10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2008

TERADYNE, INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 28, 2008

Filed November 7, 2008For Securities:TER

Summary

Teradyne, Inc.'s third quarter 2008 filing (period ended September 28, 2008) reveals a challenging operational environment, marked by a net loss of $22.7 million for the quarter, a significant drop from the $41.0 million net income reported in the same period last year. This downturn is largely attributable to a substantial increase in inventory write-downs, totaling $21.7 million, due to decreased semiconductor demand and product transitions. Revenue also saw a slight decline to $297.3 million from $299.5 million year-over-year. The company's balance sheet shows a decrease in cash and cash equivalents to $292.6 million from $562.4 million at the end of 2007, reflecting acquisition activities and stock repurchases. Despite the quarterly loss, the nine-month period ended September 28, 2008, showed a net loss of $9.2 million compared to a net income of $61.0 million in the prior year. This period was heavily impacted by the acquisition of Nextest Systems Corporation, which added goodwill and intangible assets but also contributed to increased operating expenses and restructuring charges. Management is navigating a complex economic climate, evidenced by a decline in net bookings and a significant increase in restructuring and other net charges, largely related to facility consolidations and workforce reductions.

Key Highlights

  • 1Teradyne reported a net loss of $22.7 million for the third quarter of 2008, a significant decline from a net income of $41.0 million in the prior year's third quarter.
  • 2The company experienced a notable increase in provision for excess and obsolete inventory, amounting to $21.7 million in Q3 2008, impacting gross margins which fell to 43.0% from 48.2% year-over-year.
  • 3Net revenues for the third quarter decreased slightly to $297.3 million from $299.5 million in Q3 2007, with the Semiconductor Test segment facing lower demand.
  • 4The nine-month period ended September 28, 2008, resulted in a net loss of $9.2 million, contrasting with a net income of $61.0 million for the same period in 2007.
  • 5Significant restructuring and other net charges of $28.6 million were recorded in Q3 2008, primarily related to facility consolidation and headcount reductions.
  • 6The acquisition of Nextest Systems Corporation was completed in January 2008 for $402.4 million, significantly increasing goodwill and intangible assets.
  • 7Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $292.6 million as of September 28, 2008, down from $562.4 million at the end of 2007, reflecting acquisition spending and stock repurchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason for the net loss of $22.7 million in the third quarter of 2008 was a significant increase in the provision for excess and obsolete inventory ($21.7 million), driven by a decrease in forecasted semiconductor demand and product transitions. This substantially impacted the gross profit margin.

The acquisition of Nextest Systems Corporation, completed in January 2008 for $402.4 million, led to an increase in goodwill and intangible assets on the balance sheet. It also contributed to revenues but was accompanied by increased operating expenses, restructuring charges, and contributed to a decrease in cash and cash equivalents due to the cash paid for the acquisition.

The filing highlights significant uncertainties due to worldwide economic cycles and disruptions in financial markets. Management acknowledges that demand for products is affected by these conditions, and while they are implementing cost control measures, the duration and severity of the economic downturn are difficult to predict. The company believes its current cash position and financing arrangements are sufficient for the foreseeable future, but acknowledges the risk if further financing becomes necessary.

Teradyne is involved in a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Xyratex Technology, Ltd., alleging infringement by certain disk drive test products. The company is also involved in an ongoing securities fraud and breach of contract case related to a past acquisition, and it has been designated as a Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) at a clean-up site. While Teradyne believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to contest these claims vigorously, it notes that while unlikely to materially affect its consolidated financial position, potential losses could be material to consolidated results of operations in any one period.