HUTCHINSON TECHNOLOGY INC
10-Q, 1998-05-12
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS, NEC
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<PAGE>

                  UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                               WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                     FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
[X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended                MARCH 29, 1998
                              -------------------------------------

                                          OR

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

For the transition period from                         to 
                               ------------------------   --------------

Commission File Number              0-14709        
                       -----------------------------------

                         HUTCHINSON TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED                   
       ---------------------------------------------------------------------
               (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                MINNESOTA                                   41-0901840
    --------------------------------               ----------------------------
    (State or other jurisdiction of                     (I.R.S. Employer
     incorporation or organization)                    Identification No.)

                  40 WEST HIGHLAND PARK, HUTCHINSON, MINNESOTA 55350
        ---------------------------------------------------------------------
        (Address of principal executive offices)           (Zip code)

                                    (320) 587-3797
        ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


        ---------------------------------------------------------------------
(Former name, address or fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes       X       No                
    -------------    ---------------

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

As of May 1, 1998 the registrant had 19,775,894 shares of Common Stock issued
and outstanding.


<PAGE>


    
                           PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                           ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
                                          
                         HUTCHINSON TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - UNAUDITED
                               (Dollars in thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     March 29,     September 28,
                                                        1998             1997
                                                   ------------    -------------
<S>                                                <C>              <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
   Cash and cash equivalents                           $160,549         $ 98,340
   Securities available for sale                          8,483           20,211
   Trade receivables, net                                56,807           51,467
   GE lease receivable                                    5,945           31,073
   Other receivables                                      2,045            3,504
   Inventories                                           35,995           27,189
   Prepaid taxes and other expenses                      19,703           11,562
                                                   ------------    -------------
         Total current assets                           289,527          243,346

Property, plant and equipment, net                      291,892          175,253
Other assets                                             21,456           11,240
                                                   ------------    -------------
                                                       $602,875         $429,839
                                                   ------------    -------------
                                                   ------------    -------------

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT 
Current liabilities:
   Current maturities of long-term debt                $  4,613         $  5,332
   Accounts payable and accrued expenses                 90,251           39,373
   Accrued compensation                                  24,655           19,407
   Accrued income taxes                                   3,695            6,078
                                                   ------------    -------------
         Total current liabilities                      123,214           70,190

Long-term debt, less current maturities                  70,322           72,862
Convertible subordinated notes                          150,000              -  
Other long-term liabilities                               1,279            3,829

Shareholders' investment:
   Common stock, $.01 par value, 45,000,000 shares   
     authorized, 19,691,000 and 19,619,000 issued 
     and outstanding                                        197              196
   Additional paid-in capital                           151,676          150,676
   Retained earnings                                    106,187          132,086
                                                   ------------    -------------
         Total shareholders' investment                 258,060          282,958
                                                   ------------    -------------
                                                       $602,875         $429,839
                                                   ------------    -------------
                                                   ------------    -------------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

<PAGE>

                         HUTCHINSON TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED
            CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - UNAUDITED
                       (In thousands, except per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                       Thirteen Weeks Ended                   Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
                                                  -----------------------------           -----------------------------
                                                  March 29,            March 30,          March 29,            March 30,
                                                    1998                1997                 1998                1997
                                                  --------            ---------           ---------            --------
<S>                                               <C>                 <C>                 <C>                  <C>
Net sales                                          $95,128            $124,259            $184,110             $231,165
Cost of sales                                       97,825              85,579             187,303              161,373
                                                  --------            ---------           ---------            --------
   Gross profit (loss)                              (2,697)             38,680              (3,193)              69,792
Selling, general and
   administrative expenses                          11,418              12,048              21,687               22,966
Research and development
   expenses                                          5,524               4,747              10,685               10,486
                                                  --------            ---------           ---------            --------
   Income (loss) from operations                   (19,639)             21,885             (35,565)              36,340
Other income, net                                      548                 861               1,115                1,167
Interest expense                                      (404)             (1,009)               (551)              (1,867)
                                                  --------            ---------           ---------            --------
   Income (loss) before income taxes               (19,495)             21,737             (35,001)              35,640
Provision (benefit) for income taxes                (5,070)              5,054              (9,102)               7,840
                                                  --------            ---------           ---------            --------
   Net income (loss)                              ($14,425)           $ 16,683            ($25,899)            $ 27,800
                                                  --------            ---------           ---------            --------
                                                  --------            ---------           ---------            --------

Basic earnings (loss) per common share              ($0.73)              $0.95              ($1.32)               $1.64
                                                  --------            ---------           ---------            --------
                                                  --------            ---------           ---------            --------
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share            ($0.73)              $0.91              ($1.32)               $1.57
                                                  --------            ---------           ---------            --------
                                                  --------            ---------           ---------            --------
Weighted average common shares
   outstanding                                      19,673              17,610              19,651               16,985
Weighted average common and
   diluted shares outstanding                       19,673              18,415              19,651               17,651
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>

                         HUTCHINSON TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED
              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS-UNAUDITED
                                (Dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                       Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
                                                                     ---------------------------
                                                                      March 29,         March 30,
                                                                        1998              1997
                                                                     ---------         ---------
<S>                                                                  <C>               <C>
Operating activities:
 Net income (loss)                                                   ($25,899)          $ 27,800
 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to                                
   cash provided by operating activities:                                     
     Depreciation and amortization                                     19,918             19,268
     Deferred income taxes                                             (4,685)               543
     Change in operating assets and liabilities (Note 4)               16,886              5,688
                                                                     ---------         ---------
       Cash provided by operating activities                            6,220             53,299
                                                                     ---------         ---------
                                                                              
Investing activities:                                                         
 Capital expenditures                                                (114,848)           (29,430)
 Funding from GE lease receivable                                      24,055              1,450
 Expenditures from GE lease receivable                                 (7,463)           (13,073)
 Sales of marketable securities                                        16,542              2,195
 Purchases of marketable securities                                    (4,814)           (19,393)
                                                                     ---------         ---------
       Cash used for investing activities                             (86,528)           (58,251)
                                                                     ---------         ---------
                                                                              
                                                                              
Financing activities:                                                         
 Repayments of long-term debt                                          (3,259)            (3,255)
 Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                               -             25,000
 Net proceeds from issuance of convertible subordinated notes         145,320                 - 
 Net proceeds from issuance of common stock                               456            104,316
                                                                     ---------         ---------
       Cash provided by financing activities                          142,517            126,061
                                                                     ---------         ---------
                                                                              
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                              62,209            121,109
                                                                              
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                       98,340             22,884
                                                                     ---------         ---------
                                                                              
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                           $160,549           $143,993
                                                                     ---------         ---------
                                                                     ---------         ---------
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

<PAGE>

                         HUTCHINSON TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED
          NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - UNAUDITED
                               (Dollars in thousands)

(1)  ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the
Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities
and Exchange Commission.  The information furnished in the condensed
consolidated financial statements include normal recurring adjustments and
reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a
fair presentation of such financial statements. Certain information and footnote
disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted
pursuant to such rules and regulations.  Although the Company believes that the
disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, it is
suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in
conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the
Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The quarterly results are not
necessarily indicative of the actual results that may occur for the entire
fiscal year. 

(2)  BUSINESS AND CUSTOMERS
The Company is the world's leading supplier of suspension assemblies for hard
disk drives.  Suspension assemblies hold the recording heads in position above
the spinning magnetic disks in the drive and are critical to maintaining the
necessary microscopic clearance between the head and disk.  The Company
developed its leadership position in suspension assemblies through research,
development and design activities coupled with a substantial investment in
manufacturing technologies and equipment.  The Company intends to maintain its
position by continuing to develop suspension assemblies which meet the
increasingly higher performance specifications of disk drive manufacturers, and
is committed to reliably producing its suspension assemblies in high volume,
with specialized design, expanded functionality and greater precision.  The
Company also is engaged in the development of product opportunities in the
medical devices market but does not expect any medical-related revenue in fiscal
1998.  A breakdown of customer sales is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                Thirteen Weeks Ended     Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
                               ----------------------    ----------------------
                                March 29,   March 30,     March 29,   March 30,
Percentage of Net Sales           1998        1997          1998        1997
- -----------------------        ----------  ----------    ----------  ----------
<S>                            <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>
Five Largest Customers                87%         84%           87%         84%
   SAE Magnetics, Ltd./TDK            30          13            28          13
   Seagate Technology Incorporated    23          35            20          35
   IBM                                15          10            14          10
   Yamaha Corporation                 10          13            11          13
   Read-Rite Corporation               9          13            14          13
</TABLE>


<PAGE>

(3)  CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED NOTES

In March 1998, the Company completed a private placement of $150,000,000 
aggregate principal amount of 6% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2005 (the 
"Convertible Notes") with interest payable semiannually commencing September 
15, 1998.  The Convertible Notes are convertible, at the option of the 
holder, into Common Stock of the Company at any time prior to their stated 
maturity, unless previously redeemed or repurchased, at a conversion price of 
$28.35 per share.  Beginning March 20, 2001, the Convertible Notes are 
redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company at 103.43% of 
their principal amount, and thereafter at prices declining to 100% at any 
time on and after March 15, 2005.  In addition, upon the occurrence of 
certain events, each holder of the Convertible Notes may require the Company 
to repurchase all or a portion of such holder's Convertible Notes at a 
purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, together with 
accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, to the date of 
the repurchase.

The Convertible Notes were issued by the Company and were sold in 
transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended. The Company filed a Registration Statement registering the 
Convertible Notes and the shares of Common Stock of the Company into which 
the Convertible Notes are convertible.

(4)  SUPPLEMENTARY CASH FLOW INFORMATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                        Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
                                                        -----------------------
                                                        March 29,      March 30,
                                                          1998           1997
                                                        --------       --------
<S>                                                     <C>            <C>
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
    Receivables, net                                     ($3,882)      ($12,047)
    Inventories                                           (8,806)          (625)
    Prepaid and other expenses                            (4,202)         1,455
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities              36,326         18,941
    Other non-current liabilities                         (2,550)        (2,036)
                                                        --------       --------
                                                         $16,886         $5,688
                                                        --------       --------
                                                        --------       --------
Cash paid for:
    Interest (net of amount capitalized)                     $44         $1,211
    Income taxes                                          $2,708          5,144
</TABLE>

Capitalized interest for the twenty-six weeks ended March 29, 1998 was
$2,954,000 compared to $1,052,000 for the comparable period in fiscal 1997.


<PAGE>
                                          
                         HUTCHINSON TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED
     ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND 
                               RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.


GENERAL

The Company derives virtually all of its revenue from the sale of suspension
assemblies to a small number of customers.  Suspension assemblies are a critical
component of hard disk drives and the Company's results of operations are highly
dependent on the hard disk drive industry.  The hard disk drive industry is
intensely competitive and highly cyclical and the Company's results of
operations have been adversely affected from time to time during hard disk drive
industry slowdowns.

The Company experienced a significant reduction in demand for and shipments 
of its conventional suspension assemblies during the last part of the third 
quarter of fiscal 1997, the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997 and the first and 
second quarters of fiscal 1998. The Company believes this reduction was due 
to a slowdown in the disk drive industry's demand for disk drive components 
because of excess inventory held by drive and recording head manufacturers. 
The Company's operating results have been adversely affected by this 
slowdown, and operating activities consequently have not provided the cash 
needed to help fund planned capital expenditures that are necessary to meet 
steadily rising demand for the Company's TSA suspension assemblies.  The 
Company believes that demand for its conventional suspension assemblies began 
to recover in the last weeks of the fiscal 1998 second quarter as disk drive 
inventory levels have been reduced; however, the Company believes shipments 
of conventional suspensions will continue to trail prior year levels as 
customer demand shifts towards TSA suspension assemblies.

The Company's gross margins have fluctuated and will continue to fluctuate
quarterly and annually based upon a variety of factors such as the level of
utilization of the Company's production capacity, changes in demand, product
mix, selling prices and manufacturing yields, increases in production and
engineering costs associated with initial production of new products and changes
in the cost of or limitations on availability of materials.  Cost-effective 
high-volume production of TSA suspensions has not yet been achieved by the 
Company in connection with its ramp-up of TSA suspension capacity. These 
production inefficiencies have resulted in significantly declining gross 
margins which have adversely affected operating results.

The Company's ability to introduce new products on a timely basis is an 
important factor in its continued success.  New products initially have lower 
manufacturing yields and are produced in lower quantities than more mature 
products.  Manufacturing yields generally improve as the product matures and 
production volumes increase. Manufacturing yields also vary depending on the 
complexity and uniqueness of product specifications.  Because the Company's 
business is capital intensive and requires a high level of fixed costs, gross 
margins are also extremely sensitive to changes in volume.  Assuming fixed 
product prices, small variations in capacity utilization or manufacturing 
yields generally have a significant impact on gross margins.  The Company 
typically allows its customers to change or cancel orders without penalty up 
until approximately two weeks before scheduled shipment.  Due to the absence 
of substantial noncancellable backlog, the Company plans its production and 
inventory based on forecasts of customer demands, which often fluctuate 
substantially.  These factors, among others, create an environment where 
demand can vary significantly from week to week.

<PAGE>

Growth in the Company's net sales depends, in part, on the successful expansion
by the Company of its manufacturing capacity, manufacturing workforce and
corporate infrastructure.  In order to meet current and anticipated future
demand for TSA suspension assemblies, the Company is continuing its planned
expansion of TSA suspension production capacity.  The Company currently
anticipates spending approximately $200,000,000 during fiscal 1998 for plant
construction and for expansion of TSA suspension production capacity.  The
Company anticipates that continued significant capital expenditures will be
necessary in fiscal 1999 and 2000 for continued expansion of its TSA suspension
production capacity as the Company transitions from conventional suspension
assembly production to high volume TSA suspension assembly production, and to
accommodate anticipated market growth.  If the Company is not able to complete
its current expansion plans in a timely manner and within acceptable budgets,
its quarterly and annual results of operations will be materially and adversely
affected.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED MARCH 29, 1998 VS. THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED MARCH 30, 1997.

Net sales for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 1998 were $95,128,000, a
decrease of $29,131,000 or 23% compared to the comparable period in fiscal 1997.
This decrease was primarily due to decreased suspension assembly sales volume.

Gross loss for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 1998 was $2,697,000, compared
to a gross profit of $38,680,000 for the comparable period in fiscal 1997, and
gross profit (loss) as a percent of net sales decreased from 31% to (3)%,
primarily due to lower conventional suspension assembly sales volume and higher
manufacturing costs associated with increased TSA suspension assembly
production. 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the thirteen weeks ended March
29, 1998 were $11,418,000, a decrease of $630,000 or 5% compared to the
comparable period in fiscal 1997.  The decreased expenses were due primarily to
decreased profit sharing and other incentive compensation costs of $3,430,000,
offset by fees related to certain financing agreements of $1,290,000, increased
labor expenses of $775,000, higher depreciation and lease expense of $477,000
and higher bad debt provision of $415,000.  As a percent of net sales, selling,
general and administrative expenses increased from 10% in the second quarter of
fiscal 1997 to 12% in the second quarter of fiscal 1998.

Research and development expenses for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 1998 
were $5,524,000 compared to $4,747,000 for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 
1997.  The increase was mainly due to increased expenses related to 
development of the Company's medical product and further TSA product 
development.

Other income, net, for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 1998 was $548,000, a
decrease of $313,000.  The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in interest
income as a result of a lower average investment balance.

Interest expense for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 1998 was $404,000, a
decrease of $605,000 from the comparable period in fiscal 1997, primarily due to
an increase in capitalization of interest of $915,000 partially offset by higher
average outstanding debt.

The income tax benefit for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 1998 was based on
an estimated effective tax rate for the fiscal year of 26% which was below the
statutory federal rate primarily due to the large portion of sales that
qualifies for the benefit of the Company's Foreign Sales Corporation.

Net loss for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 1998 was $14,425,000, compared
to net income of $16,683,000 for the comparable period in fiscal 1997.  As a
percent of net sales, net income decreased from 13% to (15)% primarily due to
the lower sales volume and higher manufacturing costs, noted above.

<PAGE>

TWENTY-SIX WEEKS ENDED MARCH 29, 1998 VS. TWENTY-SIX WEEKS ENDED MARCH 30, 1997.

Net sales for the twenty-six weeks ended March 29, 1998 were $184,110,000, a
decrease of $47,055,000 or 20% compared to the comparable period in fiscal 1997.
This decrease was primarily due to decreased suspension assembly sales volume.

Gross loss for the twenty-six weeks ended March 29, 1998 was $3,193,000,
compared to a gross profit of $69,792,000 for the comparable period in fiscal
1997, and gross profit (loss) as a percent of net sales decreased from 30% to
(2)%, primarily due to lower conventional suspension assembly sales volume and
higher manufacturing costs associated with increased TSA suspension assembly
production.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the twenty-six weeks ended 
March 29, 1998 were $21,687,000, a decrease of $1,279,000 or 6% compared to 
the comparable period in fiscal 1997.  The decreased expenses were due 
primarily to decreased profit sharing and other incentive compensation costs 
of $6,174,000, partially offset by increased labor expenses of $1,536,000, 
fees related to certain financing agreements of $1,290,000, higher bad debt 
provision of $804,000, higher depreciation and lease expense of $607,000 and 
increased recruitment and relocation expenses of $525,000.  As a percent of 
net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased from 10% 
for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 1997 to 12% for the twenty-six weeks 
ended March 29, 1998.

Research and development expenses for the twenty-six weeks ended March 29, 
1998 were $10,685,000 compared to $10,486,000 for the twenty-six weeks ended 
March 30, 1997.  The increase was mainly due to increased expenses related to 
development of the Company's medical product and further TSA product 
development, offset partially by lower development expenses related to 
production of TSA prototype suspensions.

Other income, net, for the twenty-six weeks ended March 29, 1998 was 
$1,115,000, a decrease of $52,000.  The decrease was due to a decrease in 
interest income as a result of a lower average investment balance.

Interest expense for the twenty-six weeks ended March 29, 1998 was $551,000, a
decrease of $1,316,000 from the comparable period in fiscal 1997, primarily due
to an increase in capitalization of interest of $1,901,000, offset partially by
higher average outstanding debt.

The income tax benefit for the twenty-six weeks ended March 29, 1998 was based
on an estimated effective tax rate for the fiscal year of 26% which was below
the statutory federal rate primarily due to the large portion of sales that
qualifies for the benefit of the Company's Foreign Sales Corporation.

Net loss for the twenty-six weeks ended March 29, 1998 was $25,899,000, compared
to net income of $27,800,000 for the comparable period in fiscal 1997.  As a
percent of net sales, net income decreased from 12 to (14)% primarily due to the
lower sales volume and higher manufacturing costs, noted above.

<PAGE>

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company's principal sources of liquidity are cash balances, cash flow 
from operations and additional financing capacity.  The Company's cash and 
cash equivalents increased to $160,549,000 at March 29, 1998 as compared to 
$36,069,000 at December 28, 1997 and as compared to $98,340,000 at September 
28, 1997.  The increase is a result of the private placement of convertible 
subordinated notes by the Company described below.  The Company generated 
cash from operating activities of $6,220,000 for the twenty-six weeks ended 
March 29, 1998.

Cash used for capital expenditures totaled $114,848,000 for the twenty-six weeks
ended March 29, 1998, an increase of $85,418,000 from the comparable period in
fiscal 1997.  The expenditures for the twenty-six weeks ended March 29, 1998
were primarily related to expansion of TSA suspension capacity, including
manufacturing and support equipment, construction costs for the Company's Sioux
Falls, South Dakota plant and construction of an expansion to the Company's
Hutchinson, Minnesota plant.

In March 1998, the Company issued and sold $150,000,000 aggregate principal 
amount of its 6% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2005 (the "Convertible 
Notes") to NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC and First Chicago Capital 
Markets, Inc., which resold the Convertible Notes to qualified institutional 
buyers and institutional accredited investors.  The Company intends to use 
the net proceeds from the issuance and sale of the Convertible Notes 
primarily to fund capital expenditures to expand TSA suspension capacity.

During the first quarter of fiscal 1997, the Company signed a Master Lease
Agreement with General Electric Capital Corporation ("GE"), providing for
leasing of manufacturing equipment in fiscal 1997.  During the fourth quarter of
fiscal 1997, the Company signed an amendment to the Master Lease Agreement with
GE, providing for leasing of up to $30,000,000 of manufacturing equipment in
fiscal 1998, $24,055,000 of which had been funded at March 29, 1998.  The
Company serves as a purchasing agent on behalf of GE.  As such, amounts expended
on GE's behalf, but not yet reimbursed, are included on the accompanying
consolidated balance sheet under GE lease receivable.

The Company established a $25,000,000 unsecured credit facility ("Credit
Facility") with The First National Bank of Chicago during the first quarter of
fiscal 1996.  In March 1998, the Company amended the Credit Facility solely to
permit a letter of credit of $1,425,000, as security for its variable rate
demand note with the City of Hutchinson, which letter of credit was outstanding
at March 29, 1998.  The Company is not permitted to incur any additional
borrowings under the Credit Facility, and the Company currently does not have
available, and has no commitments for, a revolving credit or other similar
borrowing facility.


<PAGE>

The Company's financing agreements contain various restrictive covenants.  As of
March 29, 1998, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants.

The Company currently anticipates fiscal 1998 capital expenditures of
approximately $200,000,000, primarily related to expansion of TSA suspension
capacity, including manufacturing and support equipment, construction of the
Company's Sioux Falls assembly plant and the expansion of the Company's
Hutchinson, Minnesota plant.  These capital expenditures will support the
Company's continued development of, and capacity expansion for, TSA suspension
assemblies.  The Company believes the net proceeds from the issuance and sale of
the Convertible Notes by the Company in March 1998, any cash generated from
operations and anticipated future revenue will be sufficient to meet its
operating expenses, debt service requirements under the Convertible Notes and
other outstanding indebtedness and capital expenditure requirements through
fiscal 1999, as the Company continues to transition from conventional suspension
assembly production to high-volume TSA suspension assembly production.  

The Company anticipates that continued significant capital expenditures will 
be necessary in fiscal 1999 and 2000 for continued expansion of its TSA 
suspension production capacity, and to accommodate anticipated market growth. 
In that regard, beyond fiscal 1999 the Company may require significant 
additional external financing to fund operations, debt service and capital 
expenditures.  The Company's ability to fund its future liquidity needs 
depends on its future performance and financial results, which, to a certain 
extent, are subject to general conditions in the hard disk drive industry as 
well as general economic, financial, competitive and other factors that are 
beyond its control. If forecasted operating results do not meet the Company's 
expectations or if the Company is unable to obtain adequate financing at such 
time or times as such financing is required, the Company's future financial 
results and liquidity could be materially adversely affected.  There can be 
no assurance that the Company's business will generate sufficient cash flow 
from operations, that anticipated revenue growth and operating improvements 
will be realized or that the Company will be able to obtain additional 
financing in an amount sufficient to enable the Company to service its 
indebtedness (including the Convertible Notes), make necessary capital 
expenditures or fund its operations.

In connection with the sale of the Convertible Notes by the Company in
March 1998, the Company incurred $150 million in additional indebtedness which
increased the ratio of total debt to total capitalization from 22.3%, at
February 22, 1998, to 46.6% at March 29, 1998.  As a result of this increased
leverage, the Company's interest obligations increased substantially.  To the
extent that a substantial portion of the Company's cash flow from operations is
used to pay the principal of, and interest on, its indebtedness, such cash flow
will not be available to fund future operations and capital expenditures.  There
is no assurance that the Company's operating cash flow will be sufficient to
meet its debt service requirements or to repay the Convertible Notes at maturity
or upon a Repurchase Event (as defined in the Indenture for such Convertible
Notes).

The Company uses technology throughout its operations that will be affected 
by Year 2000 issues.  During fiscal 1997, the Company implemented remediation 
steps to make the core business systems which are part of the Company's 
computer systems Year 2000 compliant. The Company also has initiated a 

<PAGE>

company-wide project, to be completed during the current fiscal year, to 
identify and assess other Company systems for Year 2000 compliance and the 
Year 2000 compliance status of its critical suppliers.  The expenses relating 
to Year 2000 compliance incurred in fiscal 1997 and for the twenty-six weeks 
ended March 29, 1998 were not material, and the Company believes the amounts 
that will be required to be expensed in the future for such compliance will 
not have a material impact on its results of operations, liquidity and 
capital resources.

MARKET TRENDS AND CERTAIN CONTINGENCIES

The Company expects that the expanding use of personal computers, enterprise
computing and storage, increasingly complex software and the emergence of new
applications for disk storage that have contributed to the historical
year-to-year increases in disk drive production will continue for the
foreseeable future.  The Company also believes demand for disk drives will
continue to be subject, as it has in the past, to rapid short-term changes
resulting from, among other things, changes in disk drive inventory levels,
responses to competitive price changes and unpredicted high or low market
acceptance of new drive models.

As in past years, disk drives continue to be the storage device of choice for
applications requiring low access times and higher capacities because of their
speed and low cost per megabyte of stored data.  The cost of storing data on
disk drives continues to decrease primarily due to increasing areal density, the
amount of data which can be stored on magnetic disks.  Improvements in areal
density have been attained by lowering the fly height of the read/write head,
using smaller read/write heads with advanced air bearing designs, improving
other components such as motors and media and using new read/write head types
such as those of magneto-resistive (MR) design.  The move to MR heads, which
require more electrical leads, and the transition to smaller or pico-sized
heads, which are more sensitive to mechanical variation, may compel drive
manufacturers to use newer suspension technologies, such as the Company's TSA
suspension assemblies.  Although customer demand for TSA suspensions is growing,
the Company expects that conventional suspensions will make up a majority of its
shipments for the current fiscal year.

The continual pursuit of increasing areal density may lead to further
value-added features for TSA suspensions which incorporate a second stage
actuator on the suspension to improve head positioning over increasingly tighter
data tracks, or which mount preamplifiers near the head to improve data transfer
signals.  These changes require the Company to develop the competencies of an
electromechanical system supplier so that multiple functions may be consolidated
on the suspension assembly.

The introduction of new types or sizes of read/write heads and new disk drive
designs tends to initially decrease customers' yields with the result that the
Company may experience temporary elevations of demand for some types of
suspension assemblies.  The advent of new heads and new drive designs may
require rapid development and implementation of new suspension types which
temporarily may reduce the Company's manufacturing yields and efficiencies. 
There can be no assurance that such changes will not continue to affect the
Company.


<PAGE>

The Company generally experiences fluctuating selling prices due to product
maturity, competitive pricing pressures and new product offerings.  While many
of the Company's current products are reaching or are in the mature phase of
their life cycle and thus are experiencing declining prices, its newer products,
such as TSA suspensions, have initially much higher selling prices.

The statements above under the headings "General" and "Market Trends and 
Certain Contingencies" about demand for disk drives and suspension 
assemblies, including TSA suspensions, manufacturing yields and selling 
prices, and the statements above under the headings "General" and "Liquidity 
and Capital Resources" about anticipated capital expenditures and capital 
resources, and the statements above under the heading "Liquidity and Capital 
Resources" about Year 2000 compliance expenditures, are forward-looking 
statements based on current expectations. These statements are subject to 
risks and uncertainties, including fluctuating order rates and product mix, 
slower or faster customer acceptance of the Company's new products, 
difficulties in producing its TSA suspensions, difficulties in financing and 
expanding capacity, changes in manufacturing efficiencies, difficulties in 
implementing Year 2000 compliance and the other risks and uncertainties 
discussed above. These factors may cause the Company's actual future results 
to differ materially from historical earnings and from the financial 
performance of the Company presently anticipated.  Additional discussion of 
these and other factors may be found in the Company's Registration Statement 
on Form S-3, filed on April 15, 1998.

The Company and certain users of the Company's products have from time to time
received, and may in the future receive, communications from third parties
asserting patents against the Company or its customers which may relate to
certain of the Company's manufacturing equipment or products or to products
which include the Company's products as a component.  Although the Company to
date has not been a party to any material intellectual property litigation,
certain of its customers have been sued on patents having claims closely related
to products sold by the Company.  In the event any third party were to make a
valid infringement claim and a license were not available on terms acceptable to
the Company, the Company's operating results could be adversely affected.  The
Company expects that, as the number of patents issued continues to increase, and
as the Company grows, the volume of intellectual property claims could increase.

The Company is party to certain other claims arising in the ordinary course of
business.  In the opinion of management, the outcome of such claims will not
materially affect the Company's current or future financial position or results
of operations.

<PAGE>

                            PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

                           ITEM 2.  CHANGES IN SECURITIES

On March 18, 1998, the Company issued and sold $150,000,000 aggregate 
principal amount of its 6% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2005 (the 
"Convertible Notes") to NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC and First 
Chicago Capital Markets, Inc. (the "Initial Purchasers") in a transaction 
exempt from the registration provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended (the "Securities Act"), pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities 
Act. The discount to the Initial Purchasers on the aggregate offering price 
of $150,000,000 was 3%, or $4,500,000, resulting in net proceeds to the 
Company of $145,500,000 (before deducting offering expenses payable by the 
Company). The Initial Purchasers resold the Convertible Notes, in 
transactions not requiring registration under the Securities Act, to persons 
the Initial Purchasers reasonably believed to be qualified institutional 
buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to a limited 
number of institutional accredited investors within the meaning of Rule 
501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act. The Convertible Notes 
are convertible, at the option of the holder of such Convertible Notes, into 
Common Stock of the Company at any time prior to their stated maturity, 
unless previously redeemed or repurchased, at an initial conversion price of 
$28.35 per share.

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

At the Company's 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on January 28th, 1998,
the shareholders approved the following:
     
      (a) the election of directors to serve until their successors are duly
      elected.  Each nominated director was elected as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Director - Nominee             Votes For   Votes Withheld
           ------------------            ----------   --------------
           <S>                           <C>          <C>
           W. Thomas Brunberg            18,699,642           71,085
           Archibald Cox, Jr.            18,707,132           63,595
           James E. Donaghy              18,705,192           65,535
           Harry C. Ervin, Jr.           18,701,528           69,199
           Wayne M. Fortun               18,708,332           62,395
           Jeffrey W. Green              18,707,132           63,595
           Steven E. Landsburg           18,693,888           76,839
           Richard N. Rosett             18,701,058           69,669
</TABLE>

      (b) a proposal to approve the Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
      Incentive Bonus Plan.  The proposal received 17,958,585 votes for, and
      405,791 votes against, approval.  There were 129,388 abstentions and
      276,963 broker non-votes.
      
      (c) a proposal to ratify the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP to serve
      as independent public accountants of the Company for the fiscal year
      ending September 27, 1998.  The proposal received 18,662,925 votes for,
      and 43,549 votes against, ratification.  There were 64,253 abstentions
      and no broker non-votes.

<PAGE>

                      ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

      A)  EXHIBITS.
<TABLE>
      <C>   <S>
      3.1   Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended by Articles
            of Amendment dated January 27, 1988 and as amended by Articles of
            Amendment dated January 21, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
            3.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
            June 29, 1997, File No. 0-14709).

      3.2   Restated By-Laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2
            to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
            December 29, 1996, File No. 0-14709).
 
      4.1   Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including an
            indenture.  The Registrant agrees to furnish the Securities and Exchange
            Commission upon request copies of instruments with respect to long-term
            debt. 

      4.2   Indenture dated as of March 18, 1998 between the Company and U.S. Bank
            National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6
            to Registration Statement No. 333-50143).

      4.3   Purchase Agreement dated March 12, 1998 by and among the Company,
            NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC and First Chicago Capital Markets,
            Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to Registration Statement
            No. 333-50143).

      4.4   Shelf Registration Agreement dated as of March 18, 1998 by and among the
            Company, NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC and First Chicago Capital
            Markets, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to Registration
            Statement No. 333-50143).

      10.1  Lease with Right of Refusal between Donald Wendorff and Laura Wendorff,
            Lessors, and the Company, Lessee, dated September 6, 1995 (incorporated
            by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
            for the fiscal year ended September 24, 1995, File No. 0-14709).

      10.2  Office/Warehouse Lease between OPUS Corporation, Lessor, and the Company,
            Lessee, dated December 29, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
            10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
            March 24, 1996, File No. 0-14709), and First Amendment to
            Office/Warehouse Lease dated April 30, 1996 (incorporated by reference to
            Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
            quarter ended June 23, 1996, File No. 0-14709).

      10.3  Building Lease dated April 1988 and Amendment to Building Lease dated
            August 29, 1988 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the
            Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September
            25, 1988, File No. 0-14709), Second Amendment to Building Lease dated as
            of September 18, 1989, relating to the Company's Sioux Falls, South
            Dakota facility (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the
            Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September
            30, 1990, File No. 0-14709), Third Amendment to Building Lease dated
            September 19, 1991, relating to the Company's Sioux  Falls, South  Dakota
            facility (incorporated by reference to 


<PAGE>

            Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
            year ended September 29, 1991, File No. 0-14709), Fourth Amendment to
            Commercial Lease dated September 29, 1992, relating to the Company's
            Sioux Falls, South Dakota facility (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
            10.10 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
            ended September 27, 1992, File No. 0-14709), Fifth Amendment to
            Commercial Lease dated February 11, 1993, relating to the Company's Sioux
            Falls, South Dakota facility (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6
            to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
            September 24, 1995, File No. 0-14709), Sixth Amendment to Commercial
            Lease dated February 17, 1995, relating to the Company's Sioux Falls,
            South Dakota facility (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the
            Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September
            24, 1995, File No. 0-14709), and Seventh Amendment to Commercial Lease
            dated April 1, 1995, relating to the Company's Sioux Falls, South Dakota
            facility (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's
            Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 1995,
            File No. 0-14709).

      10.4  Hutchinson Technology Incorporated 401-K Plan and related 401-K Trust
            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company's Annual
            Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1990, File
            No. 0-14709), Amendment effective April 1, 1995 (incorporated by
            reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
            for the quarter ended March 24, 1996, File No. 0-14709), and Amendment
            effective April 1, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the
            Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 23,
            1996, File No. 0-14709).

      10.5  Directors' Retirement Plan effective as of January 1, 1992 (incorporated
            by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
            for the fiscal year ended September 27, 1992, File No. 0-14709), and
            Amendment to Directors' Retirement Plan effective as of November 19, 1997
            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Quarterly
            Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 28, 1997, File No.
            0-14709).

      10.6  Description of Bonus Program for Key Employees of Hutchinson Technology
            Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company's
            Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 27, 1992,
            File No. 0-14709). 

      10.7  1988 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the
            Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September
            25, 1988, File No. 0-14709), Amendment to the 1988 Stock Option Plan
            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Annual Report
            on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 26, 1993, File No.
            0-14709), and Amendment to the 1988 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by
            reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
            for the quarter ended March 26, 1995, File No. 0-14709).

<PAGE>

      *10.8 Technology Transfer and Development Agreement, effective as of September
            1, 1994, between Hutchinson Technology Incorporated and International
            Business Machines Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10
            to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended
            June 25, 1995, File No. 0-14709), and Amendment dated December 11, 1995
            to the Technology Transfer and Development Agreement between International
            Business Machines Corporation and Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
            executed June 15, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the
            Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December
            24, 1995, File No. 0-14709).

      *10.9 Patent License Agreement, effective as of September 1, 1994, between
            Hutchinson Technology Incorporated and International Business Machines
            Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's
            Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended June 25, 1995, File
            No. 0-14709).

      10.10 Lease Agreement between Meridian Eau Claire LLC and Hutchinson Technology
            Incorporated, dated May 1, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
            10.10 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
            ended June 23, 1996, File No. 0-14709).
      
      10.11 Master Lease Agreement dated as of December 19, 1996 between General
            Electric Capital Corporation, as Lessor ("GE"), and Hutchinson Technology
            Incorporated, as Lessee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to
            the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
            December 29, 1996, File No. 0-14709), Amendment dated June 30, 1997 to the
            Master Lease Agreement between GE and Hutchinson Technology Incorporated 
            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's Quarterly 
            Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 28, 1997, File No. 0-14709), 
            and letter amendment dated March 5, 1998 to the Master Lease Agreement 
            between GE and Hutchinson Technology Incorporated.

      10.12 Hutchinson Technology Incorporated 1996 Incentive Plan (incorporated by
            reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
            for the quarter ended December 29, 1996, File No. 0-14709).

      10.13 Hutchinson Technology Incorporated Incentive Bonus Plan (incorporated by
            reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
            for the quarter ended December 28, 1997, File No. 0-14709).

      11.1  Statement Regarding Computation of Per Share Earnings.
      
      27.1  Financial Data Schedule.

</TABLE>

                              
      *     Exhibits 10.8 and 10.9 contain portions for which confidential
            treatment has been granted by the Securities and Exchange 
            Commission.


<PAGE>

    B) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

    The following Current Reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Company
    during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 1998:
          
          1.  Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 27, 1998; and
          
          2.  Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 18, 1998.
          
          

<PAGE>

                                     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.  


                                      HUTCHINSON TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED


Date:      May 7, 1998          By    /s/ Wayne M. Fortun                       
     ----------------------           ---------------------------------------
                                      Wayne M. Fortun
                                      President, Chief Executive Officer and
                                      Chief Operating Officer


Date:      May 7, 1998          By    /s/ John A. Ingleman                    
     ----------------------           ---------------------------------------   
                                      John A. Ingleman
                                      Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
                                      and Secretary



<PAGE>


                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

  Exhibit
    No.                                                               Page      
- -----------                                                      ------------- 
<C>          <S>                                                 <C>
   10.11     Letter amendment dated March 5, 1998 to the Master  Electronically
             Agreement between General Electric Capital               Filed
             Lease Corporation and Hutchinson Technology 
             Incorporated


    11.1     Statement Regarding Computation of Per Share        Electronically 
             Earnings                                                  Filed


    27.1     Financial Data Schedule                             Electronically 
                                                                      Filed

</TABLE>

<PAGE>



                                                                   Exhibit 10.11

                                          
                                   March 5, 1998



Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
40 West Highland Park
Hutchinson, Minnesota 55350

     Re:  Master Lease Agreement dated as of December 19, 1996, as amended
          ----------------------------------------------------------------

Gentlemen:

     This will confirm the collateral understanding which has been reached 
between us with respect to the above-referenced Master Lease Agreement (the 
"Lease"), between General Electric Capital Corporation ("Lessor") and 
Hutchinson Technology Incorporated ("Lessee").  The interest of Lessor in 
certain Equipment Schedules executed pursuant to the Lease has been assigned 
to Firstar Leasing Services Corporation, U.S. Bancorp Leasing & Financial, 
The Fifth Third Leasing Company, and Selco Service Corporation (collectively, 
"Assignees").  Assignees join herein to confirm their agreement to the 
amendments hereinafter set forth.

     In consideration of the sum of Ten Dollars ($10.00) in hand paid, and 
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which 
are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

     1.   Section XXIV of the Lease is amended by deleting Paragraphs (a) 
through (c) and substituting in lieu thereof the following:

          "    (a) maintain, as at the last day of each fiscal
          quarter, a Leverage Ratio of not more than .5:1.0;

               (b) maintain, as at the last day of each specified
          fiscal quarter, a ratio of (1) earnings before interest,
          taxes, depreciation and amortization for the most recently
          ended twelve (12) month period, to (2) Interest Expense for
          the most recently ended twelve (12) month period, of not
          less than the following amount specified for such fiscal
          quarter:


<PAGE>

Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
March 5, 1998
Page 2

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

            Fiscal Quarter                                            Ratio
            --------------                                            -----
            <S>                                                    <C>
                Q2 1998                                             8.21:1.00
                Q3 1998                                             1.28:1.00
                Q4 1998                                             3.96:1.00
                Q1 1999                                             6.97:1.00
                Q2 1999                                             9.17:1.00
                Q3 1999                                            11.00:1.00
                Q4 1999                                            11.90:1.00
              thereafter                                            6.00:1.00
</TABLE>

          ; and

               (c) maintain, as of the last day of each specified
          fiscal quarter, a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less
          than the following amount specified for such fiscal quarter:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

            Fiscal Quarter                                            Ratio
            --------------                                            -----
            <S>                                                     <C>
                Q2 1998                                             1.21:1.00
                Q3 1998                                             0.64:1.00
                Q4 1998                                             1.03:1.00
                Q1 1999                                             2.03:1.00
                Q2 1999                                             2.94:1.00
                Q3 1999                                             3.58:1.00
                Q4 1999                                             3.99:1.00
              thereafter                                            2.50:1.00."
</TABLE>


     2.   In Section XXIV of the Lease, the definition of Fixed Charge Coverage
Ratio is amended by deleting Clause (i) and substituting the following in lieu
thereof:

          "(i) the sum of earnings before interest, taxes,
          depreciation, amortization and other non-cash charges
          (determined in accordance with Agreement Accounting
          Principles) and Rentals, all for the most recently ended
          twelve-month period".

     3.   Except as expressly set forth herein, the terms and conditions of the
Lease remain unmodified and in full force and effect.


<PAGE>

Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
March 5, 1998
Page 3

     If the foregoing accurately sets forth our understanding with respect to
the subject matter hereof, please sign and return the enclosed copy of this
letter and it will constitute an amendment of the Lease pursuant to Section
XX(f) thereof.

                                  GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION
                                  
                                  
                                    
                                  By:    /s/ David Avigdor
                                         -----------------------------------
                                  Name:  David Avigdor  
                                         -----------------------------------
                                  Title: Sr. Transactions Manager 
                                         -----------------------------------


                                  FIRSTAR LEASING SERVICES CORPORATION
                                  
                                  
                                  
                                  By:    /s/ William Penkwitz
                                         -----------------------------------
                                  Name:  William Penkwitz     
                                         -----------------------------------
                                  Title: A.V.P. - Lease Operations Manager
                                         -----------------------------------


                                  U.S. BANCORP LEASING & FINANCIAL
                                  
                                  
                                  
                                  By:    /s/ Michael J. Rizzo
                                         -----------------------------------
                                  Name:  Michael J. Rizzo 
                                         -----------------------------------
                                  Title: Senior Vice President
                                         -----------------------------------


                                  THE FIFTH THIRD LEASING COMPANY
                                  
                                  
                                  
                                  By:    /s/ Tom Bobovread
                                         -----------------------------------
                                  Name:  Tom Bobovread  
                                         -----------------------------------
                                  Title: Executive Vice President 
                                         -----------------------------------


                                  SELCO SERVICE CORPORATION
                                  
                                  
                                  
                                  By:    /s/ Andrew G. Mesches
                                         -----------------------------------
                                  Name:  Andrew G. Mesches 
                                         -----------------------------------
                                  Title: Vice President
                                         -----------------------------------


<PAGE>

Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
March 5, 1998
Page 4

AGREED:


HUTCHINSON TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED


By:    /s/ Ruth N. Bauer  
       ------------------------
Name:  Ruth N. Bauer 
       ------------------------
Title: Treasurer     
       ------------------------

<PAGE>

                       HUTCHINSON TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED
                         STATEMENT REGARDING COMPUTATION
                        OF PER SHARE EARNINGS- UNAUDITED
                      (In thousands, except per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                  Thirteen Weeks Ended    Twenty-Six Weeks Ended 
                                 ---------------------   -----------------------
                                 March 29,   March 30,     March 29,  March 30,
                                   1998        1997          1998        1997
                                 ---------   ---------   ----------   ---------
<S>                              <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
NET INCOME (LOSS)                ($14,425)     $16,683     ($25,899)    $27,800
                                 ---------   ---------   ----------   ---------
                                 ---------   ---------   ----------   ---------

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE -
BASIC:

Weighted average common
   shares outstanding              19,673       17,610       19,651      16,985
                                 ---------   ---------   ----------   ---------

BASIC
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE        ($0.73)       $0.95       ($1.32)      $1.64
                                 ---------   ---------   ----------   ---------
                                 ---------   ---------   ----------   ---------

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE -
DILUTED:


Weighted average common
   shares outstanding              19,673       17,610       19,651      16,985

Dilutive effect of stock options
   outstanding after application
   of treasury stock method             -          805            -         666
                                 ---------   ---------   ----------   ---------
                                   19,673       18,415       19,651      17,651
                                 ---------   ---------   ----------   ---------
                                 ---------   ---------   ----------   ---------
DILUTED
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE        ($0.73)       $0.91       ($1.32)      $1.57
                                 ---------   ---------   ----------   ---------
                                 ---------   ---------   ----------   ---------
</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AND CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS OF
HUTCHINSON TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED FOR THE TWENTY-SIX WEEKS ENDED MARCH 29, 1998
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-27-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-29-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-29-1998
<CASH>                                     160,549,000
<SECURITIES>                                 8,483,000
<RECEIVABLES>                               56,807,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                 4,071,000
<INVENTORY>                                 35,995,000
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                           289,527,000
<PP&E>                                     479,409,000
<DEPRECIATION>                             187,517,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             602,875,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                      123,214,000
<BONDS>                                    220,322,000
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                       197,000
<OTHER-SE>                                 257,863,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>               602,875,000
<SALES>                                    184,110,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                           184,110,000
<CGS>                                      187,303,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                              187,303,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                            10,685,000<F1>
<LOSS-PROVISION>                             2,369,000
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             551,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                            (35,001,000)
<INCOME-TAX>                                (9,102,000)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                        (25,899,000)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                               (25,899,000)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (1.32)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (1.32)
<FN>
<F1>Other Expenses reflect research and development expenses.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>


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