 %   33 %   3 %

 

In Europe, we market and sell our products primarily through our direct sales and service operations in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France and Germany. In North America, we also market and sell our products through our direct sales organization supported by regional service operations. In Asia we combine direct sales, agency and distributor arrangements. In Japan we use a local distributor. In Taiwan, China and the other South Eastern Asian markets we use the services of a regional agent supported in China and Taiwan by a direct sales presence.

 

Our total revenue includes amounts from certain individual customers that exceed 10% of our total revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2004 two customers exceeded 10% of revenues for the year. Infineon AG represented 16% of sales and a North American company represented 13%. For the year ended December 31, 2003, Sarnoff Corporation, Infineon AG and Philips accounted for 16%, 13% and 10% of our total revenue respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2002, Phillips was the only customer who exceeded 10% of our revenue, accounting for 11% of our revenue. Our largest customers may vary from year to year depending upon, among other things, a customer’s budget for capital expenditures, plans for new fabrication facilities and new product introductions.

 

Our sales are not usually seasonal in nature but are cyclical due to the buying patterns of major semiconductor manufacturers. These buying patterns are based on several factors including anticipated market demand for integrated circuits, the development of new technologies and general economic conditions.

 

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We provide customers with evaluation systems of our new products as part of our sales efforts. The provision of evaluation systems is an important step in the lengthy sales cycle. The average duration of an evaluation period for systems can be extensive and can exceed one year. Consequently, as we expand our sales efforts, particularly in new markets, we believe that continued investment in demonstration and evaluation systems will be needed.

 

We believe that a comprehensive support program is an essential component for each customer. We have developed an experienced central customer support group in addition to regional based service and support staff at local centers who are in close contact with our customers and provide comprehensive support programs.

 

Research, Development and Engineering

 

We believe that our future success will depend upon our ability to continue to improve our systems and technologies and to develop new products that compete effectively on the basis of technical performance and total cost of ownership. These technologies and systems will also need to meet customer requirements and emerging industry standards. Accordingly, we devote a significant portion of our personnel and financial resources to research and development programs and seek to maintain close relationships with our customers in order to remain responsive to their product needs. As of December 31, 2004, we employed 49 professional and technical personnel in research, development and engineering including our head office support team and our expenditure for research and development during the fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002 were $8.6 million, $9.6 million and $10.7 million, respectively.

 

Our research and development group is responsible for identifying new technology applications and developing processes to develop solutions for our target markets and customers. Our current significant research and development programs include projects to address process development for the needs of power semiconductors, MEMS/SiP device customers, Aluminium Nitride deposition including BAW devises, compound semiconductors and the development of our flowfill and Orion technologies. Resources are also being focused on implementing product cost reduction programs that can favorably impact our gross margin and allow us to compete in the cost competitive environment that exists today.

 

Manufacturing, Raw Materials and Supplies

 

Our manufacturing operations consist of the manufacture, assembly and testing of components and modules and their integration into finished systems at our Newport, United Kingdom facility, where substantially all of our long-lived assets are maintained. We purchase a significant number of parts including mechanical and electrical components from a variety of suppliers. We seek to qualify multiple suppliers for our purchased components, although this is not possible for all components and purchased assemblies and therefore any failure by a supplier to perform could have a short-term adverse effect on our operating results. Most significantly our Sigma®fxP, Planar fxP and Omega fxP systems (“cluster tools”) are designed around an automation module supplied by Brooks Automation. Due to the high cost of these modules we keep very few in inventory. If Brooks Automation fails to deliver the component on a timely basis, delivery of our cluster tools will be delayed and sales may be lost. If Brooks Automation is unable to deliver any such modules for a prolonged period of time, we will have to redesign our cluster tools so that we may utilize other wafer transport systems.

 

Our manufacturing facility operates at the high levels of cleanliness required in the semiconductor industry. Our manufacturing and final test area is class 1000 representing a high level of cleanliness (a class is a standard definition which represents a number of particles per million, the smaller the number of particles the cleaner the facility). We also support our development and sales process with a class 100 engineering clean room and a class 10 processes and product demonstration room.

 

We also operate a CNC machinery center which produces chamber components and other parts and wafer transport assemblies. In order to ensure that the CNC facility remains competitive in both quality and price, and

 

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to help cover fixed costs, it also produces products for third parties. Revenue associated with this facility that is not related to the semiconductor equipment business was approximately $1.8 million; $0.9 million and $1.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively.

 

Competition

 

The global semiconductor equipment industry is highly competitive and subject to rapid technological change. Historically, new technologies have only gained acceptance when industry leaders have concurrently adopted such new technologies. Significant competitive factors include the size of the company, timing of new product offerings, system performance, cost of ownership, size of installed base, depth and breadth of product line and customer support.

 

We face significant competition from various suppliers of systems that utilize similar or alternative technologies. Competitors range from very large, well capitalized corporations with a diversified product portfolio to smaller companies that compete with a single innovative product. However, many of our competitors are substantially larger companies, some with broader product lines. They have well-established reputations in the markets in which we compete, greater experience with high volume manufacturing, broader name recognition, substantially larger customer bases, and substantially greater financial, technical, manufacturing and marketing resources.

 

We have granted non-exclusive, worldwide, paid-up licenses of our M0RI technology to Applied Materials and Lam Research. As a result, in the future our etch products may have to compete with products of Applied Materials or Lam Research based on our technologies. The license agreements do not preclude us from utilizing, or licensing to other third parties, the licensed technologies.

 

Backlog

 

As of December 31, 2004, our backlog was approximately $6.1 million, as compared to approximately $6.2 million at December 31, 2003. Our backlog consists of system purchase orders that provide for delivery within the following year and the unearned revenue of systems previously shipped. Backlog includes only systems for which a purchase order has been received and a delivery date assigned. Orders are typically subject to cancellation or delay by the customer with limited or no penalties. Because of possible changes in delivery schedules and cancellations of orders, our backlog at any particular date is not necessarily representative of actual sales for any succeeding periods, nor is backlog any assurance that we will realize profit from completing these orders.

 

Intellectual Property

 

We believe that our competitive position is significantly dependant upon skills in engineering, manufacturing, customer support and marketing in addition to our patent position. Protection of our technological assets by obtaining and enforcing patents is important and we file patent applications in the United Kingdom, United States and other countries as we believe to be appropriate. We currently hold 46 U.S. and 89 foreign patents with patents issued and pending in key markets around the world. The issued patents and any subsequent issued patent arising from our pending applications expire between 2009 and 2023.

 

There can be no assurance that patents will be issued on our pending patent applications or that competitors will not be able to legitimately ascertain proprietary information embedded in our products that is not covered by patent or copyright. In such case, we may be precluded from preventing the competitor from making use of such information. In addition, should we wish to assert our patent rights against a particular competitor’s product, there can be no assurance that any claim in any of our patents will be sufficiently broad nor, if sufficiently broad, any assurance that our patent will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented, or that we will have sufficient resources to prosecute our rights.

 

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In the normal course of business, we receive inquiries regarding possible patent infringement. In dealing with such inquiries, it may become necessary or useful for us to obtain or grant licenses or other rights. However, there can be no assurance that such licenses or rights will be available to us on commercially reasonable terms. If we are not able to resolve a claim, negotiate a settlement of the matter, obtain necessary licenses on commercially reasonable terms and/or successfully prosecute or defend our position, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

 

Environmental Matters

 

We are subject to regulations relating to the use, storage, discharge and disposal of hazardous chemicals and gases used during customer demonstrations and in research and development activities. The United Kingdom has adopted a comprehensive environmental law known as the Environmental Act 1995, which, among other things, deals with the allocation of responsibility for the clean up of contaminated property and expands potential liability with respect to the remediation of such contamination. We lease a number of facilities in the United Kingdom, and failure to comply with present or future regulations could result in substantial liability, suspension or cessation of our operations, restrictions on our ability to expand at our present locations, or requirements for the acquisition of significant equipment or other significant expense. To date, compliance with environmental rules and regulations has not had a material effect on our operations. We believe that we are in material compliance with all applicable environmental rules and regulations and are in compliance with ISO14000 environmental standards.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2004, we had 190 full-time employees and 24 temporary employees or contractors. None of our employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement and we consider our relations with our employees to be good.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

Certain information concerning our principal properties at December 31, 2004 is set forth below:

 

Location


  

Type


  

Principal Use


   Square
Footage


  

Property
Interest


  

Expiry Date


Newport, Wales United Kingdom    Office, Manufacturing & Laboratories    Headquarters, Manufacturing, Sales and Customer Support, Research & Engineering    103,000    Leased    March 2010

Cwmfelin-fach, Wales,

United Kingdom

   Office, Manufacturing and Warehouse    Manufacturing of Components    20,000    Leased    November 2009*

Bristol, England

United

Kingdom

   Office, Manufacturing & Warehouse    Manufacturing of Components    9,000    Leased    March 2010

Orange

County, California, USA

   Office    North American Headquarters, Sales & Support    3,300    Leased    September 2009

* Existing lease expired November 2004 and a new lease was signed subsequent to December 31, 2004.

 

We have a number of smaller properties and field offices located in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and France. We believe that our properties adequately serve our present needs.

 

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

On March 10, 2004 Dr. Jihad Kiwan departed the Company as Director and Chief Executive Officer. On March 29, 2004 and April 2, 2004 we received letters from a United Kingdom law firm and from a French law firm, respectively, on behalf of Dr. Kiwan, detailing certain monetary claims for severance amounts due to Dr. Kiwan with respect to his employment with Trikon. On April 28, 2004 Dr. Kiwan filed a lawsuit in France and on June 10, 2004 filed similar proceedings in the United Kingdom. Dr. Kiwan has subsequently withdrawn the proceedings in the United Kingdom. We are in the process of vigorously defending against the French claim. We do not believe that the outcome of these claims will be material to results of operations or the financial condition of Trikon.

 

In addition, from time to time we become involved in ordinary, routine or regulatory legal proceedings incidental to our business.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

No matters were submitted to a vote of our stockholders during the quarter ended December 31, 2004.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity

 

Our Common Stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “TRKN”. The quarterly high and low sale prices for Common Stock as reported by the Nasdaq National Market for the periods indicated below are as follows:

 

     High

   Low

2002

             

First Quarter

   $ 15.90    $ 10.14

Second Quarter

   $ 15.02    $ 7.10

Third Quarter

   $ 9.13    $ 4.01

Fourth Quarter

   $ 7.10    $ 3.25

2003

             

First Quarter

   $ 5.69    $ 3.23

Second Quarter

   $ 4.07    $ 2.80

Third Quarter

   $ 7.04    $ 3.64

Fourth Quarter

   $ 7.40    $ 5.19

2004

             

First Quarter

   $ 7.30    $ 3.00

Second Quarter

   $ 3.55    $ 1.89

Third Quarter

   $ 3.05    $ 1.83

Fourth Quarter

   $ 2.73    $ 1.67

 

As of February 22, 2005, there were 168 holders of record of our common stock. On February 22, 2005, the closing price of the Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market was $2.06 per share.

 

We have never declared or paid dividends on the Common Stock and we do not expect to pay dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.

 

The information required by this item regarding equity compensation plans is incorporated by reference to the information set forth in item 12 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following selected consolidated financial data are qualified by reference to and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” which are included elsewhere in this report. The selected consolidated financial data set forth below as of December 31, 2004, and 2003 and for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 have been derived from our audited financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report. The selected consolidated financial data set forth below as of December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 and for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 have been derived from our audited financial statements that are not included in this annual report.

 

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     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

 
     (In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share information)  

Operating Data:

                                        

Revenues:

                                        

Product sales

   $ 36,684     $ 28,710     $ 32,765     $ 97,046     $ 106,662  

License revenues

     157       108       50       —         350  
    


 


 


 


 


Total revenues

     36,841       28,818       32,815       97,046       107,012  
    


 


 


 


 


Costs and expenses:

                                        

Cost of goods sold

     25,062       21,086       24,490       51,749       55,847  

Research and development

     8,607       9,629       10,700       9,650       8,395  

Selling, general and administrative

     19,932       20,032       18,717       22,642       23,527  

Settlement of pension liabilities and related costs

     —         3,542       818       —         —