Document:

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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.19

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

         THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (THE "AGREEMENT") is made effective the 22nd
day of April, 2002, by and between KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS, INC. a North Carolina
corporation (the "Company"), and R. FRANK MURPHY (the "Executive").

                                     RECITAL

         The Executive is being hired as Executive Vice President and General
Counsel, reporting to the CEO, and the parties have negotiated this Agreement in
consideration of the Executive's valuable services and leadership.

         NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants
herein contained, the parties do hereby agree as follow:

         1.       EFFECTIVE DATE. This Agreement shall be effective upon, and
from and after, the date set forth above.

         2.       DEFINITIONS. As used herein, the following terms shall have
the following meanings:

                  (a)      "Disability" shall mean the Executive becoming
                  disabled and unable to continue his employment with the
                  Company as defined in the Company's then applicable disability
                  policy for the Senior Management of the Company.

                  (b)      "Discharge" shall mean the termination by the Company
                  of the Executive's employment during the Period of Employment
                  for any reason other than (i) Good Cause, (ii) death of the
                  Executive, (iii) Disability of the Executive, or (iv)
                  Retirement of the Executive.

                  (c)      "Expiration Date" means the date that the Period of
                  Employment (as it may have been extended) expires.

                  (d)      "Good Cause" has its meaning as defined in Section 6
                  hereof.

                  (e)      "Period of Employment" shall be for a term of three
                  years beginning April 22, 2002 and ending April 21, 2005;
                  provided, however, that commencing April 22, 2003, the
                  Executive's Period of Employment shall automatically be
                  extended for successive one-year periods each year as of April
                  22 of each year unless the Company gives Executive written
                  notice of nonextension on or before that date.

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                  (f)      "Retirement" shall mean a time when the sum of the
                  Executive's age and employment with the Company equals or
                  exceeds 65.

                  (g)      "Senior Management" shall mean the senior executive
                  management of the Company currently consisting of the chief
                  executive officer, the president, and the executive vice
                  presidents.

                  (h)      "Stock Option Plan" shall mean the Krispy Kreme
                  Doughnut Corporation 1998 Stock Option Plan and/or the Krispy
                  Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. 2000 Stock Incentive Plan.

                  (i)      "Termination Date" shall mean:

                           (i)      If the Executive's employment is terminated
                           by reason of death, the Executive's date of death;

                           (ii)     If the Executive's employment is terminated
                           by reason of Retirement, the date of his Retirement;

                           (iii)    If the Executive's employment is terminated
                           by reason of Disability, the date of his Disability;

                           (iv)     If the Executive's employment is terminated
                           for Good Cause, the date specified in the written
                           notice of termination given by the Company pursuant
                           to Section 6(a);

                           (v)      If the Executive's employment is terminated
                           by reason of a Discharge, the effective date of
                           Discharge;

                           (vi)     If the Executive's employment is terminated
                           by reason of non-extension of the Period of
                           Employment, the Expiration Date; and

                           (vii)    If the Executive voluntarily terminates his
                           employment as permitted by Section 6(b), the
                           effective date of his termination of employment.

         3.       EMPLOYMENT; PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT.

                  The Company hereby employs the Executive, and the Executive
hereby accepts employment by the Company, for the Period of Employment, in the
position and with the duties and responsibilities set forth in Section 4, upon
the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement.

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         4.       POSITION, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. During the Period of
Employment, the executive shall

                  (a)      serve as Executive Vice President and General Counsel
                  of the Company, reporting to the CEO, and its subsidiaries or
                  in such other Senior Management position as may be assigned to
                  him by mutual agreement with the Board of Directors. The
                  Executive shall be employed hereunder in Forsyth County, North
                  Carolina and he shall not be required to relocate his
                  residence or principal office to any place outside Forsyth
                  County, North Carolina without his consent; and

                  (b)      devote his best efforts to the furtherance of the
                  interest of the Company and the performance of his duties
                  hereunder and agrees not to engage in any competition
                  whatsoever, either directly or indirectly, with the Company or
                  any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. The Executive shall be
                  allowed holiday and vacation periods, leaves for periods of
                  illness or incapacity and personal leaves in accordance with
                  the Company's regular practices for members of Senior
                  Management.

         5.       COMPENSATION, COMPENSATION PLANS AND BENEFITS. During the
Period of Employment, the Executive shall be compensated as follows:

                  (a)      He shall receive an annual base salary equal to
                  $300,000, with annual increases in accordance with the
                  Company's regular practices for members of Senior Management.
                  In addition, he shall receive non-incentive compensation
                  (including automobile allowance). Such compensation shall be
                  paid in accordance with the Company's regular schedule for
                  payment of salaried employees.

                  (b)      He shall receive such other bonuses as are afforded
                  the Company's Senior Management and be eligible to participate
                  in all of the Company's executive compensation plans provided
                  to members of Senior Management of the Company from time to
                  time.

                  (c)      He shall be entitled to participate in and receive
                  other employee benefits, which may include, but are not
                  limited to, benefits under any life, health, accident,
                  disability, medical, dental and hospitalization insurance
                  plans, use of a Company automobile or an automobile allowance,
                  and other perquisites and benefits, as are provided to members
                  of Senior Management of the Company from time to time.

                  (d)      He shall be entitled to be reimbursed for the
                  reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses, including
                  entertainment, travel and similar items, and all expenses
                  necessary to maintain law license and professional
                  memberships, incurred by him in performing his duties
                  hereunder upon presentation of such documentation thereof as
                  the Company may normally and customarily require of the
                  members of Senior Management.

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                  (e)      The Company agrees to pay the Executive's dues and
                  assessments for membership in Forsyth Country Club and in the
                  Piedmont Club.

         6.       TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. During the Period of Employment:

                  (a)      Termination for Good Cause.

                           (i)      The Company may terminate the Executive's
                  employment for Good Cause. Termination of employment shall be
                  deemed to have been for Good Cause if (i) the Executive
                  habitually neglects or refuses to do his duties and fails to
                  cure such neglect within ten (10) days after having received
                  written notice of same from the Company or (ii) the Executive
                  commits (a) acts constituting a felony or (b) acts of gross
                  negligence or willful misconduct to the material detriment of
                  the Company.

                           (ii)     Termination by the Company for Good Cause
                  may be made only by written notice of termination from the
                  Company to the Executive that has been specifically approved
                  in advance by the Board of Directors. Such notice shall set
                  forth all acts constituting such neglect or refusal to do
                  duties or gross negligence or willful misconduct as is
                  applicable.

                  (b)      Voluntary Termination.

                           The Executive may voluntarily terminate his
                  employment with the Company upon 30 days' prior written
                  notice.

                  (c)      Termination by Reason of Death, Disability, or
                  Retirement.

                           The employment of the Executive shall be terminated
                  by death, Disability or Retirement of the Executive.

         7.       EFFECT OF TERMINATION.

                  (a)      If the Executive's employment is terminated by reason
                  of death, Retirement or voluntary termination of employment,
                  the Company shall pay the Executive (or his estate in the case
                  of his death) his base salary, non-incentive compensation
                  (including automobile allowance), bonuses and benefits as
                  provided in Section 5 through the Termination Date and (in the
                  case of his death) a death benefit of $5,000. Any payments and
                  benefits due to the Executive under employee benefit plans and
                  programs of the Company, including the Stock Option Plan,
                  shall be determined in accordance with the terms of such
                  benefit plans and programs; provided, however, that all
                  options held by the Executive under the Stock Option Plan
                  shall become 100% vested if the Executive's employment is
                  terminated by reason of death or Retirement.

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                  (b)      If the Executive's employment is terminated by reason
                  of Disability, the Company shall pay the Executive his base
                  salary, non-incentive compensation, bonuses and benefits for a
                  period of six months following the date of Disability.
                  Thereafter, this Agreement terminates and the Executive shall
                  receive those benefits payable to him under the applicable
                  disability insurance plan provided by the Company. Any
                  payments and benefits due to the Executive under employee
                  benefit plans and programs of the Company, including the Stock
                  Option Plan, shall be determined in accordance with the terms
                  of such benefit plans and programs; provided, however, that
                  all options held by the Executive under the Stock Option Plan
                  shall become 100% vested as of the Executive's termination of
                  employment by reason of Disability.

                  (c)      In the event of the Executive's Discharge by the
                  Company,

                           (i)      the Company shall pay the Executive

                                    A.       his then current annual base salary
                                    and non-incentive compensation (including
                                    automobile allowance) and provide the
                                    Executive with his then current benefits (as
                                    provided in Section 5) through the
                                    Expiration Date pursuant to Section 2(e) to
                                    the extent permitted by law and unless
                                    Executive elects a lump sum payment pursuant
                                    to subparagraph (f); and

                                    B.       within thirty (30) days from the
                                    Termination Date (1) a lump sum equal to
                                    Executive's then current monthly base salary
                                    amount multiplied by the number of months
                                    between the month of Discharge and the
                                    preceding February, and (2) a lump sum
                                    amount equal to the sum of adding three
                                    times the Executive's bonus calculated at
                                    50% of his base salary for the then current
                                    fiscal year, discounted at the rate of six
                                    percent (6%) per annum. The latter payment
                                    is full and final satisfaction of all the
                                    Company's obligations for bonus and/or other
                                    incentive payments.

                           (ii)     Any payments and benefits due to executive
                           under the employee benefit plans and programs of the
                           Company, including the Stock Option Plan, shall be
                           determined in accordance with the terms of such
                           benefit plans and programs; provided, however, that
                           all options held by the Executive under the Stock
                           Option Plan shall become 100% vested as of the
                           Termination Date.

                  (d)      In the event of the Company's nonextension of the
                  Employment Period, Executive shall continue to be employed by
                  the Company pursuant to this Agreement through the Expiration
                  Date, and his employment shall be terminated as of the
                  Expiration Date. Then, the following provisions shall apply:

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                           (i)      within thirty (30) days from the Termination
                           Date, the company shall pay Executive (1) a lump sum
                           equal to Executive's then current annual base salary,
                           and (2) a lump sum amount equal to three times the
                           Executive's bonus calculated at 50% of his base
                           salary for the then current fiscal year discounted at
                           the rate of six percent (6%) per annum. The latter
                           payment is full and final satisfaction of all the
                           Company's obligations for bonus and/or other
                           incentive payments.

                           (ii)     Any payments and benefits due to Executive
                           under employee benefit plans and programs of the
                           Company, including the Stock Option Plan, shall be
                           determined in accordance with the terms of such
                           benefit plans and programs; provided, however, that
                           all options held by the Executive under the Stock
                           Option Plan shall become 100% vested as of the
                           Expiration Date.

                  It is further provided, however, that within sixty (60) days
                  of the date of notification by the Company to the Executive of
                  its intention not to extend the Period of Employment, the
                  Executive may, at his option, elect to have the non-extension
                  treated as a Discharge with an effective date thirty (30) days
                  after the Executive's notification to the Company of his
                  election.

                  (e)      In the event of the Executive's Termination For Cause
                  by the Company, the Company shall pay the Executive his then
                  current base salary and non-incentive compensation (including
                  automobile allowance) and provide the Executive with his then
                  current benefits (as provided in Section 5) through the
                  Termination Date. Any payments and benefits due the Executive
                  under employee benefit plans and programs of the Company,
                  including the Stock Option Plan, shall be determined in
                  accordance with the terms of such benefit plans and programs.

                  (f)      In the event the Executive's employment is terminated
                  by reason of Discharge or nonextension of the Employment
                  Period, the Executive may, at his option, elect to receive a
                  lump sum amount equal to the base salary and non-incentive
                  compensation due, discounted at a rate of six percent (6%) per
                  annum.

                  (g)      In the event the Executive's employment is terminated
                  by reason of Discharge, the Company shall furnish the
                  Executive, for a period of six (6) months subsequent to the
                  Termination Date, outplacement services, reasonable office
                  space, and secretarial assistance.

                  (h)      If any of the payments provided for in this
                  Agreement, together with any other payments which the
                  Executive has the right to receive from the Company or any
                  corporation which is a member of an "affiliated group" as
                  defined in Section 1504(a) of the Code (without regard to
                  Section 1504(b) of the Code) of which the

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                  company is a member, would constitute an "excess parachute
                  payment" as defined in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code as it
                  presently exists, such that any portion of such payments are
                  subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code,
                  or any interest or penalty with respect to such excise tax
                  (such excise tax, together with any such interest or penalty,
                  are collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"), then the
                  executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment
                  (an "Excise Tax Restoration Payment"). The amount of the
                  Excise Tax Restoration Payment shall be the amount necessary
                  to fund the payment by the Executive of any Excise Tax on the
                  total payments, as well as all income taxes imposed on the
                  Excise Tax Restoration Payment, any excise tax imposed on the
                  Excise Tax Restoration Payment, and any interest or penalties
                  imposed with respect to taxes on the Excise Tax Restoration
                  Payment or any Excise Tax.

         8.       Termination for Good Reason. In the event of a "Change in
Control" of the Company (as hereinafter defined), the Executive may terminate
his employment for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason"
shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events during the twelve (12)
months immediately preceding or following the effective date of a Change in
Control of the Company:

                  (a)      a material change in the scope of the Executive's
assigned duties and responsibilities from those in effect immediately prior to a
Change in Control of the Company or the assignment of duties or responsibilities
that are inconsistent with the Executive's status in the Company;

                  (b)      a reduction by the Company in the Executive's base
salary or incentive compensation as in effect on the date of a Change in
Control;

                  (c)      the Company's requirement that the Executive be based
anywhere other than the Company's office in Forsyth County, North Carolina, at
which he was based prior to the Change in Control of the Company; or

                  (d)      the failure by the Company to continue to provide the
Executive with benefits substantially similar to those specified in Section 5 of
this Agreement.

         For purposes of Section 8(c) above, the Company shall be deemed to have
required the Executive to be based somewhere other than the Company's office at
which he was based prior to the Change in Control if the Executive is required
to spend more than two days per week on a regular basis at a business location
not within 50 miles of the Executive's primary business location as of the
effective date of a Change in Control.

         If the Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason, this shall
be treated as the Discharge of the Executive by the Company. Accordingly, the
Company shall pay the amounts and provide the benefits to the Executive
specified in Section 7 above, applicable in the event of Discharge. The
Executive shall not be obligated in any way to mitigate the Company's
obligations to him under Section 8 and any amounts earned by the Executive
subsequent to his

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termination of employment shall not serve as an offset to the payments due him
by the Company under this section.

         For purposes of this Agreement, a "Change in Control" means the date on
which the earlier of the following events occur:

                  (a)      the acquisition by any entity, person or group of
beneficial ownership, as that term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, of more than 30% of the outstanding capital stock of the
Company entitled to vote for the election of directors ("Voting Stock");

                  (b)      the merger or consolidation of the Company with one
or more corporations as a result of which the holders of outstanding Voting
Stock of the Company immediately prior to such a merger or consolidation hold
less than 60% of the voting Stock of the surviving or resulting corporation;

                  (c)      the transfer of substantially all of the property of
the Company other than to an entity of which the Company owns at least 80% of he
Voting Stock; or

                  (d)      the election to the Board of Directors of the Company
of three or more directors during any twelve (12) month period without the
recommendation or approval of the incumbent Board of Directors of the Company.

         Upon a Change in Control, as defined above in this Section 8, all
outstanding stock options shall become 100% vested and immediately exercisable,
regardless of whether the Executive terminates employment or not.

         If the executive terminates employment with Good Reason within twelve
(12) months of a Change in Control, to the extent permitted by law, the Company
shall continue the medial, disability and life insurance benefits which
Executive was receiving at the time of termination for a period of 36 months
after termination of employment or, if earlier, until Executive has commenced
employment elsewhere and becomes eligible for participation in the medical,
disability and life insurance programs, if any, of his successor employer.
Coverage under Employer's medical, disability and life insurance programs shall
cease with respect to each such program as Executive becomes eligible for the
medical, disability, and life insurance programs, if any, of his successor
employer.

         9.       CONFIDENTIALITY. During the Period of Employment and following
termination for any reason, the Executive covenants and agrees that he will not
divulge any trade secrets or other confidential information pertaining to the
business of the Company. It is understood that the term "trade secrets" as used
in this Agreement is deemed to include any information which gives the Company a
material and substantial advantage over its competitors but that such term does
not include knowledge, skills or information which is otherwise publicly
disclosed.

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         10.      NON-COMPETITION. In the event of Termination For Good Cause,
or Voluntary Termination of the Executive, the Executive agrees that for a
period of two years following the Termination Date, Executive shall not directly
or indirectly, personally or with other employees, agents or otherwise, or on
behalf of any other person, firm, or corporation, engage in the business of
making and selling doughnuts and complementary products

                  (a)      within a 100 mile radius of any place of business of
                  the Company (including franchised operations) or of any place
                  where the Company (or one of its franchised operations) has
                  done business since the Effective Date of this Agreement,

                  (b)      in any county where the Company is doing business or
                  has done business since the Effective Date, or

                  (c)      in any state where the Company is doing business or
                  has done business since the Effective Date.

         Notwithstanding the above, ownership by Executive of an interest in any
licensed franchisee of the Company shall not be deemed to be in violation of
this Section 10. In the event of an actual or threatened breach of this
provision, the Company shall be entitled to an injunction restraining Executive
from such action and the Company shall not be prohibited in obtaining such
equitable relief or from pursuing any other available remedies for such breach
or threatened breach, including recovery of damages from Executive.

         11.      SUCCESSORS; BINDING AGREEMENT.

                  (a)      This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to
                  the benefit of, the parties hereto, their heirs, personal
                  representatives, successors and assigns.

                  (b)      The Company shall require any successor (whether
                  direct or indirect and whether by purchase, merger,
                  consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the
                  business or assets of the Company expressly to assume and
                  agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the
                  same extent that the Company would be required to perform if
                  no such succession had taken place. As used herein, "Company"
                  shall mean the Company as defined in the preamble to this
                  Agreement and any successor to its business or assets which
                  executes and delivers (or is required to execute and deliver)
                  the agreement provided for in this Section 10(b), or which
                  otherwise becomes bound by the terms and provisions of this
                  Agreement or by operation of law.

         12.      ARBITRATION. Except as hereinafter provided, any controversy
or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement of any alleged breach
thereof shall be settled by arbitration in the City of Winston-Salem, North
Carolina in accordance with the rules then obtaining of the American Arbitration
Association and any judgment upon any award, which may include an award of
damages, may be entered in the highest State or Federal court having
jurisdiction.

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Nothing contained herein shall in any way deprive the Company of its claim to
obtain an injunction or other equitable relief arising out of the Executive's
breach of the provisions of Paragraphs 8 and 9 of this Agreement. In the event
of the termination of Executive's employment, Executive's sole remedy shall be
arbitration as herein provided and any award of damages shall be limited to
recovery of lost compensation and benefits provided for in this Agreement.

         13.      NOTICES. For the purposes of this Agreement, notices and all
other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed
to have been duly given when delivered or mailed by United States registered or
certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

         IF TO THE EXECUTIVE:               R. Frank Murphy
                                            445 North Westview Drive
                                            Winston-Salem, NC 27104

         IF TO THE COMPANY:                 Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation
                                            P.O. Box 83
                                            Winston-Salem, NC 27102-0083
                                            (for mail)

                                            370 Knollwood Street
                                            Suite 500
                                            Winston-Salem, NC 27103
                                            (for delivery)

                                             Attn: Randy S. Casstevens,
                                                   Corporate Secretary

         14.      GOVERNING LAW. The validity, interpretation, construction and
performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of
North Carolina.

         15.      MISCELLANEOUS. No provisions of this Agreement may be
modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is
agreed to in writing signed by the Executive and the Company. No waiver by
either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or
compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by
such other party shall be deemed a waiver of other provisions or conditions at
the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations,
oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof
have been made by either party which are not set forth expressly in this
Agreement.

         16.      SEPARABILITY. The invalidity or lack of enforceability of a
provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity of any other provision
hereof, which shall remain in full force and effect.

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         17.      WITHHOLDING OF TAXES. The Company may withhold from any
benefits payable under this Agreement all federal, state and other taxes as
shall be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling.

         18.      SURVIVAL. The provisions of Sections 8 and 9 of the Agreement
shall survive the termination of this Agreement and shall continue for the terms
set forth in Sections 8 and 9.

         19.      CAPTIONS. Captions to the sections of this Agreement are
inserted solely for the convenience of the parties, are not a part of this
Agreement, and in no way define, limit, extend or describe the scope hereof or
the intent of any of the provisions.

         20.      NON-ASSIGNABILITY. This Agreement is personal in nature and
neither and neither of the parties hereto shall, without the consent of the
other, assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder.
Without limiting the foregoing, the Executive's right to receive payments
hereunder shall not be assignable or transferable, whether by pledge, creation
of a security interest or otherwise, other than a transfer by will or by the
laws of descent or distribution. In the event of any attempted assignment or
transfer contrary to this section, the Company shall have no liability to pay
any amount so attempted to be assigned or transferred.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be
executed and delivered under its seal pursuant to the specific authorization of
its board of directors and the Executive has hereunto set his hand and seal on
the day and year first above written.

                                       KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUT CORPORATION

                                       By: /s/ Scott A. Livengood
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Scott A. Livengood, CEO and President

[CORPORATE SEAL]

                                       EXECUTIVE

                                       /s/ R. Frank Murphy                (Seal)
                                       -----------------------------------
                                       R. Frank Murphy

                                       11Superconductor Technologies, Inc., Exhibit 10.1

 

Exhibit 10.1

Superconductor Technologies Inc. Announces First Quarter Results

- Revenues Up 65% Versus First Quarter of 2002 -

     SANTA BARBARA, Calif., April 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Superconductor
Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq: SCON) (“STI”), the global leader in high-temperature
superconducting (HTS) products for wireless voice and data applications, today
announced final results for its first quarter ended March 29, 2003.

     STI met previously announced expectations, posting first quarter revenues
of $7.6 million compared to $4.6 million in the first quarter of 2002. Net
commercial product revenues for the first quarter of 2003 were $5.1 million
compared to $3.7 million in the first quarter of 2002. Government and other
contract revenue totaled $2.5 million during the 2003 first quarter compared to
$909,000 during the year ago period.

     The total net loss available to common stockholders for the quarter ended
March 29, 2003 was $8.3 million (including litigation expenses of $4.0 million)
versus a net loss available to common stockholders of $6.4 million for the
quarter ended March 30, 2002. The net loss during the first quarter of 2003
was $0.14 per common share compared to a loss of $0.33 per common share in the
same quarter of 2002. The net loss available to common stockholders for the
first quarter of 2002 included a deemed distribution to preferred stockholders
of $596,000.

     During the first quarter of 2003, STI’s senior management and its legal
counsel focused time and attention on a patent litigation trial with ISCO
International. On April 3, 2003, the jury returned a unanimous verdict that
ISCO’s patent is invalid and unenforceable. The jury also awarded STI $3.8
million in compensatory damages based upon a finding that ISCO engaged in
unfair competition and acted in bad faith by issuing press releases and
contacting STI’s customers asserting rights under the invalidated patent. The
award will only be recognized as income if and when received. Expenses
associated with the litigation are expected to drop considerably in the second
quarter.

     At March 29, 2003 STI had $12.1 million in cash and cash equivalents, and
$7.4 million in working capital. The total number of common shares outstanding
was 59,823,553. Commercial product backlog stood at approximately $4.5 million
versus $1.4 million at December 31, 2002. The total number of common shares
outstanding at the end of the first quarter of 2002 was 19,427,091.

     M. Peter Thomas, STI’s president and chief executive officer, stated, “STI
is now entirely focused on our goal of profitability by the fourth quarter. The
first quarter results reflect progress on many fronts. First, we achieved our
sales targets and recently added a new large wireless customer. Second, we
achieved manufacturing efficiencies and posted another quarter of positive
gross margins. We are also benefiting from expense reductions in 2002,
although they are somewhat obscured by the litigation expenses and the
acquisition of Conductus, which by itself accounts for the increase in R&D
compared to the first quarter last year. Adjusting for these events, operating
expenses are comparable on a larger revenue base this quarter compared to last
year’s first quarter.”

5

 

     Thomas continued, “Our sales team is focused on three primary goals:
further penetrating existing wireless carrier customers; signing on new
wireless carrier customers in the U.S.; and adding customers in the most
promising international markets, such as Mexico, Brazil and China. We are
beginning to ship the SuperLink RxTM 850, which is a cryogenic receiver
front-end (CRFE) incorporating industry-leading high-temperature
superconducting (HTS) technology and a state-of-the-art, cryogenically-cooled
low noise amplifier. While we expect modest increases in marketing expenses to
support our revenue growth targets, we also anticipate this new product will
help drive higher margins over the coming quarters.”

     “STI is poised for growth and is better positioned than ever,” Thomas
added. “Our products are meeting the real, tangible need for wireless carriers
to ‘do more with less’ in terms of spending on capital equipment. We look
forward to building on our leadership status by providing highly reliable, cost
effective solutions to the wireless industry.”

     2003 Financial Guidance

     STI remains confident in its outlook for 2003 based on increasing market
acceptance, especially among target customers, as well as continued demand for
its cost-effective solutions. STI is maintaining its guidance of $50 million
in revenues in fiscal 2003, consisting of approximately $40 million in
commercial revenue and $10 million in government and other contract revenue.
The company expects revenues of $10-11 million in the second quarter, with
modest improvements in gross margins, and lower operating expenses. The
company believes revenue growth will be driven by increasing demand for its
network optimizing products, as well as focused sales execution by the STI
team. However, revenue growth is also dependent on a relatively stable or
recovering economic environment and improved wireless carrier capital
expenditures in the second half of 2003. In order to reach its goal of
profitability by the fourth quarter of 2003, STI will focus on continually
improving gross margins and closely monitoring operating expenses. Based on
current forecasts, STI believes it will have sufficient resources to fund
normal operations until it reaches profitability expected later this year.

     Investors are cautioned the guidance above constitutes a forward-looking
statement which is made with reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Risks associated with this
and other forward-looking statements included in this press release are
detailed below, and in STI’s SEC filings.

     Investor Conference Call

     STI will host an investor conference call today at 2:00 p.m. pacific time,
April 30, 2003. The call will be accessible live by dialing 800-572-9829. A
48-hour replay will be available by dialing 800-642-1687, pass code 9958046.
The call will also be simultaneously webcast and available on STI’s web site at
http://www.suptech.com .

     About Superconductor Technologies Inc.

     Superconductor Technologies Inc., headquartered in Santa Barbara, CA, is
the global leader in developing, manufacturing, and marketing superconducting
products for wireless networks. STI’s SuperLinkTM Solutions are proven to
increase capacity utilization, lower dropped and blocked calls, extend
coverage, and enable higher wireless transmission data rates. SuperFilter®,
the company’s flagship product in the SuperLink Rx product line, incorporates
patented high-temperature superconductor (HTS) technology to create a cryogenic
receiver front-end (CRFE) used by wireless operators to enhance network
performance while reducing capital and operating costs.

6

 

     More than 2,000 SuperFilter Systems have been shipped worldwide, logging
in excess of 25 million hours of cumulative operation. In 2002, STI was named
one of Deloitte & Touche’s prestigious “Technology Fast 50” companies for the
Los Angeles area, a ranking of the 50 fastest-growing technology companies in
the area.

     SuperFilter and SuperLink are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Superconductor Technologies Inc. in the United States and in other countries.
For information about STI, please visit www.suptech.com .

     Safe Harbor Statement

     The press release contains forward-looking statements made in reliance
upon the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, STI’s
views on future profitability, commercial revenues, market growth, capital
requirements and new product introductions, and are generally identified by
phrases such as “thinks,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,”
“intends,” “plans,” and similar words. Forward- looking statements are not
guarantees of future performance and are inherently subject to uncertainties
and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from
the forward-looking statements. These factors and uncertainties include: STI’s
ability to expand its operations to meet anticipated product demands; the
ability of STI’s products to achieve anticipated benefits for its customers;
the anticipated growth of STI’s target markets; unanticipated delays in
shipments to customers; and STI’s ability to achieve profitability. STI refers
interested persons to its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and its other
SEC filings for a description of additional uncertainties and factors that may
affect forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on
information presently available to senior management, and STI has not assumed
any duty to update any forward-looking statements.

     For further information please contact: Martin McDermut, Senior Vice
President, Chief Financial Officer, Superconductor Technologies Inc.,
+1-805-690-4500, mmcdermut@suptech.com; or Investor Relations, Lillian
Armstrong, lillian@lhai-sf.com, or Moriah Shilton, both of Lippert / Heilshorn
& Associates, +1-415-433-3777, for Superconductor Technologies Inc./

7

 

SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	March 30, 2002	 	March 29, 2003
	 	 	
	 	

	Net revenues:
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Net commercial product revenues
	 	$	3,707,000	 	 	$	5,121,000	 
	Government and other contract revenues
	 	 	909,000	 	 	 	2,450,000	 
	Sub license royalties
	 	 	—	 	 	 	9,000	 
	Total net revenues
	 	 	4,616,000	 	 	 	7,580,000	 
	Costs and expenses:
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Cost of commercial product revenues
	 	 	4,374,000	 	 	 	4,797,000	 
	Contract research and development
	 	 	651,000	 	 	 	1,385,000	 
	Other research and development
	 	 	1,306,000	 	 	 	1,711,000	 
	Selling, general and administrative
	 	 	4,105,000	 	 	 	7,982,000	 
	Total costs and expenses
	 	 	10,436,000	 	 	 	15,875,000	 
	Loss from operations
	 	 	(5,820,000	)	 	 	(8,295,000	)
	Interest income
	 	 	65,000	 	 	 	67,000	 
	Interest expense
	 	 	(24,000	)	 	 	(115,000	)
	Net loss
	 	 	(5,779,000	)	 	 	(8,343,000	)
	Less:
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Deemed distribution attributable
to the preferred stock beneficial
conversion feature
	 	 	(596,000	)	 	 	—	 
	Net loss available to
common stockholders
	 	 	($6,375,000	)	 	 	($8,343,000	)
	Basic and diluted
loss per common share
	 	 	($0.33	)	 	 	($0.14	)
	Weighted average number
of common shares outstanding
	 	 	19,427,091	 	 	 	59,823,553	 

8

 

SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	December 31, 2002	 	March 29, 2003
	 	 	 	 	(Unaudited)
	 	 	
	 	

	Cash and cash equivalents
	 	$	18,191,000	 	 	$	12,123,000	 
	Total current assets
	 	 	28,498,000	 	 	 	21,817,000	 
	Total assets
	 	 	65,326,000	 	 	 	58,645,000	 
	Total current liabilities
	 	 	11,995,000	 	 	 	14,386,000	 
	Other long term liabilities
	 	 	3,807,000	 	 	 	2,999,000	 
	Total liabilities
	 	 	15,802,000	 	 	 	17,385,000	 
	Total stockholders’ equity
	 	 	49,524,000	 	 	 	41,260,000	 

9

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