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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549



FORM 10-Q

x

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

    

For the quarterly period ended August 1, 2004

     

OR

o

     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 0-15451          

PHOTRONICS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Connecticut
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization
)

                                                                        

06-0854886
(IRS Employer
Identification Number)

15 Secor Road, Brookfield, Connecticut 06804

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

(203) 775-9000

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:   None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:   Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share


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 periods that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
x  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 126-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes 
x No  o

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class

                                  

Outstanding at September 3, 2004

Common Stock, $0.01 par value

                                 

32,660,852 Shares



Forward Looking Information

     Certain statements in this report are considered "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All forward looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. For a description of the factors that could cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from those projected, please review the Company's SEC reports that detail these risks and uncertainties and the section captioned "Forward Looking Information" contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 2, 2003. Any forward looking statements should be considered in light of these factors.

- 2 -



PHOTRONICS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

PART I.

    

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

       

Page

 

 

                                                                                                  

   


     

Item 1.

 

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

   

   

     

     

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at
August 1, 2004 and November 2, 2003


4

 

 

      

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
for the Three and Nine Months Ended
August 1, 2004 and August 3, 2003



5

 

 

                                                                                               

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the Nine Months Ended
August 1, 2004 and August 3, 2003



6

 

 

                                                                                                

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

7 - 13

  

  

                                                            

  

  

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Results of Operations and Financial Condition


13 - 21

 

 

              

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

21 - 22

   

   

   

Item 4.

   

Controls and Procedures

22

    

  

  

  

  

   

  

    

PART II.

   

OTHER INFORMATION

 

   

  

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

22

- 3 -



PART I.     FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                                                            

Item 1.        Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

PHOTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)


      

August 1,
2004

November 2,
2003

                                                                


   


ASSETS

                                                                        

              

      

              

Current assets:

  Cash and cash equivalents

$141,880 

$214,777 

  Short-term investments

108,183 

17,036 

  Accounts receivable, net

68,016 

59,579 

  Inventories

13,048 

14,329 

  Deferred income taxes and other current assets

36,024 

34,161 



     Total current assets

367,151 

339,882 

                 

Property, plant and equipment, net

382,412 

387,977 

Goodwill

117,866 

115,907 

Other assets

14,669 

21,774 



$882,098 

$865,540 



LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

                                                                       

Current liabilities:

  Current portion of long-term debt

$  2,655 

$  5,505 

  Accounts payable

47,442 

43,997 

  Other accrued liabilities

29,323 

31,871 



     Total current liabilities

79,420 

81,373 

               

Long-term debt

355,977 

368,307 

Deferred income taxes and other liabilities

54,544 

54,723 

Minority interest

61,222 

52,808 

                                                                        

Shareholders' equity:

  Preferred stock, $0.01 par value,

     2,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding

  Common stock, $0.01 par value,

    150,000 shares authorized, 32,608 shares issued and outstanding

     at August 1, 2004 and 32,487 shares issued and outstanding

     at November 2, 2003

326 

325 

  Additional paid-in capital

201,447 

199,535 

  Retained earnings

126,768 

110,201 

  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

2,511 

(1,732)

  Deferred compensation on restricted stock

(117)



     Total shareholders' equity

330,935 

308,329 



$882,098 

$865,540 



     

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

- 4  -



PHOTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

                                       

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

                                            


 



                                                

August 1,
2004

 

August 3,
2003

 

August 1,
2004

 

August 3,
2003

                            





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$103,728 

$90,454 

$291,384 

$257,396 

                                    

 

 

      

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

            

 

 

 

 

 

  Cost of sales

66,485 

 

62,030 

 

192,469 

 

188,597 

         

 

 

 

 

 

  Selling, general and administrative

13,519 

13,625 

40,350 

42,611 

          

 

 

 

 

 

  Research and development

7,619 

7,322 

22,553 

22,474 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Consolidation, restructuring and related
     charges


 


 

 


42,000 





    Operating income (loss)

16,105 

 

7,477 

 

36,012 

 

(38,286)

     

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

     Interest expense

(2,796)

(3,365)

(9,449)

(11,566)

     Investment and other income, net

196 

381 

1,465 

2,254 





    Income (loss) before income taxes and
     minority interest

13,505 

 


4,493 

 

28,028 

 


(47,598)

         

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax provision (benefit)

1,494 

 

1,576 

 

4,018 

 

(798)





    Income (loss) before minority interest

12,011 

 

2,917 

 

24,010 

 

(46,800)

         

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest

(3,571)

 

(1,645)

 

(7,443)

 

(4,485)





    Net income (loss)

$  8,440 

 

$ 1,272 

 

$ 16,567 

 

$(51,285)





Earnings (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Basic

$0.26 

$0.04 

$0.51 

$(1.60)





     Diluted

$0.23 

$0.04 

$0.47 

$(1.60)





Weighted average number of common shares
     outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Basic

32,747 

 

32,096 

 

32,533 

 

32,062 





     Diluted

42,188 

 

32,371 

 

42,360 

 

32,062 





   

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

- 5 -



PHOTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

Nine Months Ended

 


August 1,
2004

 

August 3,
2003



Cash flows from operating activities: 

     Net income (loss)

$ 16,567 

$(51,285)

     Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
         to net cash provided by operating activities:

             Depreciation and amortization

64,027 

64,127 

             Consolidation, restructuring and related charges

42,000 

             Changes in assets and liabilities:

   

    

                 Accounts receivable

(7,919)

4,760 

                 Inventories

1,455 

3,792 

                 Other current assets

(654)

662 

                 Accounts payable and other

7,975 

(22,238)



Net cash provided by operating activities

81,451 

41,818 



Cash flows from investing activities:

     Deposits on and purchases of property,
        plant and equipment


(52,836)


(34,745)

    (Purchase) sale of short-term investments

(91,409)

455 

    Other

608 

(1,281)



Net cash used in investing activities

(143,637)

(35,571)



Cash flows from financing activities:

       Repayments of long-term debt

(14,408)

(73,220)

       Proceeds from issuance of common stock

1,414 

661 

       Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt, net

145,170 



Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

(12,994)

72,611 



Effect of exchange rate changes on cash flows

2,283 

2,148 



Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

(72,897)

81,006 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

214,777 

113,944 



Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$141,880 

$194,950 



Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

     Interest paid

$10,168 

$13,883 

     Income tax payments, net

$     272 

$  1,311 

     

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

- 6 -



PHOTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Three and Nine Months Ended August 1, 2004 and August 3, 2003
(unaudited)


NOTE 1 - BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION

      Photronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company" or "Photronics") manufacture photomasks, which are high precision photographic quartz plates containing microscopic images of electronic circuits. Photomasks are a key element in the manufacture of semiconductors and flat panel displays, and are used as masters to transfer circuit patterns onto semiconductor wafers and flat panel substrates during the fabrication of integrated circuits and a variety of flat panel displays. The Company operates principally from nine facilities, three of which are located in the United States, three in Europe and one each in Korea, Singapore and Taiwan.

     The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending October 31, 2004. Certain amounts in the condensed consolidated financial statements for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 2, 2003.

NOTE 2 - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

     The Company has several stock option plans under which incentive and non-qualified stock options may be granted. The Company accounts for those plans under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,"and related Interpretations. Under this method, stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income (loss) only if options granted under those plans had an exercise price less than the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," to stock-based employee compensation (in thousands, except per share amounts):

- 7 -



 

  

Three Months Ended

     

Nine Months Ended

 



 

August 1,
2004

 

August 3,
2003

August 1,
2004

August 3,
2003

 


 


 


 


                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reported net income (loss)

$8,440 

 

$1,272 

$16,567 

$(51,285)

 

 

Effect of stock-based employee
 compensation expense determined
 under fair value based method for
 all awards, net of related tax
 effects

(496)

 

(1,060)

(1,788)

(3,672)





Pro forma net income (loss)

$7,944 

 

$   212 

$14,779 

$(54,957)





Earnings (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  As reported:

 

       Basic

$0.26 

$0.04 

$0.51 

$(1.60)

       Diluted

$0.23 

$0.04 

$0.47 

$(1.60)

 

  Pro forma:

       Basic

$0.24 

$0.01 

$0.45 

$(1.71)

       Diluted

$0.21 

$0.01 

$0.43 

$(1.71)

NOTE 3 - COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

      The following table summarizes comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended August 1, 2004 and August 3, 2003 (in thousands):

 

  

Three Months Ended

      

Nine Months Ended

  


 


  

August 1,
2004

 

August 3,
2003

 

August 1,
2004

 

August 3,
2003

  



 


 


                

 

 

Net income (loss)

$8,440 

 

$1,272

 

$16,567 

 

$(51,285)

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

   Change in unrealized gains
      (losses) on investments,
      net of tax

(869)

 

835

 

(1,365)

 

1,238 

   Foreign currency translation
      adjustments

(1,143)

 

2,587

 

5,608 

 

7,071 





(2,012)

 

3,422

4,243 

8,309 





Total comprehensive income (loss)

$6,428 

 

$4,694

$20,810 

$(42,976)





- 8 -



NOTE 4 - EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

           A reconciliation of shares used in basic and diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended August 1, 2004 and August 3, 2003, respectively, follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

                                                       

Net
Income
(Loss)

 

Average
Shares
Outstanding

 

Earnings
(Loss)
Per Share

                                          


 


 


Three Months

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004:

    

   

     

  

   

  Basic 

$  8,440 

32,579 

$ 0.26 

  Effect of potential dilution from:

      Exercise of stock options

168 

      Convertible notes (a)

1,086 

9,441 

(0.03)




  Diluted (b)

$  9,526 

42,188 

$ 0.23 




2003:

 

 

 

 

 

  Basic

$  1,272 

32,096 

$0.04 

  Effect of potential dilution from:

      Exercise of stock options

275 




  Diluted (c)

$  1,272 

32,371 

$ 0.04 




Nine Months 

 

 

 

 

 

2004:

    

  

     

 

   

  Basic

$ 16,567 

32,533 

$ 0.51 

  Effect of potential dilution from:

      Exercise of stock options

386 

(0.01)

      Convertible notes (a)

3,257 

9,441 

(0.03)




  Diluted (b)

$ 19,824 

42,360 

$ 0.47 




2003:

 

 

 

 

 

  Basic and diluted (c)

$(51,285)

32,062 

$(1.60)




(a)  The effect of the conversion of the Company's $150 million, 2.25% convertible debt is dilutive for the three and nine months ended August 1, 2004.

(b)  The effect of the conversion of the Company's 4.75% convertible subordinated notes was anti-dilutive for the three and nine months ended August 1, 2004.  If the assumed conversion of the 4.75% convertible subordinated notes ($191.5 million at August 1, 2004) had been dilutive, the average shares outstanding would have increased by 5,304 and 5,372 shares respectfully for the three and nine months ended August 1, 2004.

(c)  The effect of the conversion of the Company's convertible subordinated notes and exercise of certain stock options was anti-dilutive for the three and nine months ended August 3, 2003.  If the assumed conversion of the convertible subordinated notes and exercise of certain stock options had been dilutive, the average shares outstanding would have been increased by 17,031 and 13,149 for the three and nine months ended August 3, 2003, respectively.

- 9 -



NOTE 5 - INVESTMENTS

     Short-term investments at August 1, 2004 and November 2, 2003 consist of available-for-sale fixed income and marketable equity securities. Long-term investments ($3,013 at August 1, 2004 and $3,719 at November 2, 2003) included in "Other Assets" primarily consist of available-for-sale equity securities, where fair values were determined based upon quoted market prices.  For investments with no quoted market price, the estimated fair value is based upon the financial condition and the operating results and projections of the investee and is considered to approximate cost.  Unrealized gains on investments were determined as follows (in thousands):

   

August 1,
2004

      

November 2,
2003

                                          

   


 


    

Fair Value

$111,196 

$20,755 

Cost

108,452 

16,540 



    

2,744 

4,215 

Less deferred income taxes

1,044 

1,150 

   



Net unrealized gain

$   1,700 

$ 3,065 

    



NOTE 6 - CONSOLIDATION, RESTRUCTURING AND RELATED CHARGES

     Since 2001, the Company has closed four manufacturing facilities in North America and one in Europe due in part to the migration of semiconductor manufacturing to Asia, excess capacity, competitive pricing pressures and weakened demand. Decisions regarding which facilities to close were based on sales volume projections, customer base and production qualifications.

     In March 2003, the Company implemented a plan to close its Phoenix, Arizona manufacturing facility and further consolidate its North American manufacturing network in order to increase capacity utilization and manufacturing efficiencies. Total consolidation and related charges of $42.0 million were recorded during the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Components of the charge include $3.4 million for workforce reductions of approximately 170 employees in the United States, $4.4 million for facility lease payments, and $34.2 million of non-cash charges for the impairment of the carrying value of fixed assets.

     In August 2002, the Company implemented a consolidation plan that included the discontinuation of photomask manufacturing at its Milpitas, California site and a reduction of its workforce of approximately 135 employees in the United States. The total charge associated with this plan was $14.5 million, which included $2.5 million for workforce reductions, $1.5 million for facility lease payments, and $10.5 million of non-cash charges for the impairment of the carrying value of fixed assets.

     For these previously announced actions, the Company's restructuring expenditures were $0.6 million and $1.9 million for the three and nine months ended August 1, 2004, respectively, and $2.1 million and $39.9 million for the three and nine months ended August 3, 2003, respectively. These charges relate to severance and benefits for terminated employees, and non-cancelable facility leases and other payments. Through August 1, 2004, the Company had expended, including non-cash charges, approximately $51.1 million.

     The following table sets forth the Company's restructuring reserves as of August 1, 2004 and reflects the activity affecting the reserves for the three and nine months ended August 1, 2004 (in thousands):

- 10 -




Three Months Ended

 

August 1, 2004

 


May 2,

Costs

August 1,

2004

Paid

2004

 


 


 


Manufacturing capacity
   reduction and other


$5,646 

 

$(195)

 

$5,451 

 

Workforce reductions

333 

 

(333)

 




Total

$5,979 

 

$(528)

 

$5,451 




 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

August 1, 2004

 


November 2,

Costs

August 1,

2003

Paid

2004

 


 


 


Manufacturing capacity
   reduction and other


$5,855

 

$  (404)

 

$5,451

 

Workforce reductions

1,499

 

(1,499)

 

-




Total

$7,354

 

$(1,903)

 

$5,451




     Non-cancelable lease obligations and other charges of $5.5 million will be paid over the respective lease terms through 2009.

     The following table sets forth the Company's restructuring reserves as of August 3, 2003 and reflects the activity affecting the reserves for the three and nine months ended August 3, 2003 (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended

 

August 3, 2003

 


May 4,

Costs

August 3,

2003

Paid

2003

 


 


 


Manufacturing capacity
   reduction and other


$ 7,152

 

$  (716)

 

$6,436

 

Workforce reductions

3,017

 

(1,405)

 

1,612




Total

$10,169

$(2,121)

$8,048




- 11 -



 

Nine Months Ended

 

August 3, 2003

 


 

November 3,

 

 

 

 

 

August 3,

 

2002

 

Charges

 

Credits

 

2003

 


 


 


 


Manufacturing capacity
   reduction and other


$4,268

 


$38,575

 

$(36,407)

 


$6,436

 

Workforce reductions

1,691

3,425

 

(3,504)

 

1,612





Total

$5,959

 

$42,000

 

$(39,911)

 

$8,048





     Effective November 4, 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No.'s 144 "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" and 146 "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities."  The March 2003 restructuring was accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 144 and No. 146.

NOTE 7 - SEGMENT INFORMATION

     The Company operates in a single industry segment as a manufacturer of photomasks, which are high precision quartz plates containing microscopic images of electronic circuits for use in the fabrication of semiconductors. The Company's net sales, operating income (loss) and identifiable assets by geographic area as of and for the three and nine months ended August 1, 2004 and August 3, 2003 were as follows (in thousands):


Three Months

  


Nine Months

As of
August 1, 2004




                         


Net
Sales

  

Operating
Income
(Loss)

 


Net
Sales

  

Operating
Income
(Loss)

 


Total
Assets






August 1, 2004:

      

North America

$ 34,857

$  (714)

$106,210 

$(1,488)

$484,558

     

Europe

18,019

1,836 

51,237 

4,196 

113,423

     

Asia

50,852

14,983 

133,937 

33,304 

284,117






     

$103,728

$16,105 

$291,384 

$36,012 

$882,098






           

       


Three Months

     


Nine Months

As of
August 3, 2003




                          


Net
Sales

  

Operating
Income
(Loss)

 


Net
Sales

  

Operating
Income
(Loss)

 


Total
Assets






August 3, 2003:

     

North America

$36,764

$(1,355)

$105,562 

$(59,791)

$477,784

     

Europe

14,940

930 

45,042 

1,645 

116,039

      

Asia

38,750

7,902 

106,792 

19,860 

258,466






    

$90,454

$ 7,477 

$257,396 

$(38,286)

$852,289






- 12 -


NOTE 8 - INCOME TAXES

      The income tax provision (benefit) differs from the amount computed by applying the United States statutory rate of 35% to income (loss) before income taxes due to the Company's reduced tax rates in certain Asian jurisdictions and valuation allowances placed on certain deferred tax assets generated by net operating loss carryforwards.

NOTE 9 - RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

     In March 2004, the FASB approved the consensus reached on the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments."  The objective of this Issue is to provide guidance for identifying impaired investments.  EITF 03-1 also provides new disclosure requirements for investments that are deemed to be temporarily impaired.  The accounting provisions of EITF 03-1 are effective for all reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2004, while the disclosure requirements are effective only for annual periods ending after June 15, 2004.  The Company has evaluated the impact of the adoption of EITF 03-1 and does not believe the impact will be material to the Company's overall results of operations or financial position.

Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis
                of Results of Operations and Financial Condition

Overview

      Management’s discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition, business results and outlook should be read in conjunction with its consolidated financial statements and related notes.  Various segments of this MD&A do contain forward looking statements, all of which are presented based on current expectations and may be adversely affected by uncertainties and risk factors presented throughout this filing leading actual results to materially differ from these expectations.

     The Company sells substantially all of its photomasks to semiconductor designers and manufacturers.  Since the Company acquired its controlling interest in PKL in Korea in 2001, it began supplying large area photomask technology and support services to companies producing flat panel displays. Thus, the Company’s selling cycle is tightly interwoven with the development and release of new semiconductor designs and flat panel applications, particularly as it relates to the semiconductor industry’s migration to more advanced design methodologies and fabrication processes.

       At this time, state-of-the-art for semiconductor masks is considered to be 65 nanometer, while 90 nanometer is in the very early stages of being moved into volume production and 130 and 180 nanometer constitute the bulk of high performance designs being fabricated in volume today.  The Company expects there to be a steady increase in 130 nanometer designs moving to wafer fabrication throughout the year and believes it is well positioned to service an increasing volume of this business through investments in manufacturing process and technology in the global regions where its customers are located.

     As the Company believes that the demand for photomasks primarily depends on integrated circuit design activity rather than the volume of semiconductor sales, an increase in semiconductor sales does not necessarily result in an increase in photomask sales. In addition, the reduced use of customized integrated circuits, a reduction in design complexity or other changes in the technology or methods of manufacturing semiconductors or a slowdown in the introduction of new semiconductor designs could reduce demand for photomasks even if demand for semiconductors increases. Further, advances in semiconductor and photomask design and semiconductor production methods could reduce the demand for photomasks. Historically, the semiconductor industry has been volatile, with sharp periodic downturns and slowdowns. These downturns have been characterized by, among other things, diminished product demand, excess production capacity and accelerated erosion of selling prices.

     Beginning in the latter part of 2003, the semiconductor industry started to emerge from a downturn dating back to 2001. This downturn had an unusually significant impact on the industry's net sales and operating results, in addition to the effect of the business cycle, the global semiconductor industry also experienced tremendous difficulties in transitioning from the 180 nanometer process node to the 130 nanometer process node.  The Company believes that these technological issues have largely been addressed, as seen by improving yields and utilization rates in the Company's mask fabrications facilities and its customers wafer fabrication facilities.  End markets leading the global semiconductor

- 13 -


industry out of the downturn have been closely tied to consumer driven applications for high performance semiconductor devices, including, but not limited to communications and notebook computers. For the third quarter of fiscal 2004, shipments for mask sets utilizing 180 nanometer and below design rules increased sequentially from 33% to 38% of total revenue.  The Company cannot predict the timing of the industry’s transition to volume production of next generation technology nodes or the timing of up and down cycles with precise accuracy, but believes that such transitions and cycles will continue into the future, beneficially and adversely affecting its business, financial condition and operating results in the near term. The Company’s ability to remain successful in these environments is based upon achieving its goals of being a service and technology leader, an efficient solutions supplier, and a company able to continually reinvest in its global infrastructure.

     The photomask industry has been, and is expected to continue to be characterized by technological change and evolving industry standards. In order to remain competitive, the Company will be required to continually anticipate, respond to and utilize changing technologies. In particular, the Company believes that, as semiconductor geometries continue to become smaller, it will be required to manufacture increasingly complex enhanced reticles, including those utilizing optical proximity correction and phase-shift technologies. Additionally, demand for photomasks has been, and could in the future be adversely affected by changes in methods of semiconductor manufacturing (which could affect the type or quantity of photomasks utilized), such as changes in semiconductor demand that favor programmable logic devices and other semiconductor designs that replace application specific integrated circuits. To date, the Company has not experienced a significant loss of revenue as a result of alternative semiconductor design methodologies, due largely to the performance such customized semiconductors offer over the programmable logic device alternatives. Additionally, increased market acceptance of alternative methods of transferring circuit designs onto semiconductor wafers, such as direct-write lithography, could reduce or eliminate the need for photomasks.  Presently, direct-write lithography has not been proven to be a commercially viable alternative to photomasks, as it is considered too slow for high volume semiconductor wafer production. However, should direct-write or any other alternative methods of transferring integrated circuit designs to semiconductor wafers be done without the use of photomasks, the Company's business and results of operations would be materially adversely affected. If the Company is unable to anticipate, respond to or utilize these or other changing technologies, due to resource, technological or other constraints, its business and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

     Both revenues and costs have been affected by the increased demand for high-end technology photomasks that require more advanced manufacturing capabilities but generally command higher average selling prices. To meet the technological demands of its customers and position the Company for future growth, the Company continues to make substantial investments in high-end manufacturing capability both at existing and new facilities.

     The manufacture of photomasks for use in fabricating integrated circuits and other related products built using comparable photomask-based process technologies has been, and continues to be, capital intensive based upon the need to maintain a technology-based infrastructure. The Company's integrated global manufacturing network and employees, which consists of nine sites, represent a significant portion of its fixed operating cost base. Should sales volumes decrease based upon the flow of design releases from the Company's customers, the Company may have excess and underutilized production capacity that could significantly impact operating margins.

     Currently, the vast majority of photomasks produced for the semiconductor industry employ geometries of 130 nanometers or larger. At these geometries, the Company can produce full lines of photomasks and there is no significant technology employed by the Company's competitors that is not available to the Company. Very recently, a limited amount of semiconductor fabrication has begun in the 90 nanometer range. The Company is currently capable of producing a broad range of photomasks at still smaller geometries, and has begun accelerating its efforts to support the development and production of photomasks for both the 65 nanometer and 45 nanometer technology nodes. However, as is typical of industries in the midst of technological change, some of the Company's competitors may be able to achieve higher manufacturing yields than the Company when producing these smaller geometry photomasks, in part because these competitors may have completed more cycles of learning than the Company in this area and in part because of the Company's need to replicate production of these complex photomasks at its four advanced technology locations world-wide. The Company believes that these cases are not material to its business.

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Material Changes in Results of Operations
Three and Nine months ended August 1, 2004 versus August 3, 2003

     The following table represents selected operating information expressed as a percentage of net sales:

                                     

       

Three Months Ended

      

Nine Months Ended

                                         


 


                            

August 1,
2004

        

August 3,
2003

          

August 1,
2004

       

August 3,
2003

                                       


 


 


 


                                     

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales 

100%

 

100%

 

100%

 

100%

                                       

 

 

 

Cost of sales

64.1 

 

68.6 

 

66.1 

 

73.3 





Gross margin

35.9 

 

31.4 

 

33.9 

 

26.7 

                              

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

13.0 

 

15.0 

 

13.8 

 

16.6 

Research and development expenses

7.3 

 

8.1 

 

7.7 

 

8.7 

Consolidation, restructuring and related charges

 

 

 

16.3 





Operating income (loss)

15.6 

 

8.3 

 

12.4 

 

(14.9)

                                      

 

 

 

Other expense, net

(2.5)

(3.3)

(2.7)

(3.6)





Income (loss) before income taxes
  and minority interest

13.0 


5.0 

9.7 


(18.5)

Income tax provision (benefit)

1.5 

1.8 

1.4 

(0.3)

Minority interest

(3.4)

(1.8)

(2.6)

(1.7)





Net income (loss)

8.1%

1.4%

5.7%

(19.9)%





Net Sales

     Net sales for the three months ended August 1, 2004 increased 14.7% to $103.7 million compared with $90.5 million for the corresponding prior year period primarily as a result of increased market share and an increased mix of high-end design releases, due in part, to improved end user demand, both consumer and corporate, for devices utilizing semiconductors. High-end revenue, which is defined as 180 nanometer and below design rules, accounted for approximately 38% of revenue in the third quarter of 2004 as compared to 30% for the third quarter of 2003. By geographic area, for the three months ended August 1, 2004 as compared to the three months ended August 3, 2003, net sales in Asia increased 31.2% to $50.9 million, North American sales decreased 5.2% to $34.9 million and European sales increased 20.6% to $18.0 million.

     For the nine months ended August 1, 2004, as compared to the nine months ended August 3, 2003, net sales increased 13.2% to $291.4 million primarily due to increased design releases, including high-end, associated with improved end user demand for devices utilizing semiconductors.  High-end revenue accounted for approximately 35% of revenue for the first nine months of 2004, as compared to 28% for the first nine months of 2003. For the nine months ended August 1, 2004 as compared to the same prior year period, Asian sales increased 25.4% to $133.9 million, European sales increased 13.8% to $51.2 million, and North American sales increased 0.6% to $106.2 million.

Gross Margins

     Gross margin for the three months ended August 1, 2004 was 35.9% of net sales as compared to 31.4% during the corresponding period last year as a result of increased high-end revenues and continued improved utilization of the Company's manufacturing network.

     For the nine months ended August 1, 2004, the gross margin increased to 33.9% as compared to 26.7% for the same prior year period due to continued improvement in the Company's manufacturing network. During March 2003, the Company reduced its North American manufacturing capacity and related costs with the closure of its Phoenix, Arizona manufacturing facility and additional consolidation of its North American manufacturing network.  The Company

- 15 -


operates in a high fixed cost environment and to the extent that the Company's revenues and utilization increase or decrease, gross margin will generally be positively or negatively impacted.  Should the Company's revenue and utilization continue to improve in the near term, the Company's gross margin could be favorably impacted.

Selling, General and Administrative

     Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $0.1 million to $13.5 million for the three months ended August 1, 2004, compared with $13.6 million for the same period in the prior fiscal year. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 13.0% as compared to 15.0% for the same period in the prior fiscal year. For the nine months ended August 1, 2004 selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased 5.3% or $2.3 million to $40.4 million as compared to $42.6 million for the nine months ended August 3, 2003. Decreased selling, general and administrative expenses for the three and nine months ended August 1, 2004, compared to the same periods in the prior year were primarily attributable to reduced salaries and wages associated with the Company's March 2003 North American consolidation initiatives.

Research and Development

     Research and development expenses were $7.6 and $7.3 million for the three months ended August 1, 2004 and August 3, 2003, respectively, which were 7.3% and 8.1% of net sales, respectively. Research and development expenditures consist primarily of continued development of 65 and 45 nanometer process technologies.  For the nine months ended August 1, 2004, research and development expenditures were $22.6 million or 7.7% of sales as compared to $22.5 million or 8.7% of sales for the corresponding prior year period. During the three months ending October 31, 2004 the Company expects research and development expenses to increase approximately 4% to 7% compared to the three months ended August 1, 2004.

Consolidation, Restructuring and Related Charges

     Consolidation, restructuring and related charges of $42.0 million incurred in the three month period ended May 4, 2003 represent the costs of the Company's consolidation of its North American manufacturing network in order to increase capacity utilization and manufacturing efficiencies.  Components of this charge include workforce reductions, facility lease payments and impairment in the carrying value of fixed assets.

Operating Income (Loss)

     The following table sets forth the operating income (loss) by geographic area for the three and nine months ended August 1, 2004 and August 3, 2003:

 

North
America

 

Europe

 

Asia

 

Total





Three Months Ended:

 

August 1, 2004

$    (714)

$1,836

$14,983

$  16,105 

 

August 3, 2003

$ (1,355)

$   930

$  7,902

$    7,477 

      

            

Nine Months Ended:

 

August 1, 2004

$  (1,488)

$4,196

$33,304

$  36,012 

 

August 3, 2003

$(59,791)

$1,645

$19,860

$(38,286)

- 16 -


Other Expenses, Net

     Other expenses, net, were $2.6 million and $8.0 million for the three and nine months ended August 1, 2004, respectively, as compared to $3.0 million and $9.3 million for the three and nine months ended August 3, 2003, respectively. The decreases in 2004 as compared to 2003 are primarily associated with decreased borrowing costs and increased investment income. Other expenses, net, were primarily comprised of interest expense, interest income and foreign currency gains or losses.

Provision for Income Taxes

     The provision for income taxes for the quarter ended August 1, 2004 was $1.5 million as compared to $1.6 million for the quarter ended August 3, 2003. For the nine months ended August 1, 2004 the income tax provision was $4.0 million as compared to a benefit of $0.8 million for the nine months ended August 3, 2003.  The effective income tax rate of 15% and 20% for the three and nine months ended August 1, 2004, respectively, resulted from taxes incurred on income generated in taxable jurisdictions that were partially offset by the Company's inability to record additional deferred tax benefits for net operating losses in the United States. The Company's operations have followed the recent migration of semiconductor industry fabrication to Asia, where the Company operates in countries with favorable tax jurisdictions. The Company is accorded tax holidays in Taiwan and Singapore, which expire in 2006 and 2005, respectively. In Korea, various investment tax credits have been utilized to reduce the Company's effective income tax rate.

Minority Interest

     Minority interest charges reflect the earnings of the Company's non-wholly owned subsidiaries located in Taiwan and Korea.  Minority interest charges increased $2.0 million to $3.6 million and $3.0 million to $7.4 million for the three and nine months ended August 1, 2004, respectively, as compared to the comparable periods in the prior year.  The increases for both the three and nine months in 2004 primarily reflected improved revenues and operating income generated by the Company's Korean and Taiwanese subsidiaries.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     The Company's working capital at August 1, 2004 was $287.7 million compared with $258.5 million at November 2, 2003. Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at August 1, 2004 were $250.1 million compared to $231.8 million at November 2, 2003. Cash provided by operating activities was $81.5 million for the nine months ended August 1, 2004 as compared to $41.8 million for the same period last year. This increase was primarily due to the net income generated during the first nine months of 2004 as compared to an incurred net loss during the first nine months of 2003 and decreased progress payments to vendors, primarily for equipment purchased in 2002. For the nine months ended August 1, 2004, cash used in investing activities was $143.6 million, which includes increased short-term investments of $91.4 million and capital expenditures of $52.8 million.  In June of 2004, the Company redeemed $8.5 million of its 4.75% convertible subordinated debt resulting in an outstanding balance of $191.5 million.

     The Company has a credit agreement, that expires in July 2005, with a group of financial institutions that provides for a revolving credit facility with an aggregate commitment of $100 million. The credit facility allows for borrowings in various currencies with an interest rate that is based on the terms of the agreement and will vary based on currencies borrowed and market conditions. The facility fee is 0.4% of the total aggregate commitment. The credit facility agreement contains various financial and other covenants, including, but not limited to: Defined maximum ratio of senior funded debt to EBITDA, Minimum EBITDA to interest expense, Minimum consolidated net worth and cash balances, Limitation on cash dividends available for payment to shareholders and Annual capital expenditures. As of August 1, 2004, the Company was in compliance with its loan covenants and $100 million was available under the facility.

     The Company's commitments represent investments in additional manufacturing capacity as well as advanced equipment for the production of high-end photomasks. At August 1, 2004, Photronics had commitments outstanding for capital expenditures of approximately $43.0 million. Additional commitments for capital expenditures are expected to be incurred during the remainder of fiscal 2004. The Company expects capital expenditures for fiscal 2004 to be approximately $75 to $85 million. The Company will continue to use its working capital to finance its capital expenditures. Photronics believes that its currently available resources, together with its capacity for growth and its access

- 17 -


to other debt and equity financing sources, are sufficient to satisfy its currently planned capital expenditures, as well as its anticipated working capital requirements for the foreseeable future.

Business Outlook

     The Company is planning modest growth for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004.  Revenue is expected to be in the range of $104 million to $108 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004. The midpoint of $106 million would be a 16% increase over the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003.  A majority of the revenue growth has come from, and is expected to continue to come from the Asian region as customers increase their use of manufacturing foundries located outside of North America and Europe. The Company's Korean and Taiwanese operations are non-wholly owned subsidiaries; therefore a portion of earnings generated at each location is allocated to the minority shareholders.

     For the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company expects earnings per share to be in the range of $0.22 to $0.27 per share.  The expected increase over the third quarter is due to the Company’s anticipation of a majority of the planned revenue increases to improve operating income.  The Company is projecting an estimated tax expense for the fourth quarter of 2004 to be in the range of $1.6 million to $2.1 million.  The amount is dependent upon the country in which the pre-tax income is generated.

     Capital spending was $53 million for the first three quarters of 2004.  The Company is planning on capital spending of $75 to $85 million for the full year of fiscal 2004.  This spending includes the installation of a 65 nanometer production line in the Company's Austin, Texas facility.

     The Company’s future results of operations and the other forward-looking statements contained in this filing involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including the projected fourth quarter of 2004 results.  Various factors that have been discussed and a number of other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations.

Contractual Cash Obligations and Other Commercial Commitments and Contingencies

     The following table quantifies the Company's future contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of August 1, 2004 (in millions):

                  

Payments Due in Fiscal

               


                  



Total

    



2004

    

2005
&
2006

    

2007
&
2008

    



Thereafter

                 


 


 


 


 


                   

Long-term debt

$358.6

$ 1.1

$16.0

$341.5

$   -

                  

Operating leases

5.6

0.5

3.7

1.0

0.4

                   

Unconditional purchase obligations              

50.9

44.0

6.9

-

-






Total

$415.1

$45.6

$26.6

$342.5

$0.4






Application of Critical Accounting Procedures

      The Company's consolidated financial statements are based on the selection and application of significant accounting policies, which require management to make significant estimates and assumptions. The Company believes that the following are some of the more critical judgment areas in the application of the Company's accounting policies that affect its financial condition and results of operations.

Estimates and Assumptions

     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 amounts reported in them.

- 18 -


Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Company's estimates are based on the facts and circumstances available at the time; different reasonable estimates could have been used in the current period, and changes in the accounting estimates used are likely to occur from period to period, which may have a material impact on the presentation of the Company's financial condition and results of operations. Actual results reported by the Company may differ from such estimates. The Company reviews these estimates periodically and reflects the effect of revisions in the period that they are determined.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

     The Company records derivatives on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as assets or liabilities, measured at fair value. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the values of those derivatives are reported in the condensed consolidated statements of operations or as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), depending on the use of the derivatives and whether they qualify for hedge accounting. In order to qualify for hedge accounting, the derivative must be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of the hedged items during the term of the hedge. The Company uses judgment in assessing the fair value of derivatives and related financial instruments, including assumptions utilized in derivative fair value models in such areas as projected interest rates and changes in the Company's stock price during the contract term.

Property, Plant and Equipment

     Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Repairs and maintenance as well as renewals and replacements of a routine nature are charged to operations as incurred, while those which improve or extend the lives of existing assets are capitalized. Upon sale or other disposition, the cost of the asset and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations.

     Depreciation and amortization are computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over 15 to 40 years, machinery and equipment over 3 to 10 years and furniture, fixtures and office equipment over 3 to 5 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement, whichever is less. Judgment and assumptions are used in establishing estimated useful lives and depreciation periods. The Company also uses judgment and assumptions as it periodically reviews property, plant and equipment for any potential impairment in carrying values whenever events such as a significant industry downturn, plant closures, technological obsolescence or other changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Actual fair values may differ from estimated fair values.

Intangible Assets

     Intangible assets consist primarily of goodwill and other acquisition-related intangibles, and software development costs. These assets are stated at fair value as of the date acquired, less accumulated amortization. Amortization is calculated on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of 5 years for software development costs and, prior to November 1, 2001, 3 to 15 years for goodwill and acquisition-related assets. As a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 142, goodwill is no longer amortized, but the future economic benefit of the carrying value of all intangible assets is reviewed annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an intangible asset may not be recoverable based on discounted cash flows or market factors, an impairment loss would be recorded in the period so determined.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

     Long-lived assets and certain identifiable assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on the Company's estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the fair value of the asset. Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell.

- 19 -


Income Taxes

     The income tax provision (benefit) is computed on the basis of consolidated financial statement income or loss before income taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effects of differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. In the event the Company determines that future taxable income is not expected to be sufficient, the Company uses judgment and assumptions to determine if valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets are required by considering future market growth, forecasted operations, future taxable income, and the mix of earnings in the tax jurisdictions in which it operates in order to determine the need for a valuation allowance.

     The Company considers income taxes in each of the tax jurisdictions in which it operates in order to determine its effective income tax rate. Current income tax exposure is identified along with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and financial reporting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The actual annual amount of taxable income in each tax jurisdiction may differ from the estimates used to compute the effective income tax rate during the first, second and third quarters. Additionally, the Company evaluates the recoverability of deferred income tax assets from future taxable income and establishes valuation allowances if recovery is deemed not likely. Accordingly, the income tax provision in the consolidated statements of operations is impacted by changes in the valuation allowance. Significant management estimates and judgment are required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against net deferred tax assets.

Revenue Recognition

     The Company recognizes revenue upon shipment of goods to customers. The Company makes estimates and assumptions and uses judgment relating to discounts and estimates for product return and warranties, which are accrued and recognized at the time of sale.

     Discounts - Sales discounts are negotiated with customers prior to billing and at the time of billing, sales invoices are prepared net of negotiated sales discounts.

     Product Returns - Customer returns have historically been insignificant. However, the Company does record a liability for the insignificant amount of estimated sales returns based upon historical experience.

     Warranties and Other Post Shipment Obligations - For a 30-day period, the Company warrants that items sold will conform to customer specification. However, the Company's liability is limited to repair or replacement of the photomasks at its sole option. The Company inspects photomasks for conformity to customer specifications prior to shipment. Accordingly, customer returns of items under warranty have historically been insignificant. However, the Company records a liability for the insignificant amount of estimated warranty returns based on historical experience. The Company's specific return policies include accepting returns for products with defects, or products that have not been produced to precise customer specifications. At the time of shipment, a liability is established for these items.

     Customer Acceptance - As title and risk of loss pass upon delivery to common carriers or hand delivery to the customer, customer acceptance occurs concurrently with delivery.

     Arrangements with Distributors - The Company does not sell to distributors.

     Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - The Company is required to use considerable judgment in estimating the collectibility of its accounts receivable. This estimate is based on a variety of factors, including the length of time receivables are past due, macroeconomic conditions, significant one-time events, and historical experience.

Effect of New Accounting Standards

     In March 2004, the FASB approved the consensus reached on the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments."  The objective of this Issue is to provide guidance for identifying impaired investments.  EITF 03-1 also provides new disclosure requirements for investments that are deemed to be temporarily impaired.  The accounting provisions of EITF 03-1 are effective for all

- 20 -


reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2004, while the disclosure requirements are effective only for annual periods ending after June 15, 2004.  The Company has evaluated the impact of the adoption of EITF 03-1 and does not believe the impact will be material to the Company's overall results of operations or financial position.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     The Company records derivatives on the balance sheet as assets or liabilities, measured at fair value. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the values of these derivatives are reported in the statement of operations or as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), depending on the use of the derivatives and whether they qualify for hedge accounting. In order to qualify for hedge accounting, the derivative must be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of the hedged items during the term of the hedge. In general, the types of risks hedged are those relating to the variability of future cash flows caused by movements in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company documents its risk management strategy and hedge effectiveness at the inception of, and during the term of each hedge.

     In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2002, the Company entered into an interest rate swap contract, which effectively converted $100 million of its 4.75% fixed rate convertible subordinated notes to a variable rate. Contract payments are made on a LIBOR based variable rate (2.43% at August 1, 2004) and are received at the 4.75% fixed rate.

     The interest rate swap contract is used to adjust the proportion of total debt that is subject to fixed interest rates. This contract is considered to be a hedge against interest rate risk of the Company's fixed rate debt obligation. Accordingly, the contract has been reflected at fair value in the Company's consolidated balance sheets and the related portion of fixed rate debt being hedged is reflected at an amount equal to the sum of its carrying value plus an adjustment representing the change in fair value of the debt obligation attributable to the interest rate risk being hedged. In addition, changes during any accounting period in the fair value of the contract, as well as offsetting changes in the adjusted carrying value of the related portion of fixed rate debt being hedged, are recognized as adjustments to interest expense in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The net effect of this accounting on the Company's operating results is that the interest expense portion of fixed rate debt being hedged is generally recorded based on variable rates. At this time, the Company does not have plans to enter into additional interest rate swap contracts, however, at a future point the Company may decide to do so.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

    The Company conducts business in several major international currencies through its worldwide operations and is subject to changes in foreign exchange rates of such currencies. Changes in exchange rates can positively or negatively affect the Company's sales, operating margins and retained earnings. The functional currencies of the Company's Asian subsidiaries are the Korean won, New Taiwan dollar and Singapore dollar. The functional currencies of the Company's European subsidiaries are the British pound and euro.

     The Company attempts to minimize its risk to foreign currency transaction losses by producing its products in the same country in which the products are sold, thereby generating revenues and incurring expenses in the same currency and by managing its working capital. However, there can be no assurance that this approach will be successful, especially in the event of a significant adverse movement in the value of any foreign currencies against the United States dollar. The Company does not engage in purchasing forward exchange contracts for speculative purposes.

     The Company's primary net foreign currency exposures as of August 1, 2004 included the Korean won, Singapore dollar and the British pound. As of August 1, 2004, a 10% adverse movement in the value of these currencies against the United States dollar would have resulted in a net unrealized pre-tax loss of $5.4 million. The Company's exposure to other foreign currency risks include the Japanese yen, New Taiwan dollar and the euro, for which the Company does not believe that a 10% change in the exchange rates of these currencies would have a material effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Interest Rate Risk

     The majority of the Company's borrowings are in the form of its convertible subordinated notes, which bear interest at rates of 2.25% and 4.75% and certain foreign secured and unsecured notes payable which bear interest at rates between

- 21 -


4.8% and 6.5%. In addition, the interest rate swap contract discussed above subjects the Company to market risk as interest rates fluctuate and impacts the interest payments due on the $100 million notional amount of the contract. At August 1, 2004, the Company had approximately $116 million in variable rate financial instruments which were sensitive to interest rate risk. The Company does not believe a 10% change in interest rates would have a material effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

     The Company's chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that, as of the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) were effective, based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

     

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

 

(a)

   

Exhibits

 

     

  

  

 

  

  

 

  

     

 

 

   

Exhibit
Number

  


Description

       

  

 

  

      

  

    

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

   

 

   

32.1

  

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as
adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

       

  

 

  

   

  

       

   

 

  

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as
adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements 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.

Photronics, Inc.

(Registrant)

               

                         

By:

/s/ SEAN T. SMITH


Sean T. Smith

Vice President

Chief Financial Officer

(Duly Authorized Officer and

Principal Financial Officer)

Date:  September 14, 2004

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