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 March 26, 2011
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   95-1934119
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Incorporation or Organization)    
     
12367 Crosthwaite Circle, Poway, California   92064-6817
(Address of principal executive offices)   (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. (Check one):
             
Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer þ   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
     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 March 26, 2011 the Registrant had 24,042,152 shares of its $1.00 par value common stock outstanding.
 
 

 


 

COHU, INC.
INDEX
FORM 10-Q
March 26, 2011
         
    Page Number  
Part I Financial Information
       
 
       
       
 
       
    3  
 
       
    4  
 
       
    5  
 
       
    6  
 
       
    15  
 
       
    21  
 
       
    21  
 
       
       
 
       
    22  
 
       
    22  
 
       
    22  
 
       
    22  
 
       
    22  
 
       
    22  
 
       
    23  
 
       
    24  
 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)
                 
    March 26,     December 25,  
    2011     2010 *  
    (Unaudited)          
ASSETS
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 48,809     $ 45,921  
Short-term investments
    57,895       52,254  
Accounts receivable, net
    57,757       66,801  
Inventories:
               
Raw materials and purchased parts
    37,874       34,922  
Work in process
    18,454       17,470  
Finished goods
    11,705       10,832  
 
           
 
    68,033       63,224  
Deferred income taxes
    6,056       5,991  
Other current assets
    5,848       6,026  
 
           
Total current assets
    244,398       240,217  
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
               
Land and land improvements
    12,406       12,057  
Buildings and building improvements
    31,496       31,117  
Machinery and equipment
    42,267       41,630  
 
           
 
    86,169       84,804  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (46,582 )     (45,000 )
 
           
Net property, plant and equipment
    39,587       39,804  
Goodwill
    61,155       58,498  
Intangible assets, net
    27,102       26,523  
Other assets
    1,046       1,001  
 
           
 
  $ 373,288     $ 366,043  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 18,703     $ 18,198  
Accrued compensation and benefits
    12,158       16,944  
Accrued warranty
    6,303       5,016  
Customer advances
    786       767  
Deferred profit
    9,253       14,834  
Income taxes payable
    10,505       8,802  
Other accrued liabilities
    7,138       6,973  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    64,846       71,534  
Other accrued liabilities
    6,045       5,931  
Deferred income taxes
    14,014       13,853  
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, 24,042 shares issued and outstanding in 2011 and 23,989 shares in 2010
    24,042       23,989  
Paid-in capital
    73,385       71,799  
Retained earnings
    184,265       179,134  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    6,691       (197 )
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    288,383       274,725  
 
           
 
  $ 373,288     $ 366,043  
 
           
 
*   Derived from December 25, 2010 audited financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

3


Table of Contents

COHU, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 26,     March 27,  
    2011     2010  
Net sales
  $ 89,700     $ 64,830  
Cost and expenses:
               
Cost of sales
    60,885       44,831  
Research and development
    9,083       8,649  
Selling, general and administrative
    12,090       9,879  
 
           
 
    82,058       63,359  
 
           
Income from operations
    7,642       1,471  
Interest and other, net
    110       174  
 
           
Income before income taxes
    7,752       1,645  
Income tax provision
    1,178       738  
 
           
Net income
  $ 6,574     $ 907  
 
           
 
               
Income per share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.27     $ 0.04  
 
           
Diluted
  $ 0.27     $ 0.04  
 
           
 
               
Weighted average shares used in computing income per share:
               
Basic
    24,018       23,549  
 
           
Diluted
    24,483       23,870  
 
           
 
               
Cash dividends declared per share
  $ 0.06     $ 0.06  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

4


Table of Contents

COHU, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 26,     March 27,  
    2011     2010  
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net income
  $ 6,574     $ 907  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    2,769       2,766  
Share-based compensation expense
    1,048       835  
Deferred income taxes
    (431 )     (262 )
Other accrued liabilities
    2       (12 )
Excess tax benefits from stock options exercised
    (29 )     14  
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    9,039       (1,995 )
Inventories
    (4,973 )     (8,832 )
Other current assets
    288       3,128  
Accounts payable
    505       2,947  
Customer advances
    19       191  
Deferred profit
    (5,581 )     2,072  
Income taxes payable, including excess stock option exercise benefit
    1,732       2,108  
Accrued compensation, warranty and other liabilities
    (3,537 )     (1,960 )
 
           
Net cash provided from operating activities
    7,425       1,907  
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of short-term investments
    (20,727 )     (14,306 )
Sales and maturities of short-term investments
    15,003       16,351  
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
    (187 )     (992 )
Other assets
    (50 )     42  
 
           
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (5,961 )     1,095  
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Issuance of stock, net
    562       95  
Excess tax benefits from stock options exercised
    29       (14 )
Cash dividends paid
    (1,436 )     (1,411 )
 
           
Net cash used for financing activities
    (845 )     (1,330 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    2,269       121  
 
           
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    2,888       1,793  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    45,921       38,247  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 48,809     $ 40,040  
 
           
 
               
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid (refunded) during the period for:
               
Income taxes
  $ 528     $ (3,888 )
Inventory capitalized as capital assets
  $ 299     $ 1,266  
Dividends declared but not yet paid
  $ 1,442     $ 1,413  
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

5


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 26, 2011
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 25, 2010 has been derived from our audited financial statements at that date. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 26, 2011 (also referred to as “the first quarter of fiscal 2011“and “the first three months of fiscal 2011”) and March 27, 2010 (also referred to as “the first quarter of fiscal 2010” and “the first three months of fiscal 2010”) 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 first quarters of fiscal 2011 and 2010 were comprised of 13 weeks.
 
    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 25, 2010, which are included in our 2010 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”.
 
    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 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Understanding these risks and uncertainties is integral to the review of our interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
    Concentration of Credit Risk
 
    Financial instruments that potentially subject us to significant credit risk consist principally of cash equivalents, short-term investments and trade accounts receivable. We invest in a variety of financial instruments and, by policy, limit the amount of credit exposure with any one issuer.
 
    Trade accounts receivable are presented net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.6 million at both March 26, 2011 and December 25, 2010, respectively. Our customers include semiconductor manufacturers and semiconductor test subcontractors and other customers located throughout many areas of the world. While we believe that our allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate and represents our best estimate at March 26, 2011, we will continue to monitor customer liquidity and other economic conditions, which may result in changes to our estimates regarding collectability.
 
    Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets and Long-lived Assets
 
    We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually and when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We test goodwill for impairment by first comparing the book value of net assets to the fair value of the reporting units. If the fair value is determined to be less than the book value, a second step is performed to compute the amount of impairment as the difference between the estimated fair value of goodwill and the carrying value. We estimated the fair values of our reporting units primarily using the income approach valuation methodology that includes the discounted cash flow method, taking into consideration the market approach and certain market multiples as a validation of the values derived using the discounted cash flow methodology. Forecasts of future cash flows are based on our best estimate of future net sales and operating expenses, based primarily on customer forecasts, industry trade organization data and general economic conditions.

6


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 26, 2011
    Long-lived assets, other than goodwill, 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. For long-lived assets, impairment losses are only recorded if the asset’s carrying amount is not recoverable through its undiscounted, probability-weighted future cash flows. We measure the impairment loss based on the difference between the assets carrying amount and estimated fair value.
 
    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  
    March 26,     March 27,  
    2011     2010  
Cost of sales
  $ 92     $ 81  
Research and development
    336       262  
Selling, general and administrative
    620       492  
 
           
Total share-based compensation
    1,048       835  
Income tax benefit
           
 
           
Total share-based compensation, net of tax
  $ 1,048     $ 835  
 
           
    Earnings Per Share
 
    Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings 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. In loss periods, potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the per share computations due to their anti-dilutive effect. 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 months ended March 26, 2011 and March 27, 2010, options to issue approximately 1,572,000 and 1,824,000 shares of common stock were excluded from the computation, respectively. The following table reconciles the denominators used in computing basic and diluted income per share (in thousands):
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 26,     March 27,  
    2011     2010  
Weighted average common shares
    24,018       23,549  
Effect of dilutive stock options
    465       321  
 
           
 
    24,483       23,870  
 
           
    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 25, 2010. 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.

7


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 26, 2011
    At March 26, 2011, we had deferred revenue totaling approximately $25.6 million and deferred profit of $9.3 million. At December 25, 2010, we had deferred revenue totaling approximately $36.9 million and deferred profit of $14.8 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 three months of fiscal 2011 and 2010 was not significant.
 
    Recent Accounting Pronouncements
    Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements - In January 2010, the FASB issued guidance to add additional disclosures about the different classes of assets and liabilities measured at fair value, the valuation techniques and inputs used, and the activity in Level 3 fair value measurements (as defined in Note 3 below). We adopted this guidance on December 26, 2010, the first day of our 2011 fiscal year. Adoption of this new guidance has not had a material impact on our financial statement disclosures.
 
    In October 2009, the FASB amended the guidance for allocating revenue to multiple deliverables in a contract. This new guidance is effective as of the first day of our 2011 fiscal year. In accordance with the amendment, companies can allocate consideration in a multiple element arrangement in a manner that better reflects the transaction economics. When vendor specific objective evidence or third party evidence for deliverables in an arrangement cannot be determined, companies will now be allowed to develop a best estimate of the selling price to separate deliverables and allocate arrangement consideration using the relative selling price method. Additionally, use of the residual method has been eliminated. We adopted this guidance on December 26, 2010, the first day of our 2011 fiscal year. Adoption of this new guidance has not had a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
    In October 2009, the FASB issued new accounting guidance for the accounting for certain revenue arrangements that include software elements. The new guidance amends the scope of pre-existing software revenue guidance by removing from the guidance non-software components of tangible products and certain software components of tangible products. The new guidance is effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. We adopted this guidance on December 26, 2010, the first day of our 2011 fiscal year. Adoption of this new guidance has not had a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
2.   Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets
    Changes in the carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment during the year ended December 25, 2010 and the three-month period ended March 26, 2011 were as follows (in thousands):
                         
    Semiconductor     Microwave        
    Equipment     Communications     Total Goodwill  
Balance, December 26, 2009
  $ 58,318     $ 3,446     $ 61,764  
Impact of currency exchange
    (3,038 )     (228 )     (3,266 )
 
                 
Balance, December 25, 2010
    55,280       3,218       58,498  
Impact of currency exchange
    2,472       185       2,657  
 
                 
Balance, March 26, 2011
  $ 57,752     $ 3,403     $ 61,155  
 
                 

8


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 26, 2011
    Purchased intangible assets, subject to amortization are as follows (in thousands):
                                 
    March 26, 2011     December 25, 2010  
    Gross Carrying     Accumulated     Gross Carrying     Accumulated  
    Amount     Amortization     Amount     Amortization  
Rasco technology
  $ 34,678     $ 10,024     $ 32,154     $ 8,290  
Unigen technology
    7,020       7,020       7,020       6,779  
AVS technology
    2,325       2,325       2,156       2,008  
 
                       
 
  $ 44,023     $ 19,369     $ 41,330     $ 17,077  
 
                       
    Amortization expense related to intangible assets in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 and 2010 was approximately $1.4 million and $1.6 million, respectively. The amounts included in the table above for the periods ended March 26, 2011 and December 25, 2010 exclude approximately $2.4 million and $2.3 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.   Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
    As of March 26, 2011, and December 25, 2010, our cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments consisted primarily of cash, corporate debt securities, government and government agency securities, state and municipal securities, money market funds and other investment grade securities. We do not hold investment securities for trading purposes. All short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value. Investment securities are exposed to market risk due to changes in interest rates and credit risk and we monitor credit risk and attempt to mitigate exposure by making high-quality investments and through investment diversification.
    Gains and losses on investments are calculated using the specific-identification method and are recognized during the period in which the investment is sold or when an investment experiences an other-than-temporary decline in value. Factors that could indicate an impairment exists include, but are not limited to: earnings performance, changes in credit rating or adverse changes in the regulatory or economic environment of the asset. Gross realized gains and losses on sales of short-term investments are included in interest income. Realized gains and losses for the periods presented were not significant.
    Investments that we have classified as short-term, by security type, are as follows (in thousands):
                                 
    March 26, 2011  
            Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair  
    Cost     Gains     Losses (1)     Value  
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 6,773     $ 12     $     $ 6,785  
Corporate debt securities(2)
    27,159       21             27,180  
Municipal securities
    10,055                   10,055  
Government-sponsored enterprise securities
    13,830       10       7       13,833  
Asset-backed securities
    42                   42  
 
                       
 
  $ 57,859     $ 43     $ 7     $ 57,895  
 
                       

9


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 26, 2011
                                    
    December 25, 2010  
            Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair  
    Cost     Gains     Losses(1)     Value  
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 6,778     $ 9     $     $ 6,787  
Corporate debt securities (2)
    18,010       28       4       18,034  
Municipal securities
    11,102       1             11,103  
Government-sponsored enterprise securities
    15,105       8       20       15,093  
Bank certificates of deposit
    1,000                   1,000  
Asset-backed securities
    236       1             237  
 
                       
 
  $ 52,231     $ 47     $ 24     $ 52,254  
 
                       
 
(1)   As of March 26, 2011, and December 25, 2010, the cost and fair value of investments with loss positions was $16.3 million and $16.1 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.
    Effective maturities of short-term investments at March 26, 2011 and December 25, 2010, were as follows (in thousands):
                                    
    March 26, 2011     December 25, 2010  
    Amortized     Estimated     Amortized     Estimated  
    Cost     Fair Value     Cost     Fair Value  
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 43,116     $ 43,144     $ 34,891     $ 34,918  
Due after one year through two years
    14,701       14,709       17,104       17,099  
Asset-backed securities not due at a single maturity date
    42       42       236       237  
 
                       
 
  $ 57,859     $ 57,895     $ 52,231     $ 52,254  
 
                       
    Our municipal securities include variable rate demand notes which can be put (sold at par) typically on a daily basis with settlement periods ranging from the same day to one week and have varying contractual maturities through 2037. These securities can be used for short-term liquidity needs and are held for limited periods of time. At March 26, 2011 and December 25, 2010 these securities had amortized cost and fair value of $7.3 million and $7.5 million, respectively, and are included in “Due in one year or less” in the table above.
    Accounting standards pertaining to fair value measurements establish a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. 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, and they are included in Level 2.

10


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 26, 2011
    The following table summarizes, by major security type, our assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):
                                 
    Fair value measurements at March 26, 2011 using:  
                            Total estimated  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     fair value  
 
Cash
  $ 21,262     $     $     $ 21,262  
U.S. Treasury Securities
    6,785                   6,785  
Corporate debt securities
          30,429             30,429  
Municipal securities
          10,555             10,555  
Government-sponsored enterprise securities
          13,833             13,833  
Money market funds
          23,798             23,798  
Asset-backed securities
          42             42  
 
                       
 
  $ 28,047     $ 78,657     $     $ 106,704  
 
                       
                                 
    Fair value measurements at December 25, 2010 using:  
                            Total estimated  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     fair value  
 
Cash
  $ 18,842     $     $     $ 18,842  
U.S. Treasury Securities
    6,787                   6,787  
Corporate debt securities
          21,432             21,432  
Municipal securities
          11,852             11,852  
Government-sponsored enterprise securities
          15,093             15,093  
Money market funds
          22,932             22,932  
Bank certificates of deposit
          1,000             1,000  
Asset-backed securities
          237             237  
 
                       
 
  $ 25,629     $ 72,546     $     $ 98,175  
 
                       
    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 money market funds and our portfolio of corporate debt securities, bank certificates of deposit, government-sponsored enterprise, municipal securities and asset-backed securities.
4.   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 March 26, 2011, there were 257,594 shares available for issuance under the Plan.
 
    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. At March 26, 2011, 1,185,620 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.

11


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 26, 2011
    At March 26, 2011, we had 3,200,364 stock options outstanding. These options had a weighted-average exercise price of $12.97 per share, an aggregate intrinsic value of approximately $8.5 million and the weighted average remaining contractual term was approximately 5.9 years. At March 26, 2011, we had 2,085,798 stock options outstanding that were exercisable. These options had a weighted-average exercise price of $14.28 per share, an aggregate intrinsic value of $3.7 million and the weighted average remaining contractual term was approximately 4.6 years.
 
    Restricted Stock Units
    We issue restricted stock units to certain employees, consultants 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 March 26, 2011, we had 395,464 restricted stock units outstanding with an aggregate intrinsic value of approximately $5.8 million and the weighted average remaining vesting period was approximately 3.1 years.
5.   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  
    March 26,     March 27,  
    2011     2010  
Net income
  $ 6,574     $ 907  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    6,894       (5,745 )
Adjustments related to postretirement benefits
    (14 )     15  
Change in unrealized gain/loss on investments
    8       (25 )
 
           
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 13,462     $ (4,848 )
 
           
    Our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) balance totaled approximately $6.7 million and $(0.2) million at March 26, 2011, and December 25, 2010, respectively, and was attributed to, net of income taxes where applicable, foreign currency adjustments resulting from the translation of certain accounts into U.S. dollars where the functional currency is the Euro, unrealized gains and losses on investments and adjustments related to postretirement benefits.
6.   Income Taxes
    The income tax provision included in the condensed consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 26, 2011 and March 27, 2010, 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 change. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 26, 2011, was 15.2%, and differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to a reduction in our deferred tax asset valuation allowance, foreign income taxed at lower rates, state taxes and interest on unrecognized tax benefits. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 27, 2010, was 44.9% and differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to the inability to benefit certain losses, foreign income taxed at lower rates, changes in the valuation allowance, state taxes and interest on unrecognized tax benefits.
    In the quarter ended June 27, 2009, we recorded an increase in our valuation allowance on domestic deferred tax assets, with a corresponding charge to our income tax provision, of approximately $19.6 million as we were unable to conclude that it was more likely than not that such assets would be realized. Our deferred tax asset valuation allowance at March 26, 2011 was approximately $22.2 million on gross deferred tax assets of approximately $28.1 million. The remaining $5.9 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 loss carryback.

12


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 26, 2011
    There was no material change to our unrecognized tax benefits and interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits during the three months ended March 26, 2011.
7.   Industry Segments
    Our reportable segments are business units that offer different products and are managed separately because each business requires different technology and marketing strategies. Our three segments are: semiconductor equipment, microwave communications and video cameras.
    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  
    March 26,     March 27,  
    2011     2010  
Net sales by segment:
               
Semiconductor equipment
  $ 79,443     $ 56,022  
Microwave communications
    7,016       5,148  
Video cameras
    3,241       3,660  
 
           
Total consolidated net sales and net sales for reportable segments
  $ 89,700     $ 64,830  
 
           
 
               
Segment profit (loss):
               
Semiconductor equipment
  $ 8,988     $ 2,944  
Microwave communications
    9       (327 )
Video cameras
    (183 )     20  
 
           
Profit for reportable segments
    8,814       2,637  
Other unallocated amounts:
               
Corporate expenses
    (1,172 )     (1,166 )
Interest and other, net
    110       174  
 
           
Income before income taxes
  $ 7,752     $ 1,645  
 
           
                 
    March 26,     December 25,  
    2011     2010  
Total assets by segment (in thousands):
               
Semiconductor equipment
  $ 264,708     $ 255,246  
Microwave communications
    19,482       27,812  
Video cameras
    10,417       11,092  
 
           
Total assets for reportable segments
    294,607       294,150  
Corporate, principally cash and investments and deferred taxes
    78,681       71,893  
 
           
Total consolidated assets
  $ 373,288     $ 366,043  
 
           
    A small number of customers historically have been responsible for a significant portion of our consolidated net sales. During the first quarter of fiscal 2011, two customers of the semiconductor equipment segment each represented more than 10% of consolidated net sales and, combined, they accounted for 52% of our total consolidated net sales. During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, three customers of the semiconductor equipment segment each represented more than 10% of consolidated net sales and, combined, they accounted for 46% of our total consolidated net sales.

13


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 26, 2011
8.   Contingencies
    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.
9.   Guarantees
    Our products are generally sold with warranty periods that range from 12 to 36 months following sale or acceptance. 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.
    Changes in accrued warranty were as follows (in thousands):
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 26,     March 27,  
    2011     2010  
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 5,016     $ 3,747  
Warranty expense accruals
    3,271       1,251  
Warranty payments
    (1,984 )     (1,011 )
 
           
Balance at end of period
  $ 6,303     $ 3,987  
 
           
    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 March 26, 2011, the maximum potential amount of future payments that Cohu could be required to make under these standby letters of credit was approximately $0.7 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.

14


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
March 26, 2011
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 2010 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 and 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 mobile microwave communications equipment (Broadcast Microwave Services, Inc.) and video cameras and accessories (Cohu Electronics Division).
Orders for semiconductor test and assembly equipment as reported by Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) have increased for three consecutive months through February 2011 following four months of decline which began in August 2010. Industry analysts Gartner and VLSI believe that 2010 was the strongest growth year ever for the semiconductor equipment industry and are projecting single digit growth for 2011. Strong demand for our products, which was driven by high rates of equipment utilization in customers’ test facilities, resulted in record orders and sales levels in 2010. Orders for the fourth quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011 are down from the record levels of 2010 but are comparable and benefited from our broad customer base. However, some customers are being cautious due to uncertainty over the impact that the recent events in Japan may have on the electronics supply chain.
Application of Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our 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 bad debts, which impact gross margin or operating expenses;
 
    the recognition and measurement of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, unrecognized tax benefits 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.

15


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
March 26, 2011
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 its 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 taxes; (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 generally 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 March 26, 2011 was approximately $28.1 million, with a valuation allowance of approximately $22.2 million. Our deferred tax assets consist primarily of reserves and accruals that are not yet deductible for tax and tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards.
Goodwill, Purchased Intangible Assets and Other Long-lived Assets: We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually and when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We test goodwill for impairment by first comparing the book value of net assets to the fair value of the reporting units. If the fair value is determined to be less than the book value, a second step is performed to compute the amount of impairment as the difference between the estimated fair value of goodwill and the carrying value. We estimated the fair values of our reporting units primarily using the income approach valuation methodology that includes the discounted cash flow method, taking into consideration the market approach and certain market multiples as a validation of the values derived using the discounted cash flow methodology. Forecasts of future cash flows are based on our best estimate of future net sales and operating expenses, based primarily on customer forecasts, industry trade organization data and general economic conditions. We conduct our annual impairment test as of October 1 of each year, and have determined there is no impairment. There were no events or circumstances from the date of our assessment through March 26, 2011 that would impact this conclusion. In a future period, should an event occur that leads us to determine that an interim goodwill impairment review is required, the facts and estimates utilized at that time may differ resulting in an impairment charge which could have a significant negative impact on our operating results.

16


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
March 26, 2011
Long-lived assets, other than goodwill, 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. For long-lived assets, impairment losses are only recorded if the asset’s carrying amount is not recoverable through its undiscounted, probability-weighted future cash flows. We measure the impairment loss based on the difference between the carrying amount and estimated fair value.
Contingencies: We are subject to certain contingencies that arise in the ordinary course of our businesses which require us to 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 and the amount of the loss or impairment is reasonably estimable, we accrue a charge to operations in the period such conditions become known.
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.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a description of accounting changes and recent accounting pronouncements, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects, if any, on our consolidated financial statements, see Note 1, “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table summarizes certain operating data as a percentage of net sales:
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 26,     March 27,  
    2011     2010  
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales
    (67.9 )     (69.2 )
 
           
Gross margin
    32.1     30.8  
Research and development
    (10.1 )     (13.3 )
Selling, general and administrative
    (13.5 )     (15.2 )
 
           
Income from operations
    8.5 %     2.3 %
 
           
First Quarter of Fiscal 2011 Compared to First Quarter of Fiscal 2010
Net Sales
Our consolidated net sales increased 38.4% to $89.7 million in 2011, compared to net sales of $64.8 million in 2010. Sales of semiconductor equipment in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 were $79.4 million, and increased $23.4 million or 41.8% from 2010 and represented 88.6% of consolidated net sales in 2011 versus 86.4% in 2010. Orders for semiconductor equipment increased sequentially from the first quarter of fiscal 2009 until reaching record levels in the second quarter of fiscal 2010. After this period of rapid growth, we began to see reductions in demand from some customers and, as a result, orders for semiconductor equipment decreased during the second half of fiscal 2010. Orders for semiconductor test and assembly equipment as reported by SEMI have increased for three consecutive months through February 2011 following the decline that began in August 2010.
Sales of mobile microwave communications equipment in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 were $7.0 million, representing 7.8% of consolidated net sales in 2011, and increased $1.9 million or 36.3% when compared to 2010. The increase in sales of our microwave communications business during the first quarter of fiscal 2011 was a result of the recognition of previously deferred revenue upon the receipt of customer acceptance during the first quarter of fiscal 2011.

17


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
March 26, 2011
Sales of video cameras in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 were, $3.2 million representing 3.6% of consolidated net sales in 2011, and decreased $0.4 million or 11.4% when compared to the same period of fiscal 2010.
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, increased to 32.1% in 2011 from 30.8% in 2010. The first quarter of 2011 was slightly lower than expected as the implementation of a favorable price adjustment to one of our semiconductor test handler products was delayed. Our gross margin in 2010 was impacted by higher costs due to the production of our new test handlers in our Poway plant to meet customer delivery requirements and other new product start-up costs
Our gross margin is 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 first quarter of fiscal 2011, we recorded charges to cost of sales of approximately $1.2 million for excess and obsolete inventory. During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we recorded net charges to cost of sales of approximately $0.3 million, 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 March 26, 2011, 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 results of operations and gross margin in future periods.
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. R&D expense as a percentage of net sales was 10.1% in 2011, compared to 13.3% in 2010 as a result of the increase in business volume. R&D expense increased in absolute dollars to $9.1 million in 2011 from $8.6 million in 2010 due to increased labor and material costs related to new product development within our semiconductor equipment segment.
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. SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales decreased to 13.5% in 2011, from 15.2% in 2010 as a result of the increase in business volume. SG&A expense increased in absolute dollars to $12.1 million in 2011 from $9.9 million in 2010 due primarily to higher variable selling expenses and other costs resulting from increased sales volume within our semiconductor equipment and mobile microwave communications equipment segments.
Interest and other, net
Interest and other, net was approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Income Taxes
The income tax provision included in the condensed consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 26, 2011 and March 27, 2010, 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 change. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 26, 2011, was 15.2%, and differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to a reduction in our deferred tax asset valuation allowance, foreign income taxed at lower rates, state taxes and interest on unrecognized tax benefits. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 27, 2010, was 44.9% and differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to the inability to benefit certain losses, foreign income taxed at lower rates, changes in the valuation allowance, state taxes and interest on unrecognized tax benefits.

18


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
March 26, 2011
In the quarter ended June 27, 2009, we recorded an increase in our valuation allowance on domestic deferred tax assets, with a corresponding charge to our income tax provision, of approximately $19.6 million as we were unable to conclude that it was more likely than not that such assets would be realized. Our deferred tax asset valuation allowance at March 26, 2011 was approximately $22.2 million on gross deferred tax assets of approximately $28.1 million. The remaining $5.9 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 loss carryback.
There was no material change to our unrecognized tax benefits and interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits during the three months ended March 26, 2011.
As a result of the factors set forth above, our net income was $6.6 million in 2011, compared to $0.9 million in 2010.
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. The cyclical and volatile nature of demand for semiconductor equipment, our primary 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 our operations and we manage our businesses to maximize operating cash flows as our primary source of liquidity. 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:
                                 
    March 26,     December 25,             Percentage  
(in thousands)   2011     2010     Increase     Change  
 
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
  $    106,704     $ 98,175     $    8,529       8.7 %
Working capital
  $    179,552     $ 168,683     $    10,869       6.4 %
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 first three months of fiscal 2011 totaled $7.4 million. Cash provided by operating activities was impacted by changes in current assets and liabilities and included decreases in accounts receivable, deferred profit and accrued compensation, warranty and other liabilities of $9.0 million, $5.6 million and $3.5 million, respectively, and increases in inventories and income taxes payable of $5.0 million and $1.7 million, respectively. The decrease in accounts receivable was driven by cash collections and lower business volume within our semiconductor equipment segment. The decrease in deferred profit resulted from the recognition of certain semiconductor test handlers and microwave communication equipment during the first quarter. The decreases in accrued compensation, warranty and other liabilities were primarily a result of the payment of 2010 incentive compensation in the first quarter of 2011. The increases in inventories and income taxes payable was driven primarily by our semiconductor equipment operations and resulted from production requirements to meet customer forecasts and the timing of income tax payments.
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 used in investing activities in the first three months of fiscal 2011 totaled $6.0 million and was primarily the result of $20.7 million in cash used for purchases of short-term investments, offset by $15.0 million in net proceeds from sales and maturities 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.

19


Table of Contents

Cohu, Inc.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
March 26, 2011
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. In the first three months of fiscal 2011, we generated $0.6 million issuing common stock under our employee stock plans and we paid dividends totaling $1.4 million, or $0.06 per common share. 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
We have a secured letter of credit facility (the “Secured Facility”) under which Bank of America, N.A., 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. As of March 26, 2011, we had approximately $0.7 million of standby letters of credit outstanding.
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 25, 2010.
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 March 26, 2011, the maximum potential amount of future payments that we could be required to make under these standby letters of credit was approximately $0.7 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.

20


Table of Contents

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Investment and Interest Rate Risk.
At March 26, 2011, our investment portfolio included short-term, fixed-income investment securities with a fair value of approximately $57.9 million. These securities are subject to interest rate risk and will likely decline in value if interest rates increase. Our future investment income may fall short of expectations due to changes in interest rates or we may suffer losses in principal if we are forced to sell securities that decline in market value due to changes in interest rates. As we classify our short-term securities as available-for-sale, no gains or losses are recognized due to changes in interest rates unless such securities are sold prior to maturity or declines in fair value are determined to be other-than-temporary. Due to the relatively short duration of our investment portfolio, an immediate ten percent change in interest rates would have no material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
We evaluate our investments periodically for possible other-than-temporary impairment by reviewing factors such as the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost basis, the financial condition of the issuer and our ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient for anticipated recovery of market value. As of March 26, 2011, we evaluated our investments with loss positions and determined that these losses were temporary.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk.
We conduct business on a global basis in a number of major international currencies. As such, we are exposed to adverse as well as beneficial movements in foreign currency exchange rates. The majority of our sales are denominated in U.S. dollars except for certain of our revenues that are denominated in Euros. Certain expenses incurred by our non-U.S. operations, such as employee payroll and benefits as well as some raw materials purchases and other expenses are denominated and paid in local currency.
We considered a hypothetical ten percent adverse movement in foreign exchange rates to the underlying exposures described above and believe that these hypothetical market movements would not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
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.

21


Table of Contents

Part II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
The information set forth above under Note 8 contained in the “Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” 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 25, 2010 (our “2010 Form 10-K”). There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2010 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. (Removed and Reserved).
Item 5. Other Information.
None.

22


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

23


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: May 3, 2011  /s/ James A. Donahue    
  James A. Donahue   
  President & Chief Executive Officer   
 
     
Date: May 3, 2011  /s/ Jeffrey D. Jones    
  Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer   
  (Principal Financial & Accounting Officer)   
 

24


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. 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: May 3, 2011
     
/s/ James A. Donahue
 
James A. Donahue
   
President & 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: May 3, 2011
     
/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 March 26, 2011 (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: May 3, 2011
     
/s/ James A. Donahue
 
James A. Donahue,
   
President & 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 March 26, 2011 (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: May 3, 2011
     
/s/ Jeffrey D. Jones
 
Jeffrey D. Jones,
   
Vice President Finance & Chief Financial Officer