Back to GetFilings.com

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

FORM 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003

OR

Commission file number 1-4298

COHU, INC.

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (858) 848-8100

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

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Yes [X] No[  ]

     As of September 30, 2003 the Registrant had 21,282,767 shares of its $1.00 par value common stock outstanding.

Table of Contents

COHU, INC.
INDEX
FORM 10-Q
SEPTEMBER 30, 2003

Table of Contents

Item 1.

COHU, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except par value)

See accompanying notes.

3

Table of Contents

COHU, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

See accompanying notes.

4

Table of Contents

COHU, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

See accompanying notes.

5

Table of Contents

COHU, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2003

1.		Basis of Presentation
		The accompanying interim financial statements are unaudited but include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments), which Cohu, Inc. (the “Company” or “Cohu”) considers necessary for a fair statement of the results for the period. The operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the entire year or any future period. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations included elsewhere herein.
		Revenue Recognition
		Cohu’s revenue recognition policy is disclosed in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. As more fully described in that policy, revenue from products that have not previously satisfied customer acceptance is recognized upon customer acceptance. The gross profit on sales that are not recognized is generally recorded as deferred profit and reflected as a current liability in the consolidated balance sheet.
		The Company has an $8.5 million contract to provide microwave communications equipment for a command center and infrastructure system. The contract, which utilizes the Company’s most advanced microwave communications technology that has not been installed in an application of this size and complexity, requires that 40% of the total contract price be paid after the system has been fully accepted by the customer. As a result of these factors and the inability to make reasonably dependable estimates of progress toward completion and acceptance, the Company will recognize all revenue and related costs under this contract in the period the system is accepted by the customer. Through September 30, 2003, the Company has deferred approximately $2.2 million of revenue under the contract.
		At September 30, 2003, the Company had deferred revenue totaling approximately $16.5 million and deferred profit of $7.8 million. At December 31, 2002, the Company had deferred revenue totaling approximately $9.8 million and deferred profit of $5.2 million. The increase in deferred revenue and profit is primarily related to the deferral of revenue on certain semiconductor test handler upgrades and new test handlers and microwave communications equipment that have been shipped and installed and are awaiting customer acceptance.
		Stock-Based Compensation
		Cohu has several stock-based compensation plans that are described more fully in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. Cohu accounts for those plans under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related Interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations, as all options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share if Cohu had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to stock-based employee compensation.

6

Table of Contents

COHU, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2003

		Recent Accounting Pronouncements
		In June, 2002, the FASB issued Statement No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. Statement No. 146 addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3. The adoption of Statement No. 146 is effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002, including Cohu’s recent Columbus, Ohio and Littleton, Massachusetts’s facilities consolidations.
		In November, 2002, the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached a consensus on Issue No. 00-21, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables. EITF Issue No. 00-21 provides guidance on how to account for arrangements that involve the delivery or performance of multiple products, services and/or rights to use assets. The provisions of EITF Issue No. 00-21 apply to revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of EITF Issue No. 00-21 did not have a material effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
		In January, 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46”), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51. FIN 46 provides guidance on: 1) the identification of entities for which control is achieved through means other than through voting rights, known as “variable interest entities” (“VIEs”); and 2) which business enterprise is the primary beneficiary and when it should consolidate the VIE. This new model for consolidation applies to entities: 1) where the equity investors (if any) do not have a controlling financial interest; or 2) whose equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity’s activities without receiving additional subordinated financial support from other parties. In addition, FIN 46 requires that both the primary beneficiary and all other enterprises with a significant variable interest in a VIE make additional disclosures. FIN 46 is effective for all new VIEs created or acquired after January 31, 2003. For VIEs created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN 46 must be applied no later than the end of periods ending after December 15, 2003. Certain disclosures are effective immediately. The adoption of FIN 46 is not expected to effect our results of operations or financial condition.
		In April, 2003, the FASB issued Statement No. 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. This statement provides clarification on the financial accounting and reporting of derivative instruments and hedging activities and requires contracts with similar characteristics to be accounted for on a comparable basis. The adoption of No. 149, which is be effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, had no material effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

7

Table of Contents

COHU, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2003

		In May, 2003, the FASB issued Statement No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity. This statement establishes standards on the classification and measurement of financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity and is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003. The implementation of this pronouncement had no material effect on Cohu’s financial condition or results of operations.
2.		Income (Loss) Per Share
		Income (loss) per share is computed in accordance with FASB Statement No. 128, Earnings per Share. Basic income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted income (loss) per share includes the dilutive effect of common shares potentially issuable upon the exercise of stock options. For purposes of computing diluted income (loss) per share, stock options with exercise prices that exceed the average fair market value of the Company’s common stock for the period are excluded. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003 options to purchase approximately 219,000 shares of common stock were excluded from the computation. The impact of stock options is excluded for loss periods as they would be antidilutive. The following table reconciles the denominators used in computing basic and diluted income (loss) per share:

3.		Income Taxes
		The income tax provision (benefit) included in the statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, is based on the estimated annual effective tax rate for the entire year. These estimated effective tax rates are subject to adjustment in subsequent quarterly periods as the Company’s estimate of pretax income or loss for the year are increased or decreased. The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 is less than the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to tax credits.
		A valuation allowance of $4.7 million has been provided on deferred tax assets at December 31, 2002, primarily due to uncertainties of realizing net deferred tax assets in excess of income expected to be generated solely from certain tax planning strategies. The Company determined that the valuation allowance was required based upon its recent losses, and the likelihood of generating sufficient additional taxable income in future years to obtain benefit from the reversal of temporary differences and net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable is subject to adjustment in future periods if estimates of future taxable income change. If the valuation allowance is increased there would be a corresponding increase in the income tax provision.
4.		Goodwill, Investments and Other Intangible Assets
		In June, 2001, the FASB issued Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Under Statement No. 142, goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are reviewed annually for impairment or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. Separable intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their useful lives. Under Statement No. 142, goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives resulting from acquisitions completed after June 30, 2001 are not amortized. At June 30, 2003, the Company had goodwill of $8.3 million that resulted from an acquisition completed in July, 2001.

8

Table of Contents

COHU, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2003

		The Company performed the required annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2002. Cohu did not recognize any goodwill impairment as a result of performing this annual test. A decline in the fair value of Cohu’s semiconductor equipment business may indicate goodwill impairment that could result in a charge to Cohu’s future operating results.
		In August, 2001, the FASB issued Statement No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, which supersedes Statement No. 121. Statement No. 144 addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment of long-lived assets (excluding goodwill) and for long-lived assets to be disposed of. However, Statement No. 144 retains the fundamental provisions of Statement No. 121 for recognition and measurement of the impairment of long-lived assets to be held and used. Cohu adopted Statement No. 144 effective January 1, 2002.
		In the fourth quarter of 2002, Cohu entered into a $1.7 million license agreement for certain intellectual property and know-how from LiveTools Technology SA. The Company is amortizing the $1.7 million intangible asset to expense over the three-year exclusive license period. Accumulated amortization at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, was $504,000 and $92,000, respectively. Amortization expense was $138,000 and $412,000 in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2003, respectively. The estimated amortization expense in future years is 2003 - $138,000; 2004 - - $550,000; 2005 - $458,000.
		In December, 2002, Cohu invested $2.5 million in KryoTech, Inc. preferred stock. Cohu may invest an additional $2.5 million in KryoTech subject to the successful completion of a joint development program between the companies and the satisfaction of certain other conditions. Cohu is accounting for its less than 10% ownership interest in KryoTech under the cost method. It is not currently known when or if Cohu will make the second $2.5 million investment in KryoTech. In the quarter ended September 30, 2003, the Company wrote off the investment and recorded a $2.5 million charge to operating results as the investment was deemed impaired and such impairment was considered other than temporary, pursuant to APB No. 18, The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock.
5.		Geographic Consolidation
		On April 10, 2003, Cohu announced that its Delta Design, Inc. subsidiary (“Delta”) was relocating its Littleton, Massachusetts operation to its headquarters facility in Poway, California. Cohu expects the consolidation, that will result in approximately 50 of the 65 employees being terminated, to be completed by March, 2004. Cohu expects to incur charges in the fourth quarter of 2003 and first quarter of 2004 totaling approximately $1.0 million for severance and other related exit costs. The Company recorded charges to operations in the quarter ended September 30, 2003, totaling $354,000 for severance and one-time termination benefits. These charges are included in cost of sales ($142,000), research and development ($130,000) and selling, general and administrative expense ($82,000). Charges for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 totaled $632,000 and are included in cost of sales ($254,000), research and development ($262,000) and selling, general and administrative expense ($116,000).
		The following table reconciles amounts accrued and paid under the Littleton consolidation plan.

9

Table of Contents

COHU, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2003

		In April, 2003, Delta completed the relocation of its Columbus, Ohio operations to its facility in Poway, California. The consolidation is expected to reduce costs without impacting the revenue generating activities of Delta. The Company recorded charges to operations in the quarter ended March 31, 2003, totaling $630,000 for severance and one-time termination benefits and $117,000 for contract termination costs primarily related to the leased facility. These charges are included in cost of sales ($47,000), research and development ($570,000) and selling, general and administrative expense ($130,000). Exit-related costs charged to operations subsequent to the quarter ended March 31, 2003 were not significant.
6.		Real Estate Transactions
		On January 13, 2003, the Company extended the term of the $9.2 million promissory note with TC Kearny Villa, L.P. (“TC”). The 8% non-recourse note is secured by a deed of trust on land and buildings in San Diego, California sold by Cohu to TC in April, 2001. The note amendment extended the due date of the note to March 31, 2005 and provided for principal payments, assuming a 20-year amortization schedule, of $206,000 and $223,000 on April 1, 2003 and 2004, respectively. Interest at 8% was to continue to be paid monthly.
		The property is currently unoccupied and is being offered for sale or lease by TC. TC has not paid any interest on the note since March, 2003 and an aggregate of $367,000 of interest is in arrears. As a result, the note is in default. If TC continues to fail to make the required interest payments Cohu will need to assess whether it is in its best interests to foreclose on the property. Cohu believes the fair value of the property is in excess of the outstanding note balance. However, while the Company believes the fair value of the property is greater than $9 million, no assurances can be made that the net sale proceeds from the property, should Cohu dispose of the property through foreclosure, would exceed the outstanding note balance. If the sale proceeds were less than the note balance Cohu would realize a loss that would adversely impact operating results.
		On April 25, 2003, Cohu sold twelve acres of land in Poway, California held for future development for $8.8 million in net cash proceeds resulting in a pretax gain of approximately $7.9 million.
7.		Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		Components of comprehensive income (loss), on an after-tax basis where applicable, were as follows (in thousands):

		Accumulated other comprehensive income totaled $80,000 and $330,000 at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively, and was attributed to after-tax unrealized gains on investments.
8.		Contingencies
		On August 17, 2001, Broadcast Microwave Services, Inc. (“BMS”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cohu, was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by Adrienne Alpert and Barry Paulk in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, State of California. The suit alleges, among other things, that BMS and the other named defendants provided certain defective components or products and that as a result on May 22, 2000, Ms. Alpert suffered severe bodily injuries in an accident involving an electronic news gathering vehicle. The suit seeks general, special and exemplary damages of an unspecified amount. Extensive discovery in the case has occurred and trial is currently scheduled for January, 2004. Although the outcome of any litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, Cohu believes the plaintiff’s claims against BMS are without merit and that the

10

Table of Contents

COHU, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2003

		resolution of the case will not have a material adverse effect on Cohu’s financial position or results of operations.
		Cohu is also currently subject to various legal proceedings, lawsuits, examinations by various tax authorities and claims that have arisen in the ordinary course of its businesses. Although the outcome of these legal proceedings, claims and examinations cannot be predicted with certainty, Cohu does not believe that any of these matters will have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations.
9.		Segment and Related Information
		The following information is presented pursuant to FASB Statement No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. Intersegment sales were not significant in any period.

11

Table of Contents

COHU, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2003

10.		Guarantees
		Cohu adopted FASB Interpretation No. 45 (“FIN 45”), Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, in 2003. FIN 45 requires disclosures concerning Cohu’s obligations under certain guarantees.
		Pursuant to FIN 45, Cohu is required to disclose product accrued warranty activity. Cohu products are generally sold with a 12-month to 24-month warranty period following sale or installation. Parts and labor are covered under the terms of the warranty agreement. The warranty provision is based on historical experience by product and configuration.
		Changes in accrued warranty during 2003 were as follows (in thousands):

		During the ordinary course of business, Cohu also provides standby letters of credit or other guarantee instruments to certain parties as required. As of September 30, 2003, the maximum potential amount of future payments that Cohu could be required to make under these guarantee agreements is approximately $2.5 million. Cohu has not recorded any liability in connection with these guarantee arrangements beyond that required to appropriately account for the underlying transaction being guaranteed. Cohu does not believe, based on historical experience and information currently available, that it is probable that any amounts will be required to be paid under these guarantee arrangements.
11.		Subsequent Event
		On October 21, 2003, the Cohu Board of Directors declared a $.05 per share cash dividend payable January 9, 2004 to stockholders of record on December 5, 2003.

12

Table of Contents

Item 2.

COHU, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
September 30, 2003

This Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements including expectations of market conditions, challenges and plans, within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is subject to the Safe Harbor provisions created by that statute. The words “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend” and similar expressions are intended to identify such statements. Although the forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q reflect the good faith judgment of our management, such statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those discussed herein and, in particular, under the caption “Trends, Risks and Uncertainties” that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Cohu’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon Cohu’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires Cohu to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, Cohu evaluates its estimates, including those related to bad debts, inventories, intangible assets, income taxes, warranty obligations and contingencies and litigation. Cohu bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Cohu believes the following critical accounting policies, that are more fully described in the Cohu Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Cohu Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, affect the significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition: Cohu generally recognizes revenue upon shipment and title passage for established products (i.e., those that have previously satisfied customer acceptance requirements) that provide for full payment tied to shipment. Revenue for products that have not previously satisfied customer acceptance requirements or from sales where customer payment dates are not determinable is recognized upon customer acceptance.

Accounts Receivable: Cohu maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of Cohu’s customers deteriorates, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

Warranty: Cohu provides for the estimated costs of product warranties in the period sales are recognized. Cohu’s warranty obligation estimates are affected by historical product shipment levels, product performance and material and labor costs incurred in correcting product performance problems. Should product performance, material usage or labor repair costs differ from Cohu’s estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required.

Inventory: Cohu records valuation reserves on its inventory for estimated excess and obsolete inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future product demand and market conditions. If future product demand or market conditions are less or more favorable than those projected by management or if continued modifications to products are required to meet specifications or other customer requirements, changes to inventory reserves may be required.

Income Taxes: Cohu estimates income taxes based on the various jurisdictions where we conduct business. This requires us to estimate our actual current tax exposure and to assess temporary differences that result from differing treatment of certain items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities that are reflected in the consolidated balance sheet. The net deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based upon all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the

13

Table of Contents

COHU, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
September 30, 2003

deferred tax assets will not be realized. Establishing a valuation allowance or increasing this allowance in an accounting period results in tax expense in the statement of operations. Cohu must make significant judgments to determine the provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance to be recorded against net deferred tax assets. Our net deferred tax asset balance as of December 31, 2002 was $6.1 million, net of a valuation allowance of $4.7 million. We recorded the valuation allowance in the fourth quarter of 2002 as a result of our recent losses and to reflect uncertainties concerning our ability to generate future taxable income and our corresponding ability to utilize our deferred tax assets. The deferred tax assets consist primarily of deductible temporary differences, tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards.

Intangible Assets: At September 30, 2003, intangible assets other than goodwill were evaluated for impairment using undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets as required by FASB Statement No. 144 and we concluded there was no impairment loss. Cohu was required to assess goodwill impairment in 2002 using the methodology prescribed by FASB Statement No. 142. Statement No. 142 requires that goodwill be tested for impairment on an annual basis and more frequently in certain circumstances. The required annual goodwill impairment test was performed as of October 1, 2002. Cohu did not recognize any goodwill impairment as a result of performing this annual test.

Contingencies: Cohu is subject to certain contingencies that arise in the ordinary course of its businesses. In accordance with FASB Statement No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, we assess the likelihood that future events will confirm the existence of a loss or an impairment of an asset. If a loss or asset impairment is probable, as defined in Statement No. 5 and the amount of the loss or impairment is reasonably estimable, we accrue a charge to operations in the period such conditions become known.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In June, 2002, the FASB issued Statement No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. Statement No. 146 addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3. The adoption of Statement No. 146 is effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002, including Cohu’s recent Columbus, Ohio and Littleton, Massachusetts facilities consolidations.

In November, 2002, the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached a consensus on Issue No. 00-21, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables. EITF Issue No. 00-21 provides guidance on how to account for arrangements that involve the delivery or performance of multiple products, services and/or rights to use assets. The provisions of EITF Issue No. 00-21 apply to revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of EITF Issue No. 00-21 did not have a material effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

In January, 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46”), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51. FIN 46 provides guidance on: 1) the identification of entities for which control is achieved through means other than through voting rights, known as “variable interest entities” (“VIEs”); and 2) which business enterprise is the primary beneficiary and when it should consolidate the VIE. This new model for consolidation applies to entities: 1) where the equity investors (if any) do not have a controlling financial interest; or 2) whose equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity’s activities without receiving additional subordinated financial support from other parties. In addition, FIN 46 requires that both the primary beneficiary and all other enterprises with a significant variable interest in a VIE make additional disclosures. FIN 46 is effective for all new VIEs created or acquired after January 31, 2003. For VIEs created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN 46 must be applied no later than the end of periods ending after December 15, 2003. Certain disclosures are effective immediately. The adoption of FIN 46 is not expected to effect our results of operations or financial condition.

14

Table of Contents

COHU, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
September 30, 2003

In April, 2003, the FASB issued Statement No. 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. This statement provides clarification on the financial accounting and reporting of derivative instruments and hedging activities and requires contracts with similar characteristics to be accounted for on a comparable basis. The adoption of No. 149, which is be effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, had no material effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

In May, 2003, the FASB issued Statement No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity. This statement establishes standards on the classification and measurement of financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity and is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003. The implementation of this pronouncement had no material effect on Cohu’s financial condition or results of operations.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Cohu’s primary business activity involves the development, manufacture, marketing and servicing of test handling equipment for the global semiconductor industry. Other businesses include closed circuit television, metal detection and microwave communications equipment. Demand for Cohu’s products can change significantly from period to period as a result of numerous factors including, but not limited to, changes in global economic conditions, supply and demand for semiconductors, changes in semiconductor manufacturing capacity and processes and competitive product offerings. Due to these and other factors, Cohu’s results of operations for the periods described below, may not be indicative of future operating results. Certain matters discussed below, including expectations of market conditions, challenges and plans, are forward-looking statements that are subject to the risks and uncertainties noted herein. Such risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected.

Third Quarter 2003 Compared to Third Quarter 2002

Cohu continued to be impacted by the downturn in the semiconductor equipment industry that began in late 2000. Our net sales decreased 6% to $34.5 million in 2003, compared to net sales of $36.8 million in 2002. Sales of semiconductor test handling equipment in 2003 decreased 2% from the 2002 period and accounted for 82% of consolidated net sales in 2003, versus 79% in 2002. Sales of television cameras and other equipment accounted for 11% of net sales in 2003 and decreased 16% when compared to 2002, while the combined sales of metal detection and microwave equipment decreased 29%.

At September 30, 2003, the Company had deferred revenue totaling approximately $16.5 million and deferred profit of $7.8 million. At December 31, 2002, the Company had deferred revenue totaling approximately $9.8 million and deferred profit of $5.2 million. The increase in deferred revenue and profit is primarily related to the deferral of revenue on certain semiconductor test handler upgrades and new test handlers, including our new Delta EDGE™, and microwave communications equipment that have been shipped and installed and are awaiting customer acceptance

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 30.5% in 2003 from 33.5% in 2002, primarily as a result of changes in product mix and the deferral of revenue under accounting requirements. Cohu computes the majority of its excess and obsolete inventory reserve requirements using a one-year inventory usage forecast. During 2003 and 2002, we recorded net charges to cost of sales of approximately $1.3 million and $1.5 million, respectively, primarily as a result of declines in customer forecasts for certain products and other business issues that negatively impacted our forecasted inventory usage. While we believe our reserves for excess and obsolete inventory are adequate to cover our known exposures at September 30, 2003, reductions in customer forecasts or continued modifications to products, including our recently introduced Delta EDGE™ handler, as a result of our failure to meet specifications or other customer requirements will result in additional charges to operations that could negatively impact our gross margin in future periods. Conversely, if our actual inventory usage is greater

15

Table of Contents

COHU, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
September 30, 2003

than our forecasted usage, our gross margin in future periods may be favorably impacted.

Research and development expense (“R&D”) as a percentage of net sales was 16.2% in 2003, compared to 22.1% in 2002, decreasing in absolute dollars from $8.1 million in 2002, to $5.6 million in 2003. The decrease in R&D was primarily the result of lower R&D material and labor costs for product development in the semiconductor equipment business resulting, in part, from the closure of the Company’s facility in Columbus, Ohio.

Selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A”) as a percentage of net sales increased to 18.4% in 2003, from 16.3% in 2002, increasing from $6.0 million in 2002 to $6.3 million in 2003. The increase in SG&A was primarily due to higher insurance costs.

Interest income was $0.7 million and $0.6 million in 2003 and 2002, respectively. The increase in interest income was due to gains from securities sales of $0.3 million that were offset by lower interest rates in 2003.

The benefit for income taxes expressed as a percentage of the pre-tax loss was 14.0% in 2003 and 51.9% in 2002. The benefit for income taxes is based on the estimated effective tax rate for the entire year and differs from the U.S federal statutory rate primarily due to tax credits and adjustments required to reconcile the benefit to the estimated annual effective rate. At December 31, 2002 and September 30, 2003, Cohu assessed the need for a valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets. Realization of the deferred tax assets is dependent upon the Company generating sufficient taxable income, in appropriate tax jurisdictions, in future years, to obtain benefit from the reversal of temporary differences and net operating tax loss and credit carryforwards. At December 31, 2002, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of approximately $4.7 million against deferred tax assets due to the uncertainties surrounding their realization. The amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable is subject to adjustment in future periods should Cohu determine that estimates of future taxable income are reduced or increased.

On April 10, 2003, Cohu announced that its Delta Design subsidiary was relocating its Littleton, Massachusetts operation to its headquarters facility in Poway, California. Cohu expects the consolidation to be completed by March, 2004. Cohu expects to incur charges in the fourth quarter of 2003 and first quarter of 2004 totaling approximately $1.0 million for severance and other related exit costs. The Company recorded charges to operations in the quarter ended September 30, 2003 totaling approximately $0.4 million primarily for severance.

As a result of the factors set forth above, our net loss was $0.6 million in both 2003 and 2002.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002

Our net sales decreased 8% to $97.7 million in 2003 compared to net sales of $106.7 million in 2002. Sales of semiconductor test handling equipment in 2003 decreased 8% from the 2002 period and accounted for 80% of consolidated net sales in 2003 versus 79% in 2002. Sales of television cameras and other equipment accounted for 12% of net sales in 2003 and decreased 5% while the combined sales of metal detection and microwave equipment decreased 15%.

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 32.6% in 2003 from 37.3% in 2002 primarily as a result of lower margins in the semiconductor equipment business. Within the semiconductor equipment segment, margins decreased in 2003 primarily as a result of a slight reduction in business volume, changes in product mix, the deferral of revenue under accounting requirements and provisions for excess and obsolete inventory. During 2003, we recorded charges totaling approximately $4.3 million versus $1.7 million in 2002 for excess and obsolete inventory primarily as a result of changes in customer forecasts and other business issues that negatively impacted our forecasted inventory usage.

16

Table of Contents

COHU, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
September 30, 2003

Research and development expense as a percentage of net sales was 18.5% in 2003, compared to 22.6% in 2002, decreasing from $24.1 million to $18.1 million, primarily due to lower R&D labor and material costs as a result of the closure of the Company’s operations in Columbus, Ohio.

SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales increased to 18.7% in 2003 from 17.4% in 2002 primarily as a result of the reduction in business volume.

Interest income was $1.8 million and $2.1 million in 2003 and 2002, respectively. The decline in interest income was due to lower interest rates.

The provision (benefit) for income taxes expressed as a percentage of pre-tax income was 22.1% for the first nine months of 2003 and (56.2)% in 2002. The provision (benefit) for income taxes is based on the estimated effective tax rate for the entire year and differs from the U.S federal statutory rate primarily due to tax credits.

In December, 2002, Cohu invested $2.5 million in KryoTech, Inc. preferred stock. Cohu may invest an additional $2.5 million in KryoTech subject to the successful completion of a joint development program between the companies and the satisfaction of certain other conditions. Cohu is accounting for its less than 10% ownership interest in KryoTech under the cost method. It is not currently known when or if Cohu will make the second $2.5 million investment in KryoTech. In the quarter ended June 30, 2003, the Company wrote off the investment and recorded a $2.5 million charge to operating results as the investment was deemed impaired and such impairment was considered other than temporary, pursuant to APB No. 18.

In April, 2003, Cohu’s Delta Design subsidiary completed the relocation of its Columbus, Ohio operations to its headquarters facility in Poway, California. The consolidation is expected to reduce costs without impacting the revenue generating activities of Delta Design. The Company recorded charges to operations in the quarter ended March 31, 2003, totaling $0.6 million for severance and one-time termination benefits and $0.1 million for contract termination costs primarily related to the leased facility. Exit related costs charged to operations subsequent to the quarter ended March 31, 2003 were not significant.

On April 25, 2003, Cohu sold twelve acres of land in Poway, California held for future development for $8.8 million in net cash proceeds resulting in a pretax gain of approximately $7.9 million.

As a result of the factors set forth above, the net loss was $0.3 million in 2002 compared to net income of $2.1 million in 2003.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our net cash flows used for operating activities in the first nine months of 2003 totaled $8.7 million. The major components of cash flows used for operating activities were net income of $2.1 million, offset by a $7.9 million gain from the sale of land and a $2.5 million investment writedown, the net change in current assets and liabilities totaling $8.8 million, and depreciation and amortization of $3.1 million. Net cash used for investing activities included $27.4 million for the purchase of short-term investments, less sales and maturities, and purchases of property, plant and equipment and other assets of $1.1 million offset by a $0.2 million payment on a note receivable and net proceeds of $8.8 million from the sale of land. Cash provided by financing activities included $4.8 million received from the issuance of stock upon the exercise of stock options offset by $3.2 million for the payment of dividends. Cohu has a $5 million bank line of credit, of which approximately $2.5 million has been allocated to outstanding standby letters of credit, and working capital of $149.9 million at September 30, 2003. Future calendar year minimum payments on operating leases as of September 30, 2003, are: 2003 - $245,000; 2004 - $951,000; 2005 - $713,000; 2006 - $34,000; 2007 - $23,000; totaling $1,966,000. It is anticipated that present working capital and available borrowings under the line of credit will be sufficient to meet our operating requirements for at least the next twelve months.

17

Table of Contents

COHU, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
September 30, 2003

TRENDS, RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The semiconductor industry we serve is highly volatile and unpredictable.

Cohu’s operating results are substantially dependent on our semiconductor equipment business. This capital equipment business is in turn highly dependent on the overall strength of the semiconductor industry. Historically, the semiconductor industry has been highly cyclical with recurring periods of oversupply and excess capacity, which often have had a significant effect on the semiconductor industry’s demand for capital equipment, including equipment of the type manufactured and marketed by Cohu. We anticipate that the markets for newer generations of semiconductors and semiconductor equipment may also be subject to similar cycles and severe downturns, such as those experienced in 1996, 1998 and late 2000, continuing throughout 2001, 2002 and 2003. Reductions in capital equipment investment by semiconductor manufacturers and semiconductor test subcontractors will materially and adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations. In addition, the volatile and unpredictable nature of semiconductor equipment demand has in the past and may in the future expose us to significant excess and obsolete inventory write-offs and reserve requirements. In the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, we recorded pretax net inventory-related charges of approximately $4.3 million, $2.5 million and $15.9 million, respectively, primarily as a result of changes in customer forecasts.

A limited number of customers account for a substantial percentage of our net sales.

We rely on a limited number of customers for a substantial percentage of our net sales. In the year ended December 31, 2002, two customers of the semiconductor equipment segment accounted for 53% (44% in 2001, and 38% in 2000) of our net sales. During the past five years, the percentage of Cohu’s sales derived from each of these and other significant customers has varied greatly. Such variations are due to changes in the customer’s business and their purchase of products from our competitors. It is common in the semiconductor test handler industry for customers to purchase equipment from more than one equipment supplier, increasing the risk that our competitive position with a specific customer may deteriorate. No assurance can be given that we will continue to maintain our competitive position with these or other significant customers. Furthermore, we expect the percentage of our revenues derived from significant customers will vary greatly in future periods. The loss of, or a significant reduction in, orders by these or other significant customers as a result of competitive products, market conditions, outsourcing final semiconductor test to test subcontractors that are not our customers or other factors, would adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, the concentration of our revenues in a limited number of large customers may cause significant fluctuations in our future annual and quarterly operating results.

The semiconductor equipment industry in general, and the test handler market in particular, is highly competitive.

The semiconductor test handler industry is intensely competitive and we face substantial competition from numerous companies throughout the world. Future competition may include companies that do not currently supply test handlers. The Japanese and Korean markets for test handling equipment are large and represent a significant percentage of the worldwide market. During the last five years we have had only limited sales to Japanese and Korean customers who have historically purchased test handling equipment from Asian suppliers. Some of our competitors have substantially greater financial, engineering, manufacturing and customer support capabilities and offer more extensive product offerings than Cohu. In addition, there are emerging semiconductor equipment companies that provide or may provide innovative technology incorporated in products that may compete favorably against those of Cohu. We expect our competitors to continue to improve the design and performance of their current products and introduce new products with improved performance capabilities. Our failure to introduce new products in a timely manner, the introduction by our competitors of products with perceived or actual advantages, or disputes over rights of Cohu or our competitors to use certain intellectual property or technology could result in a loss of our competitive position and reduced sales of or margins on our existing products. We believe that competitive conditions in the semiconductor test handler market have intensified over the last several years. This intense competition has adversely impacted our product average selling prices and gross margins. If we are unable to reduce

18

Table of Contents

COHU, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
September 30, 2003

the cost of our existing products and successfully introduce new lower cost products we expect these competitive conditions to negatively impact our gross margin and operating results for the foreseeable future.

Semiconductor equipment is subject to rapid technological change, product introductions and transitions may result in inventory write-offs and our new product development involves numerous risks and uncertainties.

Semiconductor equipment and processes are subject to rapid technological change. We believe that our future success will depend in part on our ability to enhance existing products and develop new products with improved performance capabilities. We expect to continue to invest heavily in research and development and must manage product transitions successfully, as introductions of new products, including our recently introduced Delta EDGE™ handler, are likely to adversely impact sales or margins of existing products. In addition, the introduction of new products by Cohu or by our competitors, the concentration of our revenues in a limited number of large customers, the migration to new semiconductor test handling methodologies and the custom nature of our inventory parts increases the risk that our established products and related inventory may become obsolete, resulting in significant excess and obsolete inventory exposure. This increased exposure resulted in significant charges to operations during the third and fourth quarters of 2000, the first three quarters of 2001 and the second and third quarter of 2003. Future inventory write-offs and increased inventory reserve requirements could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

The design, development, commercial introduction and manufacture of new semiconductor test handling equipment is an inherently complex process that involves a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks, which are as evident today as they have been in the past, include potential problems in meeting customer acceptance and performance requirements, integration of the test handler with other suppliers’ equipment and the customers’ manufacturing processes, transitioning from product development to volume manufacturing and the ability of the equipment to satisfy the semiconductor industry’s constantly evolving needs and achieve commercial acceptance at prices that produce satisfactory profit margins. The design and development of new test handling equipment is heavily influenced by changes in integrated circuit (IC) assembly, test and final manufacturing processes and IC package design changes. We believe that the rate of change in such processes and IC packages is accelerating. As a result of these changes and other factors, assessing the market potential and commercial viability of new IC test handling equipment is extremely difficult and subject to a great deal of risk. In addition, not all IC manufacturers employ the same manufacturing processes. Differences in such processes make it difficult to design standard semiconductor test handler products that are capable of achieving broad market acceptance. As a result, we might not accurately assess the semiconductor industry’s future test handler requirements and fail to design and develop products that meet such requirements and achieve market acceptance. Failure to accurately assess customer requirements and market trends for new semiconductor test handler products may have a material adverse impact on our operations, financial condition and results of operations.

The transition from product development to the manufacture of new semiconductor equipment is a difficult process and delays in product introductions and problems in manufacturing such equipment are common. We have in the past and continue to experience difficulties in manufacturing and volume production of our new test handlers including our latest product offering, the Delta EDGE™. In addition, our after sale support and warranty costs have been significantly higher with new test handlers than with our established products. Future technologies, processes and product developments may render our current or future product offerings obsolete and we might not be able to develop, introduce and successfully manufacture new products or make enhancements to our existing products in a timely manner to satisfy customer requirements or achieve market acceptance. Furthermore, we might not realize acceptable profit margins on such products.

We are exposed to risks associated with acquisitions and investments.

Cohu has made, and may in the future make, acquisitions of, or significant investments in, businesses with complementary products, services and/or technologies. In July, 2001, Cohu acquired the assets of the Automated

19

Table of Contents

COHU, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
September 30, 2003

Systems business from Schlumberger Technologies, Inc. for $14.2 million in cash. A significant portion of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill and other intangible assets. In the fourth quarter of 2002, Cohu invested $2.5 million in KryoTech, Inc. preferred stock, that was written off in June, 2003, and $1.7 million in intangible assets for certain technology.

Acquisitions and investments involve numerous risks, including, but not limited to: 1) difficulties and increased costs in connection with integration of the personnel, operations, technologies and products of acquired businesses; 2) diversion of management’s attention from other operational matters; 3) the potential loss of key employees of acquired businesses; 4) lack of synergy, or the inability to realize expected synergies, resulting from the acquisition; 5) failure to commercialize purchased technology; and 6) the impairment of acquired intangible assets and goodwill that could result in significant charges to operating results in future periods. In addition, such acquisitions or investments may result in immediate charges to operating results. Mergers, acquisitions and investments are inherently risky and the inability to effectively manage these risks could materially and adversely affect Cohu’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

We have taken and expect to continue to take remedial measures to address the slowdown in the semiconductor equipment industry that may affect our ability to be competitive.