10-KPeriod: FY2007

TERADYNE, INC Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2007

Filed February 28, 2008For Securities:TER

Summary

Teradyne, Inc.'s 2007 Form 10-K details a year of strategic adjustments and operational performance within the automatic test equipment (ATE) industry. The company reported a decline in net revenue from $1.36 billion in 2006 to $1.10 billion in 2007, primarily driven by a 20% decrease in its Semiconductor Test segment due to slower growth in System-on-Chip (SoC) device units. Despite this revenue contraction, Teradyne managed to improve its gross margin by 1.5 percentage points to 46.6% in 2007, a testament to cost management and product mix shifts. The company completed significant strategic actions during the year, including the sale of its Broadband Test Division and the acquisition of Nextest Systems Corporation in January 2008 for $325 million, aiming to strengthen its position in the flash memory semiconductor test market. Teradyne also continued its share repurchase program, demonstrating a commitment to returning value to shareholders. Looking ahead, the company emphasized its ongoing investment in new product development, particularly for its FLEX Test Platform, to navigate the cyclical nature of the electronics industry and maintain its competitive edge.

Key Highlights

  • 1Teradyne reported a net revenue of $1.10 billion in 2007, a decrease from $1.36 billion in 2006, largely due to a slowdown in the Semiconductor Test segment.
  • 2Gross margin improved to 46.6% in 2007 from 48.1% in 2006, reflecting effective cost management and a favorable shift in product mix.
  • 3The company divested its Broadband Test Division on August 1, 2007, as part of its strategy to focus on core ATE businesses.
  • 4Teradyne announced the acquisition of Nextest Systems Corporation for approximately $325 million, aimed at expanding its presence in the flash memory semiconductor test market.
  • 5The Semiconductor Test segment, representing 80% of total revenue, saw a 20% revenue decrease, while the Systems Test Group revenue decreased by 16%.
  • 6Teradyne's backlog of unfilled orders was $338.7 million at the end of 2007, an increase from $332.6 million in 2006, with most of it expected to be delivered in 2008.
  • 7The company continued its share repurchase program, spending $273.7 million in 2007 to buy back shares.

Frequently Asked Questions

Teradyne's revenue in 2007 declined to $1.10 billion from $1.36 billion in 2006, primarily driven by a 20% decrease in the Semiconductor Test segment. This was due to slower growth in System-on-Chip (SoC) device units and a general decrease in demand across various end markets and geographies. The Systems Test Group also experienced a 16% revenue decline.

In 2007, Teradyne divested its Broadband Test Division. Additionally, the company completed the acquisition of Nextest Systems Corporation in January 2008 for approximately $325 million, a move designed to enhance its offerings in the flash memory semiconductor test market.

Despite the revenue decrease, Teradyne improved its gross margin to 46.6% in 2007, up from 48.1% in 2006 (a slight decrease in percentage points, but the overall gross profit decrease was less than the revenue decrease). This improvement was attributed to effective cost management, including reductions in selling and administrative expenses, and a shift in product mix, with a higher proportion of service revenue contributing to margins.

Teradyne continues to focus on its core Semiconductor Test and Systems Test Group segments. The company highlighted its investment in new product development, particularly its FLEX Test Platform Architecture, to address evolving customer needs and maintain competitiveness. The acquisition of Nextest is a key strategic move to bolster its presence in critical semiconductor markets. Teradyne also continues to manage its capital structure, evidenced by its share repurchase program.