e10vq
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 27, 2009
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 1-4298
COHU, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  95-1934119
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
12367 Crosthwaite Circle, Poway, California
(Address of principal executive offices)
  92064-6817
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (858) 848-8100
     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 þ     No o
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o     No o
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer þ Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Yes o     No þ
As of June 27, 2009 the Registrant had 23,414,883 shares of its $1.00 par value common stock outstanding.
 
 

 


 

COHU, INC.
INDEX
FORM 10-Q
June 27, 2009
         
        Page Number
         
Part I   Financial Information    
         
Item 1.   Financial Statements:    
         
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets June 27, 2009 (unaudited) and December 27, 2008   3
         
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) Three and Six Months Ended June 27, 2009 and June 28, 2008   4
         
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) Six Months Ended June 27, 2009 and June 28, 2008   5
         
    Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements   6
         
Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   16
         
Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   26
         
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures   26
         
Part II   Other Information    
         
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings   27
         
Item 1A.   Risk Factors   27
         
Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds   27
         
Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities   27
         
Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders   27
         
Item 5.   Other Information   27
         
Item 6.   Exhibits   28
         
Signatures       29
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32.1
 EX-32.2

 


Table of Contents

Item 1.
COHU, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except par value)
                 
    June 27,     December 27,  
    2009     2008 *  
    (Unaudited)          
ASSETS
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 43,245     $ 30,194  
Short-term investments
    45,784       58,191  
Accounts receivable, less allowance for bad debts of $1,544 in 2009 and $1,610 in 2008
    25,673       31,945  
Inventories:
               
Raw materials and purchased parts
    24,558       27,557  
Work in process
    14,199       14,159  
Finished goods
    11,681       11,598  
 
           
 
    50,438       53,314  
Deferred income taxes
    4,009       16,270  
Other current assets
    5,709       9,350  
 
           
Total current assets
    174,858       199,264  
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
               
Land and land improvements
    11,795       11,824  
Buildings and building improvements
    29,157       28,341  
Machinery and equipment
    35,649       33,522  
 
           
 
    76,601       73,687  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (38,432 )     (34,258 )
 
           
Net property, plant and equipment
    38,169       39,429  
Deferred income taxes
    828       2,307  
Goodwill
    60,681       60,820  
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $8,335 in 2009 and $5,200 in 2008 (Note 2)
    37,623       40,993  
Other assets
    1,364       1,356  
 
           
 
  $ 313,523     $ 344,169  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 12,015     $ 11,720  
Accrued compensation and benefits
    8,539       9,867  
Accrued warranty
    3,777       4,924  
Customer advances
    1,217       2,636  
Deferred profit
    3,767       4,434  
Income taxes payable
    1,103       1,282  
Other accrued liabilities
    8,491       8,812  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    38,909       43,675  
Other accrued liabilities
    3,611       3,499  
Deferred income taxes
    15,463       11,456  
Commitments and contingencies
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $1 par value; 1,000 shares authorized, none issued
           
Common stock, $1 par value; 60,000 shares authorized, 23,415 shares issued and outstanding in 2009 and 23,344 shares in 2008
    23,415       23,344  
Paid-in capital
    63,026       61,076  
Retained earnings
    162,312       193,985  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    6,787       7,134  
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    255,540       285,539  
 
           
 
  $ 313,523     $ 344,169  
 
           
 
*   Derived from December 27, 2008 audited financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


Table of Contents

COHU, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 27,     June 28,     June 27,     June 28,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
 
                               
Net sales
  $ 38,424     $ 51,833     $ 75,006     $ 110,242  
Cost and expenses:
                               
Cost of sales
    26,096       33,393       55,283       70,995  
Research and development
    7,773       10,441       15,738       20,442  
Selling, general and administrative
    8,655       8,968       17,700       17,959  
 
                       
 
    42,524       52,802       88,721       109,396  
 
                       
Income (loss) from operations
    (4,100 )     (969 )     (13,715 )     846  
Interest and other, net
    343       1,443       826       2,891  
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (3,757 )     474       (12,889 )     3,737  
Income tax provision
    18,848       300       15,978       1,611  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ (22,605 )   $ 174     $ (28,867 )   $ 2,126  
 
                       
 
                               
Income (loss) per share:
                               
Basic
  $ (0.97 )   $ 0.01     $ (1.24 )   $ 0.09  
 
                       
Diluted
  $ (0.97 )   $ 0.01     $ (1.24 )   $ 0.09  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted average shares used in computing income (loss) per share:
                               
Basic
    23,381       23,140       23,362       23,097  
 
                       
Diluted
    23,381       23,429       23,362       23,332  
 
                       
 
                               
Cash dividends declared per share
  $ 0.06     $ 0.06     $ 0.12     $ 0.12  
 
                       
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


Table of Contents

COHU, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
                 
    Six Months Ended  
    June 27,     June 28,  
    2009     2008  
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net income (loss)
  $ (28,867 )   $ 2,126  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    5,644       3,542  
Share-based compensation expense
    1,550       2,094  
Deferred income taxes
    17,636       948  
Loss on short-term investment
          350  
Increase in other accrued liabilities
    112       67  
Excess tax deficiencies (benefits) from stock options exercised
    33       (121 )
Changes in current assets and liabilities, excluding effects from acquisitions and divestitures:
               
Accounts receivable
    6,272       9,162  
Inventories
    2,726       (1,829 )
Other current assets
    798       976  
Accounts payable
    295       (8,231 )
Customer advances
    (1,419 )     (811 )
Deferred profit
    (667 )     1,086  
Income taxes payable, including excess stock option exercise benefit
    2,884       896  
Accrued compensation, warranty and other liabilities
    (3,430 )     (2,639 )
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    3,567       7,616  
Cash flows from investing activities, excluding effects from acquisitions and divestitures:
               
Sales and maturities of short-term investments
    37,860       67,753  
Purchases of short-term investments
    (24,985 )     (68,906 )
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
    (680 )     (1,261 )
Other
    (17 )     (16 )
 
           
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    12,178       (2,430 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Cash dividends
    (2,799 )     (2,766 )
Issuance of stock, net of repurchases
    504       2,164  
Excess tax deficiencies (benefits) from stock options exercised
    (33 )     121  
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (2,328 )     (481 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (366 )     143  
 
           
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    13,051       4,848  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    30,194       77,281  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 43,245     $ 82,129  
 
           
 
               
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
               
Cash refunded during the period for:
               
Income taxes
  $ (4,059 )   $ (571 )
Inventory capitalized as capital assets
  $ 150     $ 195  
Dividends declared but not yet paid
  $ 1,405     $ 1,393  
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
June 27, 2009
1.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
    Basis of Presentation
 
    Our fiscal years are based on a 52- or 53-week period ending on the last Saturday in December. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 27, 2008 has been derived from our audited financial statements at that date. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 27, 2009 (also referred to as “the second quarter of fiscal 2009” and “the first six months of fiscal 2009”) and June 28, 2008 (also referred to as “the second quarter of fiscal 2008” and “the first six months of 2008”) are unaudited. However, in management’s opinion, these financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal, recurring items) necessary to provide a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The second quarters of fiscal 2009 and 2008 were comprised of 13 weeks and the first six months of fiscal 2009 and 2008 were comprised of 26 weeks, respectively. We have evaluated all subsequent events, for any financial statement accounting or disclosure impact, through July 31, 2009, the date our financial statements were issued.
 
    Our interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that should be expected for the full year. For a better understanding of Cohu, Inc. and our financial statements, we recommend reading these interim condensed consolidated financial statements in conjunction with our audited financial statements for the year ended December 27, 2008, which are included in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the following notes to our interim condensed consolidated financial statements, Cohu, Inc. is referred to as “Cohu”, “we”, “our” and “us”.
 
    Certain prior year balances related to our discontinued metal detection equipment segment have been reclassified for consistency with the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on reported results of operations.
 
    Risks and Uncertainties
 
    We are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may significantly impact our future operating results. These risks and uncertainties are discussed under Item 1A. “Risk Factors” included in this Form 10-Q. As our interim description of risks and uncertainties only includes any material changes to our annual description, we also recommend reading the description of the risk factors associated with our business previously disclosed in Item 1A. of our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Understanding these risks and uncertainties is integral to the review of our interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
    Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets and Long-lived Assets
 
    Under FASB Statement No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“Statement No. 142”), goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are reviewed annually for impairment. Our annual testing date is October 1 and we did not recognize any goodwill impairment as a result of performing this annual test in 2008. Other events and changes in circumstances may also require goodwill to be tested for impairment between annual measurement dates. While a decline in stock price and market capitalization is not specifically cited in Statement No. 142 as a goodwill impairment indicator, a company’s stock price and market capitalization should be considered in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its book value. The financial and credit market volatility directly impacts our fair value measurement through our stock price that we use to determine our market capitalization. During times of volatility, significant judgment must be applied to determine whether stock price changes are a short-term swing or a longer-term trend. As of June 27, 2009, we do not believe there have been any events or circumstances that would require us to perform an interim goodwill impairment review, however, a sustained decline in Cohu’s market capitalization below book value could lead us to determine, in a future period, that an interim goodwill impairment review is required and may result in an impairment charge which could have a significant negative impact on our results of operations.
 
    Separable long-lived assets that have finite lives are amortized over their useful lives and are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recoverable. Conditions that would necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, a significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used, or any other significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets may not be recoverable.

6


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
June 27, 2009
    Share-Based Compensation
 
    Share-based compensation expense related to stock options is recorded based on the fair value of the award on its grant date which we estimate using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Share-based compensation expense related to restricted stock unit awards is calculated based on the market price of our common stock on the grant date, reduced by the present value of dividends expected to be paid on our common stock prior to vesting of the restricted stock unit.
 
    Reported share-based compensation is classified, in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements, as follows (in thousands):
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 27,   June 28,   June 27,   June 28,
    2009   2008   2009   2008
         
Cost of sales
  $ 89     $ 93     $ 147     $ 178  
Research and development
    270       320       474       620  
Selling, general and administrative
    483       656       929       1,296  
 
                       
Total share-based compensation
    842       1,069       1,550       2,094  
Income tax benefit
          (276 )           (542 )
 
                       
Total share-based compensation, net of tax
  $ 842     $ 793     $ 1,550     $ 1,552  
 
                       
    Income (Loss) Per Share
 
    Income (loss) per share is computed in accordance with FASB Statement No. 128, “Earnings per Share”. Basic income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. In loss periods, potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the per share computations due to their anti-dilutive effect. Diluted income per share includes the dilutive effect of common shares potentially issuable upon the exercise of stock options, vesting of outstanding restricted stock units and issuance of stock under our employee stock purchase plan using the treasury stock method. For purposes of computing diluted income per share, stock options with exercise prices that exceed the average fair market value of our common stock for the period are excluded. For the three and six months ended June 28, 2008, options to purchase approximately 1,131,000 and 1,371,000 shares of common stock, respectively, were excluded from the computation. The following table reconciles the denominators used in computing basic and diluted income per share (in thousands):
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 27,   June 28,   June 27,   June 28,
    2009   2008   2009   2008
         
Weighted average common shares
    23,381       23,140       23,362       23,097  
Effect of dilutive stock options
          289             235  
 
                               
 
    23,381       23,429       23,362       23,332  
 
                               
    Revenue Recognition
 
    Our revenue recognition policy is disclosed in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 2008. As more fully described in that policy, revenue from products that have not previously satisfied customer acceptance requirements is recognized upon customer acceptance. The gross profit on sales that are not recognized is generally recorded as deferred profit and reflected as a current liability in our consolidated balance sheet.
 
    At June 27, 2009, we had deferred revenue totaling approximately $6.7 million and deferred profit of $3.8 million. At December 27, 2008, we had deferred revenue totaling approximately $6.7 million and deferred profit of $4.4 million.
 
    Retiree Medical Benefits
 
    We provide post-retirement health benefits to certain executives and directors under a noncontributory plan. The net periodic benefit cost incurred during the first six months of fiscal 2009 and 2008 was not significant.

7


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
June 27, 2009
    Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
 
    In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 141(Revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“Statement No. 141R”), which establishes principles and requirements for the reporting entity in a business combination, including recognition and measurement in the financial statements of the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. This statement also establishes disclosure requirements to enable financial statement users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. Statement No. 141R applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Statement No. 141R became effective for our fiscal year beginning in 2009. We expect Statement No. 141R will have an impact on our consolidated financial statements, but the nature and magnitude of the specific effects will depend upon the nature, terms and size of the acquisitions we consummate subsequent to our adoption of the revised standard.
 
    We adopted FASB Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“Statement No. 157”) on December 30, 2007, the first day of fiscal year 2008. Statement No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a methodology for measuring fair value, and expands the required disclosure for fair value measurements. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157,” which amends Statement No. 157 by delaying its effective date by one year for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. Therefore, beginning on December 30, 2007, this standard applies prospectively to new fair value measurements of financial instruments and recurring fair value measurements of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities. On December 28, 2008, the beginning of our 2009 fiscal year, the standard also applied to all other fair value measurements. See Note 9, “Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short Term Investments,” for additional information.
 
    In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“Statement No. 161”). Statement No. 161 expands the current disclosure requirements of FASB Statement No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” and requires that companies must now provide enhanced disclosures on a quarterly basis regarding how and why the entity uses derivatives, how derivatives and related hedged items are accounted for under FASB Statement No. 133 and how derivatives and related hedged items affect the company’s financial position, performance and cash flows. Statement No. 161 is effective prospectively for periods beginning after November 15, 2008. As we do not currently enter into derivative or hedging agreements Statement No. 161 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
    In April 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (“FSP FAS 142-3”). FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under Statement No. 142. The intent of FSP FAS 142-3 is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under Statement No. 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under Statement No. 141R, and other U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. FSP FAS 142-3 became effective for our fiscal year beginning in 2009. FSP FAS 142-3 could have an impact on our consolidated financial statements, but the nature and magnitude of the specific effects will depend upon the nature, terms and size of the acquisitions we consummate subsequent to our adoption of this standard.
 
    In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 165, “Subsequent Events” (“Statement No. 165”). Statement No. 165 establishes the accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. It requires the disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date, that is, whether that date represents the date the financial statements were issued or were available to be issued. We adopted Statement No. 165 in the second quarter of 2009 and it did not have a material impact on our financial statements. See Footnote No. 1, “Basis of Presentation” for the related disclosures.

8


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
June 27, 2009
    Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
    In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 166, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140” (“Statement No. 166”). Statement No. 166 amends FASB Statement No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities,” by: eliminating the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity (“QSPE”); clarifying and amending the derecognition criteria for a transfer to be accounted for as a sale; amending and clarifying the unit of account eligible for sale accounting; and requiring that a transferor initially measure at fair value and recognize all assets obtained (for example beneficial interests) and liabilities incurred as a result of a transfer of an entire financial asset or group of financial assets accounted for as a sale. Additionally, on and after the effective date, existing QSPEs (as defined under previous accounting standards) must be evaluated for consolidation by reporting entities in accordance with the applicable consolidation guidance. Statement No. 166 requires enhanced disclosures about, among other things, a transferor’s continuing involvement with transfers of financial assets accounted for as sales, the risks inherent in the transferred financial assets that have been retained, and the nature and financial effect of restrictions on the transferor’s assets that continue to be reported in the statement of financial position.
 
    Statement No. 166 will be effective as of the beginning of interim and annual reporting periods that begin after November 15, 2009, which for us would be December 27, 2009, the first day of our 2010 fiscal year and adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
    In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)” (“Statement No. 167”). Statement No. 167 amends FIN 46(R), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” and changes the consolidation guidance applicable to a variable interest entity (“VIE”). It also amends the guidance governing the determination of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, and is, therefore, required to consolidate an entity, by requiring a qualitative analysis rather than a quantitative analysis. The qualitative analysis will include, among other things, consideration of who has the power to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and who has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. This standard also requires continuous reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. Previously, FIN 46(R) required reconsideration of whether an enterprise was the primary beneficiary of a VIE only when specific events had occurred. QSPEs, which were previously exempt from the application of this standard, will be subject to the provisions of this standard when it becomes effective. Statement No. 167 also requires enhanced disclosures about an enterprise’s involvement with a VIE.
 
    Statement No. 167 will be effective as of the beginning of interim and annual reporting periods that begin after November 15, 2009, which for us would be December 27, 2009, the first day of our 2010 fiscal year and adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
    In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles-a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162”. The FASB Accounting Standards Codification is intended to be the source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and reporting standards as issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board. Its primary purpose is to improve clarity and use of existing standards by grouping authoritative literature under common topics. This Statement is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The Codification does not change or alter existing GAAP and there is no expected impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
2.   Strategic Technology Transactions, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 
    Rasco
 
    On December 9, 2008, our wholly owned semiconductor equipment subsidiary, Delta Design, Inc., and certain subsidiaries of Delta acquired all of the outstanding share capital of Rasco GmbH, Rosenheim Automation Systems Corporation, and certain assets of Rasco Automation Asia (collectively “Rasco”). The results of Rasco’s operations have been included in our consolidated financial statements since that date. Rasco, headquartered near Munich, Germany, designs, manufactures and sells gravity-feed and strip semiconductor test handlers used in final test operations by semiconductor manufacturers and test subcontractors.

9


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
June 27, 2009
    The purchase price of this acquisition was approximately $81.6 million, and was funded primarily by cash reserves ($80.0 million), other acquisition costs ($1.6 million) and certain liabilities assumed ($18.6 million, which includes approximately $8.2 million of deferred tax liabilities and $3.7 million of contractual obligations to purchase inventory). The acquisition was considered a business in accordance with EITF 98-3, “Determining Whether a Nonmonetary Transaction Involves Receipt of Productive Assets or of a Business” and the total cost of the acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated respective fair values, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement No. 141, Business Combinations, (“Statement No. 141”). The Rasco acquisition resulted in the recognition of goodwill of approximately $41.3 million. The acquisition was nontaxable and certain of the assets acquired, including goodwill and intangibles, will generally not be deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill has been assigned to our semiconductor equipment segment.
 
    During the first quarter of fiscal 2009 we finalized the purchase price allocation with no adjustments to previously disclosed amounts. The allocation of purchase price to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities was as follows (in thousands):
         
Current assets
  $ 14,173  
Fixed assets
    8,375  
Other assets
    636  
Intangible assets
    33,360  
In-process research and development (IPR&D)
    2,400  
Goodwill
    41,336  
 
     
Total assets acquired
    100,280  
Liabilities assumed
    (18,643 )
 
     
Net assets acquired
  $ 81,637  
 
     
    Amounts allocated to intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives of eight years. Fluctuations in the exchange rate of the Euro, the functional currency of Rasco, impact the U.S. dollar value of the goodwill and intangible assets in our consolidated financial statements and, as a result, the future gross carrying value and amortization of the acquired intangible assets may differ from the amounts presented.
 
    Intangible assets, subject to amortization are as follows:
                                 
    June 27, 2009     December 27, 2008  
    Gross Carrying     Accumulated     Gross Carrying     Accumulated  
(in thousands)   Amount     Amortization     Amount     Amortization  
 
Unigen technology
  $ 7,020     $ 4,648     $ 7,020     $ 3,935  
AVS technology
    2,309       1,283       2,309       996  
Rasco Technology
    34,213       2,404       34,433       269  
 
                       
 
  $ 43,542     $ 8,335     $ 43,762     $ 5,200  
 
                       
    Amortization expense related to intangible assets was approximately $1.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 and $3.0 million in the first six months of fiscal 2009. Amortization expense related to intangible assets was approximately $0.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 and $1.2 million in the first six months of fiscal 2008. The amounts included in the table above for the periods ended June 27, 2009 and December 27, 2008 exclude approximately $2.4 million, respectively, related to the Rasco trade name which has an indefinite life and is not being amortized. Changes in the carrying values of AVS and Rasco intangible assets are a result of the impact of fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
 
3.   Employee Stock Benefit Plans
 
    Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 
    The Cohu, Inc. 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“the Plan”) provides for the issuance of a maximum of 1,400,000 shares of our common stock. Under the Plan, eligible employees may purchase shares of common stock through payroll deductions. The price paid for the common stock is equal to 85% of the fair market value of our common stock on specified dates. At June 27, 2009, there were 444,730 shares available for issuance under the Plan.

10


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
June 27, 2009
    Stock Options
 
    Under our equity incentive plans, stock options may be granted to employees, consultants and directors to purchase a fixed number of shares of our common stock at prices not less than 100% of the fair market value at the date of grant. Options generally vest and become exercisable after one year or in four annual increments beginning one year after the grant date and expire five to ten years from the grant date. On May 12, 2009, our stockholders approved certain amendments to the Cohu, Inc. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2005 Equity Plan”). The amendments increased the number of shares of our common stock issuable in connection with awards granted under the 2005 Equity Plan by 1,800,000 shares and increased the number of shares which may be issued pursuant to restricted stock and performance awards from 1,500,000 shares to 2,500,000 shares. At June 27, 2009, 1,822,167 shares were available for future equity grants under the 2005 Equity Plan. We have historically issued new shares of our common stock upon share option exercise.
 
    At June 27, 2009 we had 3,232,026 stock options outstanding. These options had a weighted-average exercise price of $12.88 per share, an aggregate intrinsic value of approximately $2.5 million and the weighted average remaining contractual term was approximately 6.8 years.
 
    At June 27, 2009 we had 1,658,115 stock options outstanding that were exercisable. These options had a weighted-average exercise price of $16.41 per share, an aggregate intrinsic value of $0 and the weighted average remaining contractual term was approximately 4.5 years.
 
    Restricted Stock Units
 
    We issue restricted stock units to certain employees and directors. Restricted stock units vest over either a one-year or a four-year period from the date of grant. Prior to vesting, restricted stock units do not have dividend equivalent rights, do not have voting rights and the shares underlying the restricted stock units are not considered issued and outstanding. Shares of our common stock will be issued on the date the restricted stock units vest.
 
    At June 27, 2009 we had 244,512 restricted stock units outstanding with an aggregate intrinsic value of approximately $2.3 million and the weighted average remaining vesting period was approximately 1.9 years.
 
4.   Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
    Comprehensive income (loss) represents all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity and consists of, on an after-tax basis where applicable, the following (in thousands):
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 27,     June 28,     June 27,     June 28,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
         
Net income (loss)
  $ (22,605 )   $ 174     $ (28,867 )   $ 2,126  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    2,142       18       (715 )     682  
Change in unrealized gain/loss on investments
    155       (181 )     409       21  
 
                       
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (20,308 )   $ 11     $ (29,173 )   $ 2,829  
 
                       
    Our accumulated other comprehensive income balance totaled approximately $6.8 million and $7.1 million at June 27, 2009 and December 27, 2008, respectively, and was attributed to, net of income taxes where applicable, unrealized losses and gains on investments, adjustments resulting from the adoption of FASB Statement No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, (an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132R) and foreign currency adjustments resulting from the translation of certain accounts into U.S. dollars where the functional currency is the Euro.
 
5.   Income Taxes
 
    FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, (“Statement No. 109”), requires that companies assess whether a valuation allowance should be recorded against their deferred tax assets (“DTAs”) based on the consideration of all available evidence, using a “more likely than not” realization standard. The four sources of taxable income that must be considered in determining whether DTAs will be realized are, (1) future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences (i.e. offset of gross deferred tax assets against gross deferred tax liabilities); (2) taxable income in prior carryback years, if carryback is permitted under the tax law; (3) tax planning strategies and (4) future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards.

11


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
June 27, 2009
    In assessing whether a valuation allowance is required, significant weight is to be given to evidence that can be objectively verified. In accordance with Statement No. 109, we have evaluated our DTAs each reporting period, including an assessment of our cumulative income or loss over the prior three-year period and future periods, to determine if a valuation allowance was required. A significant negative factor in our assessment at June 27, 2009 was the possibility that the Company may be in a three-year historical cumulative loss as of the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, as highly profitable quarters in the second half of 2006 are removed from the rolling three-year calculation. This, combined with uncertain near-term market and economic conditions, reduced our ability to rely on projections of future taxable income in assessing the realization of our DTAs.
 
    After a review of the four sources of taxable income described above and after considering the possibility of being in a three-year cumulative loss in the fourth quarter of 2009, we recorded an increase in our valuation allowance, with a corresponding charge to our income tax provision, of approximately $19.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2009. After this increase, our DTA valuation allowance at June 27, 2009 was approximately $24 million on gross deferred tax assets of approximately $29 million. The remaining $5 million of gross deferred tax assets for which a valuation allowance was not recorded are realizable through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences or taxable income in carryback years. As the realization of DTAs is determined by tax jurisdiction, the significant deferred tax liability recorded as part of the 2008 acquisition of Rasco, a German corporation, was not a source of taxable income in assessing the realization of our DTAs in the U.S.
 
    In accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting”, the income tax provision included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 27, 2009 and June 28, 2008 is based on the estimated annual effective tax rate for the entire year. These estimated effective tax rates are subject to adjustment in subsequent quarterly periods as our estimates of pretax income or loss for the year are increased or decreased. The effective tax rates differ from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to increases in the valuation allowance, state taxes, research and development tax credits, foreign income taxed at lower rates, interest on unrecognized tax benefits and provisions of Statement No. 123R which do not allow deferred tax benefits to be initially recognized on compensation expense related to incentive stock options and employee stock purchase plans.
 
    There was no material change to our unrecognized tax benefits and interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits during the period ended June 27, 2009. We do not expect that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change over the next 12 months.
 
    In October, 2007 the Internal Revenue Service commenced a routine examination of our U.S. income tax return for 2005. This examination was substantially completed in 2008 and is expected to be finalized in 2009 without any material adjustments.
 
6.   Industry Segments
 
    We have three reportable segments as defined by FASB Statement No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.” As discussed in Note 2, in December 2008, we purchased Rasco, which has been included in our semiconductor equipment segment. Our reportable segments are business units that offer different products and are managed separately because each business requires different technology and marketing strategies.
 
    We allocate resources and evaluate the performance of segments based on profit or loss from operations, excluding interest, corporate expenses and unusual gains or losses. Intersegment sales were not significant for any period.
 
    Financial information by industry segment is as follows (in thousands):
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 27,     June 28,     June 27,     June 28,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
         
Net sales by segment:                        
Semiconductor equipment
  $ 24,755     $ 40,879     $ 49,336     $ 85,594  
Television cameras
    4,380       4,760       8,299       9,171  
Microwave communications
    9,289       6,194       17,371       15,477  
 
                       
Total consolidated net sales and net sales for reportable segments
  $ 38,424     $ 51,833     $ 75,006     $ 110,242  
 
                       

12


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
June 27, 2009
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 27,     June 28,     June 27,     June 28,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
         
Segment profit (loss):                        
Semiconductor equipment
  $ (5,417 )   $ 1,010     $ (14,789 )   $ 3,283  
Television cameras
    337       (86 )     163       (552 )
Microwave communications
    1,992       (710 )     2,944       416  
 
                       
Profit (loss) for reportable segments
    (3,088 )     214       (11,682 )     3,147  
Other unallocated amounts:
                               
Corporate expenses
    (1,012 )     (1,183 )     (2,033 )     (2,301 )
Interest and other, net
    343       1,443       826       2,891  
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ (3,757 )   $ 474     $ (12,889 )   $ 3,737  
 
                       
                 
    June 27,     December 27,  
    2009     2008  
     
Total assets by segment:            
Semiconductor equipment
  $ 195,149     $ 206,199  
Television cameras
    10,406       10,458  
Microwave communications
    21,086       22,793  
 
           
Total assets for reportable segments
    226,641       239,450  
Corporate, principally cash and investments and deferred taxes
    86,882       104,719  
 
           
Total consolidated assets
  $ 313,523     $ 344,169  
 
           
    A small number of customers historically have been responsible for a significant portion of our consolidated net sales. Two customers of the semiconductor equipment segment accounted for 39% and 41% of our consolidated net sales for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2009, respectively. Three customers of the semiconductor equipment segment accounted for 44% and 51% of our consolidated net sales for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2008, respectively.
 
7.   Contingencies
 
    We previously disclosed that in May, 2007 our Broadcast Microwave Services subsidiary (“BMS”) received a subpoena from a grand jury seated in the Southern District of California, requesting the production of certain documents related to BMS’ export of microwave communications equipment. BMS completed production of documents responsive to the request in September 2007 and has fully cooperated. We also disclosed that on April 30, 2009, BMS received a letter from the U. S. Department of State requesting that BMS provide certain information related to their review of this matter. As of the date of this report, it is premature to assess whether this matter will have any impact on the BMS business or results of operations.
 
    In addition to the above matter, from time-to-time we are involved in various legal proceedings, examinations by various tax authorities and claims that have arisen in the ordinary course of our businesses. Although the outcome of such legal proceedings, claims and examinations cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not believe any such matters exist at this time that will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
 
8.   Guarantees
 
    Our products are generally sold with warranty periods that range from 12 to 36 months following sale or installation. Parts and labor are covered under the terms of the warranty agreement. The warranty provision is based on historical and projected experience by product and configuration.

13


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
June 27, 2009
    Changes in accrued warranty were as follows (in thousands):
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 27,     June 28,     June 27,     June 28,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
         
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 4,319     $ 6,310     $ 4,924     $ 6,760  
Warranty expense accruals
    697       2,311       1,716       4,345  
Warranty payments
    (1,239 )     (3,118 )     (2,863 )     (5,602 )
 
                       
Balance at end of period
  $ 3,777     $ 5,503     $ 3,777     $ 5,503  
 
                       
    From time-to-time, during the ordinary course of business, we provide standby letters of credit for certain contingent liabilities under contractual arrangements, including customer contracts. As of June 27, 2009, the maximum potential amount of future payments that Cohu could be required to make under these standby letters of credit was approximately $1.3 million. We have not recorded any liability in connection with these guarantee arrangements beyond that required to appropriately account for the underlying transaction being guaranteed. We do not believe, based on historical experience and information currently available, that it is probable that any amounts will be required to be paid under these arrangements.
 
9.   Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short Term Investments
 
    As of June 27, 2009 and December 27, 2008 our cash, cash equivalents, and short term investments primarily consisted of cash, government and government sponsored securities, money market funds, and other investment grade securities. Such amounts are recorded at fair value. The following table summarizes, by major security type, our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities (in thousands):
                                 
    June 27, 2009  
            Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair  
    Cost     Gains     Losses (1)     Value  
         
Cash
  $ 9,389     $     $     $ 9,389  
Money market funds
    33,855                   33,855  
Bank certificates of deposit
    2,750       1             2,751  
Corporate debt securities (2)
    22,973       199       (1 )     23,171  
U.S. Treasury securities
    2,997       9             3,006  
Municipal securities
    5,505       8             5,513  
Government-sponsered enterprise securities
    5,265       21             5,286  
Asset-backed securities
    6,177       43       (162 )     6,058  
 
                       
 
  $ 88,911     $ 281     $ (163 )   $ 89,029  
 
                       
 
(1)   As of June 27, 2009, the cost and fair value of investments with loss positions was $1.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively. We evaluated the nature of these investments, credit worthiness of the issuer and the duration of these impairments to determine if an other-than-temporary decline in fair value had occurred and concluded that these losses were temporary.
 
(2)   Corporate debt securities include investments in financial, insurance, and corporate institutions. No single issuer represents a significant portion of the total corporate debt securities portfolio.
    Statement No. 157 establishes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to valuation used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

14


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
June 27, 2009
    The following table provides the assets carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis (in thousands):
                                 
    Fair value measurements at June 27, 2009 using:  
            Significant other     Significant        
    Quoted prices in     observable     unobservable     Total estimated  
    active markets     inputs     inputs     fair value at  
    (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)     June 27, 2009  
 
                               
Cash
  $ 9,389     $     $     $ 9,389  
Money market funds
    33,855                   33,855  
Bank certificates of deposit
          2,751             2,751  
Corporate debt securities
          23,171             23,171  
U.S. Treasury securities
    3,006                   3,006  
Municipal securities
          5,513             5,513  
Government-sponsered enterprise securities
          5,286             5,286  
Asset-backed securities
          6,058             6,058  
 
                       
 
  $ 46,250     $ 42,779     $     $ 89,029  
 
                       
                                 
    Fair value measurements at December 27, 2008 using:  
            Significant other     Significant        
    Quoted prices in     observable     unobservable     Total estimated  
    active markets     inputs     inputs     fair value at  
    (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)     December 27, 2008  
 
                               
Cash
  $ 8,893     $     $     $ 8,893  
Money market funds
    21,301                   21,301  
Bank certificates of deposit
          3,011             3,011  
Corporate debt securities
          38,121             38,121  
Asset-backed securities
          17,059             17,059  
 
                       
 
  $ 30,194     $ 58,191     $     $ 88,385  
 
                       
    When available, we use quoted market prices to determine the fair value of our investments, and they are included in Level 1. When quoted market prices are unobservable, we use quotes from independent pricing vendors based on recent trading activity and other relevant information. These investments are included in Level 2 and primarily comprise our portfolio of corporate debt securities, bank certificates of deposit, government-sponsored enterprise, municipal securities and asset-backed securities.
 
10.   Subsequent Event
 
    On July 6, 2009 our unsecured bank line of credit was replaced with a secured letter of credit facility (the “Secured Facility”) under which Bank of America, N.A., our existing lender, has agreed to administer the issuance of letters of credit on behalf of Cohu and our subsidiaries. The Secured Facility requires us to maintain deposits of cash or other approved investments, which serve as collateral, in amounts that approximate our outstanding letters of credit.

15


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
June 27, 2009
This Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements including expectations of market conditions, challenges and plans, within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is subject to the Safe Harbor provisions created by that statute. Such forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs, including estimates and projections about our industries and include, but are not limited to, statements concerning financial position, business strategy, and plans or objectives for future operations. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict and may cause actual results to differ materially from management’s current expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include those set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors”. The forward-looking statements in this report speak only as of the time they are made, and do not necessarily reflect management’s outlook at any other point in time. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or for any other reason, however, readers should carefully review the risk factors set forth in other reports or documents we file from time to time with the SEC after the date of this Quarterly Report.
OVERVIEW
Cohu operates in three business segments. Our primary business is the development, manufacture, sale and servicing of test handling, burn-in related equipment and thermal sub-systems for the global semiconductor industry through our wholly-owned subsidiaries, Delta Design, Inc. and Rasco GmbH. This business is significantly dependent on capital expenditures by semiconductor manufacturers and test subcontractors, which in turn is dependent on the current and anticipated market demand for semiconductors that is subject to cyclical trends. We expect that the semiconductor equipment industry will continue to be cyclical and volatile in part because consumer electronics, the principal end market for integrated circuits, is a highly dynamic industry and demand is difficult to accurately predict. Our other businesses produce CCTV cameras and accessories (Cohu Electronics Division) and mobile microwave communications equipment (Broadcast Microwave Services, Inc.).
Like other suppliers of test and assembly (“backend”) semiconductor equipment, our primary business has been severely impacted by the global recession and the dramatic decrease in consumer and business confidence that has resulted in lower sales of electronic products and sharply reduced demand for semiconductors and semiconductor equipment. Orders for backend semiconductor equipment were weak throughout fiscal 2008 and declined further in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, as the worldwide decline in semiconductors sales created significant idle production capacity at integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) and test subcontractors.
Equipment utilization rates, while still well below historical levels, trended up slightly on some semiconductor test floors during the second quarter of fiscal 2009. According to the global trade organization, Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI), orders for backend semiconductor equipment increased for four consecutive months since February 2009. Orders for device kits, spares and equipment upgrades, while lower than in 2008, have not been as severely impacted as for systems, in part because semiconductor manufacturers frequently adjust production in response to highly dynamic and recently increasing demand from their customers, particularly for consumer electronics applications.
Operating results in our semiconductor equipment business during the second quarter of fiscal 2009 were better than expected largely as a result of increased orders for device kits, spares, equipment upgrades and repairs that were received and shipped in the second quarter (“turns business”). Orders in our semiconductor equipment business increased 65% compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2009, and while still significantly below the levels of the last several years, were the highest since the third quarter of fiscal 2008. Increased orders are encouraging, however visibility in the backend semiconductor equipment industry remains limited and business conditions continue to be difficult. In response to the downturn in business, we took actions in the second half of fiscal 2008 and first quarter of fiscal 2009 to reduce costs and conserve cash. We plan to continue to invest in new product development and key initiatives to improve gross margin and operating performance in anticipation of an eventual recovery in the backend semiconductor equipment industry.
Exposure related to inventories is common in the semiconductor equipment industry due to the narrow customer base, the custom nature of the products and inventory and the shortened product life cycles caused by rapid changes in semiconductor manufacturing technology. Our operating results in the last three years have been impacted by charges to cost of sales related to excess, obsolete and lower of cost or market inventory issues. These charges totaled approximately $20.8 million during the three-year period ended December 27, 2008 (and approximately

16


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
June 27, 2009
$3.6 million in the six-month period ended June 27, 2009) and were primarily the result of decreases or frequent changes in customer forecasts and, to a lesser extent, changes in our sales product mix.
Our non-semiconductor equipment businesses comprised approximately 18% of our consolidated revenues during the last three years (34.2% in the six-month period ended June 27, 2009). Our microwave communications business designs, manufactures and sells microwave communications equipment, antenna systems and associated equipment. These products are used in the transmission of video, audio and telemetry. Applications for these microwave data-links include electronic news gathering, unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAVs”), public safety, security and surveillance. Customers for these products are government agencies, public safety organizations, UAV program contractors, television broadcasters and other commercial entities. During the second quarter of 2009 our microwave communications business achieved record operating income as a result of improved gross margins realized through favorable product mix and product redesign programs initiated in fiscal 2008 to reduce the cost of certain systems sold to UAV manufacturers. Demand for our microwave communications equipment, particularly by public safety and government surveillance related customers, remains strong.
Our television camera business was profitable for the second quarter and for the first half of 2009. This business provides a wide selection of video cameras and related products, specializing in video solutions for surveillance and process monitoring. Customers for these products are distributed among security, surveillance, traffic control/management, scientific imaging and machine vision.
Our management team uses several performance metrics to manage our businesses. These metrics mainly focus on near-term forecasts due to the short-term nature of our backlog and include (i) orders and backlog for the most recently completed quarter and the forecast for the next quarter; (ii) inventory levels and related excess exposures typically based on the forecast for the next twelve months; (iii) gross margin and other operating expense trends; (iv) cash flow; (v) industry data and trends noted in various publicly available sources; and (vi) competitive factors and information. Due to the short-term nature of our order backlog that historically has represented about three months of business and the inherent volatility of the semiconductor equipment business, our past performance is frequently not indicative of future near term operating results or cash flows.
Application of Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our interim condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience, forecasts and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, however actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The methods, estimates and judgments we use in applying our accounting policies have a significant impact on the results we report in our financial statements. Some of our accounting policies require us to make difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. Our most critical accounting estimates that we believe are the most important to an investor’s understanding of our financial results and condition and require complex management judgment include:
    revenue recognition, including the deferral of revenue on sales to customers, which impacts our results of operations;
 
    estimation of valuation allowances and accrued liabilities, specifically product warranty, inventory reserves and allowance for doubtful accounts, which impact gross margin or operating expenses;
 
    the recognition and measurement of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities and the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, which impact our tax provision;
 
    the assessment of recoverability of long-lived assets including goodwill and other intangible assets, which primarily impacts gross margin or operating expenses if we are required to record impairments of assets or accelerate their depreciation; and
 
    the valuation and recognition of share-based compensation, which impacts gross margin, research and development expense, and selling, general and administrative expense.

17


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
June 27, 2009
Below, we discuss these policies further, as well as the estimates and judgments involved. We also have other policies that we consider key accounting policies; however, these policies typically do not require us to make estimates or judgments that are difficult or subjective.
Revenue Recognition: We generally recognize revenue upon shipment and title passage for established products (i.e., those that have previously satisfied customer acceptance requirements) that provide for full payment tied to shipment. Revenue for products that have not previously satisfied customer acceptance requirements or from sales where customer payment dates are not determinable is recognized upon customer acceptance. For arrangements containing multiple elements, the revenue relating to the undelivered elements is deferred at estimated fair value until delivery of the deferred elements.
Accounts Receivable: We maintain an allowance for bad debts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of our customers deteriorates, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.
Warranty: We provide for the estimated costs of product warranties in the period sales are recognized. Our warranty obligation estimates are affected by historical product shipment levels, product performance and material and labor costs incurred in correcting product performance problems. Should product performance, material usage or labor repair costs differ from our estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required.
Inventory: The valuation of inventory requires us to estimate obsolete or excess inventory as well as inventory that is not of saleable quality. The determination of obsolete or excess inventory requires us to estimate the future demand for our products. The demand forecast is a direct input in the development of our short-term manufacturing plans. We record valuation reserves on our inventory for estimated excess and obsolete inventory and lower of cost or market concerns equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future product demand, market conditions and product selling prices. If future product demand, market conditions or product selling prices are less than those projected by management or if continued modifications to products are required to meet specifications or other customer requirements, increases to inventory reserves may be required which would have a negative impact on our gross margin.
Income Taxes: We estimate our liability for income taxes based on the various jurisdictions where we conduct business. This requires us to estimate our (i) current tax exposure; (ii) temporary differences that result from differing treatment of certain items for tax and accounting purposes and (iii) unrecognized tax benefits. Temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities that are reflected in the consolidated balance sheet. The deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based upon all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Establishing, reducing or increasing a valuation allowance in an accounting period results in an increase or decrease in tax expense in the statement of operations. We must make significant judgments to determine the provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, unrecognized tax benefits and any valuation allowance to be recorded against deferred tax assets. Our gross deferred tax asset balance as of June 27, 2009 was approximately $29 million, with a valuation allowance of approximately $24 million. The deferred tax assets consist primarily of deductible temporary differences and tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards.
Contingencies: We are subject to certain contingencies that arise in the ordinary course of our businesses. In accordance with FASB Statement No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, (“Statement No. 5”) we assess the likelihood that future events will confirm the existence of a loss or an impairment of an asset. If a loss or asset impairment is probable, as defined in Statement No. 5 and the amount of the loss or impairment is reasonably estimable, we accrue a charge to operations in the period such conditions become known.
Goodwill, Intangible and Long-Lived Assets: We are required to assess goodwill impairment using the methodology prescribed by Statement No. 142. Under the provisions prescribed in Statement No. 142 we evaluate goodwill for impairment annually. Our annual testing date is October 1 and we did not recognize any goodwill impairment as a result of performing this annual test in 2008. Other events and changes in circumstances may also require goodwill to be tested for impairment between annual measurement dates. While a decline in stock price and market capitalization is not specifically cited in Statement No. 142 as a goodwill impairment indicator, a company’s stock price and market capitalization should be considered in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its book value. The financial and credit market volatility directly impacts our fair value measurement through our stock price that we use to determine our market capitalization. During times of volatility, significant judgment must be applied to determine whether stock price changes are a short-term swing

18


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
June 27, 2009
or a longer-term trend. As of June 27, 2009, we do not believe there have been any events or circumstances that would require us to perform an interim goodwill impairment review, however, a sustained decline in Cohu’s market capitalization below book value could lead us to determine, in a future period, that an interim goodwill impairment review is required and may result in an impairment charge which could have a significant negative impact on our results of operations.
Share-based Compensation: Share-based compensation expense related to stock options is recorded based on the fair value of the award on its grant date which we estimate using the Black-Scholes valuation model.
Share-based compensation expense related to restricted stock unit awards is calculated based on the market price of our common stock on the grant date, reduced by the present value of dividends expected to be paid on our common stock prior to vesting of the restricted stock unit.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements. In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 141(Revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“Statement No. 141R”), which establishes principles and requirements for the reporting entity in a business combination, including recognition and measurement in the financial statements of the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. This statement also establishes disclosure requirements to enable financial statement users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. Statement No. 141R applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Statement No. 141R became effective for our fiscal year beginning in 2009. We expect Statement No. 141R will have an impact on our consolidated financial statements, but the nature and magnitude of the specific effects will depend upon the nature, terms and size of the acquisitions we consummate subsequent to our adoption of the revised standard.
We adopted FASB Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“Statement No. 157”) on December 30, 2007, the first day of fiscal year 2008. Statement No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a methodology for measuring fair value, and expands the required disclosure for fair value measurements. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157,” which amends Statement No. 157 by delaying its effective date by one year for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. Therefore, beginning on December 30, 2007, this standard applies prospectively to new fair value measurements of financial instruments and recurring fair value measurements of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities. On December 28, 2008, the beginning of our 2009 fiscal year, the standard also applied to all other fair value measurements. See Note 9, “Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short Term Investments,” for additional information.
In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“Statement No. 161”). Statement No. 161 expands the current disclosure requirements of FASB Statement No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” and requires that companies must now provide enhanced disclosures on a quarterly basis regarding how and why the entity uses derivatives, how derivatives and related hedged items are accounted for under FASB Statement No. 133 and how derivatives and related hedged items affect the company’s financial position, performance and cash flows. Statement No. 161 is effective prospectively for periods beginning after November 15, 2008. As we do not currently enter into derivative or hedging agreements Statement No. 161 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In April 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (“FSP FAS 142-3”). FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under Statement No. 142. The intent of FSP FAS 142-3 is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under Statement No. 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under Statement No. 141R, and other U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. FSP FAS 142-3 became effective for our fiscal year beginning in 2009. FSP FAS 142-3 could have an impact on our consolidated financial statements, but the nature and magnitude of the specific effects will depend upon the nature, terms and size of the acquisitions we consummate subsequent to our adoption of this standard.

19


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
June 27, 2009
In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 165, “Subsequent Events” (“Statement No. 165”). Statement No. 165 establishes the accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. It requires the disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date, that is, whether that date represents the date the financial statements were issued or were available to be issued. We adopted Statement No. 165 in the second quarter of 2009 and it did not have a material impact on our financial statements. See Footnote No. 1, “Basis of Presentation” for the related disclosures.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards. In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 166, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140” (“Statement No. 166”). Statement No. 166 amends FASB Statement No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities,” by: eliminating the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity (“QSPE”); clarifying and amending the derecognition criteria for a transfer to be accounted for as a sale; amending and clarifying the unit of account eligible for sale accounting; and requiring that a transferor initially measure at fair value and recognize all assets obtained (for example beneficial interests) and liabilities incurred as a result of a transfer of an entire financial asset or group of financial assets accounted for as a sale. Additionally, on and after the effective date, existing QSPEs (as defined under previous accounting standards) must be evaluated for consolidation by reporting entities in accordance with the applicable consolidation guidance. Statement No. 166 requires enhanced disclosures about, among other things, a transferor’s continuing involvement with transfers of financial assets accounted for as sales, the risks inherent in the transferred financial assets that have been retained, and the nature and financial effect of restrictions on the transferor’s assets that continue to be reported in the statement of financial position.
Statement No. 166 will be effective as of the beginning of interim and annual reporting periods that begin after November 15, 2009, which for us would be December 27, 2009, the first day of our 2010 fiscal year and adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)” (“Statement No. 167”). Statement No. 167 amends FIN 46(R), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” and changes the consolidation guidance applicable to a variable interest entity (“VIE”). It also amends the guidance governing the determination of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, and is, therefore, required to consolidate an entity, by requiring a qualitative analysis rather than a quantitative analysis. The qualitative analysis will include, among other things, consideration of who has the power to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and who has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. This standard also requires continuous reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. Previously, FIN 46(R) required reconsideration of whether an enterprise was the primary beneficiary of a VIE only when specific events had occurred. QSPEs, which were previously exempt from the application of this standard, will be subject to the provisions of this standard when it becomes effective. Statement No. 167 also requires enhanced disclosures about an enterprise’s involvement with a VIE.
Statement No. 167 will be effective as of the beginning of interim and annual reporting periods that begin after November 15, 2009, which for us would be December 27, 2009, the first day of our 2010 fiscal year and adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles-a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162”. The FASB Accounting Standards Codification is intended to be the source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and reporting standards as issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board. Its primary purpose is to improve clarity and use of existing standards by grouping authoritative literature under common topics. This Statement is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The Codification does not change or alter existing GAAP and there is no expected impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

20


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
June 27, 2009
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table summarizes certain operating data as a percentage of net sales:
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 27,   June 28,   June 27,   June 28,
    2009   2008   2009   2008
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales
    (67.9 )     (64.4 )     (73.7 )     (64.4 )
 
                               
Gross margin
    32.1       35.6       26.3       35.6  
Research and development
    (20.2 )     (20.1 )     (21.0 )     (18.5 )
Selling, general and administrative
    (22.6 )     (17.4 )     (23.6 )     (16.3 )
 
                               
Income (loss) from operations
    (10.7 )%     (1.9 )%     (18.3 )%     0.8 %
 
                               
In December, 2008, we purchased Rasco. The results of Rasco’s operations have been included in our consolidated financial statements since that date.
Second Quarter of Fiscal 2009 Compared to Second Quarter of Fiscal 2008
Net Sales
Our net sales decreased 25.9% to $38.4 million in 2009, compared to net sales of $51.8 million in 2008. Sales of semiconductor equipment in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 decreased 39.4% from 2008 and accounted for 64.4% of consolidated net sales in 2009 versus 78.9% in 2008. As noted in the “Overview” above, worldwide demand for semiconductors has been dramatically reduced by the global recession resulting in significant idle capacity for semiconductor manufacturers and lower demand for semiconductor equipment. During the second quarter of fiscal 2009 we saw better than expected demand for device kits, spares, equipment upgrades and repairs, as our customers adjusted their production to respond to highly dynamic demand from their customers, many of whom produce consumer electronics.
Sales of microwave communications equipment accounted for 24.2% of consolidated net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 and increased 50.0% when compared to the same period in fiscal 2008. The increase in sales of our microwave communications business during the second quarter of fiscal 2009 was attributable to increased product shipments to unmanned air vehicle program contractors.
Sales of television cameras accounted for 11.4% of consolidated net sales in 2009 and decreased $0.4 million or 8.0% when compared to the same period of fiscal 2008.
Gross Margin
Gross margin consists of net sales less cost of sales. Cost of sales consists primarily of the cost of materials, assembly and test labor, and overhead from operations. Our gross margin can fluctuate due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the mix of products sold, product support costs, inventory reserve adjustments, and utilization of manufacturing capacity. Our gross margin, as a percentage of net sales, decreased to 32.1% in 2009 from 35.6% in 2008. During the second quarter of fiscal 2009 our gross margin was impacted by the substantial decrease in the sales volume of our semiconductor equipment segment due to weak business conditions.
Our gross margin has been impacted by charges to cost of sales related to excess, obsolete and lower of cost or market inventory issues. We compute the majority of our excess and obsolete inventory reserve requirements using a one-year inventory usage forecast. During the second quarter of fiscal 2009 and 2008, we recorded net charges to cost of sales of approximately $0.6 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for excess and obsolete inventory. While we believe our reserves for excess and obsolete inventory and lower of cost or market concerns are adequate to cover known exposures at June 27, 2009, reductions in customer forecasts or continued modifications to products, as a result of our failure to meet specifications or other customer requirements, may result in additional charges to operations that could negatively impact our gross margin in future periods. Conversely, if our actual inventory usage is greater than our forecasted usage, our gross margin in future periods may be favorably impacted.

21


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
June 27, 2009
Research and Development Expense (“R&D Expense”)
R&D expense consists primarily of salaries and related costs of employees engaged in ongoing research, product design and development activities, costs of engineering materials and supplies, and professional consulting expenses. The 2009 expense includes R&D costs associated with Rasco which was acquired on December 9, 2008. R&D expense as a percentage of net sales was 20.2% in 2009, compared to 20.1% in 2008, decreasing in absolute dollars from $10.4 million in 2008 to $7.8 million in 2009 due primarily to a $3.5 million decrease from reduced labor and material costs associated with new product development within our semiconductor equipment business, partially offset by an increase of $0.9 million in R&D expense resulting from the acquisition of Rasco.
Selling, General and Administrative Expense (“SG&A Expense)
SG&A expense consists primarily of salaries and benefit costs of employees, commission expense for independent sales representatives, product promotion and costs of professional services. The 2009 expense includes SG&A costs associated with Rasco. SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales increased to 22.6% in 2009, from 17.4% in 2008. The increase in SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales is a result of lower sales in 2009. SG&A expense in absolute dollars decreased to $8.7 million in 2009 from $9.0 million in 2008 due primarily to a $2.1 million decrease from lower business volume and actions we’ve taken to reduce costs, partially offset by an increase of $1.8 million in SG&A expense resulting from the acquisition of Rasco.
Interest and other, net
Interest and other, net was approximately $0.3 million and $1.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively. Our interest income was lower in 2009 due to a decrease in our cash and investment balances as a result of the Rasco acquisition which occurred in the fourth quarter of 2008 and lower short-term interest rates.
Income Taxes
FASB Statement No. 109 requires that companies assess whether a valuation allowance should be recorded against their deferred tax assets (“DTAs”) based on the consideration of all available evidence, using a “more likely than not” realization standard. The four sources of taxable income that must be considered in determining whether DTAs will be realized are, (1) future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences (i.e. offset of gross deferred tax assets against gross deferred tax liabilities); (2) taxable income in prior carryback years, if carryback is permitted under the tax law; (3) tax planning strategies and (4) future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards.
In assessing whether a valuation allowance is required, significant weight is to be given to evidence that can be objectively verified. In accordance with Statement No. 109, we have evaluated our DTAs each reporting period, including an assessment of our cumulative income or loss over the prior three-year period and future periods, to determine if a valuation allowance was required. A significant negative factor in our assessment at June 27, 2009 was the possibility that the Company may be in a three-year historical cumulative loss as of the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, as highly profitable quarters in the second half of 2006 are removed from the rolling three-year calculation. This, combined with uncertain near-term market and economic conditions, reduced our ability to rely on projections of future taxable income in assessing the realization of our DTAs.
After a review of the four sources of taxable income described above and after considering the possibility of being in a three-year cumulative loss in the fourth quarter of 2009, we recorded an increase in our valuation allowance, with a corresponding charge to our income tax provision, of approximately $19.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2009. After this increase, our DTA valuation allowance at June 27, 2009 was approximately $24 million on gross deferred tax assets of approximately $29 million. The remaining $5 million of gross deferred tax assets for which a valuation allowance was not recorded are realizable through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences or taxable income in carryback years. As the realization of DTAs is determined by tax jurisdiction, the significant deferred tax liability recorded as part of the 2008 acquisition of Rasco, a German corporation, was not a source of taxable income in assessing the realization of our DTAs in the U.S.
In accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting”, the income tax provision included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended June 27, 2009 and June 28, 2008 is based on the estimated annual effective tax rate for the entire year. These estimated effective tax rates are subject to adjustment in subsequent quarterly periods as our estimates of pretax income or loss for the year are increased or decreased. The effective tax rates differ from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to

22


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
June 27, 2009
increases in the valuation allowance, state taxes, research and development tax credits, foreign income taxed at lower rates, interest on unrecognized tax benefits and provisions of Statement No. 123R which do not allow deferred tax benefits to be initially recognized on compensation expense related to incentive stock options and employee stock purchase plans.
There was no material change to our unrecognized tax benefits and interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits during the period ended June 27, 2009. We do not expect that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change over the next 12 months.
In October, 2007 the Internal Revenue Service commenced a routine examination of our U.S. income tax return for 2005. This examination was substantially completed in 2008 and is expected to be finalized in 2009 without any material adjustments.
As a result of the factors set forth above, our net loss was $22.6 million in 2009, compared to net income of $0.2 million in 2008.
First Six Months of Fiscal 2009 Compared to First Six Months of Fiscal 2008
Net Sales
Our net sales decreased 32.0% to $75.0 million in 2009, compared to net sales of $110.2 million in 2008. Sales of semiconductor equipment in the first six months of fiscal 2009 decreased 42.4% from 2008 and accounted for 65.8% of consolidated net sales in 2009 versus 77.6% in 2008. Worldwide demand for semiconductors has been dramatically reduced by the global recession resulting in significant idle capacity for semiconductor manufacturers and lower demand for semiconductor equipment.
Sales of microwave communications equipment accounted for 23.2% of consolidated net sales in 2009 and increased 12.2% when compared to the same period in fiscal 2008. The increase in sales of our microwave communications business during the first six months of fiscal 2009 was attributable to increased product shipments to unmanned air vehicle program contractors and international customers within the public safety sector.
Sales of television cameras accounted for 11.0% of consolidated net sales in 2009 and decreased $0.9 million or 9.5% when compared to the same period of fiscal 2008. Television camera sales in the first six months of fiscal 2008 benefitted from the recognition of $0.5 million in deferred revenue upon the receipt of customer acceptance on a contract with a government subcontractor.
Gross Margin
Our gross margin, as a percentage of net sales, decreased to 26.3% in 2009 from 35.6% in 2008. During the first six months of fiscal 2009 our gross margin was impacted by (i) the substantial decrease in the sales volume of our semiconductor equipment segment due to weak business conditions and (ii) charges to cost of sales of approximately $3.6 million for excess and obsolete inventory.
Research and Development Expense (“R&D Expense”)
R&D expense as a percentage of net sales was 21.0% in 2009, compared to 18.5% in 2008, decreasing in absolute dollars from $20.4 million in 2008 to $15.7 million in 2009. Decreased R&D expense in 2009 was primarily due to a $6.5 million decrease in labor and material costs associated with new product development within our semiconductor equipment business partially offset by an increase of $1.8 million in R&D expense resulting from the acquisition of Rasco.
Selling, General and Administrative Expense (“SG&A Expense)
SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales increased to 23.6% in 2009, from 16.3% in 2008. The increase in SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales is a result of lower sales in 2009. SG&A expense in absolute dollars decreased to $17.7 million in 2009 from $18.0 million in 2008 due primarily to a $3.7 million decrease as a result of lower business volume and actions we’ve taken to reduce costs, partially offset by an increase of $3.4 million in SG&A expense resulting from the acquisition of Rasco.

23


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
June 27, 2009
Interest and other, net
Interest and other, net was approximately $0.8 million and $2.9 million in the first six months of fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively. Our interest income was lower in 2009 due to a decrease in our cash and investment balances as a result of the Rasco acquisition which occurred in the fourth quarter of 2008 and lower short-term interest rates. During the first six months of fiscal 2008 our interest income was negatively impacted by a loss of approximately $0.4 million recorded on our short-term investment portfolio.
Income Taxes
In accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting”, the income tax provision included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 27, 2009 and June 28, 2008 is based on the estimated annual effective tax rate for the entire year. These estimated effective tax rates are subject to adjustment in subsequent quarterly periods as our estimates of pretax income or loss for the year are increased or decreased. The effective tax rates differ from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to increases in the valuation allowance, including the $19.6 million increase in the second quarter of fiscal 2009, state taxes, research and development tax credits, foreign income taxed at lower rates, interest on unrecognized tax benefits and provisions of Statement No. 123R which do not allow deferred tax benefits to be initially recognized on compensation expense related to incentive stock options and employee stock purchase plans.
As a result of the factors set forth above, our net loss was $28.9 million in 2009, compared to net income of $2.1 million in 2008.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our business is dependent on capital expenditures by semiconductor manufacturers and test subcontractors that are, in turn, dependent on the current and anticipated market demand for semiconductors. Worldwide demand for semiconductors has been dramatically reduced by the global recession resulting in significant idle capacity for semiconductor manufacturers and lower demand for semiconductor equipment. In response to lower demand for our semiconductor equipment, we have implemented cost reduction programs aimed at aligning our ongoing operating costs with our currently expected revenues over the near term. These cost management initiatives include headcount reductions, pay cuts, suspension of the company’s matching contribution to our 401(k) plan reduced work hours and mandatory time-off. The cyclical and volatile nature of our industry makes estimates of future revenues, results of operations and net cash flows difficult.
Our primary historical source of liquidity and capital resources has been cash flow generated by operations. We use cash to fund growth in our operating assets and to fund new products and product enhancements primarily through research and development.
Liquidity
Working Capital: The following summarizes our cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and working capital:
                                 
    June 27,   December 27,   Increase   Percentage
(in thousands)   2009   2008   (Decrease)   Change
 
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
  $ 89,029     $ 88,385     $ 644       0.7 %
Working capital
    135,949       155,589       (19,640 )     (12.6 )%
Cash Flows
Operating Activities: Operating cash flows consist of net income, adjusted for non-cash expenses and changes in operating assets and liabilities. Non-cash items include depreciation and amortization; non-cash share-based compensation expense and deferred income taxes. Our net cash provided by operating activities in the six months ended June 27, 2009 totaled $3.6 million. Cash provided by operating activities was impacted by changes in current assets and liabilities and included decreases in accounts receivable, inventory, customer advances and accrued compensation and other liabilities of $6.3 million, $2.7 million, $1.4 million and $3.4 million, respectively. The decrease in accounts receivable was primarily due to cash collections in excess of shipments in the first six months of fiscal 2009. Inventory decreased primarily due to provisions for excess and obsolete inventory recorded within our semiconductor equipment segment due to weak business conditions. The reduction in customer advances was a result of product shipments made to customers by our microwave communications equipment business during the

24


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
June 27, 2009
first six months of 2009. The decrease in accounts payable and accrued compensation was a result of the timing of cash payments, lower business volume and cost control measures primarily within our semiconductor equipment business.
Investing Activities: Investing cash flows consist primarily of cash used for capital expenditures in support of our businesses, proceeds from investment maturities, asset disposals and divestitures, and cash used for purchases of investments and business acquisitions. Our net cash provided by investing activities in the first six months of fiscal 2009 totaled $12.2 million and was primarily the result of $37.9 million in net proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments, offset by $25.0 million in cash used for purchases of short-term investments. We invest our excess cash, in an attempt to seek the highest available return while preserving capital, in short-term investments since excess cash is only temporarily available and may be required for a business-related purpose. Other expenditures in the first six months of fiscal 2009 included purchases of property, plant and equipment of $0.7 million. The purchases of property, plant and equipment were primarily made to support activities in our semiconductor equipment and microwave communications equipment businesses and consisted primarily of equipment used in engineering, manufacturing and related functions.
Financing Activities: Cash flows from financing activities consist primarily of net proceeds from the issuance of common stock under our stock option and employee stock purchase plans and cash used to pay dividends to our stockholders. We issue stock options and maintain an employee stock purchase plan as components of our overall employee compensation. We paid dividends totaling $2.8 million, or $0.12 per common share during the first six months of 2009. Future quarterly dividends are subject to our cash liquidity, capital availability and periodic determinations by our Board of Directors that cash dividends are in the best interests of our stockholders.
Capital Resources
At June 27, 2009 we had a $5.0 million unsecured bank line of credit bearing interest at the bank’s prime rate. No borrowings were outstanding at June 27, 2009; however, approximately $1.3 million of the credit facility was allocated to standby letters of credit. On July 6, 2009 our unsecured bank line of credit was replaced with a secured letter of credit facility (the “Secured Facility”) under which Bank of America, N.A., our existing lender, has agreed to administer the issuance of letters of credit on behalf of Cohu and our subsidiaries. The Secured Facility requires us to maintain deposits of cash or other approved investments, which serve as collateral, in amounts that approximate our outstanding letters of credit.
We expect that we will continue to make capital expenditures to support our business and we anticipate that present working capital will be sufficient to meet our operating requirements for at least the next twelve months.
Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Contractual Obligations: Our significant contractual obligations consist of operating leases that have not changed materially from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 2008.
Purchase Commitments: From time to time, we enter into commitments with our vendors to purchase inventory at fixed prices or in guaranteed quantities. We are not able to determine the aggregate amount of such purchase orders that represent contractual obligations, as purchase orders may represent authorizations to purchase rather than binding agreements. Our purchase orders are based on our current manufacturing needs and are fulfilled by our vendors within relatively short time horizons. We typically do not have significant agreements for the purchase of raw materials or other goods specifying minimum quantities or set prices that exceed our expected requirements for the next three months.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements: During the ordinary course of business, we provide standby letters of credit instruments to certain parties as required. As of June 27, 2009, the maximum potential amount of future payments that we could be required to make under these standby letters of credit was approximately $1.3 million. No liability has been recorded in connection with these arrangements beyond those required to appropriately account for the underlying transaction being guaranteed. We do not believe, based on historical experience and information currently available, that it is probable that any amounts will be required to be paid under these arrangements.

25


Table of Contents

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Interest rate risk.
At June 27, 2009 our investment portfolio includes fixed-income securities with a fair value of approximately $45.8 million. These securities are subject to interest rate risk and will decline in value if interest rates increase. Due to the relatively short duration of our investment portfolio, an immediate ten percent change in interest rates (e.g. 3.00% to 3.30%) would not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
Foreign currency exchange risk.
We conduct business on a global basis and, as such, we are potentially exposed to adverse as well as beneficial movements in foreign currency exchange rates. Except for our subsidiaries located in Germany, which conduct business in Euros, we generally conduct business, including sales to foreign customers, in U.S. dollars and as a result we have limited foreign currency exchange rate risk. The effect of an immediate ten percent change in foreign exchange rates would not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report.
It should be noted that any system of controls, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system are met. In addition, the design of any control system is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. Because of these and other inherent limitations of control systems, there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
(b) Changes in Internal Controls. During the last fiscal quarter, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

26


Table of Contents

Part II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
The information set forth above under Note 7 contained in the “Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” on Page 13 of this Form 10-Q is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
The most significant risk factors applicable to Cohu are described in Part I, Item 1A (Risk Factors) of Cohu’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2008 (our “2008 Form 10-K”). There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2008 Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
The Cohu Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on May 12, 2009. The voting results for the proposals voted on at the meeting are incorporated herein by reference from Item 8.01 of the Cohu, Inc. Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2009.
Item 5. Other Information.
None.

27


Table of Contents

Item 6. Exhibits.
     
3(i).1
  Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Cohu, Inc. incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1(a) from the Cohu, Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1999
 
   
3(i).2
  Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Cohu, Inc. incorporated herein by reference from the Cohu, Inc. Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2000, Exhibit 4.1(a)
 
   
3(ii)
  Amended and Restated Bylaws of Cohu, Inc. incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 from the Cohu, Inc. Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 12, 1996
 
   
4.1
  Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated November 10, 2006, between Cohu, Inc. and Mellon Investor Services LLC, as Rights Agent, incorporated herein by reference from the Cohu, Inc. Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2006, Exhibit 99.1
 
   
31.1
  Certification pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
   
31.2
  Certification pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
   
32.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
   
32.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

28


Table of Contents

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.
         
  COHU, INC.
(Registrant)
 
 
Date: July 31, 2009  /s/ James A. Donahue    
  James A. Donahue   
  President & Chief Executive Officer   
 
     
Date: July 31, 2009  /s/ Jeffrey D. Jones    
  Jeffrey D. Jones   
  Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 
 

29


Table of Contents

         
EXHIBIT INDEX
     
Exhibit No.   Description
 
   
3(i).1
  Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Cohu, Inc. incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1(a) from the Cohu, Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1999
 
   
3(i).2
  Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Cohu, Inc. incorporated herein by reference from the Cohu, Inc. Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2000, Exhibit 4.1(a)
 
   
3(ii)
  Amended and Restated Bylaws of Cohu, Inc. incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 from the Cohu, Inc. Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 12, 1996
 
   
4.1
  Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated November 10, 2006, between Cohu, Inc. and Mellon Investor Services LLC, as Rights Agent, incorporated herein by reference from the Cohu, Inc. Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2006, Exhibit 99.1
 
   
31.1
  Certification pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
   
31.2
  Certification pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
   
32.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
   
32.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

exv31w1
Exhibit 31.1
COHU, INC.
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT SECTION 302(a)
CERTIFICATION
I, James A. Donahue, certify that:
  1.   I have reviewed this Form 10-Q of Cohu, Inc.;
 
  2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
  3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
  4.   The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
  5.   The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: July 31, 2009
         
/s/ James A. Donahue    
James A. Donahue   
President and Chief Executive Officer   

 

exv31w2
         
Exhibit 31.2
COHU, INC.
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT SECTION 302(a)
CERTIFICATION
I, Jeffrey D. Jones, certify that:
  1.   I have reviewed this Form 10-Q of Cohu, Inc.;
 
  2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
  3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
  4.   The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
  5.   The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: July 31, 2009
         
/s/ Jeffrey D. Jones    
Jeffrey D. Jones   
Vice President Finance & Chief Financial Officer   

 

exv32w1
         
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
(18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350)
     In connection with the accompanying Quarterly Report of Cohu, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 27, 2009 (the “Report”), I, James A. Donahue, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, based on my knowledge:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: July 31, 2009
         
/s/ James A. Donahue    
James A. Donahue,   
President and Chief Executive Officer   

 

exv32w2
         
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
(18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350)
     In connection with the accompanying Quarterly Report of Cohu, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 27, 2009 (the “Report”), I, Jeffrey D. Jones, Vice President Finance & Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, based on my knowledge:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: July 31, 2009
         
/s/ Jeffrey D. Jones    
Jeffrey D. Jones,   
Vice President Finance & Chief Financial Officer