FORM 10-Q
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
/X/ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended August 31, 2007.
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 number: 000-22893.
AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
CALIFORNIA 94-2424084
-------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
400 KATO TERRACE
FREMONT, CA 94539
-------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
(Address of principal (Zip Code)
executive offices)
(510) 623-9400
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
FORMER NAME, FORMER ADDRESS AND FORMER FISCAL YEAR, IF CHANGED SINCE
LAST REPORT.
N/A
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 as the
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
(Item 1) YES X NO
--- ---
(Item 2) YES X NO
--- ---
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated
filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of
"accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange
Act (Check one):
Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer X
--- --- ---
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as
defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES NO X
--- ---
1
Number of shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding at
September 30, 2007 was 7,840,097.
2
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED AUGUST 31, 2007
INDEX
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
August 31, 2007 and May 31, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the
three months ended August 31, 2007 and 2006 . . . . . . 5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
three months ended August 31, 2007 and 2006 . . . . . . 6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. . . . . 7
ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks. . 19
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds. . 23
ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders . . . . . 23
ITEM 5. Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
ITEM 6. Exhibits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
SIGNATURE PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Index to Exhibits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
3
PART I. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Item 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
August 31, May 31,
2007 2007
----------- -----------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . $ 7,674 $ 6,564
Short-term investments. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,046 2,987
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for
doubtful accounts of $68 and $87 at
August 31, 2007 and May 31, 2007,
respectively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,783 6,614
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,646 9,701
Prepaid expenses and other. . . . . . . . . . . 325 326
----------- -----------
Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . 26,474 26,192
Property and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . 1,617 1,689
Goodwill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274 274
Other assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525 520
----------- -----------
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28,890 $28,675
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,955 $ 2,517
Accrued expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,575 2,927
Deferred revenue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 378
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . 4,780 5,822
Accrued lease commitment. . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 185
----------- -----------
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,943 6,007
----------- -----------
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value:
Issued and outstanding: 7,834 shares and
7,820 shares at August 31, 2007 and
May 31, 2007, respectively. . . . . . . . . . 78 78
Additional paid-in capital. . . . . . . . . . . 39,821 39,552
Accumulated other comprehensive income. . . . . 1,345 1,241
Accumulated deficit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (17,297) (18,203)
----------- -----------
Total shareholders' equity . . . . . . . . . 23,947 22,668
----------- -----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity. . $28,890 $28,675
=========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
August 31,
----------------------
2007 2006
---------- ----------
Net sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,660 $7,136
Cost of sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,479 3,883
---------- ----------
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,181 3,253
---------- ----------
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative. . . . . 1,816 1,635
Research and development . . . . . . . . . . 1,648 1,387
---------- ----------
Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . 3,464 3,022
---------- ----------
Income from operations . . . . . . . . . 717 231
Interest income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 122
Other income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 216
---------- ----------
Income before income tax expense . . . . 794 569
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 12
---------- ----------
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 779 $ 557
========== ==========
Net income per share - basic . . . . . . . . . $ 0.10 $ 0.07
Net income per share - diluted . . . . . . . . $ 0.09 $ 0.07
Shares used in per share calculations:
Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,827 7,683
Diluted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,301 8,326
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
August 31,
----------------------
2007 2006
---------- ----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income.................................... $ 779 $ 557
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash used in operating activities:
Stock compensation expense.................. 193 163
Provision for doubtful accounts............. (19) (2)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment.. -- 41
Depreciation and amortization............... 118 69
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable....................... (74) (720)
Inventories............................... (919) 956
Deferred lease commitment................. (22) (9)
Accounts payable.......................... (584) (50)
Accrued expenses and deferred revenue..... (414) (2,068)
Prepaid expenses and other................ 2 38
---------- ----------
Net cash used in
operating activities.................. (940) (1,025)
---------- ----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of investments..................... (200) (4,173)
Proceeds from sales and maturity
of investments............................ 2,141 4,002
Purchase of property and equipment ......... (41) (14)
(Increase) decrease in other assets......... (1) 1
---------- ----------
Net cash provided by (used in)
investing activities.................. 1,899 (184)
---------- ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
and exercise of stock options............. 55 373
---------- ----------
Net cash provided by
financing activities.................. 55 373
---------- ----------
Effect of exchange rates on cash................ 96 (19)
---------- ----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents...................... 1,110 (855)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period.. 6,564 9,405
---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period........ $7,674 $8,550
========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THREE MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2007
(UNAUDITED)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial information has been
prepared by Aehr Test Systems, without audit, pursuant to the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and therefore
does not include all information and footnotes necessary for a fair
presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America.
In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated
financial statements for the interim periods presented reflect all
adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a
fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial position and results
of operations as of and for such periods indicated. These condensed
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto
included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
May 31, 2007. Results for the interim periods presented herein are not
necessarily indicative of results which may be reported for any other interim
period or for the entire fiscal year.
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION. The consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of Aehr Test Systems and its subsidiaries (collectively,
the "Company," "we," "us," and "our"). All significant intercompany balances
have been eliminated in consolidation.
ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES. The preparation of financial statements in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America 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. Actual
results may differ from those estimates.
RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS. In June 2006, the
Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Interpretation No. 48,
"Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB
Statement No. 109" ("FIN 48"). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for
uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the Company's financial statements
in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." FIN
48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the
financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or
expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on
derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim
periods, disclosure, and transition. The evaluation of a tax position in
accordance with FIN 48 is a two-step process. The first step is recognition:
the Company determines whether it is "more-likely-than-not" that a tax
position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any
related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the
position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the "more-likely-than-
not" recognition threshold, the Company presumes that the position will be
examined by the appropriate taxing authority that would have full knowledge of
all relevant information. The second step is measurement: a tax position
that meets the "more-likely-than-not" recognition threshold is measured to
determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The
tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than
50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. FIN 48 is
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006.
7
Upon adoption of FIN 48 on June 1, 2007, the Company recognized a
cumulative effect adjustment of $127,000, decreasing its income tax liability
for unrecognized tax benefits, and decreasing the May 31, 2007 accumulated
deficit balance. At August 31, 2007, the Company had recorded tax expenses of
$15,000. The Company does not expect any material change in its unrecognized
tax benefits over the next twelve months. The following table shows the
changes in the accumulated deficit as of August 31, 2007 (in thousands):
Balance at May 31, 2007, as reported $(18,203)
FIN 48 adjustments to beginning balance 127
Net income during the period 779
--------
Balance at August 31, 2007 $(17,297)
========
Although the Company files U.S. federal, various state, and foreign tax
returns, the Company's only major tax jurisdictions are the United States,
California, Germany and Japan. Tax years 1993 - 2007 remain subject to
examination by the appropriate governmental agencies due to tax loss
carryovers from those years.
2. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Prior to June 1, 2006, the Company's stock-based employee compensation
plans were accounted for under the recognition and measurement provisions of
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees" ("APB 25"), and related interpretations, as permitted by FASB
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS No. 123"). The Company generally did not
recognize stock-based compensation cost in its condensed consolidated
statement of operations for periods prior to June 1, 2006 as most options
granted had an exercise price equal to or higher than the market value of the
underlying common stock on the date of the grant.
The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004),"Share-
Based Payment" ("SFAS No. 123(R)"), using the modified prospective transition
method, which requires the application of the accounting standard as of June
1, 2006, the first day of the Company's fiscal year 2007. SFAS No. 123(R)
establishes accounting for stock-based awards exchanged for employee services.
Accordingly, stock-based compensation cost is measured at each grant date,
based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the
employee's requisite service period. All of the Company's stock compensation
is accounted for as an equity instrument. The Company's condensed
consolidated financial statements for the three months ended August 31, 2007
and 2006 reflect the impact of SFAS No. 123(R). See Notes 9 and 10 in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2007 filed on August 29, 2007
for further information regarding the stock option plan and the employee stock
purchase plan ("ESPP"). Under the modified prospective transition method,
stock compensation cost has been recognized in the three months ended August
31, 2007 and 2006 in the condensed consolidated statements of income for stock
awards granted or modified after May 31, 2006 and for stock awards granted
prior to, but unvested as of, June 1, 2006. As required by SFAS No. 123(R),
the Company has made an estimate of expected forfeitures and is recognizing
compensation costs only for those stock-based compensation awards expected to
vest.
The following table summarizes compensation costs related to the Company's
stock-based compensation for the three months ended August 31, 2007 and 2006
(in thousands, except per share data):
8
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
August 31, 2007 August 31, 2006
------------------ ------------------
Stock-based compensation in the form of employee
stock options and ESPP shares, included in:
Cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 11 $ 7
Selling, general and administrative . . . . 113 92
Research and development . . . . . . . . . . 69 64
------------------ -----------------
Total stock-based compensation . . . . . . . 193 163
Tax effect on stock-based compensation . . . 4 3
------------------ -----------------
Net effect on net income . . . . . . . . . . $189 $160
================== =================
Effect on net income per share:
Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.02 $0.02
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.02 $0.02
During the three months ended August 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company
recorded stock-based compensation related to stock options of $158,000 and
$126,000, respectively.
As of August 31, 2007, the total compensation cost related to unvested
stock-based awards under the Company's 1996 Stock Option Plan and 2006 Equity
Incentive Plan, but not yet recognized, was approximately $2,048,000, which is
net of estimated forfeitures of $85,000. This cost will be amortized on a
straight-line basis over a weighted average period of approximately 3.0 years.
During the three months ended August 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company
recorded stock-based compensation related to our ESPP of $35,000 and $37,000,
respectively.
As of August 31, 2007, the total compensation cost related to options to
purchase the Company's common shares under the 2006 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan but not yet recognized was approximately $115,000. This cost will be
amortized on a straight-line basis over a weighted average period of
approximately 1.3 years.
Valuation Assumptions
Valuation and Amortization Method. The Company estimates the fair value
of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes option valuation method and a
single option award approach for options granted after June 1, 2006. The
multiple option approach has been used for all options granted prior to June
1, 2006. The fair value under the single option approach is amortized on a
straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards, which is
generally the vesting period. The fair value under the multiple option
approach is amortized on a weighted basis over the requisite service period of
the awards, which is generally the vesting period.
Expected Term. The Company's expected term represents the period that the
Company's stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding and was determined
based on historical experience, giving consideration to the contractual terms
of the stock-based awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future
employee behavior as evidenced by changes to the terms of the Company's stock-
based awards.
Expected Volatility. Volatility is a measure of the amounts by which a
financial variable such as stock price has fluctuated (historical volatility)
or is expected to fluctuate (expected volatility) during a period. The
Company uses the historical volatility for the past five years, which matches
the term of most of the option grants, to estimate expected volatility.
Volatility for each of the ESPP's four time periods of six months, twelve
months, eighteen months, and twenty-four months is calculated separately and
included in the overall stock-based compensation cost recorded.
9
Dividends. The Company has never paid any cash dividends on its common
stock and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable
future. Consequently, we use an expected dividend yield of zero in the Black-
Scholes option valuation method.
Risk-Free Interest Rate. The Company bases the risk-free interest rate
used in the Black-Scholes option valuation method on the implied yield in
effect at the time of option grant on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a
remaining term equivalent to the expected term of the stock awards including
the ESPP.
Estimated Forfeitures. When estimating forfeitures, the Company considers
voluntary termination behavior as well as analysis of actual option
forfeitures.
Fair Value. The fair values of the Company's stock options granted to
employees and ESPP shares for the three months ended August 31, 2007 and 2006
were estimated using the following weighted average assumptions in the Black-
Scholes valuation model consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) and
Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107.
The fair value of our stock options granted to employees for the three
months ended August 31, 2007 and 2006 was estimated using the following
weighted-average assumptions:
Three Months Ended
August 31,
---------------------
2007 2006
-------- --------
Option Plan Shares
Expected Term (in years).................... 5 5
Volatility.................................. 0.74 0.76
Expected Dividend........................... $0.00 $0.00
Risk-free Interest Rates.................... 4.78% 5.10%
Estimated Forfeiture Rate................... 4% 4%
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value...... $3.84 $5.47
The fair value of our ESPP shares for the three months ended August 31,
2007 and 2006 was estimated using the following weighted-average assumptions:
Three Months Ended
August 31,
-------------------------
2007 2006
----------- -----------
Employee Stock Purchase Plan Shares
Expected Term (in years).................... 0.5 - 2.0 0.5 - 2.0
Volatility.................................. 0.50 - 0.69 0.80 - 0.82
Expected Dividend........................... $0.00 $0.00
Risk-free Interest Rates.................... 4.7% - 4.9% 4.0% - 5.2%
Estimated Forfeiture Rate................... 4% 4%
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value...... $2.24 $1.29
10
The following table summarizes the stock options transactions during the
three months ended August 31, 2007 (in thousands, except per share data):
Outstanding Options
---------------------------------------------
Weighted
Number Average Aggregate
Available of Exercise Intrinsic
Shares Shares Price Value
---------- -------- --------- ----------
Balances, May 31, 2007........ 745 1,350 $4.38 $2,633
Options granted............. (355) 355 $6.05
Options exercised........... -- (14) $3.73
---------- --------
Balances, August 31, 2007..... 390 1,691 $4.74 $3,898
========== ========
Options exercisable and expected to be
exercisable at August 31, 2007 1,619 $4.73 $3,744
========
The options outstanding and exercisable at August 31, 2007 were in the
following exercise price ranges:
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
at August 31, 2007 at August 31, 2007
-------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Weighted Weighted
Average Weighted Number Weighted Average
Range of Number Remaining Average Exer- Average Remaining Aggregate
Exercise Outstanding Contractual Exercise cisable Exercise Contractual Intrinsic
Prices Shares Life (Years) Price Shares Price Life (Years) Value
----------- ----------- ----------- -------- ------- -------- ----------- ---------
$2.49-$3.63 561 4.02 $3.09 399 $3.11 3.80
$3.66-$4.08 276 2.62 $3.91 267 $3.91 2.57
$4.25-$4.95 206 1.96 $4.50 191 $4.51 1.82
$5.25-$6.56 498 4.01 $6.01 128 $5.89 1.86
$8.00-$9.30 151 5.79 $8.51 40 $8.52 5.81
----------- -------
$2.49-$9.30 1,691 3.70 $4.74 1,025 $4.14 2.95 $2,896
=========== =======
The total intrinsic value of options exercised for the three months ended
August 31, 2007 was $57,000. The weighted average remaining contractual life
of the options exercisable and expected to be exercisable was 3.7 years.
3. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of
common and common equivalent shares (common stock options) outstanding, when
dilutive, during each period using the treasury stock method.
11
Three Months Ended
August 31,
---------- ----------
2007 2006
---------- ----------
(in thousands, except
per share amounts)
Net income available to common shareholders:
Numerator: Net income ............................. $ 779 $ 557
---------- ----------
Denominator for basic income per share:
Weighted-average shares outstanding ............. 7,827 7,683
---------- ----------
Shares used in basic income per share
calculation...................................... 7,827 7,683
Effect of dilutive securities...................... 474 643
---------- ----------
Denominator for diluted net income
per share...................................... 8,301 8,326
---------- ----------
Basic net income per share......................... $0.10 $ 0.07
========== ==========
Diluted net income per share....................... $0.09 $ 0.07
========== ==========
Stock options to purchase 439,000 and 12,000 shares of common stock were
outstanding on August 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, but not included in the
computation of diluted income per share, because the inclusion of such shares
would be anti-dilutive.
4. INVENTORIES
Inventories are comprised of the following (in thousands):
August 31, May 31,
2007 2007
----------- -----------
Raw materials and sub-assemblies........ $4,426 $4,908
Work in process......................... 5,933 4,587
Finished goods.......................... 287 206
----------- -----------
$10,646 $9,701
=========== ===========
5. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company operates in one reportable segment; the design, manufacture
and marketing of advanced test and burn-in products to the semiconductor
manufacturing industry.
12
The following presents information about the Company's operations in
different geographic areas (in thousands):
United Adjust-
States Asia Europe ments Total
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Three months ended August 31, 2007:
Net sales......................... $ 7,429 $1,716 $ 68 $(1,553) $ 7,660
Portion of U.S. net sales
from export sales............... 2,904 -- -- -- 2,904
Income (loss) from operations..... 808 116 (119) (88) 717
Identifiable assets............... 37,383 4,093 906 (13,492) 28,890
Property and equipment, net....... 1,536 72 9 -- 1,617
Three months ended August 31, 2006:
Net sales......................... $ 6,442 $1,216 $ 29 $ (551) $ 7,136
Portion of U.S. net sales
from export sales............... 3,797 -- -- -- 3,797
Income (loss) from operations..... 286 97 (150) (2) 231
Identifiable assets............... 32,804 1,207 712 (10,903) 23,820
Property and equipment, net....... 745 86 23 -- 854
The Company's foreign operations are primarily those of its Japanese and
German subsidiaries. Substantially all of the sales of the subsidiaries are
made to unaffiliated Japanese or European customers. Net sales and income
(loss) from operations from outside the United States include the operating
results of Aehr Test Systems Japan K.K. and Aehr Test Systems GmbH.
Adjustments consist of intercompany eliminations. Identifiable assets are all
assets identified with operations in each geographic area.
Sales to the Company's five largest customers accounted for approximately
98.5% and 77.4% of its net sales in the three months ended August 31, 2007 and
2006, respectively.
6. PRODUCT WARRANTIES
The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the
time the products are shipped. While the Company engages in extensive product
quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating
the quality of its component suppliers, the Company's warranty obligation is
affected by product failure rates, material usage and service delivery costs
incurred in correcting a product failure. Should actual product failure
rates, material usage or service delivery costs differ from the Company's
estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required.
Following is a summary of changes in the Company's liability for product
warranties during the three months ended August 31, 2007 and 2006 (in
thousands):
Three Months Ended
August 31,
-----------------------
2007 2006
---------- ----------
Balance at the beginning of the period ........... $153 $169
Accruals for warranties issued during the period.. 74 114
Reversal of warranties issued during the period... -- --
Settlements made during the period
(in cash or in kind)............................. (50) (106)
---------- ----------
Balance at the end of the period.................. $177 $177
========== ==========
The accrued warranty balance is included in accrued expenses on the
accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
13
7. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Other comprehensive income, net of tax is comprised of the following (in
thousands):
Three Months Ended
August 31,
------------------------
2007 2006
----------- -----------
Net income................................ $779 $557
Foreign currency translation adjustments.. 104 (12)
Unrealized holding gains arising
during period .......................... -- 2
----------- -----------
Comprehensive income...................... $883 $547
=========== ===========
8. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
In addition to the Company's 1996 Stock Option Plan and the 1997 Employee
Stock Purchase Plan discussed in Notes 9 and 10 in the Company's 2007 Annual
Report on Form 10-K, the Company maintains the equity incentive plan and
employee benefit plans under which its equity securities are authorized for
issuance to the Company's employees, directors and consultants.
The purpose of these plans is to provide equity ownership and compensation
opportunities in the Company by attracting and retaining the services of
qualified and talented persons to serve as employees, directors and/or
consultants of the Company. Those plans were approved by the Company's
shareholders.
In October 2006, the Company's 2006 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2006
Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("2006 Plans") were approved by the Company's
shareholders. The 2006 Plans replace the Company's Amended and Restated 1996
Stock Option Plan, which would otherwise have expired in 2006, and the
Company's 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which would otherwise have
expired in 2007. The Amended and Restated 1996 Stock Option Plan will
continue to govern awards previously granted under that plan.
As of August 31, 2007, out of the 2,080,529 shares authorized for grant
under the 1996 Stock Option Plan and 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, approximately
1,690,624 shares had been granted. As of August 31, 2007, 13,000 shares had
been issued from the 200,000 shares authorized for grant under the 2006
Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
9. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements"
("SFAS 157"), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring
fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and
expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 does not require
any new fair value measurements; rather, it applies under other accounting
pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. The provisions
of SFAS 157 are to be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal
year in which it is initially applied, with any transition adjustment
recognized as a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of
retained earnings. The provisions of SFAS 157 are effective for fiscal years
beginning after November 15, 2007; therefore, the Company anticipates adopting
SFAS 157 as of June 1, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact
of SFAS 157 on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Including an amendment of FASB
14
Statement No. 115" ("SFAS 159"). SFAS 159 provides companies with an option to
report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The objective
of SFAS 159 is to reduce both complexity in accounting for financial
instruments and the volatility in earnings caused by measuring related assets
and liabilities differently. SFAS 159 is effective as of the beginning of an
entity's first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is
currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS
159 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements.
Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion of the financial condition and results of
operations of the Company should be read in conjunction with the unaudited
condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes that appear
elsewhere in this document and with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended May 31, 2007 and the consolidated financial statements and
notes thereto.
In addition to historical information, this report contains forward-
looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended. These statements typically may be identified by the use of forward-
looking words or phrases such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "anticipate,"
"should," "planned," "estimated," and "potential," among others and include,
but are not limited to, statements concerning our expectations regarding our
operations, business, strategies, prospects, revenues, expenses, costs and
resources. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and
uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from
those anticipated results or other expectations reflected in the forward-
looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences
include, but are not limited to, those discussed in this report and other
factors beyond our control, and in particular, the risks discussed in "Part
II, Item 1A. Risk Factors" and those discussed in other documents we file with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements
included in this document are based on our current expectations, and we
undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any
revision to these forward-looking statements. Given these risks and
uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such
forward-looking statements.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Company's discussion and analysis of its financial condition and
results of operations are based upon the Company's unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The
preparation of these financial statements requires the Company 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 ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its
estimates, including those related to customer programs and incentives,
product returns, bad debts, inventories, investments, intangible assets,
income taxes, financing operations, warranty obligations, long-term service
contracts, and contingencies and litigation. The Company 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 that are
not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these
estimates under different assumptions or conditions. For a discussion of the
critical accounting policies, see "Item 7. Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical
Accounting Policies" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended May 31, 2007.
15
Except for the adoption of the Financial Accounting Standards Board
("FASB") issued Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income
Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109" ("FIN 48") as described
in Note 1 of the notes to condensed consolidated financial statements in Item
1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) the Company's
critical accounting policies have not changed materially.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth items in the Company's unaudited condensed
consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net sales for the
periods indicated.
Three Months Ended
August 31,
---------------------
2007 2006
---------- ----------
Net sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0 % 100.0 %
Cost of sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45.4 54.4
---------- ----------
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54.6 45.6
---------- ----------
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative. . . 23.7 22.9
Research and development . . . . . . . . 21.5 19.4
---------- ----------
Total operating expenses . . . . 45.2 42.3
---------- ----------
Income from operations . . . . . . . . . . 9.4 3.3
Interest income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0 1.7
Other income, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.0 3.0
---------- ----------
Income before income tax expense . . . . . 10.4 8.0
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.2 0.2
---------- ----------
Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 10.2 % 7.8 %
========== ==========
THREE MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2007 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 31,
2006
NET SALES. Net sales increased to $7.7 million in the three months ended
August 31, 2007 from $7.1 million in the three months ended August 31, 2006,
an increase of 7.3%. The increase in net sales in the three months ended
August 31, 2007 resulted primarily from increases in net sales of the
Company's wafer/die level products, partially offset by decreases in sales of
the Company's MAX monitored burn-in products and MTX products. Net sales of
the Company's wafer/die level products for the three months ended August 31,
2007 were $5.6 million, and increased approximately $4.6 million from the
three months ended August 31, 2006. Net sales of the Company's MAX monitored
burn-in products for the three months ended August 31, 2007 were $1.8 million,
and decreased approximately $2.6 million from the three months ended August
31, 2006. Net sales of the Company's MTX products for the three months ended
August 31, 2007 were $237,000, and decreased approximately $1.5 million from
the three months ended August 31, 2006. The Company expects that net sales in
the second quarter of fiscal 2008 will be higher than those in the first
quarter of fiscal 2008.
GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit consists of net sales less cost of sales.
Cost of sales consists primarily of the cost of materials, assembly and test
costs, and overhead from operations. Gross profit increased to $4.2 million
16
in the three months ended August 31, 2007 from $3.3 million in the three
months ended August 31, 2006, an increase of 28.5%. As a percentage of net
sales, gross profit margin increased to 54.6% in the three months ended August
31, 2007 from 45.6% in the three months ended August 31, 2006. The increase in
gross profit margin was primarily the result of the fact that FOX products,
with somewhat higher margins, represented a higher proportion of net sales.
Over the next few quarters, the Company believes that its gross profit margin
will be in the low 50% range.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE. Selling, general and administrative
("SG&A") expenses consist primarily of salaries and related costs of
employees, commission expenses to independent sales representatives, product
promotion and other professional services. SG&A expenses of $1.8 million in
the three months ended August 31, 2007 increased from $1.6 million in the
three months ended August 31, 2006, an increase of 11.1%. The increase in
SG&A expenses was primarily due to an increase in headcount, as the Company
added support resources to address the expected growth in our business. As a
percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased to 23.7% in the three months
ended August 31, 2007 from 22.9% in the three months ended August 31, 2006.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. Research and development ("R&D") expenses
consist primarily of salaries and related costs of employees engaged in
ongoing research, design and development activities, costs of engineering
materials and supplies, and professional consulting expenses. R&D expenses
increased to $1.6 million in the three months ended August 31, 2007 from $1.4
million in the three months ended August 31, 2006, an increase of 18.8%. This
increase was primarily due to an increase in project material expenses. As a
percentage of net sales, R&D expenses increased to 21.5% in the three months
ended August 31, 2007 from 19.4% in the three months ended August 31, 2006.
INTEREST INCOME. Interest income decreased to $75,000 in the three months
ended August 31, 2007 from $122,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2006.
The decrease in net interest income for the three months ended August 31, 2007
was primarily related to lower average invested balances.
OTHER INCOME, NET. Other income, net decreased to $2,000 in the three
months ended August 31, 2007 from $216,000 in the three months ended August
31, 2006. The decrease in other income, net was primarily related to the
receipt of a dividend paid by the Company's investment in ESA Electronics Pte
Ltd., a Singapore company in the three months ended August 31, 2006. No such
dividend was received in the three months ended August 31, 2007.
INCOME TAX EXPENSE. Income tax expense was $15,000 in the three months
ended August 31, 2007 and $12,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2006.
The income tax expense in the three months ended August 31, 2007 and 2006 was
primarily attributable to alternate minimum tax requirements for the Company's
U.S. operations. The Company's U.S. operations and its Japanese subsidiary
have experienced significant cumulative losses and thus generated certain net
operating losses available to offset future taxes payable in the U.S. and
Japan. As a result of the cumulative operating losses in the Company's U.S.
operations and its Japanese subsidiary, a valuation allowance was established
for the full amount of its net deferred tax assets for both its U.S.
operations and its Japanese subsidiary.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $940,000 for the
three months ended August 31, 2007 and $1.0 million for the three months ended
August 31, 2006. For the three months ended August 31, 2007, net cash used in
operating activities of $940,000 was driven primarily by an increase in
inventories ($919,000) primarily to support the expected FOX-1 product line
and a decrease in accounts payable ($584,000), partially offset by net income
of $779,000. The decrease in accounts payable was primarily a matter of
timing, as the Company received a proportionately higher amount of goods
earlier in this fiscal quarter than in the quarter ended May 31, 2007. For
the three months ended August 31, 2006, net cash used in operating activities
17
of $1.0 million was primarily due to a decrease in accrued expenses and
deferred revenue of $2.1 million and an increase in accounts receivable of
$720,000, partially offset by a decrease in inventories of $956,000 and net
income of $557,000.
Net cash provided by investing activities was approximately $1.9 million
for the three months ended August 31, 2007 and net cash used in investing
activities was approximately $184,000 for the three months ended August 31,
2006. The net cash provided by investing activities during the three months
ended August 31, 2007 was primarily due to proceeds from sales and maturity of
investments. The net cash used in investing activities during the three
months ended August 31, 2006 was primarily attributable to $4.2 million of
purchase of investments, partially offset by $4.0 million net proceeds from
sales and maturity of investments.
Financing activities provided cash of approximately $55,000 in the three
months ended August 31, 2007. Financing activities provided cash of
approximately $373,000 in the three months ended August 31, 2006. Net cash
provided by financing activities during the three months ended August 31, 2007
and 2006 was primarily due to proceeds from issuance of common stock from the
exercise of stock options.
As of August 31, 2007, the Company had working capital of $21.7 million.
Working capital consists of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments,
accounts receivable, inventory and other current assets, less current
liabilities.
The Company announced in August 1998 that its board of directors had
authorized the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of its outstanding common
shares. The Company may repurchase the shares in the open market or in
privately negotiated transactions, from time to time, subject to market
conditions. The number of shares of common stock actually acquired by the
Company will depend on subsequent developments and corporate needs, and the
repurchase program may be interrupted or discontinued at any time. Any such
repurchase of shares, if consummated, may use a portion of the Company's
working capital. As of May 31, 2006, the Company had repurchased 523,700
shares at an average price of $3.95. Shares repurchased by the Company are
cancelled. The Company has not repurchased any of its outstanding common
shares since May 31, 2006.
The Company leases most of its manufacturing and office space under
operating leases. The Company entered into a non-cancelable operating lease
agreement for its United States manufacturing and office facilities, which
commenced in December 1999 and expires in December 2009. Under the lease
agreement, the Company is responsible for payments of utilities, taxes and
insurance.
From time to time, the Company evaluates potential acquisitions of
businesses, products or technologies that complement the Company's business.
Any such transactions, if consummated, may use a portion of the Company's
working capital or require the issuance of equity. The Company has no present
understandings, commitments or agreements with respect to any material
acquisitions.
The Company anticipates that the existing cash balance together with cash
provided by operations, if any, are adequate to meet its working capital and
capital equipment requirements through calendar year 2008. After calendar
year 2008, depending on its rate of growth and profitability, the Company may
require additional equity or debt financing to meet its working capital
requirements or capital equipment needs. There can be no assurance that
additional financing will be available when required, or, if available, that
such financing can be obtained on terms satisfactory to the Company.
18
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company has not entered into any off-balance sheet financing
arrangements and has not established any variable interest entities.
OVERVIEW OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
There have been no material changes in the composition, magnitude or other
key characteristics of the Company's contractual obligations or other
commitments as disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended May 31, 2007.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements"
("SFAS 157"), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring
fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and
expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 does not require
any new fair value measurements; rather, it applies under other accounting
pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. The provisions
of SFAS 157 are to be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal
year in which it is initially applied, with any transition adjustment
recognized as a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of
retained earnings. The provisions of SFAS 157 are effective for fiscal years
beginning after November 15, 2007; therefore, the Company anticipates adopting
SFAS 157 as of June 1, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact
of SFAS 157 on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Including an amendment of FASB
Statement No. 115" ("SFAS 159"). SFAS 159 provides companies with an option to
report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The objective
of SFAS 159 is to reduce both complexity in accounting for financial
instruments and the volatility in earnings caused by measuring related assets
and liabilities differently. SFAS 159 is effective as of the beginning of an
entity's first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is
currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS
159 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements.
Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS
The Company considered the provisions of Financial Reporting Release No.
48, "Disclosures of Accounting Policies for Derivative Financial Instruments
and Derivative Commodity Instruments, and Disclosures of Quantitative and
Qualitative Information about Market Risk Inherent in Derivative Commodity
Instruments." The Company had no holdings of derivative financial or
commodity instruments at August 31, 2007.
The Company is exposed to financial market risks, including changes in
interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The Company invests
excess cash in a managed portfolio of corporate and government bond
instruments with maturities of 18 months or less. The Company does not use
any financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. Fluctuations
in interest rates would not have a material effect on the Company's financial
position, results of operations or cash flows.
A majority of the Company's revenue and capital spending is transacted in
U.S. dollars. The Company, however, enters into transactions in other
currencies, primarily Japanese Yen. Substantially all sales to Japanese
customers are denominated in Yen. Since the price is determined at the time a
purchase order is accepted, the Company is exposed to the risks of
fluctuations in the Yen-U.S. dollar exchange rate during the lengthy period
from purchase order to ultimate payment. This exchange rate risk is partially
offset to the extent that the Company's Japanese subsidiary incurs expenses
19
payable in Yen. To date, the Company has not invested in instruments designed
to hedge currency risks. In addition, the Company's Japanese subsidiary
typically carries debt or other obligations due to the Company that may be
denominated in either Yen or U.S. dollars. Since the Japanese subsidiary's
financial statements are based in Yen and the Company's financial statements
are based in U.S. dollars, the Japanese subsidiary and the Company recognize
foreign exchange gain or loss in any period in which the value of the Yen
rises or falls in relation to the U.S. dollar. A 10% decrease in the value of
the Yen as compared with the U.S. dollar would not be expected to result in a
significant change in net income or loss.
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. Our management
evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief
Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures
as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial
Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are
effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports
that we file or submit under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 is
recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified
in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING. No change in our
internal control over financial reporting occurred during the period covered
by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial
reporting.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None.
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
Set forth below and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in
other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including
without limitation our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, are
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements in this
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We believe that these risks and uncertainties
are the principal material risks facing the Company as of the date of this
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. In the future, we may become subject to
additional risks that are not currently known to us. If any of these risks
actually occur, our business, financial condition and operating results could
be seriously harmed. As a result, the trading price of our common stock could
decline, and you could lose all or part of the value of your investment.
CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION. The semiconductor manufacturing industry is
highly concentrated, with a relatively small number of large semiconductor
manufacturers and contract assemblers accounting for a substantial portion of
the purchases of semiconductor equipment. Sales to the Company's five largest
customers accounted for approximately 75.8% and 82.9% of its net sales in
fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively. Sales to the Company's five largest
customers accounted for approximately 98.5% and 77.4% of its net sales in the
three months ended August 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. During fiscal 2007,
Spansion Inc. and Texas Instruments Incorporated accounted for 39.2% and 22.9%
of the Company's net sales, respectively. During fiscal 2006, Texas
Instruments Incorporated and Spansion Inc. accounted for 47.9% and 24.9% of
the Company's net sales, respectively. No other customers represented more
than 10% of the Company's net sales for either fiscal 2007 or fiscal 2006.
The Company expects that sales of its products to a limited number of
customers will continue to account for a high percentage of net sales for the
20
foreseeable future. In addition, sales to particular customers may fluctuate
significantly from quarter to quarter. The loss of or reduction or delay in
an order or orders from a significant customer, or a delay in collecting or
failure to collect accounts receivable from a significant customer could
adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and operating
results.
DEPENDENCE ON MARKET ACCEPTANCE OF FOX SYSTEM. A principal element of the
Company's business strategy is to capture an increasing share of the test
equipment market through sales of its FOX wafer-level test and burn-in system.
The FOX systems are newly designed to simultaneously burn-in and functionally
test all of the die on a wafer in a single touchdown. The market for the FOX
systems is in the very early stages of development. The FOX-14 full wafer
contact burn-in and parallel test system was introduced in July 2001 and the
FOX-1 full wafer parallel test system was introduced in June 2005. The
Company's strategy depends, in part, upon its ability to persuade potential
customers that the FOX system can successfully contact and functionally test
all of the die on a wafer simultaneously, and that this method of testing is
cost-effective for the customer. There can be no assurance that the Company's
strategy will be successful. The failure of the FOX system to achieve market
acceptance would have a material adverse effect on the Company's future
operating results and long-term prospects. The Company's stock price may also
decline.
Market acceptance of the FOX system is subject to a number of risks. The
Company must complete development of the FOX system and the manufacturing
processes used to build it. Before a customer will incorporate the FOX system
into a production line, lengthy qualification and correlation tests must be
performed. The Company anticipates that potential customers may be reluctant
to change their procedures in order to transfer burn-in and test functions to
the FOX system. Initial purchases are expected to be limited to systems used
for these qualifications and for engineering studies. Market acceptance of
the FOX system also may be affected by a reluctance of IC manufacturers to
rely on relatively small suppliers such as the Company. As is common with new
complex products incorporating leading-edge technologies, the Company may
encounter reliability, design and manufacturing issues as it begins volume
production and initial installations of FOX systems at customer sites. While
the Company places a high priority on addressing these issues as they arise,
there can be no assurance that they can be resolved to the customer's
satisfaction or that the resolution of such problems will not cause the
Company to incur significant development costs or warranty expenses or to lose
significant sales opportunities.
INTENSE COMPETITION. In each of the markets it serves, the Company faces
competition from established competitors and potential new entrants, many of
which have greater financial, engineering, manufacturing and marketing
resources than the Company. The Company expects its competitors will continue
to improve the performance of their current products and to introduce new
products with improved price and performance characteristics. In addition,
continuing consolidation in the semiconductor equipment industry, and
potential future consolidation, could adversely affect the ability of smaller
companies, such as the Company, to compete with larger, integrated
competitors. New product introductions by the Company's competitors or by new
market entrants could cause a decline in sales or loss of market acceptance of
the Company's existing products. Increased competitive pressure could also
lead to intensified price-based competition, resulting in lower prices which
could adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and
operating results. The Company believes that to remain competitive it must
invest significant financial resources in new product development and expand
its customer service and support worldwide. There can be no assurance that
the Company will be able to compete successfully in the future.
The semiconductor equipment industry is intensely competitive.
Significant competitive factors in the semiconductor equipment market include
price, technical capabilities, quality, delivery lead-time, flexibility,
automation, cost of ownership, reliability, throughput, product availability
21
and customer service. In each of the markets it serves, the Company faces
competition from established competitors and potential new entrants, many of
which have greater financial, engineering, manufacturing and marketing
resources than the Company.
Because the Company's MTX system performs burn-in and many of the
functional tests performed by traditional memory testers, the MTX system faces
intense competition from burn-in system suppliers and traditional memory
tester suppliers. The market for burn-in systems is highly fragmented, with
many domestic and international suppliers. Some users of such systems, such
as independent test labs, build their own burn-in systems, while others,
particularly large IC manufacturers in Asia, acquire burn-in systems from
captive or affiliated suppliers. Competing suppliers of burn-in and
functional test systems include Advantest Corporation and Dong-Il Corporation.
The Company's MAX monitored burn-in systems have faced and are expected to
continue to face increasingly severe competition, especially from several
regional, low-cost manufacturers and from systems manufacturers that offer
higher power dissipation per device under test.
The Company's FOX full wafer contact system is expected to face
competition from larger systems manufacturers that have sufficient
technological know-how and manufacturing capability. Competing suppliers of
full wafer contact systems include Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
and Delta V Instruments, Incorporated.
The Company expects that its DiePak products will face significant
competition. The Company believes that several companies have developed or
are developing products which are intended to enable test and burn-in of bare
die. As the bare die market develops, the Company expects that other
competitors will emerge. The DiePak products also face severe competition
from other alternative test solutions. The Company expects that the primary
competitive factors in this market will be cost, performance, reliability and
assured supply. Competing suppliers of DiePak products include Yamaichi
Electronics Co., Ltd.
The Company's test fixture products face numerous regional competitors.
There are limited barriers to entry into the burn-in board ("BIB") market, and
as a result, many companies design and manufacture BIBs, including BIBs for
use with the Company's MAX system. The Company's strategy is to provide only
certain high performance BIBs, and the Company generally does not compete to
supply low cost, low performance BIBs. The Company has granted royalty-
bearing licenses to several companies to make performance test boards for use
with the Company's MTX systems and BIBs for use with the Company's MAX4
systems, in order to assure customers of a second source of supply, and the
Company may grant additional licenses as well. Sales of PTBs and MAX4 BIBs by
licensees result in royalties to the Company.
The Company expects its competitors to continue to improve the performance
of their current products and to introduce new products with improved price
and performance characteristics. New product introductions by the Company's
competitors or by new market entrants could cause a decline in sales or loss
of market acceptance of the Company's products. The Company has observed
price competition in the systems market, particularly with respect to its less
advanced products. Increased competitive pressure could also lead to
intensified price-based competition, resulting in lower prices which could
adversely affect the Company's operating margins and results. The Company
believes that to remain competitive it must invest significant financial
resources in new product development and expand its customer service and
support worldwide. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
compete successfully in the future.
DEPENDENCE ON SUBCONTRACTORS; SOLE OR LIMITED SOURCES OF SUPPLY. The
Company relies on subcontractors to manufacture many of the components or
subassemblies used in its products. The Company's MTX, MAX, FOX systems,
WaferPak contactors and DiePak carriers contain several components, including
22
environmental chambers, power supplies, wafer and die contactors, signal
distribution substrates and certain ICs, which are currently supplied by only
one or a limited number of suppliers. The Company's reliance on
subcontractors and single source suppliers involves a number of significant
risks, including the loss of control over the manufacturing process, the
potential absence of adequate capacity and reduced control over delivery
schedules, manufacturing yields, quality and costs. In the event that any
significant subcontractor or single source supplier was to become unable or
unwilling to continue to manufacture subassemblies, components or parts in
required volumes, the Company would have to identify and qualify acceptable
replacements. The process of qualifying subcontractors and suppliers could be
lengthy, and no assurance can be given that any additional sources would be
available to the Company on a timely basis. Any delay, interruption or
termination of a supplier relationship could have a material and adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition and operating results.
Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
Item 6. EXHIBITS
The Exhibits listed on the accompanying "Index to Exhibits" are filed as
part of, or incorporated by reference into, this report.
23
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.
Aehr Test Systems
(Registrant)
Date: October 12, 2007 /s/ RHEA J. POSEDEL
---------------------------
Rhea J. Posedel
Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Date: October 12, 2007 /s/ GARY L. LARSON
----------------------------
Gary L. Larson
Vice President of Finance and
Chief Financial Officer
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AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit No. Description
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31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules
13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) promulgated under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to
Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rules
13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) promulgated under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to
Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer 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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