Unassociated Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 28, 2009

OR

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

For the transition period from         to       ..

Commission File No.  0-121

KULICKE AND SOFFA INDUSTRIES, INC.
 (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

PENNSYLVANIA
23-1498399
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
(IRS Employer
 
Identification No.)

1005 VIRGINIA DRIVE, FORT WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA 19034
(Address of principal executive offices and Zip Code)

(215) 784-6000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes   x     No   ¨

Indicate 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  ¨     No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or 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 ¨
 
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer ¨
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company ¨
   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨   No  x

As of May 4, 2009, there were 61,216,073 shares of the Registrant's Common Stock, no par value, outstanding.

 
 

 

KULICKE AND SOFFA INDUSTRIES, INC.

FORM 10 – Q

March 28, 2009

Index

   
Page Number
     
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
 
     
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 27, 2008 and March 28, 2009
3
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009
4
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009
5
     
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
6
     
Item 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
28
     
Item 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
44
     
Item 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
45
     
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1A.
RISK FACTORS
45
     
Item 4.
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
46
     
Item 6.
EXHIBITS
46
     
 
SIGNATURES
47

 
2

 

PART I. - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. – Financial Statements

KULICKE AND SOFFA INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)

         
(Unaudited)
 
   
September 27, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 144,932     $ 127,607  
Restricted cash
    35,000       281  
Short-term investments
    6,149       2,354  
Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,376 and $2,247 respectively
    56,643       32,020  
Inventories, net
    27,236       48,303  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    18,729       12,646  
Deferred income taxes
    2,118       1,834  
Current assets of discontinued operations
    127,958       -  
Total current assets
    418,765       225,045  
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
    36,900       39,641  
Goodwill
    2,709       26,698  
Intangible assets
    386       54,412  
Other assets
    5,468       4,648  
Non-current assets of discontinued operations
    32,909       -  
Total assets
  $ 497,137     $ 350,444  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 72,412     $ -  
Accounts payable
    25,028       9,632  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    27,255       29,801  
Income taxes payable
    569       6,496  
Current liabilities of discontinued operations
    34,411       -  
Total current liabilities
    159,675       45,929  
                 
Long-term debt
    175,000       158,964  
Deferred income taxes
    21,591       15,729  
Other liabilities
    37,780       10,581  
Other liabilities of discontinued operations
    624       -  
Total liabilities
    394,670       231,203  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
               
                 
Shareholders' equity:
               
Preferred stock, no par value:
               
Authorized 5,000 shares; issued - none
               
Common stock, no par value:
               
Authorized 200,000 shares; issued 58,558 and 66,056 respectively; outstanding 53,648 and 61,146 shares, respectively
    295,841       342,543  
Treasury stock, at cost, 4,910 shares
    (46,118 )     (46,118 )
Accumulated deficit
    (149,465 )     (178,124 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    2,209       940  
Total shareholders' equity
    102,467       119,241  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 497,137     $ 350,444  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
3

 

KULICKE AND SOFFA INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
March 29,
   
March 28,
   
March 29,
   
March 28,
 
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
 
Net revenue
  $ 70,781     $ 25,232     $ 194,313     $ 62,648  
                                 
Cost of sales
    42,174       17,187       115,088       40,675  
                                 
Gross profit
    28,607       8,045       79,225       21,973  
                                 
Selling, general and administrative
    19,721       27,836       44,872       57,688  
Research and development
    15,690       13,258       30,222       28,658  
Impairment of goodwill
    -       2,709       -       2,709  
U.S. pension plan termination
    9,152       -       9,152       -  
Total operating expenses
    44,563       43,803       84,246       89,055  
                                 
Loss from operations
    (15,956 )     (35,758 )     (5,021 )     (67,082 )
Interest income
    1,191       193       2,760       947  
Interest expense
    (885 )     (640 )     (1,757 )     (1,374 )
Gain on extinguishment of debt
    -       2,786       170       3,965  
Loss from continuing operations before tax
    (15,650 )     (33,419 )     (3,848 )     (63,544 )
Provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations
    (4,758 )     (276 )     11       (12,158 )
Loss from continuing operations, net of tax
    (10,892 )     (33,143 )     (3,859 )     (51,386 )
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
    4,758       -       14,087       22,727  
Net income (loss)
  $ (6,134 )   $ (33,143 )   $ 10,228     $ (28,659 )
                                 
Loss per share from continuing operations:
                               
Basic
  $ (0.20 )   $ (0.54 )   $ (0.07 )   $ (0.85 )
Diluted
  $ (0.20 )   $ (0.54 )   $ (0.07 )   $ (0.85 )
                                 
Income per share from discontinued operations:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.09     $ 0.00     $ 0.26     $ 0.38  
Diluted
  $ 0.09     $ 0.00     $ 0.26     $ 0.38  
                                 
Net income (loss) per share:
                               
Basic
  $ (0.11 )   $ (0.54 )   $ 0.19     $ (0.47 )
Diluted
  $ (0.11 )   $ (0.54 )   $ 0.19     $ (0.47 )
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
    53,384       61,054       53,324       60,752  
Diluted
    53,384       61,054       53,324       60,752  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
4

 
 
KULICKE AND SOFFA INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)

   
Six months ended
 
 
 
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: 
           
Net income (loss)
  $ 10,228     $ (28,659 )
Less: income from discontinued operations
    14,087       22,727  
Loss from continuing operations
    (3,859 )     (51,386 )
Adjustments to reconcile loss from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
U.S. pension plan termination
    9,152       -  
Gain on extinguishment of debt
    (170 )     (3,965 )
Impairment of goodwill
    -       2,709  
Depreciation and amortization
    4,581       11,273  
Equity-based compensation and non-cash employee benefits
    4,133       478  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    118       984  
Provision for inventory valuation
    4,080       5,365  
Deferred taxes
    (3,648 )     (6,099 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired or sold:
               
Accounts and notes receivable
    38,703       46,608  
Inventory
    4,288       (1,630 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (760 )     6,655  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (40,404 )     (20,687 )
Income taxes payable
    1,063       (20,771 )
Other, net
    698       633  
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations
    17,975       (29,833 )
Net cash used in discontinued operations
    (7,857 )     (1,218 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    10,118       (31,051 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Purchase of Orthodyne
    -       (87,039 )
Proceeds from sales of investments classified as available-for-sale
    30,751       3,779  
Purchases of investments classified as available-for-sale
    (20,756 )     -  
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
    (4,702 )     (3,346 )
Changes in restricted cash, net
    (10,000 )     34,717  
Net cash used in continuing operations
    (4,707 )     (51,889 )
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations
    (103 )     149,857  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (4,810 )     97,968  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options
    319       3  
Payments on borrowings
    (3,831 )     (84,358 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (3,512 )     (84,355 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (620 )     113  
Changes in cash and cash equivalents
    1,176       (17,325 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    150,571       144,932  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 151,747     $ 127,607  
                 
CASH PAID FOR:
               
Interest
  $ 984     $ 981  
Income taxes
  $ 4,152     $ 3,466  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
5

 

KULICKE AND SOFFA INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Basis of Consolidation

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”), with appropriate elimination of intercompany balances and transactions. Beginning in fiscal 2009, the Company’s Packaging Materials segment was renamed Expendable Tools.

On September 29, 2008, the Company completed the sale of its Wire business for gross proceeds of $155.0 million to W.C. Heraeus GmbH (“Heraeus”), a precious metals and technology company based in Hanau, Germany. The financial results of the Wire business have been included in discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements for all periods presented (see Note 2).
 
On October 3, 2008, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Orthodyne Electronics Corporation (“Orthodyne”), a privately held company based in Irvine, California. In connection with the Orthodyne acquisition, the Company issued 7.1 million common shares with an estimated value at issuance of $46.2 million and paid $82.6 million in cash subject to further working capital adjustments (see Note 4).

The consolidated financial statements are unaudited with the exception of the September 27, 2008 consolidated balance sheet which was derived from the audited financial statements included in the Company’s Fiscal 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Fiscal Year

Each of the Company’s first three fiscal quarters ends on the Saturday that is 13 weeks after the end of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter. The fourth fiscal quarter in each year (and the fiscal year) ends on the Saturday closest to September 30th. The fiscal 2008 quarters ended on December 29, 2007, March 29, 2008, June 28, 2008 and September 27, 2008. The fiscal 2009 quarters end on December 27, 2008, March 28, 2009, June 27, 2009 and October 3, 2009. In fiscal years consisting of 53 weeks, the fourth quarter will consist of 14 weeks.

Nature of Business

The Company designs, manufactures and markets capital equipment and expendable tools as well as services, maintains, repairs and upgrades equipment, all used to assemble semiconductor devices. The Company’s operating results depend upon the capital and operating expenditures of semiconductor manufacturers and subcontract assemblers worldwide which, in turn, depend on the current and anticipated market demand for semiconductors and products utilizing semiconductors. The semiconductor industry is highly volatile and experiences downturns and slowdowns which have a severe negative effect on the semiconductor industry’s demand for semiconductor capital equipment, including assembly equipment manufactured and marketed by the Company and, to a lesser extent, expendable tools such as those sold by the Company. These downturns and slowdowns have adversely affected the Company’s operating results. The Company believes such volatility will continue to characterize the industry and the Company’s operations in the future.

Management Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The more significant areas involving the use of estimates in these financial statements include allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable, reserves for excess and obsolete inventory, carrying value and lives of fixed assets, goodwill, valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, deferred tax liabilities for undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries, tax contingencies, pension benefit liabilities, warranty expense and liabilities, share-based payments and litigation. Actual results could differ from those estimated.
 
 
6

 

Vulnerability to Certain Concentrations

Financial instruments which may subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk as of September 27, 2008 and March 28, 2009 consisted primarily of short term investments and trade receivables. The Company manages credit risk associated with investments by investing its excess cash in highly rated debt instruments of the U.S. Government and its agencies, financial institutions, and corporations. The Company has established investment guidelines relative to diversification and maturities designed to maintain safety and liquidity. These guidelines are periodically reviewed and modified as appropriate. The Company does not have any exposure to sub-prime financial instruments or auction rate securities.

The Company’s trade receivables result primarily from the sale of semiconductor equipment, related accessories and replacement parts, and expendable tools to a relatively small number of large manufacturers in a highly concentrated industry. Write-offs of uncollectible accounts have historically not been significant; however, the Company closely monitors its customers’ financial strength to reduce the risk of loss.

The Company is also exposed to foreign currency fluctuations that impact the remeasurement of net monetary assets of those operations whose functional currency, the US Dollar, differs from their respective local currencies, most notably in Israel, Malaysia, and Singapore. In addition to net monetary remeasurement, the Company has exposures related to the translation of subsidiary financial statements from their functional currency, the local currency, into the Company’s reporting currency, the U.S. dollar, most notably in China.

Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Investments

Investments, other than cash equivalents, are classified as “trading,” “available-for-sale” or “held-to-maturity”, in accordance with Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, and depending upon the nature of the investment, its ultimate maturity date in the case of debt securities, and management’s intentions with respect to holding the securities. Investments classified as “trading” are reported at fair market value, with unrealized gains or losses included in earnings. Investments classified as “available-for-sale” are reported at fair market value, with net unrealized gains or losses reflected as a separate component of shareholders’ equity (accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)). The fair market value of trading and available-for-sale securities is determined using quoted market prices at the balance sheet date. Investments classified as held-to-maturity are reported at amortized cost. Realized gains and losses are determined on the basis of specific identification of the securities sold.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of standard cost (which approximates actual cost on a first-in first-out basis) or market value. The Company generally provides reserves for obsolete inventory and for inventory considered to be in excess of demand. In addition, the Company generally records as accrued expense inventory purchase commitments in excess of demand. Demand is generally defined as eighteen months forecasted future consumption for non-Wedge bonder equipment, twenty-four months historical consumption for Wedge bonder equipment, twelve months historical consumption for expendable tools and twenty-four months historical consumption for spare parts. The forecasted demand is based upon internal projections, historical sales volumes, customer order activity and a review of consumable inventory levels at customers’ facilities. The Company communicates forecasts of its future demand to its suppliers and adjusts commitments to those suppliers accordingly. If required, the Company reserves for the difference between the carrying value of its inventory and the lower of cost or market value, based upon assumptions about future demand, market conditions and the next cyclical market upturn. If actual market conditions are less favorable than its projections, additional inventory reserves may be required.

 
7

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. The cost of additions and those improvements which increase the capacity or lengthen the useful lives of assets are capitalized while repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation and amortization are provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives as follows: buildings 25 to 40 years; machinery and equipment 3 to 10 years; and leasehold improvements are based on the shorter of the life of lease or life of asset. Purchased computer software costs related to business and financial systems are amortized over a five year period on a straight-line basis.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company’s long-lived assets are primarily property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS 142”), goodwill is not amortized. SFAS 142 also requires that, at least annually, an impairment test be performed to support the carrying value of goodwill. In addition, whenever events occur that may impact the carrying value of goodwill an impairment test will be performed. The fair value of the Company’s goodwill is based upon estimates of future cash flows and other factors. The Company’s intangible technology assets are managed and valued in the aggregate, as one asset group, not by individual technology. Due to the earlier than anticipated end of product life cycle for the Company’s EasyLine and SwissLine die bonders, during the three months ended March 28, 2009, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $2.7 million and reduced the value of its die bonder goodwill, which is reported within our Equipment segment, to zero.

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“SFAS 144”), the Company’s property, plant and equipment is tested for impairment based on undiscounted cash flows when triggering events occur, and if impaired, written-down to fair value based on either discounted cash flows or appraised values. SFAS 144 also provides a single accounting model for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale and establishes additional criteria that would have to be met to classify an asset as held for sale. The carrying amount of an asset or asset group is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group. Estimates of future cash flows used to test the recoverability of a long-lived asset or asset group must incorporate the entity’s own assumptions about its use of the asset or asset group and must factor in all available evidence.

SFAS 144 requires that long-lived assets be tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Such events include significant under-performance relative to the expected historical or projected future operating results; significant changes in the manner of use of the assets; significant negative industry or economic trends and significant changes in market capitalization. Weak conditions in the global economy are affecting the semiconductor industry and as a result are negatively impacting the Company’s Equipment business. As a result, the Company will continue to monitor its long-lived assets for impairment.

Foreign Currency Translation

The majority of the Company’s business is transacted in U.S. dollars, however, the functional currency of some of the Company’s subsidiaries is their local currency. For the Company’s subsidiaries that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar, gains and losses resulting from the translation of the functional currency into U.S. dollars for financial statement presentation are not included in determining net income but are accumulated in the cumulative translation adjustment account as a separate component of shareholders’ equity (accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)), in accordance with SFAS No. 52, Foreign Currency Translation. Cumulative translation adjustments are not adjusted for income taxes as they relate to indefinite investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in the determination of net income. The Company recorded net foreign currency transaction gains of $1.0 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009, respectively. In addition, the Company recorded net foreign currency transaction losses of $0.2 million and gains of $1.7 million for the six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009, respectively.
 
 
8

 

Revenue Recognition

In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 104, Revenue Recognition (“SAB 104”), the Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable, the collectibility is reasonably assured, and it has completed its equipment installation obligations and received customer acceptance, or is otherwise released from its installation or customer acceptance obligations. In the event terms of the sale provide for a customer acceptance period, revenue is recognized upon the expiration of the acceptance period or customer acceptance, whichever occurs first. The Company’s standard terms are Ex Works (the Company’s factory), with title transferring to its customer at the Company’s loading dock or upon embarkation. The Company has a small percentage of sales with other terms, and revenue is recognized in accordance with the terms of the related customer purchase order. Revenue related to services is recognized upon performance of the services requested by a customer order. Revenue for extended maintenance service contracts with a term more than one month is recognized on a prorated straight-line basis over the term of the contract.

Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are recognized in net revenue. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales.

Research and Development

The Company charges research and development costs associated with the development of new products to expense when incurred, except for pre-production machines which are carried as inventory until sold.

Income Taxes
 
Deferred income taxes are determined using the liability method in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (“SFAS 109”). The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets to the amount it expects is more likely than not to be realized. While the Company has considered future taxable income and our ongoing tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance, if it were to determine that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of its net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would increase income in the period such determination was made. Likewise, should the Company determine it would not be able to realize all or part of its net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would decrease income in the period such determination was made.

Effective September 30, 2007, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 prescribes, among other things, a recognition threshold and measurement attributes for the financial statement recognition and measurement of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a company’s income tax return. FIN 48 utilizes a two-step approach for evaluating uncertain tax positions accounted for in accordance with SFAS 109. Step one or recognition, requires a company to determine if the weight of available evidence indicates a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. Step two or measurement, is based on the largest amount of benefit, which is more likely than not to be realized on settlement with the taxing authority.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per share (“EPS”) are calculated in accordance with SFAS No. 128, Earnings per Share. Basic EPS include only the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS include the weighted average number of common shares and the dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock and share unit awards and subordinated convertible notes outstanding during the period, when such instruments are dilutive.

Extinguishment of Debt

In accordance with SFAS No. 145, Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64: Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13; and Technical Corrections, and APB No. 30, Reporting Results of Operations – Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary Items, gains and losses from the extinguishment of debt are included in income (loss) from operations unless the extinguishment is both unusual in nature and infrequent in occurrence, in which case the gain or loss would be presented as an extraordinary item.

 
9

 

Equity-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for equity based compensation under the provisions of SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payments (“SFAS 123R”). SFAS 123R requires the recognition of the fair value of equity-based compensation in net income. The fair value of the Company’s stock option awards are estimated using a Black-Scholes option valuation model. This model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions and elections including expected stock price volatility and the estimated life of each award. In addition, the calculation of equity-based compensation costs requires that the Company estimate the number of awards that will be forfeited during the vesting period. The fair value of equity-based awards is amortized over the vesting period of the award and the Company elected to use the straight-line method for awards granted after the adoption of SFAS 123R and continues to use a graded vesting method for awards granted prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

FSP 142-3

In April 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (“FSP 142-3”). FSP 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 SFAS 142 and requires enhanced disclosures relating to: (a) the entity's accounting policy on the treatment of costs incurred to renew or extend the term of a recognized intangible asset; (b) in the period of acquisition or renewal, the weighted-average period prior to the next renewal or extension (both explicit and implicit), by major intangible asset class and (c) for an entity that capitalizes renewal or extension costs, the total amount of costs incurred in the period to renew or extend the term of a recognized intangible asset for each period for which a statement of financial position is presented, by major intangible asset class. FSP 142-3 must be applied prospectively to all intangible assets acquired during and subsequent to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that FSP 142-3 will have on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

FSP APB 14-1

In May 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. APB 14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash Upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement) (“FSP APB 14-1”), which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. FSP APB 14-1 clarifies that convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion are not addressed by paragraph 12 of APB No. 14, Accounting for Convertible Debt and Debt Issued with Stock Purchase Warrants. FSP APB 14-1 also specifies that issuers of such instruments should separately account for the liability and equity components in a manner that will reflect the entity’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. The Company will adopt FSP APB 14-1 beginning fiscal 2010. The adoption will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations.

FSP EITF 03-6-1

In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities (“FSP EITF 03-6-1”). FSP EITF 03-6-1 clarified that all outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends participate in undistributed earnings with common shareholders. Awards of this nature are considered participating securities and the two-class method of computing basic and diluted earnings per share must be applied. FSP EITF 03-6-1 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that FSP EITF 03-6-1 will have on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

EITF 07-5

In June 2008, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 07-5, Determining Whether an Instrument (or Embedded Feature) Is Indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock (“EITF 07-5”). EITF 07-5 provides that an entity should use a two step approach to evaluate whether an equity-linked financial instrument (or embedded feature) is indexed to its own stock, including evaluating the instrument’s contingent exercise and settlement provisions. It also clarifies on the impact of foreign currency denominated strike prices and market-based employee stock option valuation instruments on the evaluation. EITF 07-5 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that EITF 07-5 will have on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

 
10

 

NOTE 2 – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
 
The Company committed to a plan of disposal for its Wire business in fiscal 2008, and on September 29, 2008, completed the sale of certain assets and liabilities associated with its Wire business. Included in discontinued operations for the six months ended March 28, 2009, the Company recognized net proceeds of $149.9 million and a net gain of $22.7 million, net of tax.

The following table reflects operating results of the Wire business discontinued operations for the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
March 29,
2008
   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 28,
2009
 
                         
Net revenue
  $ 105,559     $ -     $ 208,277     $ -  
                                 
Income (loss) before tax
  $ 5,318     $ -     $ 11,847     $ (319 )
Gain on sale of Wire business before tax
    -       -       -       23,524  
Income from discontinued operations before tax
    5,318       -       11,847       23,205  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    (560 )     -       2,240       (478 )
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
  $ 4,758     $ -     $ 14,087     $ 22,727  

The following table reflects the major classes of assets and liabilities associated with the Company’s Wire business discontinued operations as of September 27, 2008:

   
As of
 
(in thousands)
 
September 27, 2008
 
       
Accounts receivable, net
  $ 78,573  
Inventories, net
    48,907  
Other current assets
    478  
Plant, property and equipment, net
    3,053  
Goodwill
    29,684  
Other assets
    172  
Total assets of discontinued operations
    160,867  
Accounts payable
    32,275  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    2,136  
Other liabilities
    624  
Total liabilities of discontinued operations
    35,035  
Net assets of discontinued operations
  $ 125,832  
 
 
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The following table reflects cash flows associated with the Company’s discontinued operations for the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:

   
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
 
             
Cash flows provided by (used in):
           
Operating activities: Wire business
  $ (7,124 )   $ (319 )
Operating activities: Test business (sold in fiscal 2006) (1)
    (733 )     (899 )
Investing activities: Wire business
    (103 )     149,857  
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations
  $ (7,960 )   $ 148,639  

(1)  Represents facility-related costs associated with the Company’s former Test operations.

The Company owes Heraeus, the buyer of the Wire business, $1.9 million for certain working capital adjustments, and Heraeus owes the Company $0.1 million for certain transition services. These amounts are included in other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

NOTE 3 – COST REDUCTION PLAN

Due to deteriorating conditions in the global economy and projected weaker demand for the Company’s products and services, management determined that it was in the best interests of the Company to minimize cash usage and reduce employee compensation costs. Accordingly, the Company has committed to a plan to reduce its global workforce and during the first and second fiscal quarters of 2009, it announced the reduction of approximately 240 and 250 employees, respectively. These workforce reductions represent approximately 20% of total employees.

In addition, during the three months ended March 28, 2009, the Company announced employee wage reductions of 5% to 20% except for manufacturing direct labor employees. Direct labor employees had their work schedules reduced on a factory-by-factory basis according to manufacturing demand levels. Salary reductions were effective February 2009, subject to local labor regulations outside the U.S., and will continue until business conditions improve. Additionally, the Company suspended cash matching contributions to the Wedge bonder employees’ 401(k) retirement income plan.

Subsequent to quarter end on March 29, 2009, the Company committed to a plan to reduce its Israel workforce by approximately 170 employees over a period of approximately 18 months. As part of this workforce reduction plan, substantially all of the Company’s Israel-based manufacturing will be transferred to the Company’s manufacturing facilities in Suzhou, China. Management determined that it was in the best interests of the Company to reduce compensation and other costs by migrating production from Israel to China. The Company anticipates it will incur pre-tax expense of approximately $2.1 million primarily for severance and retention costs, and estimates its accrual for severance benefits to be approximately $1.6 million.

The following table reflects severance activity during the three and six months ended March 28, 2009:

(in thousands) 
 
Three months ended
March 28, 2009
   
Six months ended
March 28, 2009
 
             
Accrual for estimated severance and benefits, beginning of period
  $ 1,223     $ -  
Provision for severance and benefits  (1)
    4,163       6,748  
Payment of severance and benefits
    (2,966 )     (4,328 )
Accrual for estimated severance and benefits as of March 28, 2009  (2)
  $ 2,420     $ 2,420  
 
 
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(1) Provision for severance and benefits expense is included within selling, general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the three months ended March 28, 2009, of the $4.2 million severance expense, $3.1 million is attributable to the Company’s Equipment segment and $1.1 million to the Company’s Expendable Tools segment. For the six months ended March 28, 2009, of the $6.7 million severance expense, $4.6 million is attributable to the Company’s Equipment segment and $2.1 million to the Company’s Expendable Tools segment. Accrual for severance benefits does not include approximately $1.6 million related to the Israel workforce reduction announced on March 29, 2009 since their terminations occurred subsequent to quarter end.

(2) Accrual for estimated severance and benefits is included within accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

NOTE 4 – PURCHASE OF ORTHODYNE

On October 3, 2008, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and assumption of certain liabilities of Orthodyne pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”). The purchase price for Orthoydne consisted of approximately 7.1 million common shares with an estimated value at issuance of $46.2 million and $82.6 million in cash subject to working capital adjustments, which were settled during the three months ended March 28, 2009. Subject to certain limitations, Orthodyne agreed to indemnify the Company for breaches of Orthodyne's representations, warranties and covenants. A total of 15% of the purchase price was placed in escrow as partial security for Orthodyne's indemnification obligations under the Agreement. In addition, the Company agreed to pay Orthodyne up to an additional $40.0 million in cash based upon the gross profit realized by the acquired business over the next three years pursuant to an Earnout Agreement entered into between the Company and Orthodyne on July 31, 2008.  The former owners of Orthodyne are currently employed by the Company, although payment of the Earnout is not contingent upon their respective continued employment.

In accordance with SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations, the Company has accounted for the acquisition under the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, respective balances and the results of operations of Orthodyne, since the acquisition date, have been included in the Company’s interim Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company recorded the Wedge bonder intangible assets at fair market value. The preliminary allocation of the purchase price for this acquisition may change due to Earnout Agreement.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:

   
As of
 
(in thousands)
 
October 3, 2008
 
             
Accounts and notes receivable
  $ 22,240        
Inventories  (1)
    24,805        
Other current assets
    298        
Plant, property & equipment
    4,264        
Wedge bonder intangible assets  (see Note 5)
    59,600        
Other assets
    444        
Total assets acquired
          $ 111,651  
                 
Current liabilities
    (5,089 )        
Total liabilities assumed
            (5,089 )
                 
Net assets acquired
            106,562  
                 
Cost of Orthodyne  (2)
            133,260  
                 
Goodwill (see Note 5)
          $ 26,698  
 
(1) Includes adjustment of $1.8 million to record inventory at market value. As inventory is sold, the Company’s gross profit will reflect this market value adjustment.
 
(2) Consisted of: $82.6 million of cash, 7.1 million common shares with an estimated value at issuance of $46.2 million, final working capital adjustments and capitalized acquisition costs.

 
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The acquisition of Orthoydne occurred at the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal 2009; therefore, its results are included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three and six months ended March 28, 2009. The following table reflects pro forma unaudited operating results for the Company, assuming the acquisition of Orthodyne had occurred as of the beginning of each of the periods presented and including certain pro forma adjustments:

   
Three months ended
March 29, 2008
   
Six months ended
March 29, 2008
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
           
Unaudited
           
Net revenues
  $ 97,339     $ 251,736  
Gross profit
    42,856       111,247  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (13,559 )     261  
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax
  $ (8,581 )   $ 1,271  
                 
Income (loss) per share from continuing operations:
               
Basic
  $ (0.14 )   $ 0.02  
Diluted
  $ (0.14 )   $ 0.02  
                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
               
Basic
    60,501       60,441  
Diluted
    60,501       60,719  
 
NOTE 5 – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill

Intangible assets classified as goodwill are not amortized. The Company performs an annual impairment test of its goodwill at the end of the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, which coincides with the completion of its annual forecasting process. The Company performed its annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 and no impairment charge was required. The Company also tests for impairment between annual tests if a “triggering” event occurs that may have the effect of reducing the fair value of a reporting unit below their respective carrying values.

Due to the earlier than anticipated end of product life cycle for the Company’s EasyLine and SwissLine die bonders, during the three months ended March 28, 2009,  the Company concluded there was a triggering event and tested long-lived assets for impairment. The Company concluded there was no impairment for long-lived assets tested under SFAS 144 on an undiscounted basis; however, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $2.7 million and reduced the value of the die bonder goodwill to zero. When conducting its goodwill impairment analysis, the Company calculated its potential impairment charges based on the two-step test identified in SFAS 142 and using the estimated fair value of the respective reporting unit. The Company uses the present value of future cash flows from the respective reporting units to determine the estimated fair value of the reporting unit and the implied fair value of goodwill.

The following table reflects goodwill as of September 27, 2008 and March 28, 2009:

   
As of
 
(in thousands)
 
September 27, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
 
             
Equipment segment - wedge bonder
  $ -     $ 20,290  
Expendable Tools segment - wedge bonder
    -       6,408  
Equipment segment - die bonder
    2,709       -  
    $ 2,709     $ 26,698  

Goodwill related to the Company’s Wire business of $29.7 million as of September 27, 2008 is reflected in non-current assets of discontinued operations (see Note 4).

 
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Intangible Assets

Intangible assets with determinable lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The Company’s intangible assets consist primarily of wedge bonder developed technology and customer relationships and die bonder trademarks and developed technology.

The following table reflects the intangible asset balances as of September 27, 2008 and March 28, 2009:

   
As of
   
Average original 
estimated useful
 
(in thousands)
 
September 27, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
   
lives (in years)
 
Wedge bonder developed technology
  $ -     $ 33,200       7.0  
Wedge bonder customer relationships
    -       19,300       5.0  
Wedge bonder trade name
    -       4,600       8.0  
Wedge bonder other intangible assets
    -       2,500       1.9  
Accumulated amortization
    -       (5,472 )        
Net wedge bonder  (Note 4)
    -       54,128          
Die bonder trademarks and technology licenses
    767       767       4.5  
Accumulated amortization
    (381 )     (483 )        
Net die bonder
    386       284          
Net intangible assets
  $ 386     $ 54,412          

The following table reflects estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets as of March 28, 2009:
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
2009 (remaining for fiscal year)
  $ 5,544  
2010
    9,655  
2011
    9,646  
2012
    9,178  
2013
    9,178  
2014-2016
    11,211  
         
    $ 54,412  

 
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NOTE 6 – COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following table reflects the components of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
   
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
 
Net income (loss)    (1)
  $ (6,134 )   $ (33,143 )   $ 10,228     $ (28,659 )
Gain (loss) from foreign currency translation adjustments
    309       (143 )     1,205       (1,438 )
Unrealized gain on investments, net of taxes
    8       3       -       3  
Unrecognized actuarial net gain (loss), Switzerland pension plan
    1,467       (119 )     1,467       166  
Unrecognized actuarial net gain, U.S. pension plan
    -       -       153       -  
Reclassification adjustment related to U.S. pension plan termination, net of tax
    5,749       -       5,749       -  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 7,533     $ (259 )   $ 8,574     $ (1,269 )
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 1,399     $ (33,402 )   $ 18,802     $ (29,928 )

(1)  Includes continuing and discontinued operations.

The following table reflects accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 27, 2008 and March 28, 2009:

   
As of
 
(in thousands)
 
September 27, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
 
Gain (loss) from foreign currency translation adjustments
  $ 897     $ (541 )
Unrealized loss on investments, net of taxes
    (16 )     (13 )
Unrecognized actuarial net gain, net of taxes
    1,328       1,494  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
  $ 2,209     $ 940  

 
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NOTE 7 – BALANCE SHEET COMPONENTS

The following tables reflect the components of significant balance sheet accounts:

   
As of
 
(in thousands)
 
September 27, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
 
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments:
           
Cash, money market bank deposits and other cash equivalents
  $ 144,932     $ 127,607  
Restricted cash (1)
    35,000       281  
Short-term investments
    6,149       2,354  
    $ 186,081     $ 130,242  
Accounts and notes receivable, net:
               
Customer accounts receivable
  $ 57,997     $ 31,824  
Other accounts receivable
    22       2,443  
      58,019       34,267  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (1,376 )     (2,247 )
    $ 56,643     $ 32,020  
                 
Inventories, net (2):
               
Raw materials and supplies
  $ 18,708     $ 42,760  
Work in process
    8,328       9,260  
Finished goods
    6,697       9,198  
      33,733       61,218  
Inventory reserves
    (6,497 )     (12,915 )
    $ 27,236     $ 48,303  
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net (2):
               
Land
  $ 2,735     $ 2,735  
Buildings and building improvements
    14,361       14,039  
Leasehold improvements
    9,560       9,161  
Data processing and hardware equipment and software
    17,243       21,534  
Machinery and equipment
    42,571       46,053  
      86,470       93,522  
Accumulated depreciation
    (49,570 )     (53,881 )
    $ 36,900     $ 39,641  

 
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As of
 
(in thousands)
 
September 27, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
           
Wages and benefits
  $ 9,195     $ 7,824  
Inventory purchase commitment accruals
    2,663       3,483  
Severance  (3)
    1,530       3,281  
Professional fees and services
    1,610       2,466  
Short-term facility accrual related to discontinued operations (Test)  (4)
    1,403       1,923  
Payable to Heraeus (5)
    -       1,808  
Deferred rent
    1,264       1,292  
Sales and use tax payable
    -       1,174  
Customer advances
    1,543       966  
Other
    8,047       5,584  
    $ 27,255     $ 29,801  
                 
Other liabilities:
               
Long-term facility accrual related to discontinued operations (Test)  (4)
  $ 2,544     $ 3,726  
Post employment foreign severance obligations
    3,291       2,615  
Switzerland pension plan obligation
    2,500       2,162  
Operating lease retirement obligations
    1,822       1,624  
Long-term income taxes payable (see Note 11)
    26,691       -  
Other
    932       454  
    $ 37,780     $ 10,581  

(1) As of September 27, 2008, the Company’s restricted cash was used to support its gold financing arrangement, which was terminated upon the sale of the Wire business. As of March 28, 2009, the Company’s restricted cash was related to customs in China.
(2) Inventories, net and property, plant and equipment, net increased from September 27, 2008 to March 28, 2009 primarily due to the acquisition of Orthodyne.
(3) Total severance payable within the next twelve month and includes severance plan discussed in Note 3.
(4) Liabilities increased due to change in assumptions for closed Test facilities.
(5) Amounts owed to Heraeus for working capital adjustments.

 
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NOTE 8 – DEBT OBLIGATIONS

The following table reflects debt consisting of Convertible Subordinated Notes as of September 27, 2008 and March 28, 2009:
 
               
(in thousands)
 
               
As of
 
   
Payment Dates
 
Conversion
 
Maturity
 
September 27,
   
March 28
 
Rate
 
of each year
 
Price
 
Date
 
2008
   
2009
 
0.500%
 
May 30 and November 30
  $ 20.33  
Matured November 30, 2008
  $ 72,412     $ -  
1.000%
 
June 30 and December 30
  $ 12.84  
June 30, 2010
    65,000       48,964  
0.875%
 
June 1 and December 1
  $ 14.36  
June 1, 2012
    110,000       110,000  
                  $ 247,412     $ 158,964  

The following table reflects amortization expense related to issue costs from the Company’s Subordinated Convertible Notes for the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
March 29,
2008
   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29, 
2008
   
March 28,
2009
 
Amortization expense related to issue costs
  $ 378     $ 229     $ 756     $ 518  

The following table reflects the Company’s purchases of its Convertible Subordinated Notes for the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
   
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
 
0.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes (1):
                       
Face value purchased
  $ -     $ -     $ 4,000     $ 43,050  
Net cash
    -       -       3,815       42,839  
Deferred financing costs
    -       -       15       18  
Recognized gain, net of deferred financing costs
    -       -       170       193  
                                 
1.0% Convertible Subordinated Notes:  (2)
                               
Face value purchased
  $ -     $ 13,036     $ -     $ 16,036  
Net cash
    -       10,168       -       12,158  
Deferred financing costs
    -       82       -       106  
Recognized gain, net of deferred financing costs
    -       2,786       -       3,772  
Gain on early extinguishment of debt
  $ -     $ 2,786     $ 170     $ 3,965  

(1)  
Fiscal 2009 repurchase transactions occurred prior to redemption on November 30, 2008.
(2)  
Activity during the three months ended March 28, 2009 reflects repurchases pursuant to a tender offer.

 
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NOTE 9 - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Common stock

On October 3, 2008, in connection with the acquisition of Orthodyne, the Company issued approximately 7.1 million shares of its common stock valued at $46.2 million and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement covering the resale of those common shares on October 28, 2008. This registration statement became effective on November 3, 2008 (see Note 4).

401(k) Retirement Income Plan

The following table reflects the Company’s matching contributions to its 401(k) retirement income plan which were made in the form of issued and contributed shares of Company common stock during the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
   
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
 
Number of common shares
    74       177       108       273  
Fair value based upon market price at date of distribution
  $ 417     $ 288     $ 674     $ 492  

Equity-Based Compensation

As of March 28, 2009, the Company had eight equity-based employee compensation plans (the “Employee Plans”) and three director compensation plans (the “Director Plans”) (collectively, the “Plans”) under which stock options, share awards or common stock have been granted at 100% of the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. In general, stock options and time-based restricted stock awarded to employees vest annually over a three year period. Performance-based restricted stock entitles the employee to receive common shares of the Company on the three-year anniversary of the grant date (if employed by the Company) if return on invested capital and revenue growth targets set by the Management Development and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on the date of grant are met. If return on invested capital and revenue growth targets are not met, performance-based restricted stock does not vest. In accordance with the Plans, non-employee directors were granted common stock during the three and six months ended March 28, 2009.

The following table reflects stock options, restricted stock and common stock granted during the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(number of shares in thousands)
 
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
   
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
 
Performance-based restricted stock
    -       2       536       403  
Time-based restricted stock
    -       45       -       825  
Stock options
    17       15       940       154  
Common stock
    28       65       48       106  
Equity-based compensation in shares
    45       127       1,524       1,488  

 
20

 

The following table summarizes equity-based compensation expense (reversal of expense), by type of award, included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations during the three and months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:

    
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
   
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
 
Performance-based restricted stock
  $ 351     $ 25     $ 670     $ (1,537 )
Time-based restricted stock
    -       179       -       380  
Stock options
    684       334       2,429       843  
Common stock
    180       120       360       300  
Equity-based compensation expense
  $ 1,215     $ 658     $ 3,459     $ (14 )

In light of the deteriorating economic conditions that worsened in fiscal 2009, the Company reevaluated its revenue forecasts for fiscal 2009. In connection with the continuing global economic decline and its reduced revenue forecasts, during the first quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company determined that performance objectives for the performance-based restricted stock issued in fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2008 would not be attained at the previous estimated levels. By lowering estimated attainment percentages, total compensation expense for the performance-based restricted stock decreased and previously recorded compensation expense was reversed in accordance with SFAS 123R.

The following table reflects total equity-based compensation expense (reversal of expense), which includes stock options, restricted stock and common stock, included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations during the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:

    
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
   
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
 
Cost of sales
  $ 62     $ 28     $ 129     $ (1 )
Selling, general and administrative
    844       416       2,314       (251 )
Research and development
    309       214       1,016       238  
Equity-based compensation expense
  $ 1,215     $ 658     $ 3,459     $ (14 )

The following table summarizes the unrecognized equity-based compensation expense, by type of award:

   
As of
   
Average remaining 
 
(in thousands)
 
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
     contractual life in years  
Performance-based restricted stock
  $ 3,774     $ 438      
2.2
 
Time-based restricted stock
    -       1,931      
2.5
 
Stock options
    5,962       1,775      
1.5
 
Unrecognized equity-based compensation expense
  $ 9,736     $ 4,144          

 
21

 

NOTE 10 – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

U.S. Pension Plan
 
In February 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the termination of the Company’s non-contributory defined benefit pension plan (the “U.S. pension plan”). Participant benefits were not adversely impacted by this termination, and in July 2007, the Company made a $1.9 million cash contribution to fully fund the U.S. pension plan. The U.S. pension plan subsequently purchased a group annuity contract on a revocable basis, pending approval of the proposed plan termination by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”) and issuance of a favorable determination letter by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”).  The PBGC review period expired and on March 26, 2008, the Company received a favorable determination letter from the IRS. Accordingly, during fiscal 2008, the group annuity contract became irrevocable, a termination of the U.S. pension plan occurred, and the Company recognized one-time non-cash expense of $9.2 million, offset by a $3.5 million tax benefit, associated with recognizing unamortized actuarial losses.
 
There was no net periodic pension expense for the three and six months ending March 28, 2009 as the U.S. pension plan was terminated. The following table reflects net periodic pension expense for the three and six months ended March 29, 2008:
 
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
March 29, 2008
   
March 29, 2008
 
Interest expense
  $ 351     $ 702  
Amortization of net loss, including termination charge
    9,152       9,310  
Expected return on plan assets
    (351 )     (702 )
                 
Net periodic pension expense
  $ 9,152     $ 9,310  

Other U.S. Plans

The Company has a 401(k) retirement income plan for its employees.  This plan allows for employee contributions and matching Company contributions in varying percentages, depending on employee age and years of service, ranging from 50% to 175% of the employees’ contributions. The following table reflects the Company’s matching contributions to the 401(k) retirement income plan which were made in the form of issued and contributed shares of Company common stock during the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
   
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
 
Number of common shares
    74       177       108       273  
Fair value based upon market price at date of distribution
  $ 417     $ 288     $ 674     $ 492  

In addition to the 401(k) retirement income plan discussed above, the Company has a 401(k) retirement income plan for its Wedge bonder employees. Effective January 2009, to minimize cash usage during the current economic downturn, the Company suspended cash matching contributions to its Wedge bonder employees’ 401(k) retirement income plan. The following table reflects Wedge bonder employees’ 401(k) retirement income plan cash matching contributions:

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
March 28, 2009
   
March 28, 2009
 
Cash contributions to Wedge bonder employees' 401(k) retirement income plan
  $ -     $ 139  

 
22

 

Switzerland Pension Plan

Per Switzerland regulations, the Company sponsors a Switzerland pension plan covering active employees whose minimum benefits are guaranteed. This Switzerland pension plan has been funded to the legal requirement, and the Company is current in all required pension contributions.  However, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles of pension accounting, even though the Switzerland pension plan is fully funded for local statutory purposes, the Switzerland pension plan must be treated as an under-funded defined benefit plan for U.S. reporting, since the fair value of the plan’s assets is less than the plan’s projected benefit obligation.
 
The following table reflects the Switzerland net periodic pension expense for the three months and six months ended March 28, 2008 and March 29, 2009:
 
    
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
   
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
 
Service cost
  $ 192     $ 173     $ 428     $ 346  
Interest expense
    84       98       213       196  
Expected return on plan assets
    (93 )     (93 )     (206 )     (187 )
Amortization of net gain
    -       (12 )     (12 )     (24 )
Net periodic pension expense
  $ 183     $ 166     $ 423     $ 331  

NOTE 11 – INCOME TAXES

The following table reflects the provision (benefit) for income taxes and the effective tax rate from continuing operations for the six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:

    
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
 
Loss from continuing operations before taxes
  $ (3,848 )   $ (63,544 )
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    11       (12,158 )
                 
Loss from continuing operations
  $ (3,859 )   $ (51,386 )
                 
Effective tax rate
    -0.3 %     19.1 %

For the six months ended March 28, 2009, the effective income tax rate related to continuing operations differed from the federal statutory rate primarily due to: increases in the valuation allowance, state income taxes, tax from foreign operations, impact of tax holidays, decreases in deferred taxes for un-remitted earnings, and decreases in tax reserves.

 
23

 
 
For the six months ended March 29, 2008, the effective income tax rate related to continuing operations differed from the federal statutory rate primarily due to: decreases in the valuation allowance, Federal alternative minimum taxes, state income taxes, taxes from foreign operations, benefits related to tax holidays, various permanent items, increases in deferred taxes for unremitted earnings, the tax effect of the termination of the U.S. pension plan and increases in tax reserves.
 
In October 2007, the tax authority in Israel issued the Company a preliminary assessment of income tax, withholding tax and interest of $34.3 million (after adjusting for the impact of foreign currency fluctuations). The Company provided a non-current income tax liability for uncertain tax positions on its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 27, 2008 related to this assessment, as required under FIN 48. On December 24, 2008, the Company, through its Israel subsidiaries, entered into an agreement with the tax authority in Israel settling the tax dispute for approximately $12.5 million, which represented withholding taxes, income taxes, and interest. The settlement was paid during the Company’s second fiscal quarter. As a result of the Israel tax settlement, the Company recognized a $12.1 million benefit from income taxes through the six months ended March 28, 2009. The $12.1 million benefit was a result of reversing the liability for unrecognized tax benefits on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 27, 2008 that was in excess of the $12.5 million for which the matter was settled. The entire amount of the reversal impacted the Company’s effective tax rate as indicated above.

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) is in the initial stages of an income tax audit for the fiscal 2006 tax year. As of March 28, 2009, the IRS auditor has submitted an initial information request and the Company is in the process of responding to that request. No further information is available with respect to this audit.

 
24

 

NOTE 12 - SEGMENT INFORMATION

Fiscal 2009 segment information includes the Company’s Wedge bonder business acquired during fiscal 2009, which is included within both the Equipment and Expendable Tools segments. The following table reflects selected segment information for the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009 and as of September 27, 2008 and March 28, 2009:
 
   
Three months ending March 29, 2008
 
                    
    
Equipment
   
Expendable Tools
       
(in thousands)
 
Segment
   
Segment
   
Consolidated
 
Net revenue
  $ 57,560     $ 13,221     $ 70,781  
Cost of sales
    34,803       7,371       42,174  
Gross profit
    22,757       5,850       28,607  
Operating expenses
    27,486       7,925       35,411  
U.S. pension plan termination
    9,152       -       9,152  
Loss from operations
  $ (13,881 )   $ (2,075 )   $ (15,956 )
                         
   
Six months ending March 29, 2008
 
                          
    
Equipment
   
Expendable Tools
         
(in thousands)
 
Segment
   
Segment
   
Consolidated
 
Net revenue
  $ 165,018     $ 29,295     $ 194,313  
Cost of sales
    100,596       14,492       115,088  
Gross profit
    64,422       14,803       79,225  
Operating expenses
    60,760       14,334       75,094  
U.S. pension plan termination
    9,152       -       9,152  
Income (loss) from operations
  $ (5,490 )   $ 469     $ (5,021 )
                         
   
Three months ending March 28, 2009
 
                          
    
Equipment
   
Expendable Tools
         
(in thousands)
 
Segment
   
Segment
   
Consolidated
 
Net revenue
  $ 16,977     $ 8,255     $ 25,232  
Cost of sales
    12,564       4,623       17,187  
Gross profit
    4,413       3,632       8,045  
Operating expenses
    34,981       6,113       41,094  
Impairment of goodwill
    2,709       -       2,709  
Loss from operations
  $ (33,277 )   $ (2,481 )   $ (35,758 )
                         
   
Six months ending March 28, 2009
 
                          
    
Equipment
   
Expendable Tools
         
(in thousands)
 
Segment
   
Segment
   
Consolidated
 
Net revenue
  $ 40,636     $ 22,012     $ 62,648  
Cost of sales
    29,221       11,454       40,675  
Gross profit
    11,415       10,558       21,973  
Operating expenses
    73,714       12,632       86,346  
Impairment of goodwill
    2,709       -       2,709  
Loss from operations
  $ (65,008 )   $ (2,074 )   $ (67,082 )
                         
                         
   
Equipment
   
Expendable Tools
         
(in thousands)
 
Segment
   
Segment
   
Consolidated
 
                         
Segment Assets as of September 27, 2008
  $ 215,953     $ 120,317     $ 336,270  
                         
Segment Assets as of March 28, 2009
  $ 253,002     $ 97,442     $ 350,444  

 
25

 

NOTE 13 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic net income (loss) per share is calculated using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share assumes the exercise of stock options and the conversion of convertible securities to common shares unless the inclusion of these will have an anti-dilutive impact on net income (loss) per share. In addition, in computing diluted net income (loss) per share, if convertible securities are assumed to be converted to common shares, the after-tax amount of interest expense recognized in the period associated with the convertible securities is added back to net income.

Due to the Company’s loss from continuing operations for the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009, conversion of Convertible Subordinated Notes and the related after-tax interest expense was not assumed since the effect would have been anti-dilutive. In addition, due to the Company’s loss from continuing operations for the periods presented, potentially dilutive shares were not assumed since the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Diluted EPS excludes the effect of the conversion of the 0.875% Convertible Subordinated Notes since the 0.875% Convertible Subordinated Notes would not result in the issuance of any dilutive shares since the conversion option was not “in the money” as of March 29, 2008 or as of March 28, 2009.

The following table reflects the number of potentially dilutive shares which were excluded from diluted EPS, as their inclusion was anti-dilutive:
    
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
   
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
 
Potentially dilutive shares related to:
                       
Stock options
    7,232       6,616       7,188       6,769  
Performance-based and time-based restricted stock
    -       -       3       -  
Convertible Subordinated Notes
    8,624       4,572       8,624       5,467  
      15,856       11,188       15,815       12,236  

NOTE 14 – GUARANTOR OBLIGATIONS, COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND
                      CONCENTRATIONS

 The following table reflects guarantees under standby letters of credit as of March 28, 2009:

       
(in thousands)
 
        
Maximum obligation
 
Nature of guarantee
 
Term of guarantee
 
under guarantee
 
Security for payment of employee health benefits
 
Expires October 2009
    38  
Security for payment of employee worker compensation benefits
 
Expires October 2009
    95  
Security for customs bond
 
Expires July 2009
    100  
Security for payment of employee health benefits
 
Expires June 2009
    1,170  
        $ 1,403  

Guarantor Obligations

The Company has issued standby letters of credit for employee benefit programs and a customs bond.

Warranty Expense

The Company’s products are generally shipped with a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects and the Company does not offer extended warranties in the normal course of its business. The Company establishes reserves for estimated warranty expense when revenue for the related equipment is recognized. The reserve for estimated warranty expense is based upon historical experience and management’s estimate of future expenses.

 
26

 

The following table reflects product warranties included in accrued expenses for the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
March 29, 
2008
   
March 28, 
2009
   
March 29, 
2008
   
March 28,
2009
 
                         
Reserve for product warranty, beginning of period
  $ 1,754     $ 782     $ 1,975     $ 918  
Provision for product warranty
    222       297       784       981  
Product warranty costs paid
    (568 )     (511 )     (1,351 )     (1,331 )
Reserve for product warranty, end of period
  $ 1,408     $ 568     $ 1,408     $ 568  

Concentrations

The following table reflects significant customer concentrations as of and for the six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:
   
Six Months Ended
 
    
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
 
Customer net revenue as a percentage of Net Revenue
           
             
ST Microelectronics
    16.3 %     -  
Advanced Semiconductor Engineering
    15.6 %     -  
                 
   
As of
 
   
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
 
                 
Customer accounts receivable as a percentage of Total Accounts Receivable
               
                 
ST Microelectronics
    16.70 %     -  
First Technology China Limited
    -       16.3 %

No other customer accounted for more than 10% of net revenue or total accounts receivable as of or for the six months ended March 29, 2008 or March 28, 2009.

NOTE 15 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In connection with the Company’s acquisition of Orthodyne, a subsidiary of the Company entered into a real property lease agreement with OE Holdings, Inc. which, with Gregg Kelly and its other stockholders, is a more than 5% stockholder of the Company. Gregg Kelly is the President of the Company’s wedge bonding division. The lease agreement dated as of October 3, 2008, has a five-year term with a five-year renewal option. Rent is $124,369 per month in the first year and increases 3.0% per year thereafter. If exercised, rent during the renewal term will be at fair market value. The Company is guaranteeing the obligations of its subsidiary under the lease agreement.

 
27

 

Item 2.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, this filing contains statements relating to future events or our future results. These statements are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and are subject to the safe harbor provisions created by statute. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to our future revenue, product development, demand forecasts, competitiveness, operating expenses, cash flows and liquidity, profitability, gross margins, product prices, and benefits expected as a result of (among other factors):

·  
projected demand in the overall semiconductor industry, the semiconductor assembly equipment market, and the market for semiconductor expendable tools; and
·  
projected demand for ball, wedge and die bonder equipment.

Generally, words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “plan,” “continue,” “goal” and “believe,” or the negative of or other variations on these and other similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this filing. We do not undertake to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties and our future results could differ significantly from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those described below and under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended September 27, 2008 and our other reports and registration statements filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes included in this report, as well as our audited financial statements included in the Annual Report.

We operate in a rapidly changing and competitive environment. New risks emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all risks that may affect us. Future events and actual results, performance and achievements could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by or underlying the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they were made. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect actual results or changes in, or additions to, the factors affecting such forward-looking statements. Given those risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as prediction of actual results.

OVERVIEW

Unless otherwise indicated, amounts provided throughout this Form 10-Q relate to continuing operations only and accordingly do not include amounts attributable to our Wire business, which was sold on September 29, 2008. Beginning in fiscal 2009, our Packaging Materials segment was renamed Expendable Tools.

Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc. (the “Company” or “K&S”) designs, manufactures and markets capital equipment and expendable tools as well as services, maintains, repairs and upgrades equipment, all used to assemble semiconductor devices. Our customers primarily consist of Integrated Device Manufacturers (“IDM”) and subcontractor assembly facilities. According to VLSI Research, Inc. (“VLSI”), we are currently the world’s leading supplier of semiconductor ball bonder and wedge bonder assembly equipment.

Our goal is to be the technology leader and the lowest cost supplier in our main business segments which are:

·  
  equipment, and;
·  
  expendable tools.

Accordingly, we invest in research and engineering projects intended to enhance our position at the leading edge of semiconductor assembly technology. We also remain focused on our cost structure, consolidating operations, moving certain manufacturing to Asia, moving a portion of our supply chain to lower cost suppliers and designing higher performing, lower cost equipment. Cost reduction efforts are an important part of our normal ongoing operations, and are expected to generate efficiencies while maintaining overall product quality.

 
28

 

Our equipment business is cyclical, highly volatile and dependent on semiconductor manufacturers’ expectation of capacity requirements for future integrated circuit (“IC”) demand, as well as their demand for new semiconductor manufacturing technologies. Accordingly, our business is affected by fluctuations in global economic conditions and related effects on the semiconductor industry. Volatility in our equipment business is further influenced by the relative mix of IDM and subcontractor customers in any period, since subcontractors tend to purchase larger volumes in less predictable patterns. Variance in the mix of sales to IDMs and subcontractors can also affect our average selling price due to differences in volume purchases and machine configurations required by each type of customer.

Our expendable tools business tends to be less volatile than our equipment business, since sales of expendable tools products represent consumable purchases for our customers. Accordingly, these volumes follow the overall trend of total semiconductor interconnect unit production.

Current industry forecasts from VLSI indicate that IC unit demand will decline approximately 20% in calendar 2009, the first year-on-year contraction in IC unit demand since 2001. During our second fiscal quarter of 2009, continued weakness in the global economy and its effect on IC unit demand negatively impacted our business and financial performance for the period. To align our cost structure to current economic conditions, we took the following actions:

·  Further headcount reductions in addition to those announced during the first quarter of fiscal 2009;
·  Cancellation of salary increases scheduled for January 1, 2009 and reduction of employee wages by 5% to 20% based upon salary level effective February 2009, and;
·  Subsequent to quarter end, we committed to a plan to transfer substantially all of our Israel manufacturing to our facility in Suzhou, China. We determined that it was in our best interests to reduce compensation and other costs by migrating production from Israel to China.

Due to the earlier than anticipated end of product life cycle for our EasyLine and SwissLine die bonders, during the three months ended March 28, 2009, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $2.7 million and reduced the value of our die bonder goodwill to zero.
 
Toward the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2009, we began to see improvement in our customers’ capacity utilization, followed by increases in order activity for expendable tools and ball bonders. These positive signs have continued into the third quarter of fiscal 2009. Accordingly, for the quarter ending June 27, 2009, we expect net revenue to be approximately $32.0 - $37.0 million; however, accurate forecasting in the current business environment remains extremely difficult and there can be no assurances regarding levels of demand for our products. Additionally, we believe historical industry-wide volatility will persist.
 
During our first fiscal quarter of 2009, we completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and assumption of certain liabilities of Orthodyne Electronics Corporation (“Orthodyne”). Orthodyne is the leading supplier of both wedge bonders and wedges (the consumable product used in wedge bonding) for the power management and hybrid module markets. In connection with the Orthodyne acquisition, we issued 7.1 million common shares with an estimated value at issuance of $46.2 million and paid $82.6 million in cash plus working capital adjustments. As a result, goodwill of $26.7 million was recorded related to our acquisition of Orthodyne.
 
In addition, during our first fiscal quarter of 2009, we completed the sale of our Wire business for gross proceeds of $155.0 million to W.C. Heraeus GmbH (“Heraeus”).  Our Wire business had been previously reported within our Packaging Materials (renamed Expendable Tools) segment, but is now reported as discontinued operations. The gain on the sale of our Wire business was $22.7 million, net of tax.

 
29

 
Products and Services

We offer a range of bonding equipment and expendable tools. The following table reflects net revenue by business segment for the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009, respectively:

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
   
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
 
   
Net Revenues
   
% of Total
Revenue
   
Net
Revenues
   
% of Total 
Revenue
   
Net
Revenues
   
% of Total
Revenue
   
Net
Revenues
   
% of Total
Revenue
 
Equipment
  $ 57,560       81 %   $ 16,977       67 %   $ 165,018       85 %   $ 40,636       65 %
Expendable Tools
    13,221       19 %     8,255       33 %     29,295       15 %     22,012       35 %
    $ 70,781       100 %   $ 25,232       100 %   $ 194,313       100 %   $ 62,648       100 %

Equipment
 
We manufacture and market a line of ball bonders, wedge bonders and die bonders which are sold to many of the same customers. Ball bonders are used to connect very fine wires, typically made of gold or copper, between the bond pads of the semiconductor device, or die, and the leads on its package. Ball bonders are capable of performing very fine pitch bonding as well as creating the sophisticated wire loop shapes that are needed in the assembly of advanced semiconductor packages. Wedge bonders use aluminum wire or ribbon to interconnect semiconductor chips in discrete power packages as well as to interconnect power semiconductors and package leads within hybrid and automotive modules for products such as motor control modules or inverters for hybrid cars. Die bonders are used to attach a die to the package which will house the semiconductor device.

Ball bonding using copper wire, rather than gold wire, continues to grow across a wide range of packaging applications. Our collaborative development program involving both our customers and suppliers of technology drives this growth.  Our program develops robust, high yielding production processes both upstream and downstream of ball bonding, and has contributed to our leadership position in copper wire bonding.
 
We believe our equipment offers competitive advantages by providing customers with high productivity/throughput and superior package quality/process control. Our principal products include:
 
Business Unit
 
Product Name
 
Served Market
         
Ball bonder
 
IConn-Power Series
 
Advanced packaging, copper bonding, ultra fine pitch
   
ConnX-Power Series
 
Cost performance, low pin count
   
ConnX-VLED-Power Series
 
LED applications
   
AT Premier
 
Stud bumper
         
Die bonder
 
iStack-Power Series
 
Advanced stack die, ball grid array
         
Wedge bonder
 
3600 Plus / 7200 Plus
 
Power hybrid, semiconductor
   
7600 Series
 
Smaller power packages
 
During our second quarter of fiscal 2009, we formally launched iStackPSTM  — our next generation die bonding platform for advanced stacked die and high-performance ball grid array (“BGA”) applications. iStack, developed under the project name Discovery, includes a number of innovative features that increase bonding speed, accuracy, and reliability. iStack is capable of delivering up to 30% productivity increases over the current generation of competing die bonder products. Our Power Series line of leading-edge bonding equipment now includes iStack,  ICONNPSTM and CONNXPSTM. Power Series products set new standards for performance and ease of use which reduces our customers’ cost of ownership.

 
30

 

Ball Bonders

Automatic ball bonders represent a significant portion of our semiconductor equipment business. As part of our competitive strategy, we seek to continually improve our models and periodically introduce new or improved models of our ball bonders. Each new or improved model is designed to increase both productivity and process capability compared to the predecessor model.
 
Our Power Series IConnPS ball bonders provide market leading IC interconnect performance for advanced packaging, copper wire bonding and ultra fine pitch capabilities. During the second quarter of fiscal 2009, we launched the ConnX-VLEDPSTM automatic ball bonder —an extension of our ConnXPSTM ball bonder designed specifically for vertical LED applications. Devices bonded with a vertical orientation of the lead frame include high brightness and high-power LED lamps. With the launch of ConnX-VLED, we now offer an excellent cost/performance bonding solution for the entire spectrum of LED applications. The LED market has been one of the bright spots in the semiconductor industry recently, as interest in energy-saving lighting solutions remains strong even amid the current economic weakness. We believe extending the technology leadership of ConnX to cover the full range of LED applications will help position us to grow with this market as energy efficient LED solutions become commonplace.

The improvement in productivity and technical performance of the Power Series bonders translates into lower cost of ownership for our customers, and gives us a competitive advantage. Our strategy includes continuing to expand the Power Series by developing new variants of the Iconn and the ConnX, each optimized for selected high growth applications such as the LED market.
 
Die Bonders

We utilize the same competitive strategy for our die bonders as we use for our ball bonder business, including developing new models which improve the productivity and capability of the die bonders as well as increases the size of the served available market for our products.
 
During the second fiscal quarter of 2009, we formally launched iStackPSTM our next generation die bonding platform for advanced stacked die and high-performance ball grid array (“BGA”) applications. iStack was developed under the project name Discovery, and will allow us to compete aggressively in the growing advanced packaging/stacked die market space. iStack is capable of delivering up to 30% productivity increases over the current generation of die bonding products. We will conduct a series of customer evaluations of iStack over the next few months. We expect iStack to reset the standards in die bonding for its targeted applications and to increase our share of the overall die bonding market.
 
We announced the end of life of both our Easyline and Swissline series of Die Bonders during the second quarter of fiscal 2009.
 
Wedge Bonders
 
As a result of the Orthodyne acquisition, we are now the leaders in the design and manufacture of wedge bonders for the power semiconductor and power hybrid module markets. Wedge bonders use wire or ribbon bonds to attach high-current-capacity aluminum wire to power semiconductors in discrete power devices or in modules, such as inverters for hybrid cars or alternative energy solutions. Wedge bonding also attach large-diameter wire to semiconductors when packaging or reliability constraints do not allow the use of ball bonding.

 
31

 

Our portfolio of wedge bonding products includes:

·           The 3600plus and 7200plus wedge bonders — leading choices for power interconnects in both the power hybrid and semiconductor markets;

·           The 7600 series wedge bonderthe 7600 wedge bonder was introduced at SEMICON events in March of 2009. This product is targeted primarily at the market for small power packages and will extend our product portfolio to include reel-to-reel type applications, and;

·           PowerRibbon®a leading-edge interconnect for power packages. PowerRibbon uses a flat ribbon, rather than a round wire, and is continuing to gain acceptance in the market for small power packages and automotive high current applications. PowerRibbon is available to our customers as a retrofit kit for existing wedge bonders, or supplied to them on new wedge bonder equipment. Further extension of our PowerRibbon range towards both larger and smaller sizes is expected to continue throughout 2009.

Other Equipment Products and Services

We also sell smaller equipment product lines which include: manual wire bonders, manual wedge bonders and studbumper bonders.

In addition to the above equipment products, through our Support Services, we offer spare parts, equipment repair and training services, and upgrades.  Support Services provides various after market support for our customers as well as stable revenue than our traditional businesses as Support Services grows with our installed base.
 
Expendable Tools
 
We offer a variety of expendable tools developed for a broad range of semiconductor packaging applications, such as:

·           Capillaries – capillaries are ceramic bonding tools through which wire is threaded. The capillary’s predefined dimension and design allows for precise control of the ball bonding process responses, such as the bonded ball diameter and height.
·           Wedge tools – wedge bonders use wedge tools to guide the wire, transfer energy for bonding, and form the loop in the wire. Wedge tools are used with both ribbon and wire. We offer wedge tools for both our traditional K&S customers as well as our Wedge bonder customers.
·           Wafer saw blades - cut silicon wafers into individual semiconductor die.

In addition to these expendable tools, we also provide various other tools including; precision wire guides, cutter blades, clamp tooling as well as other customized micro tools.

 
32

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Revenue

Our customers are primarily located in or have operations in the Asia/Pacific region. Approximately 96.4% and 96.2% of our net revenue for the three months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009, respectively, was to customer locations outside of the United States, and we expect sales outside of the United States to continue to represent a substantial majority of our future revenue.  Likewise, approximately 96.6% and 93.4% of our net revenue for the six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009, respectively, was to customer locations outside of the United States.

The following table reflects net revenue by business segment for the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:
 
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
March 29,
2008
   
March 28,
2009
   
$ Change
   
% Change
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 28,
2009
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Equipment
  $ 57,560     $ 16,977     $ (40,583 )     -70.5 %   $ 165,018     $ 40,636     $ (124,382 )     -75.4 %
Expendable Tools
    13,221       8,255       (4,966 )     -37.6 %     29,295       22,012       (7,283 )     -24.9 %
    $ 70,781     $ 25,232     $ (45,549 )     -64.4 %   $ 194,313     $ 62,648     $ (131,665 )     -67.8 %

Equipment

The following table reflects the components of Equipment net revenue change between the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:

   
March 29, 2008 vs. March 28, 2009
 
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
Price
   
Volume
   
Orthodyne
   
$ Change
   
Price
   
Volume
   
Orthodyne
   
$ Change
 
Equipment
  $ (687 )   $ (43,325 )   $ 3,429     $ (40,583 )   $ (547 )   $ (134,534 )   $ 10,699     $ (124,382 )
 
For the three months ended March 28, 2009, lower Equipment net revenue was due to a 90.3% decrease in volume for ball bonders and 50.4% decrease in Support Services revenue. As overall consumer demand for electronic equipment has declined, so has the factory utilization of our subcontractor and IDM customers. Accordingly, demand for semiconductor capital equipment has decreased and our sales volume has declined. The volume decrease was partially offset by net revenue from our Wedge bonder Equipment business acquired during fiscal 2009. Prices were lower in our ball bonder business due to customer mix as well as product mix.  We still sold a large mix of our Maxum Ultra and Maxum Elite ball bonders in the quarter ended March 28, 2009. As these machines move towards the end of their product life cycle, we realize lower selling prices than one year earlier.

For the six months ended March 28, 2009, lower Equipment net revenue was due to a 93.4% decrease in volume for ball bonders and 38.4% decrease in sales for Support Services. As overall consumer demand for electronic equipment has declined, so has the factory utilization of our subcontractor and IDM customers. Accordingly, demand for semiconductor capital equipment has decreased and as a result, volume has declined for our Equipment segment. The overall volume decrease was partially offset by net revenue from our Wedge bonder Equipment business acquired during fiscal 2009. The higher volume for the six months ended March 29, 2008 was driven by increased demand from the graphic and communications market of which we sold a high mix of machines to subcontractors.

 
33

 

Expendable Tools

The following table reflects the components of Expendable Tools net revenue change between the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:

   
March 29, 2008 vs. March 28, 2009
 
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
Price
   
Volume
   
Orthodyne
   
$ Change
   
Price
   
Volume
   
Orthodyne
   
$ Change
 
Expendable Tools
  $ 227     $ (7,579 )   $ 2,386     $ (4,966 )   $ 131     $ (14,250 )   $ 6,836     $ (7,283 )

Expendable Tools net revenue for the three months ended March 28, 2009 was lower primarily due to volume decreases in both our Tools and Blades businesses. Since Expendable Tools products are consumables used for the connections of IC units, as overall consumer demand for electronic equipment has declined, so has the demand for IC units. As a result, volume has declined for our Expendable Tools segment. Tools volumes decreased 57.0%, while Blades volumes decreased 59.1%. The volume decrease was somewhat offset by net revenue from our wedge bonder Tools business acquired during fiscal 2009. Wedge bonder tools average selling prices increased 2.7% as a result of change in customer mix. Blades average selling prices increased 4.7% due to a change in product mix.

Expendable Tools net revenue for the six months ended March 28, 2009 was lower primarily due to volume decreases in both our Tools and Blades businesses. Since Expendable Tools products are consumables used for the connections of IC units, as overall consumer demand for electronic equipment has declined, so has the demand for IC units. As a result, volume has declined for our Expendable Tools segment. Tools volumes decreased 48.8%, while Blades volumes decreased 47.7%. The volume decrease was somewhat offset by net revenue from our wedge bonder Tools business acquired during fiscal 2009.

Gross Profit

The following table reflects gross profit by business segment for the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 28,
2009
   
$ Change
   
%
Change
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 28,
2009
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Equipment
  $ 22,757     $ 4,413     $ (18,344 )     -80.6 %   $ 64,422     $ 11,415     $ (53,007 )     -82.3 %
Expendable Tools
    5,850       3,632       (2,218 )     -37.9 %     14,803       10,558       (4,245 )     -28.7 %
Total
  $ 28,607     $ 8,045     $ (20,562 )     -71.9 %   $ 79,225     $ 21,973     $ (57,252 )     -72.3 %
Total Gross Profit
    40.4 %     31.9 %                     40.8 %     35.1 %                
 
The following table reflects gross profit as a percentage of net revenue by business segment for the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009.
 
   
Three months ended
   
Percentage
   
Six months months ended
   
Percentage
 
   
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
   
Point Change
   
March 29, 2008
   
March 29, 2009
   
Point Change
 
Equipment
    39.5 %     26.0 %     -13.5 %     39.0 %     28.1 %     -10.9 %
Expendable Tools
    44.2 %     44.0 %     -0.3 %     50.5 %     48.0 %     -2.6 %
Total
    40.4 %     31.9 %     -8.5 %     40.8 %     35.1 %     -5.7 %
 
 
34

 

Equipment

The following table reflects the components of Equipment gross profit change between the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:


   
March 29, 2008 vs. March 28, 2009
 
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
Price
   
Cost
   
Volume/Mix
   
Orthodyne
   
Change
   
Price
   
Cost
   
Volume/Mix
   
Orthodyne
   
Change
 
Equipment
  $ (687 )   $ (198 )   $ (17,099 )   $ 807     $ (17,177 )   $ (547 )   $ (985 )   $ (52,694 )   $ 2,386     $ (51,840 )

For the three months ended March 28, 2009, gross profit declined mainly due to decreases in volume for Ball Bonders and sales for Support Services. These volume declines are mainly due to deterioration in global demand for assembly equipment due to the global economic crisis. As overall consumer demand for electronic equipment has declined, so has the factory utilization of our subcontractor and IDM customers. Accordingly demand for semiconductor capital equipment has decreased. As a result, volume has declined for our Equipment segment.  The decrease in gross profit was partially offset by gross profit from our Wedge bonder Equipment business acquired during fiscal 2009.

For the six months ended March 28, 2009, gross profit declined mainly due to decreases in volume for ball bonders and sales for Support Services. As overall consumer demand for electronic equipment has declined, so has the factory utilization of our subcontractor and IDM customers. Accordingly demand for semiconductor capital equipment has decreased. As a result, volume has declined for our Equipment segment. The decrease in gross profit was partially offset by gross profit from our Wedge bonder Equipment business acquired during fiscal 2009. The decrease in the gross profit margin over the three to six month period is primarily due to fixed manufacturing costs that could not be absorbed by our lower volumes.

Expendable Tools

The following table reflects the components of Expendable Tools gross profit change between the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 29, 2009:

   
March 29, 2008 vs. March 28, 2009
 
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
Price
   
Cost
   
Volume/Mix
   
Orthodyne
   
Change
   
Price
   
Cost
   
Volume/Mix
   
Orthodyne
   
Change
 
Expendable Tools
  $ 227     $ (547 )   $ (3,347 )   $ 1,606     $ (2,061 )   $ 131     $ (1,482 )   $ (7,209 )   $ 4,500     $ (4,060 )

For the three months ended March 28, 2009, Expendable Tools gross profit decreased mainly due to lower volume in both our Tools and Blades businesses as the global economic crisis caused a fall in the demand for Expendable Tools. Since Expendable Tools products are consumables used for the connections of IC units, as overall consumer demand for electronic equipment has declined, so has the demand for IC units. As a result, volume has declined for our Expendable Tools segment. Tools volume decreased 57.0%, while Blades volume decreased 59.1%. The gross profit decrease for Tools and Blades was somewhat offset by net revenue from our Wedge bonder Tools business acquired during fiscal 2009. The decrease in the gross profit margin was primarily due to fixed manufacturing costs not being fully absorbed by the lower volumes.

For the six months ended March 28, 2009, Expendable Tools gross profit decreased mainly due to lower volume in both our Tools and Blades businesses as the global economic crisis caused a fall in the demand for Expendable Tools. Since Expendable Tools products are consumables used for the connections of IC units, as overall consumer demand for electronic equipment has declined, so has the demand for IC units. As a result, volume has declined for our Expendable Tools segment. Tools volume decreased 48.8%, while Blades volume decreased 47.7%. The volume decrease for Tools and Blades was somewhat offset by net revenue from our Wedge bonder Tools business acquired during fiscal 2009. The decrease in the gross profit margin was primarily due to fixed manufacturing costs not being fully absorbed by the lower volumes.
 
35

 
Operating Expenses

The following table reflects operating expenses during the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:
 
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
March 29,
2008
   
March 28,
2009
   
$ Change
   
%
Change
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 28,
2009
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Selling, general and administrative
  $ 19,721     $ 27,836     $ 8,115       41.1 %   $ 44,872     $ 57,688     $ 12,816       28.6 %
Research and development
    15,690       13,258       (2,432 )     -15.5 %     30,222       28,658       (1,564 )     -5.2 %
Impariment of goodwill
    -       2,709       2,709       100.0 %     -       2,709       2,709       100.0 %
U.S. pension plan termination
    9,152       -       (9,152 )     -100.0 %     9,152       -       (9,152 )     -100.0 %
Total
  $ 44,563     $ 43,803     $ (760 )     -1.7 %   $ 84,246     $ 89,055     $ 4,809       5.7 %
 
The following table reflects operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue:

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
March 29, 
2008
   
March 28,
2009
   
% Change
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 28,
2009
   
% Change
 
Selling, general and administrative
    27.9 %     110.3 %     82.5 %     23.1 %     92.1 %     69.0 %
Research and development
    22.2 %     52.5 %     30.4 %     15.6 %     45.7 %     30.2 %
Impairment of goodwill
    0.0 %     10.7 %     10.7 %     0.0 %     4.3 %     4.3 %
U.S. pension plan termination
    12.9 %     0.0 %     -12.9 %     4.7 %     0.0 %     -4.7 %
Total
    63.0 %     173.6 %     110.6 %     43.4 %     142.2 %     98.8 %
 
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”)

The increase of $8.1 million for the three months ending March 28, 2009 as compared to the same period last year was primarily due to:
 
·
$6.9 million of expense related to Wedge bonder business acquired during fiscal 2009 of which $2.7 million was amortization of intangible assets;
 
·
$4.2 million of resizing expense related to a February 2009 headcount reduction;
 
·
$0.9 million of lower foreign currency exchange gains.

These increases in SG&A expenses were partially offset by $3.0 million of lower operating expenses due to overall cost reductions and $0.6 million of lower equity-based compensation expense.

 
36

 

The SG&A increase of $12.8 million during the six months ended March 28, 2009 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to:
 
·
$14.2 million of expense related to our Wedge bonder business acquired during fiscal 2009 of which $5.5 million was amortization of intangible assets; 
 
·
$6.7 million of resizing expense related to headcount reductions;
 
·
$2.6 million expense related to contractual commitments for former Test facilities, and;
 
·
$2.2 million of legal expense.

These increases in SG&A were partially offset by:
 
·
$5.9 million of overall cost reductions;
 
·
$5.6 million lower incentive compensation and equity-based compensation expense, and;
 
·
$1.9 million of foreign currency exchange gains.
 
Research and development (“R&D”)

R&D expense decreased for the three and six months ending March 28, 2009 by $2.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively. The decrease for the three months ended March 28, 2009 was mostly attributable to $5.1 million in reductions mostly related to our Equipment businesses with the recent releases of our latest ball bonder and die bonder product platforms. These cost reductions were partially offset by $2.7 million of R&D costs related to our Wedge bonder business acquired during the current fiscal year.

The decrease for the six months ended March 28, 2009 was mostly attributable to $7.1 million in reductions mostly related to our Equipment businesses with the recent releases of our latest ball bonder and die bonder product platforms. These cost reductions were partially offset by $5.5 million of R&D costs related to our Wedge bonder business acquired during the current fiscal year.

Impairment of Goodwill

Due to the earlier than anticipated end of product life cycle for our EasyLine and SwissLine die bonders, during the three months ended March 28, 2009, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $2.7 million and reduced the value of the die bonder goodwill to zero.

U.S. Pension Plan termination

For the three and six months ending March 29, 2008, operating expenses included a one-time, non-cash expense of $9.2 million related to the termination of our U.S. pension plan.

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations

The following table reflects business segment income (loss) from continuing operations for the three months and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:
 
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
March 29,
2008
   
% of net
revenue
   
March 28,
2009
   
% of net
revenue
   
March 29,
2008
   
% of net
revenue
   
March 28,
2009
   
% of net
revenue
 
Equipment
  $ (13,881 )     -24.1 %   $ (33,277 )     -196.0 %   $ (5,490 )     -3.3 %   $ (65,008 )     -160.0 %
Expendable Tools
    (2,075 )     -15.7 %     (2,481 )     -30.1 %     469       1.6 %     (2,074 )     -9.4 %
Total
  $ (15,956 )     -22.5 %   $ (35,758 )     -141.7 %   $ (5,021 )     100.0 %   $ (67,082 )     106.8 %

 
37

 

Equipment

Our higher Equipment segment loss from continuing operations for both the three and six months ended March 28, 2009 as compared to prior periods was primarily due to lower sales volume reflecting a decline in global demand for assembly equipment due to the global economic crisis. As overall consumer demand for electronic equipment has declined, so has the factory expansion of our subcontractor and IDM customers, accordingly demand for semiconductor capital equipment has decreased. As a result, volume has declined for our Equipment segment. In addition, due to the earlier than anticipated end of product life cycle for our EasyLine and SwissLine die bonders, during the three months ended March 28, 2009, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $2.7 million and reduced the value of the die bonder goodwill to zero.

Expendable Tools

Lower gross profit for all periods presented is due to the reduction in consumer demand for electronic equipment which has decreased the demand of IC units and therefore the demand of our expendable tools products. We have been able to offset a large portion of these lower gross margins with decreases in operating expenses. Operating expenses were reduced $3.7 million for the three months ended March 28, 2009 compared to the three months ended March 29, 2008, and were lower by $5.5 million for the six months ended March 28, 2009 as compared to the prior year period.

Gain on Extinguishment of Debt

The following table reflects purchases of our Convertible Subordinated Notes for the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
   
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
 
0.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes (1):
                       
Face value purchased
  $ -     $ -     $ 4,000     $ 43,050  
Net cash
    -       -       3,815       42,839  
Deferred financing costs
    -       -       15       18  
Recognized gain, net of deferred financing costs
    -       -       170       193  
                                 
1.0% Convertible Subordinated Notes:  (2)
                               
Face value purchased
  $ -     $ 13,036     $ -     $ 16,036  
Net cash
    -       10,168       -       12,158  
Deferred financing costs
    -       82       -       106  
Recognized gain, net of deferred financing costs
    -       2,786       -       3,772  
Gain on early extinguishment of debt
  $ -     $ 2,786     $ 170     $ 3,965  

(1)
Fiscal 2009 repurchase transactions occurred prior to redemption on November 30, 2008.
(2)
Activity during the three months ended March 28, 2009 reflects repurchases pursuant to a tender offer.
 
Interest Income and Expense

The following table reflects interest income and interest expense for the three and six months ended March 29, 2009 and March 28, 2009:
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
March 29,
2008
   
March 28,
2009
   
$
Change
   
%
Change
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 28,
2009
   
$ Change
   
%
Change
 
Interest income
  $ 1,191     $ 193     $ (998 )     -83.8 %   $ 2,760     $ 947     $ (1,813 )     -65.7 %
Interest expense
    (885 )     (640 )     245       -27.7 %     (1,757 )     (1,374 )     383       -21.8 %
 
38

 
The decline in interest income from the first quarter of fiscal 2008 to the first quarter of fiscal 2009 was due to lower rates of return on invested cash balances. The decrease in interest expense during the three and six months ended March 28, 2009 as compared to the prior year periods was attributable to the retirement of our 0.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes and repurchase of $16.0 million (face value) of our 1.0% Convertible Subordinated Notes.

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

The following table reflects the provision (benefit) for income taxes and the effective tax rate from continuing operations for the six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:

   
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
 
Loss from continuing operations before taxes
  $ (3,848 )   $ (63,544 )
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    11       (12,158 )
                 
Loss from continuing operations
  $ (3,859 )   $ (51,386 )
                 
Effective tax rate
    -0.3 %     19.1 %
 
For the six months ended March 28, 2009, the effective income tax rate related to continuing operations differed from the federal statutory rate primarily due to: increases in the valuation allowance, state income taxes, tax from foreign operations, impact of tax holidays, decreases in deferred taxes for un-remitted earnings, and decreases in tax reserves.
 
For the six months ended March 29, 2008, the effective income tax rate related to continuing operations differed from the federal statutory rate primarily due to: decreases in the valuation allowance, Federal alternative minimum taxes, state income taxes, taxes from foreign operations, benefits related to tax holidays, various permanent items, increases in deferred taxes for unremitted earnings, the tax effect of the termination of the U.S. pension plan and increases in tax reserves.
 
In October 2007, the tax authority in Israel issued us a preliminary assessment of income tax, withholding tax and interest of $34.3 million (after adjusting for the impact of foreign currency fluctuations). We provided a non-current income tax liability for uncertain tax positions on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 27, 2008 related to this assessment, as required under FIN 48. On December 24, 2008, we, through our Israel subsidiaries, entered into an agreement with the tax authority in Israel settling the tax dispute for approximately $12.5 million, which represented withholding taxes, income taxes, and interest. The settlement was paid during our second fiscal quarter. As a result of the Israel tax settlement, we recognized a $12.1 million benefit from income taxes through the six months ended March 28, 2009. The $12.1 million benefit was a result of reversing the liability for unrecognized tax benefits on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 27, 2008 that was in excess of the $12.5 million for which the matter was settled. The entire amount of the reversal impacted our effective tax rate as indicated above.

 
39

 

Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, net of tax
 
We committed to a plan of disposal for our Wire business in fiscal 2008, and on September 29, 2008, completed the sale of certain assets and liabilities associated with the Wire business. Included in discontinued operations for the six months ended March 28, 2009, we recognized net proceeds of $149.9 million and a net gain of $22.7 million, net of tax.

The following table reflects operating results of the Wire business discontinued operations for the three and six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
March 29,
2008
   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 28,
2009
 
                         
Net revenue
  $ 105,559     $ -     $ 208,277     $ -  
                                 
Income (loss) before tax
  $ 5,318     $ -     $ 11,847     $ (319 )
Gain on sale of Wire business before tax
    -       -       -       23,524  
Income from discontinued operations before tax
    5,318       -       11,847       23,205  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    (560 )     -       2,240       (478 )
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
  $ 4,758     $ -     $ 14,087     $ 22,727  

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash and investments as of March 28, 2009 was $130.2 million, a decrease of $55.8 million from September 27, 2008.  The $55.8 million decline includes $84.4 million for the repurchase and redemption of our 0.5% and 1.0% Notes and $13.6 million for settlement of Israel taxes and associated fees.

The following table reflects cash, cash equivalents and short term investments as of September 27, 2008 and March 28, 2009:
   
As of
       
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
September 27, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
   
Change
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 144,932     $ 127,607     $ (17,325 )
Restricted cash (1)
    35,000       281       (34,719 )
Short-term investments
    6,149       2,354       (3,795 )
Total cash and investments
  $ 186,081     $ 130,242     $ (55,839 )
Percentage of total assets from continuing operations
    55.3 %     36.7 %        

(1)  Our gold financing arrangement for our former Wire business required restricted cash of $35.0 million which was reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 27, 2008. During the first fiscal quarter of 2009, in connection with the sale of the Wire business, the restriction on the cash balance was released upon termination of the credit facility. Restricted cash as of March 28, 2009 was required for customs in China.

 
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The following table reflects summary Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow information for the six months ended March 29, 2008 and March 28, 2009:

   
Six months ended
 
(in thousands)
 
March 29, 2008
   
March 28, 2009
 
             
Cash flows provided by (used in):
           
             
Operating activities, continuing operations
  $ 17,975     $ (29,833 )
Operating activities, discontinued operations
    (7,857 )     (1,218 )
Operating activities
    10,118       (31,051 )
                 
Investing activities, continuing operations
    (4,707 )     (51,889 )
Investing activities, discontinued operations
    (103 )     149,857  
Investing activities
    (4,810 )     97,968  
                 
Financing activities
    (3,512 )     (84,355 )
                 
Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents
    (620 )     113  
                 
Changes in cash and cash equivalents
    1,176       (17,325 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    150,571       144,932  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
    151,747       127,607  
Restricted cash and short-term investments
    19,379       2,635  
Total cash and investments
  $ 171,126     $ 130,242  

Six months ended March 28, 2009

Continuing Operations

Net cash used in operating activities was primarily attributable to our net loss from continuing operations of $51.4 million partially offset by non-cash adjustments of $10.7 million and net cash inflows from operating assets and liabilities of $10.8 million. The non-cash adjustment was primarily due to depreciation of $11.3 million. The net inflow of cash from operating assets and liabilities of $10.8 million was primarily due to $46.6 million decrease in accounts receivable, $6.7 million decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets, partially offset by decreases in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $20.7 million, and a decrease in income taxes payable of $20.8 million. The accounts receivable change of $10.8 million was due to the fiscal 2009 inclusion of Orthodyne. Remaining changes in operating assets and liabilities were primarily due to the impact of lower sales volumes. The change in income taxes payable was due to the settlement of our tax audit in Israel.

Net cash used in investing activities was primarily due to the purchase of Orthodyne for $87.0 million partially offset by the net reduction in restricted cash of $34.7 million that was used to support gold financing for our former Wire business. Net proceeds from the sale of investments were $3.8 million and cash used for capital expenditures totaled $3.3 million.

Net cash used in financing activities included $84.4 million for the repurchase of 0.5% and 1.0% Convertible Subordinated Notes and payment upon maturity of the remaining 0.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes.

Discontinued Operations

Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations of $1.2 million was a result of facility payments for our former Test business and costs for the shutdown of our Wire business.

Net cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations of $149.9 million was a result of $155.0 million paid to us by Heraeus for our Wire business less related transaction costs.

 
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Six months ended March 29, 2008

Continuing Operations

Net cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to a net loss of $3.9 million offset by $20.1 million of non-cash adjustments. The non-cash adjustments were mainly the result of: $9.2 million pension termination charge; $5.9 million provision for inventory valuation; $4.6 million depreciation and $4.1 million equity-based compensation expense. Net cash provided by changes in assets and liabilities was $1.8 million.

Net cash used in investing activities was primarily due to a $10.0 million increase in restricted cash, and $4.7 million of capital expenditures partially offset by $10.0 million of net sales of short-term investments.

Net cash used in financing activities included $3.8 million for the repurchase of $4.0 million (face value) of 0.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes partially offset by $0.3 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

Discontinued Operations

Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations of $7.9 million was the result of Wire business operating activities of $7.1 million and $0.7 million of facility payments related to our former Test business. Wire operating activities were a result of $14.1 million of net income offset by $21.2 million of changes in working capital.

Net cash provided by investing activities was due to $0.1 million of Wire capital expenditures.

Fiscal 2009 Liquidity and Capital Resource Outlook
 
We expect our remaining fiscal 2009 capital expenditure needs to be approximately $3.0 million.  Expenditures are expected to be primarily used for the implementation of a new worldwide software system, infrastructure to support our die bonder and wedge bonder platforms, and for our operations infrastructure in Asia.

We believe that our existing cash reserves and anticipated cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital requirements for at least the next twelve months.  However, our liquidity is affected by many factors, some based on normal operations of our business and others related to global economic conditions and industry uncertainties, which we cannot predict. We also cannot predict the timing, severity or duration of the current economic and industry downturns or the timing, strength or duration of a subsequent recovery.  We may continue to use our cash to purchase Convertible Subordinated Notes prior to maturity.

We may seek, as we believe appropriate, additional debt or equity financing to refinance our current Convertible Subordinated Notes, provide capital for corporate purposes, working capital funding, and additional liquidity if current economic and industry conditions remain weak or to fund future growth opportunities.  The timing and amount of potential capital requirements cannot be determined at this time and will depend on a number of factors, including actual and our projected demand for our products, semiconductor and semiconductor capital equipment industry conditions, competitive factors, and the condition of financial markets.
 
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Other Obligations and Contingent Payments

Under generally accepted accounting principles, certain obligations and commitments are not required to be included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Operations. These obligations and commitments, while entered into in the normal course of business, may have a material impact on our liquidity. Certain of the following commitments as of March 28, 2009 are appropriately not included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Operations included in this Form 10-Q; however, they have been disclosed in the following table for additional information.
 
The following table identifies obligations and contingent payments under various arrangements as of March 28, 2009:
 
         
Payments due by period
       
         
Less than
   
1 - 3
   
3 - 5
   
More than
   
Due date not
 
(in thousands)
 
Total
   
1 year
   
years
   
years
   
5 years
   
determinable
 
Contractual Obligations:
                                       
Long-term debt
  $ 158,964           $ 48,964     $ 110,000              
Long-term liabilities:
                                         
Long-term facility accrual related to discontinued operations (Test)
    3,726             3,726                      
Post-employment foreign severance obligations
    2,615                                 $ 2,615  
Switzerland pension plan obligation
    2,162     $ 650                             1,512  
Operating lease retirement obligations
    1,624                             $ 1,624          
Total Obligations and Commitments reflected on the Consolidated Financial Statements
  $ 169,091     $ 650     $ 52,690     $ 110,000     $ 1,624     $ 4,127  
Contractual Obligations:
                                               
Interest expense
  $ 4,103     $ 1,452     $ 1,207     $ 1,444                  
Operating lease obligations (1)
    41,010       4,416       15,573       9,508     $ 11,513     $ -  
Inventory purchase obligations  (2)
    28,000       28,000       -       -       -       -  
Commercial Commitments:
                                               
Standby Letters of Credit  (3)
    1,403       1,403       -       -       -       -  
Total Obligations and Commitments not reflected on the Consolidated Financial Statements
  $ 74,516     $ 35,271     $ 16,780     $ 10,952     $ 11,513     $ -  
 
 (1) We have minimum rental commitments under various leases (excluding taxes, insurance, maintenance and repairs, which are also paid by us) primarily for various facility and equipment leases, which expire periodically through 2018 (not including lease extension options, if applicable).
 
(2) We order inventory components in the normal course of our business. A portion of these orders are non-cancelable and a portion may have varying penalties and charges in the event of cancellation.
 
(3)  We provide standby letters of credit which represent obligations in lieu of security deposits for employee benefit programs and a customs bond.

 
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The following table reflects our Convertible Subordinated Notes as of March 28, 2009:
 
Type
 
Maturity Date
 
Par Value
(in thousands)
   
Fair Value as of March
28, 2009 (in thousands)
(1)
   
Standard &
Poor's rating (2)
 
                       
1.0 % Convertible Subordinated Notes
 
June 30, 2010
  $ 48,964     $ 33,296    
B+
 
0.875 % Convertible Subordinated Notes
 
June 1, 2012
  $ 110,000     $ 52,591    
Not rated
 
 
(1)
In accordance with Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurement, the Company relies on observable market data such as the Company's common stock price, interest rates, and other market factors.
 
(2)
On March 31, 2009, we requested the withdrawal of our credit ratings by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services. As a result, Standard & Poor's withdrew its "B+" corporate credit rating on us as well as its "B+" issue-level rating on our 1.0% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2010. Our 0.875% Convertible Subordinated Notes due in 2012 are not rated. We determined that maintenance of the corporate rating and the rating on our 2010 notes was no longer necessary.
 
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) is in the initial stages of an income tax audit for the fiscal 2006 tax year. As of March 28, 2009, the IRS auditor has submitted an initial information request and we are in the process of responding to that request. No further information is available with respect to this audit.
 
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 1 for a description of certain recent accounting pronouncements including the expected dates of adoption and effects on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

Item 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily from our investments in certain available-for-sale securities. Our available-for-sale securities consist primarily of fixed income investments (such as corporate bonds, commercial paper and U.S. Treasury and Agency securities). We continually monitor our exposure to changes in interest rates and credit ratings of issuers with respect to our available-for-sale securities and target an average life to maturity of less than eighteen months. Accordingly, we believe that the effects to us of changes in interest rates and credit ratings of issuers are limited and would not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. As of March 28, 2009, we had a non-trading investment portfolio of fixed income securities, excluding those classified as cash and cash equivalents, of $2.4 million. If market interest rates were to increase immediately and uniformly by 10% from levels as of March 28, 2009, the fair market value of the portfolio would decline by less than $100,000.
 
 
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Foreign Currency Risk

Our international operations are exposed to changes in foreign currency exchange rates due to transactions denominated in currencies other than the location’s functional currency. We are also exposed to foreign currency fluctuations that impact the remeasurement of net monetary assets of those operations whose functional currency, the U.S. dollar, differs from their respective local currencies, most notably in Israel, Malaysia and Singapore. In addition to net monetary remeasurement, we have exposures related to the translation of subsidiary financial statements from their functional currency, the local currency, into our reporting currency, the U.S. dollar, most notably in China. Based on our overall currency rate exposure as of March 29, 2008, a near term 10% appreciation or depreciation in the foreign currency portfolio to the U.S. dollar could have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Our board has granted management with authority to enter into foreign exchange forward contracts and other instruments designed to minimize the short term impact currency fluctuations have on our business. We may enter into foreign exchange forward contracts and other instruments in the future; however, our attempts to hedge against these risks may not be successful and may result in a material adverse impact on our financial results and cash flows.

Item 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 28, 2009. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of March 28, 2009 our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in providing reasonable assurance the information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

Change in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we expanded our Oracle financial system to include our consolidation process and our Singapore location. There were no other changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the six months ended March 28, 2009 that may have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II Other information

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
 
CERTAIN RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS

Risks related to our business are detailed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 27, 2008 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

Our 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on February 10, 2009. At this meeting, Messrs. Garrett E. Pierce and C. William Zadel were reelected to the Board of Directors of the Company for terms expiring at the 2013 Annual Meeting.  In such election, 53,181,234 votes were cast for each of Messrs. Pierce and Zadel.  Under Pennsylvania law, the election of directors is based on plurality voting and as such votes are not cast against a candidate.  Proxies filed by the holders of 1,582,143 at the 2009 Annual Meeting withheld authority to vote for each of Messrs. Pierce and Zadel. Messrs. C. Scott Kulicke, Brian R. Bachman, John A. O’Steen, MacDonnell Roehm, Jr., and Barry Waite will continue as directors of the Company until their respective terms expire or until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.

Also at the meeting, 29,771,849 shares were voted in favor of the proposal to approve the 2009 Equity Plan, and 7,199,220 shares were voted against such proposal.  Proxies filed by the holders of 148,124 shares at the 2009 Annual Meeting instructed the proxy holders to abstain from voting on such proposal.  The broker non-votes totaled 18,611,199 for this proposal.

Lastly, 54,506,982 shares were voted in favor of the reappointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent accountants of the Company to serve until the 2010 Annual Meeting, and 746,389 shares were voted against such proposal.  Proxies filed by the holders of 477,021 shares at the 2009 Annual Meeting instructed the proxy holders to abstain from voting on such proposal.

Item 6. Exhibits

(a)
Exhibits.

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
31.1
 
Certification of C. Scott Kulicke, Chief Executive Officer of Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc.,  pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a).
     
31.2
 
Certification of Maurice E. Carson, Chief Financial Officer of Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc., pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a).
     
32.1
 
Certification of C. Scott Kulicke, Chief Executive Officer of Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.2
 
Certification of Maurice E. Carson, Chief Financial Officer of Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 
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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.

 
KULICKE AND SOFFA INDUSTRIES, INC.
   
Date:  May 7, 2009
By: /s/ MAURICE E. CARSON
 
Maurice E. Carson
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial Officer and Authorized Officer)
 
 
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