EXHIBIT 99.6
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
GENUS BEATS INDUSTRY WITH 1.1 BOOK-TO-BILL RATIO
AND CONTINUES GLOBAL GROWTH STRATEGY
SUNNYVALE, CALIF.-AUGUST 8, 2001-During its earnings conference call on August
1, 2001, Genus, Inc. (Nasdaq: GGNS) reported a string of successes despite
having to report a loss in the second quarter. Amid the bleak semiconductor
equipment environment, Genus' quarterly highlights included achieving a
book-to-bill ratio of 1.1 for the second quarter -- twice the industry's average
- -- and posting $18 million in third quarter backlog. In addition, Genus
penetrated a new market for its core technology and more than doubled its
customer base from year-end 2000.
Genus' bookings in the second quarter included an order for an atomic layer
deposition (ALD) system from a new customer in Japan, which is Genus' second ALD
customer in the Japanese market. In addition, an existing customer ordered
multiple 300mm tungsten systems for delivery in the third quarter. Also in the
second quarter, a new Taiwanese customer ordered a tungsten-based Lynx2
deposition tool from Genus for the manufacture of micro-electromechanical (MEMS)
devices.
"Genus continues to be a bright spot in the semiconductor equipment industry,"
said Dr. William Elder, chairman and CEO of Genus. "Despite our reported loss
and poor visibility in the industry, our second quarter was quite good and we
continue to make significant strides forward. We have a global, market-segment
strategy and we are executing it to plan."
Elder added, "The primary reason why Genus continues to grow during these
difficult times is our continued focus on next generation technology. Although
our customers are buying little production capability at the moment, they
continue to invest in the future, qualifying new technologies for volume
manufacturing. Genus is bringing that technology to our customers today."
In order to fund its continuing growth, Genus was successful in raising capital
in the second quarter with a private placement in the amount of up to $11.5
million. Of that amount, $7 million was received in the sale of common stock
and an additional $4.5 million, in warrants, still remains outstanding.
During the call, Elder forecast exiting the third quarter with eight customers,
and suggested that counting 10 customers by year-end is still a possibility.
Key ongoing investments by the company since last year have been critical in
achieving Genus' growth targets. Specifically cited were the company's
investments in internal demonstration capabilities, production capability and
the establishment of a Japanese office.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the company's
future financial and business performance. These forward-looking statements are
subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These contingencies include but
are not limited to: actual customer orders received by the company, actual new
customers gained, the extent to which ALD technology is accepted by the
marketplace, the timing of final acceptance of products by customers, and
general conditions in the semiconductor equipment market and the economy in
general. Genus assumes no obligation to update this information. Additional
risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Results of Operations contained in Genus' Annual Report on Form
10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 and subsequent quarterly
reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
# # #
ABOUT GENUS
Founded in 1981, Genus, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets capital equipment
and deposition processes for advanced semiconductor manufacturing as well as for
other, emerging non-semiconductor applications. Genus offers various thin film
deposition modules using its own production-proven equipment and processes for
both chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD). The
deposition processes are used to manufacture integrated circuits for the
computer, communications, medical, military, transportation and consumer
electronics industries. Genus' customers include semiconductor manufacturers
located throughout the United States, Europe and the Pacific Rim including Korea
and Japan. Company headquarters are in Sunnyvale, California. For additional
information visit Genus' web site at www.genus.com.
COMPANY CONTACT: EDITORIAL CONTACT:
Debra Scott Dave Richardson
Genus, Inc. Positio
Tel: (408) 747-7140 Ext. 1407 Tel: (650) 815-1006 Ext.108
dscott@genus.com dave@positiopr.com