Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 


 

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

For the quarterly period ended March 24, 2007.

 

¨ 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: 000-51851

 


Nextest Systems Corporation

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware   77-0470150

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

1901 Monterey Road, San Jose, California 95112

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (408) 817-7200

 


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 a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer as defined in Rule 12B-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

As of April 21 2007, there were 17,750,503 shares of the Registrant's Common Stock outstanding, par value $0.001.

 



Table of Contents

NEXTEST SYSTEMS CORPORATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

               Page
PART I.       FINANCIAL INFORMATION   
   Item 1    Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)   
      Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 24, 2007 and June 24, 2006    3
      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine month periods ended March 24, 2007 and March 25, 2006    4
      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine month periods ended March 24, 2007 and March 25, 2006    5
      Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements    6
   Item 2    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    15
   Item 3    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk    22
   Item 4    Controls and Procedures    22
PART II.       OTHER INFORMATION   
   Item 1    Legal Proceedings    23
   Item 1A    Risk Factors    23
   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    24
   Item 6    Exhibits    24
Signatures    25
Exhibit Index    26

 

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Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.

NEXTEST SYSTEMS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

     March 24,
2007
    June 24,
2006
 

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 45,627     $ 68,667  

Short-term investments

     28,975       —    

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $90 at March 24, 2007 and at June 24, 2006

     23,835       16,518  

Inventory

     21,345       26,099  

Deferred tax assets

     2,741       2,976  

Prepaid expenses, taxes and other current assets

     1,873       1,118  
                

Total current assets

     124,396       115,378  

Property and equipment, net

     3,886       3,868  

Restricted cash

     217       317  

Deferred tax assets

     1,847       1,067  

Other assets

     594       466  
                

Total assets

   $ 130,940     $ 121,096  
                

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 3,368     $ 2,585  

Accrued liabilities

     4,837       5,946  

Deferred income

     3,305       4,890  

Income tax payable

     1,956       1,163  
                

Total current liabilities

     13,466       14,584  

Deferred income

     307       458  

Other liabilities

     501       202  
                

Total liabilities

     14,274       15,244  
                

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred Stock: no par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding

     —         —    

Common Stock: $0.001 par value; 140,000,000 shares authorized, 17,735,103 and 17,512,278 shares issued and outstanding at March 24, 2007 and June 24, 2006, respectively

     18       18  

Additional paid-in capital

     103,763       101,597  

Deferred stock-based compensation

     (169 )     (359 )

Retained earnings

     13,054       4,596  
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     116,666       105,852  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 130,940     $ 121,096  
                

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

 

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NEXTEST SYSTEMS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     March 24, 2007    March 25, 2006     March 24, 2007    March 25, 2006  

Net revenue

   $ 21,152    $ 24,970     $ 65,941    $ 61,600  

Cost of revenue

     10,375      11,937       30,932      30,317  
                              

Gross profit

     10,777      13,033       35,009      31,283  
                              

Operating expenses:

          

Research and development

     2,634      2,358       7,009      6,110  

Selling, general and administrative

     6,659      5,906       17,835      15,675  
                              

Total operating expenses

     9,293      8,264       24,844      21,785  
                              

Income from operations

     1,484      4,769       10,165      9,498  

Interest and other income, net

     835      139       2,475      312  
                              

Income before income taxes

     2,319      4,908       12,640      9,810  

Income tax provision

     860      1,717       4,182      3,318  
                              

Net income

     1,459      3,191       8,458      6,492  

Accretion of Series B preferred stock redemption value

     —        (4,752 )     —        (7,753 )
                              

Net income (loss) available to common stockholders

   $ 1,459    $ (1,561 )   $ 8,458    $ (1,261 )
                              

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share available to common stockholders:

          

Net income (loss) per common share, basic

   $ 0.08    $ (0.18 )   $ 0.48    $ (0.15 )
                              

Net income (loss) per common share, diluted

   $ 0.08    $ (0.18 )   $ 0.45    $ (0.15 )
                              

Weighted average number of shares used in per share calculation, basic

     17,658,654      8,783,337       17,584,796      8,693,935  
                              

Weighted average number of shares used in per share calculation, diluted

     18,780,292      8,783,337       18,717,831      8,693,935  
                              

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

 

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NEXTEST SYSTEMS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Nine Months Ended  
     March 24, 2007     March 25, 2006  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 8,458     $ 6,492  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     1,123       971  

Provision for excess inventory

     1,121       621  

Stock-based compensation

     1,268       1,478  

Deferred tax provision (benefit)

     (545 )     253  

Interest on notes receivable from stockholders

     —         (10 )

Tax benefits from stock-based compensation plans

     496       —    

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation plans

     (445 )     —    

Changes in current assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     (7,317 )     (3,166 )

Inventory

     3,186       (15,031 )

Prepaid expenses, taxes and other current assets

     167       (868 )

Income tax receivable

     (849 )     (68 )

Other assets

     (128 )     77  

Accounts payable

     783       4,220  

Accrued and other liabilities

     (810 )     2,899  

Deferred income

     (1,736 )     1,052  

Income tax payable

     742       (301 )

Customer deposits

     —         2,250  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     5,514       869  
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchase of property and equipment

     (712 )     (370 )

Sale of property and equipment

     18       —    

Purchases of available-for-sale securities

     (47,388 )     —    

Sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities

     18,340       —    

Changes in restricted cash

     100       100  
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (29,642 )     (270 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     643       60  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation plans

     445       —    

Repayment of principal and interest on notes receivable from stockholders

     —         33  
                

Net cash provided by financing activities

     1,088       93  
                

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (23,040 )     692  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     68,667       10,474  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 45,627     $ 11,166  
                

Non-cash financing activities:

    

Extinguishment of principal on notes receivable from stockholders

   $ —       $ 1,005  
                

Conversion of Series B Preferred Stock

   $ —       $ 38,537  
                

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    

Income taxes paid, net of income tax refunds

   $ 4,138     $ 3,317  
                

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

 

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NEXTEST SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 1—The Company

Nextest Systems Corporation (the “Company”) was incorporated in California in November 1997 and reincorporated in Delaware in March 2006. The Company is engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, sale and service of automatic test equipment (“ATE”) for the semiconductor industry.

On March 21, 2006, the Company sold 4,600,000 shares of its common stock at an offering price of $14.00 per share in its initial public offering resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $58.6 million after both underwriters’ commissions and approximately $1.3 million in issuance costs. The transaction closed on March 27, 2006, the beginning of our fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006.

The Company’s fiscal year is the 52 or 53 weeks ending on the last Saturday in June. Fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 are 53 and 52 week fiscal years, respectively. The periods for the three and nine months ended March 24, 2007 and March 25, 2006 included 13 and 39 weeks, respectively.

Note 2—Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“US GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The June 24, 2006 consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. However, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 24, 2006.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all normal and recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods indicated.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities (including inventory valuation, accounts receivable valuation, accrued warranty and estimated fair values of stock options and redeemable preferred stock) and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of net revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Note 3—Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation 48, “Accounting for Income Tax Uncertainties” (FIN 48). FIN 48 defines the threshold for recognizing the benefits of tax return positions in the financial statements as “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained by the taxing authority. The recently issued literature also provides guidance on the recognition, measurement and classification of income tax uncertainties, along with any related interest and penalties. FIN 48 also includes guidance concerning accounting for income tax uncertainties in interim periods and increases the level of disclosures associated with any recorded income tax uncertainties. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The differences between the amounts recognized in the statements of financial position prior to the adoption of FIN 48 and the amounts reported after adoption will be accounted for as a cumulative-effect adjustment recorded to the beginning balance of retained earnings. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting the provisions of FIN 48 on its financial position and results of operations.

In May 2007, the FASB issued FSP FIN No. 48-1, Definition of “Settlement” in FASB Interpretation No. 48. FSP FIN No. 48-1 provides guidance on how a company should determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits. FSP FIN No. 48-1 is effective upon initial adoption of FIN No. 48 which the Company will adopt in the first quarter of fiscal 2008.

 

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Table of Contents

In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (SAB 108), to address diversity in practice in quantifying financial statement misstatements. SAB 108 requires that the Company quantify misstatements based on their impact on each of our financial statements and related disclosures. SAB 108 is effective as of the end of our 2007 fiscal year, allowing a one-time transitional cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of June 24, 2006 for errors that were not previously deemed material, but are material under the guidance in SAB 108. Adoption of SAB 108 is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 (SFAS No. 157), “Fair Value Measurements,” which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 are effective as of the beginning of our 2009 fiscal year. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting SFAS No. 157 on its financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”—including an amendment of SFAS No. 115. SFAS No. 159 allows companies to choose, at specified election dates, to measure eligible financial assets and liabilities at fair value that are not otherwise required to be measured at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses shall be reported on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS No. 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and will be applied prospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting SFAS No. 159 on its financial statements.

Note 4—Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist of cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company’s deposits are primarily in checking and money market accounts with reputable financial institutions. Deposits held with financial institutions may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. The Company’s accounts receivable are derived from U.S. dollar denominated revenue earned from customers located primarily in North America, Europe and Asia. The Company performs on-going credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition. While the Company generally does not require collateral, in certain circumstances it may require a customer to provide an irrevocable letter of credit and/or a significant cash deposit prior to shipment. The Company assesses collectibility of its accounts receivable and provides a valuation allowance for its estimate of uncollectible amounts. The Company did not have significant provisions, write-offs or recoveries during the three and nine months ended March 24, 2007 or the three and nine months ended March 25, 2006.

The following table sets forth sales to customers comprising 10% or more of the Company’s net revenue for the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  

Customer

  

March 24,

2007

    March 25,
2006
    March 24,
2007
    March 25,
2006
 

SanDisk

   69 %   36 %   44 %   30 %

Samsung

   *     33 %   14 %   20 %

Atmel

   *     12 %   11 %   *  

Hynix

   *     *     *     24 %

* Less than 10% of net revenue in the period.

The following table sets forth accounts receivable from customers comprising 10% or more of the Company’s net accounts receivable balance at the period ends indicated:

 

Customer

  

March 24,

2007

   

March 25,

2006

 

SanDisk

   67 %   15 %

Samsung

   *     18 %

Atmel

   *     17 %

* Less than 10% of net accounts receivable in the period.

 

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NEXTEST SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

Note 5—Short-term Investments

The Company considers marketable securities with remaining maturities at the time of purchase greater than three months and that are expected to be realized within one year from the balance sheet date as short-term investments. Marketable securities consist of debt securities that are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (SFAS No. 115) with net unrealized gains and losses reported within stockholders’ equity. There were no significant unrealized gains and losses reported in the three and nine months ended March 24, 2007. Short-term investments at March 24, 2007 consisted of auction rate securities which when purchased had auction-rate reset dates within 90 days of the purchase date and municipal debt securities.

Note 6—Balance Sheet Components

 

(in thousands)   

March 24,

2007

  

June 24,

2006

Inventory:

     

Raw materials

   $ 12,127    $ 16,971

Work-in-progress

     2,504      2,753

Inventory held at customers

     948      2,258

Field service inventory

     1,980      1,787

Finished goods

     3,786      2,330
             
   $ 21,345    $ 26,099
             

Inventory provisions for the three months ended March 24, 2007 and March 25, 2006 were $350,000 and $259,000, respectively. Recoveries resulting from sales of previously written-down inventory for the three months ended March 24, 2007 and March 25, 2006 were $393,000 and $27,000, respectively. Inventory provisions for the nine months ended March 24, 2007 and March 25, 2006 were $1,121,000 and $621,000, respectively. Recoveries resulting from sales of previously written-down inventory for the nine months ended March 24, 2007 and March 25, 2006 were $1,057,000 and $277,000, respectively.

 

(in thousands)   

March 24,

2007

  

June 24,

2006

Accrued liabilities:

     

Payroll and related expenses

   $ 1,654    $ 2,967

Accrued warranty

     721      635

Professional fees

     559      398

Accrued commissions

     508      1,013

Other accrued expenses

     1,395      933
             
   $ 4,837    $ 5,946
             

 

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NEXTEST SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

Note 7—Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Basic net income (loss) available to common stockholders per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted-average common shares outstanding for the period. The net income (loss) available to common stockholders is calculated by deducting the accretion of the estimated redemption fair value of shares of the Series B Preferred and dividends allocable to shares of the Series A Preferred from net income to determine the net income (loss) available to common stockholders.

Diluted net income (loss) available to common stockholders per share is computed giving effect to all potentially dilutive common stock, including stock options and common stock subject to repurchase using the treasury stock method and all convertible securities using the if-converted method to the extent it is dilutive.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders per share (in thousands, except share and per share data):

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     March 24, 2007     March 25, 2006     March 24, 2007     March 25, 2006  

Numerators:

        

Net income

   $ 1,459     $ 3,191     $ 8,458     $ 6,492  

Accretion of Series B Preferred stock redemption value

     —         (4,752 )     —         (7,753 )

Net income allocated to participating Series A Preferred stock

     —         —         —         —    
                                

Net income (loss) available to common stockholders—Basic and Diluted

   $ 1,459     $ (1,561 )   $ 8,458     $ (1,261 )
                                

Denominators:

        

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     17,702,524       8,815,610       17,613,268       8,732,543  

Unvested common shares subject to repurchase

     (43,870 )     (32,273 )     (28,472 )     (38,608 )
                                

Weighted-average shares—Basic

     17,658,654       8,783,337       17,584,796       8,693,935  

Dilutive effect of stock options

     1,102,501       —         1,118,593       —    

Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock units

     17,310       —         8,203       —    

Dilutive effect of unvested common shares subject to repurchase

     1,827       —         6,239       —    
                                

Weighted-average shares—Dilutive

     18,780,292       8,783,337       18,717,831       8,693,935  
                                

Net income (loss) per common share—Basic

   $ 0.08     $ (0.18 )   $ 0.48     $ (0.15 )
                                

Net income (loss) per common share—Diluted

   $ 0.08     $ (0.18 )   $ 0.45     $ (0.15 )
                                

The following outstanding mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred stock, convertible preferred stock, stock options, and unvested common shares and restricted stock units subject to repurchase were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share as they would have had an antidilutive effect:

 

     Three Months Ended    Nine Months Ended
     March 24, 2007    March 25, 2006    March 24, 2007    March 25, 2006

Series B Preferred stock (assuming conversion, using appropriate conversion ratio, to common shares)

   —      3,824,176    —      3,941,392

Series A Preferred stock (assuming conversion, using appropriate conversion ratio, to common shares)

   —      251,201    —      258,900

Unvested common shares subject to repurchase

   —      7,500    —      7,500

Unvested restricted stock units

   50,000    —      —      —  

Stock options

   486,750    2,019,050    236,750    2,019,050

 

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NEXTEST SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

Note 8—Stock-based Compensation

Effective for the third fiscal quarter of fiscal year 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (R) “Share-Based Payments” (FAS No. 123 (R)). Prior to adopting FAS No. 123(R), the Company accounted for stock-based employee compensation arrangements in accordance with the intrinsic value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, (“APB No. 25”), “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and related interpretations, as permitted by FASB Statement No. 123 (“FAS No. 123”). Thus, the method of accounting for stock-based compensation in the nine months ended March 24, 2007 is different from the method used in the nine months ended March 25, 2006.

Stock-based compensation expense, including amounts to non-employee directors, was included in the following statement of operations categories (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended    Nine Months Ended
     March 24,
2007
   March 25,
2006
   March 24,
2007
   March 25,
2006

Cost of revenue

   $ 47    $ 44    $ 123    $ 139

Research and development

     157      193      407      546

Selling, general and administrative

     330      276      738      793
                           

Total

   $ 534    $ 513    $ 1,268    $ 1,478
                           

The total income tax benefit recognized in the statements of operations for share-based compensation arrangements was $192,000 and $111,000 for the three months ended March 24, 2007 and March 25, 2006, respectively and $374,000 and $396,000 for the nine months ended March 24, 2007 and March 25, 2006, respectively. Compensation cost included in inventory and the cost portion of deferred income was $38,000 at March 24, 2007. Compensation cost related to awards outstanding at the adoption of FAS No. 123 (R) is attributed using an accelerated amortization approach in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 28, “Accounting for Stock Appreciation Rights and Other Variable Stock Option or Award Plans.” Compensation cost related to awards granted after the adoption of FAS No. 123 (R) is attributed on a straight-line basis.

Deferred stock-based compensation included in equity represents the unamortized intrinsic value of minimum value options that continue to be accounted for under APB No. 25.

Valuation Assumptions

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The valuation model requires several significant assumptions and judgments about the variables to be assumed in the calculation including expected life of the stock option, historical volatility of the underlying security, and assumed risk free interest rate. The dividend yield used is zero based on the fact that the Company has never paid cash dividends and has no present intention to pay cash dividends. The expected life of the stock options issued prior to the adoption of FAS No. 123 (R) was the weighted average period of time that options granted were expected to be outstanding giving consideration to historical exercise patterns. The expected life of option issued after the adoption of FAS No. 123 (R) is determined utilizing the simplified method as set forth in the Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107. The expected volatilities are based on a peer group of companies because as a new public company there is not adequate historical data for our own stock. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods corresponding with the expected life of the options.

In the three and nine months ended March 24, 2007 and the three and nine months ended March 25, 2006, the weighted average grant date fair value of options issued pursuant to the Company’s plans was calculated using the following weighted-average assumptions:

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     March 24, 2007     March 25, 2006     March 24, 2007     March 25, 2006  

Volatility

     68.8 %     90 %     70.3 %     90 %

Risk-free interest rates

     4.5 %     4.31 %     4.6 %     3.96% - 4.36 %

Expected terms

     6.2 years       4.5 years       6.3 years       2.6 years  

Weighted average grant-date fair value

   $ 8.21     $ 5.46     $ 8.77     $ 3.67  

 

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NEXTEST SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

At March 24, 2007, the Company has two active share-based plans. A summary of stock option activity for the nine months ended March 24, 2007 and information regarding stock options outstanding, exercisable, and vested and expected to vest as of March 24, 2007 is as follows:

 

Options

   Shares    

Weighted-

Average

Exercise

Price

  

Weighted-

Average

Remaining

Contractual

Term
(years)

  

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value

($000)

Outstanding at June 24, 2006

   2,006,050     $ 3.88      

Granted

   405,500       12.53      

Exercised

   (180,175 )     3.57      

Forfeited

   (37,775 )     7.47      
                  

Outstanding at March 24, 2007

   2,193,600     $ 5.44    6.9    $ 18,365
                        

Fully Vested and Expected to vest at March 24, 2007

   2,123,405     $ 5.44    6.9    $ 17,773
                        

Exercisable at March 24, 2007

   1,183,073     $ 3.16    5.5    $ 12,606
                        

As of March 24, 2007, there was $4.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to option share-based compensation arrangements granted under the plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.3 years.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised in the three months ended March 24, 2007 and March 25, 2006 was $0.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised in the nine months ended March 24, 2007 and March 25, 2006 was $1.6 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

In the three months ended March 24, 2007, the Company awarded 493,600 nonvested restricted stock units with a weighted average fair value of $11.26 that generally vest over five years with 20% annual cliff vesting. A summary of nonvested share activity during the nine months ended March 24, 2007, is presented below:

 

     Nonvested
shares and
restricted
stock units
   

Weighted-

Average

Grant-Date

Fair Value

Nonvested at June 24, 2006

   7,500     $ 9.50

Granted

   533,250     $ 11.36

Vested

   (7,500 )   $ 11.40

Cancelled

   (5,000 )   $ 11.12
        

Nonvested at March 24, 2007

   528,250     $ 11.33
        

As of March 24, 2007, there was $5.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 4.4 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the three and nine months ended March 24, 2007 was $0.1 million.

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and net income per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FAS No. 123 to options granted under the Company’s share-based plans prior to the adoption of FAS No. 123 (R). For purposes of the pro forma disclosure, the value of the option is estimated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing formula and amortized to expense over the options’ vesting periods.

 

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NEXTEST SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

(in thousands except per share data)

  

Nine Months Ended

March 25, 2006

 

Net income, as reported

   $ 6,492  

Stock-based compensation included in reported net income under APB No. 25, net of related tax

     1,067  

Stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value based method under SFAS No. 123, net of related tax

     (1,122 )
        

Pro forma net income

   $ (6,437 )

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share available to common stockholders:

  

As reported

   $ (0.15 )

Pro forma

   $ (0.15 )

The pro-forma disclosure above for the nine months ended March 25, 2006 is provided because the Company did not adopt FAS No. 123 (R) until the beginning of the third fiscal quarter of fiscal year 2006.

 

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NEXTEST SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

Note 9—Segment and Geographic Information

The Company operates in one segment: designing, manufacturing and marketing of automated test equipment for the semiconductor industry.

The Company markets its products and related services to customers mainly through a direct sales force. Net revenue is attributed to geographic areas based on the country to which product is shipped or its first “in-use” country, if known. The Company’s net revenue by geographic regions was (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     March 24, 2007     March 25, 2006     March 24, 2007     March 25, 2006  

North America, primarily United States

   $ 4,527    21.4 %   $ 3,737    15.0 %   $ 17,224    26.1 %   $ 9,071    14.7 %

Asia/Pacific

                    

Korea

     663    3.1       8,522    34.1       11,635    17.7       27,625    44.8  

Taiwan

     2,926    13.9       3,536    14.2       9,186    13.9       9,293    15.1  

Thailand

     264    1.3       825    3.3       1,654    2.5       1,761    2.9  

People’s Republic of China

     11,469    54.2       6,473    25.9       19,655    29.8       11,201    18.2  

Philippines

     1,229    5.8       184    0.7       3,517    5.3       372    0.6  

Other

     3    0.0       291    1.2       1,019    1.6       335    0.5  
                                                    

Total Asia Pacific

     16,554    78.3       19,831    79.4       46,666    70.8       50,587    82.1  

Total Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)

     71    0.3       1,402    5.6       2,051    3.1       1,942    3.2  
                                                    
   $ 21,152    100.0 %   $ 24,970    100.0 %   $ 65,941    100 %     61,600    100.0 %
                                                    

Over 85% of the Company’s long-lived assets are located in the United States.

Note 10—Commitments and Contingencies

Warranty

The Company generally warrants its products against defects, in material, workmanship and non-conformance to the Company’s specification for a period of twelve months. The Company’s warranty provision is based on the Company’s best estimate, considering historical experiences with similar products as well as other assumptions that are considered reasonable under the circumstances. A provision for the estimated cost of warranty is recorded as a cost of revenue and is included in accrued liabilities when the related revenue is recognized. Changes in the Company’s warranty provision were as follows (in thousands):

 

Beginning balance at June 24, 2006

   $ 635  

Accrual for warranties issued

     529  

Settlements made

     (443 )
        

Ending balance at March 24, 2007

   $ 721  
        

 

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NEXTEST SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(unaudited)

 

Beginning balance at June 25, 2005

   $ 370  

Accrual for warranties issued

     588  

Settlements made

     (364 )
        

Ending balance at March 25, 2006

   $ 594  
        

Contingencies

The Company, as permitted under Delaware law and in accordance with its By-laws, has indemnification obligations to its officers and directors for certain events or occurrences, subject to certain limits, while they were serving at the Company’s request in such capacity. The maximum amount of potential future indemnification is unlimited; however, there have been no claims to date, and the Company has a Director and Officer insurance policy that enables the directors and officers to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. As a result of the insurance policy coverage, the Company believes the fair value of these indemnification agreements is minimal.

The Company’s sales agreements indemnify its customers for any expenses or liability resulting from claimed infringements of patents, trademarks or copyrights of third parties. The terms of these indemnification agreements are generally perpetual any time after execution of the agreement. The maximum amount of potential future indemnification is unlimited. However, to date, the Company has not paid any claims or been required to defend any lawsuits with respect to any claim.

From time to time, the Company may have certain contingent liabilities that arise in the ordinary course of its business activities. The Company accrues contingent liabilities when it is probable that future expenditures will be made and such expenditures can be reasonably estimated. In the opinion of management, there are no pending claims of which the outcome is expected to result in a material adverse effect in the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

Line of Credit

The Company maintains a $10,000,000 maximum revolving credit facility based on certain qualifying accounts receivable with a financial institution that expires on July 29, 2007, bearing interest at the bank’s prime rate per annum. The interest rate at March 24, 2007 was 8.25%. The agreement, which is collateralized by the assets of the Company, contains a minimum net worth covenant and other restrictions. The commitment fee is $12,500 per annum for the initial $5,000,000 credit facility and an additional $12,500 for the next $5,000,000 credit facility. As of March 24, 2007, there have been no borrowings under the line of credit and the Company was in compliance with the covenant and other restrictions.

Lease Obligation

In December 2006, the Company signed a 5 year sublease agreement and a 5 year master lease agreement, that begins at the end of the sublease, under which the Company agreed to lease a 128,000 square foot building located at 5345 Hellyer Avenue, San Jose, California. The leased premise will be used primarily for manufacturing, research and design and general corporate purposes. The total rent obligation over the 10 year term of the two leases is $10.9 million and the lease is accounted for as an operating lease.

The Company and its landlord intend to construct improvements at the building to prepare the leased premise for its intended use. The landlord has provided a tenant improvement allowance for a portion of the construction costs.

The Company currently intends to vacate its headquarters at 1901 Monterey Road, San Jose, California at or near December 10, 2007, the end of the lease term.

Legal Proceedings

From time to time, the Company may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of day-to-day operations. As of March 24, 2007, the Company was not engaged in any legal proceedings that were expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

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

You should read the following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this document. In addition to historical consolidated financial information, the following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “anticipates”, “believes”, “could”, “estimates”, “expects”, “may”, “plans”, “potential”, “predicts”, “projects”, “should”, “will” and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. We discuss many of these risks in greater detailed under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this document. Given the uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Also, forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this document and our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update such forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

Documents to Review In Connection With Management’s Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

For a full understanding of our financial position and results of operations for the three and nine months ended March 24, 2007 and March 25, 2006, this discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes presented in this Form 10-Q and the financial statements and related notes included in our Form 10-K filed on September 12, 2006 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Overview

We design, develop, manufacture, sell and service low-cost, high throughput ATE systems for the semiconductor industry. We target rapidly growing, high volume segments within the semiconductor industry such as the flash memory and flash-based system-on-chip markets. Our customers include IDMs, PATs, wafer fabrication foundries and fabless semiconductor companies. Since we introduced our first products in 1998, we have shipped over 1,800 systems to more than 60 semiconductor companies worldwide.

We generally sell our products through a direct sales force principally domiciled in the U.S and provide service primarily through employees located in the U.S. and eight international locations. These activities are augmented by a network of independent sales representatives in various global locations. We assemble and ship our products from our facility in San Jose, California. We perform board repair activities in our San Jose, California and Makati, Philippines locations.

The semiconductor industry is cyclical in nature and has experienced periodic downturns and upturns. Change in industry conditions often occur rapidly and can be difficult to predict. In addition, the cycles typically have a greater effect on the capital equipment manufacturers. Our business is subject to significant demand variations and our net revenue is difficult to predict. Our sales, gross margins and operating results have in the past fluctuated significantly and will, in the future, fluctuate significantly depending upon several factors.

Historically, a significant portion of our net revenue in each quarter has been derived from sales to relatively few customers. While we seek to expand and diversify our customer base, we expect our net revenue to continue to be derived from a small number of customers. In addition, we do not have purchase contracts that require our customers to continue to purchase our products. A delay in product orders or customer acceptances or cancellations could cause our quarterly net revenue to vary significantly. Additionally, our backlog is subject to order cancellations, accelerations, changes and delays, and is not necessarily indicative of future customer purchases or revenue streams. We derive a significant percentage of our net revenue from outside of the United States. In particular, we expect the Asia/Pacific region to continue to be a major source of revenue for us as we continue to further penetrate major manufacturers located in that region. Virtually all of our net revenue to date has been denominated in U.S. dollars, however, as we expand our business into Japan, we expect much of the net revenue derived from Japan will be denominated in Japanese Yen.

The following describes certain line items set forth in our statements of operations:

Net Revenue. Net revenue is derived from the sale of products and services and is adjusted for estimated sales returns and allowances, which historically have been insignificant. We derive the majority of our net revenue from product sales. Revenue from our customers is subject to both quarterly and annual fluctuations, as a result of the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry, and therefore past performance may not be indicative of future results. While we have shipped our systems to over 60 semiconductor companies, we derive the majority of our net revenue from a small number of customers. We expect that sales to a limited number of customers will continue to account for a significant portion of our future net revenue. We generally have limited backlog, and rely on orders that are booked and shipped in the same quarter for a significant portion of our net revenue.

 

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Gross Profit. Gross profit is net revenue less cost of revenue which primarily consists of costs related to material, direct labor, manufacturing overhead, estimated warranty costs and provisions for excess and obsolete inventory. Cost of revenue also includes costs of field service support and spare parts consumed in service activities and stock-based compensation cost, as well as the impact of any benefits from sales of previously written-down inventory.

Research and Development. Research and Development, or R&D, expense includes costs related to engineering personnel, expensed material, outside contractors and other product development related costs. R&D is expensed as incurred. We intend to continue to invest a significant amount in R&D to develop new products. We expect these costs to increase in absolute dollars in the future. Our R&D expense tends to fluctuate from period to period, depending on requirements at the various stages of our product development cycles. In any given time period, our R&D expense may increase in absolute dollars and/or as a percentage of net revenue as we continue to invest in product development, expand our product lines, and as our net revenue fluctuates. R&D expense also includes stock-based compensation cost.

Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative, or SG&A, expense includes costs related to sales and marketing personnel, sales commissions paid to internal and outside sales representatives, outside contractor expense and other sales and marketing activities, as well as salaries and related expense for administrative, finance, human resources and executive personnel and fees for legal and accounting services. We expect that general and administrative costs will increase in absolute dollars to support future operations as well as from additional costs incurred as a result of being a publicly traded company. Sales and marketing expense may also increase in absolute dollars as we continue to develop our global selling and marketing capabilities. In addition, the commission expense included in SG&A expenses can fluctuate with changes in revenue and changes in customer mix comprising revenue in a particular period. SG&A expense also includes stock-based compensation cost.

Interest and Other Income, net. Interest and other income, net primarily represents interest earned on cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, interest expense, and gains and/or losses from transactions denominated in foreign currencies, which historically have been insignificant.

Income Tax (Provision) Benefit. We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method whereby the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the book value and the tax basis of assets and liabilities are recognized as deferred tax assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be recognized. A valuation allowance is provided if management cannot conclude that it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets will be realized.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation 48, “Accounting for Income Tax Uncertainties” (FIN 48). FIN 48 defines the threshold for recognizing the benefits of tax return positions in the financial statements as “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained by the taxing authority. The recently issued literature also provides guidance on the recognition, measurement and classification of income tax uncertainties, along with any related interest and penalties. FIN 48 also includes guidance concerning accounting for income tax uncertainties in interim periods and increases the level of disclosures associated with any recorded income tax uncertainties. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The differences between the amounts recognized in the statements of financial position prior to the adoption of FIN 48 and the amounts reported after adoption will be accounted for as a cumulative-effect adjustment recorded to the beginning balance of retained earnings. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting the provisions of FIN 48 on our financial position and results of operations.

In May 2007, the FASB issued FSP FIN No. 48-1, Definition of “Settlement” in FASB Interpretation No. 48. FSP FIN No. 48-1 provides guidance on how a company should determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits. FSP FIN No. 48-1 is effective upon initial adoption of FIN No. 48 which we will adopt in the first quarter of fiscal 2008.

In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (SAB 108), to address diversity in practice in quantifying financial statement misstatements. SAB 108 requires that we quantify misstatements based on their impact on each of our financial statements and related disclosures. SAB 108 is effective as of the end of our 2007 fiscal year, allowing a one-time transitional cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of June 24, 2006 for errors that were not previously deemed material, but are material under the guidance in SAB 108. Adoption of SAB 108 is not expected to have an impact on our financial statements.

 

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In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 (SFAS No. 157), “Fair Value Measurements,” which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 are effective as of the beginning of our 2009 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting SFAS No. 157 on our financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”—including an amendment of SFAS No. 115. SFAS No. 159 allows companies to choose, at specified election dates, to measure eligible financial assets and liabilities at fair value that are not otherwise required to be measured at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses shall be reported on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS No. 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and will be applied prospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting SFAS No. 159 on our financial statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements and the accompanying notes. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. Although these estimates are based on our present best knowledge of the future impact on the company of current events and actions, actual results may differ from these estimates, assumptions and judgments.

We consider critical those accounting policies that require our most subjective or complex judgments, which often result from a need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain, and that are among the most important of our accounting policies in the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations. These critical accounting policies are: revenue recognition, valuation of excess and obsolete inventory, deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accrued warranty obligations, allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, stock-based compensation and valuation of redeemable preferred stock.

For a discussion of our critical accounting policies, see “Critical Accounting Policies” in “Management Discussion and Analysis” in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We adopted FAS No. 123 (R) on December 25, 2005. As a result, the method of accounting for stock-based compensation in the three and six months ended March 24, 2007 is different from the method used in the three and nine months ended March 25, 2006.

Results of Operations

Our operating results have fluctuated significantly from period to period in the past and are likely to do so in the future. The following table sets forth certain operating data as a percentage of net revenue for the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     March 24, 2007     March 25, 2006     March 24, 2007     March 25, 2006  

Net revenue

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %

Cost of revenue

   49.0     47.8     46.9     49.2  
                        

Gross profit

   51.0     52.2     53.1     50.8  
                        

Operating expenses:

        

Research and development

   12.4     9.4     10.6     9.9  

Selling, general and administrative

   31.5     23.7     27.1     25.5  
                        

Total operating expenses

   43.9     33.1     37.7     35.4  
                        

Income from operations

   7.1     19.1     15.4     15.4  

Interest and other income, net

   3.9     0.6     3.8     0.5  
                        

Income before income taxes

   11.0     19.7     19.2     15.9  

Income tax provision

   (4.1 )   (6.9 )   (6.4 )   (5.4 )
                        

Net income

   6.9     12.8     12.8     10.5  
                        

Accretion of Series B Preferred stock redemption value

   —       (19.0 )   —       (12.6 )
                        

Net income (loss) available to common stockholders

   6.9 %   (6.2 )%   12.8 %   (2.1 )%
                        

 

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Net Revenue

 

     Three Months Ended    Change     Nine Months Ended    Change  

(dollars in thousands)

   March 24,
2007
   March 25,
2006
   $     %     March 24,
2007
   March 25,
2006
   $    %  

Net Revenue

   $ 21,152    $ 24,970    $ (3,818 )   (15 )%   $ 65,941    $ 61,600    $ 4,341    7 %

The overall decrease in net revenue for the three months ended March 24, 2007 reflected a $4.1 million decrease in product revenue and was partially offset by a $0.3 million increase in service revenue. The Magnum product line, which represents 84% of revenue in the three months ended March 24, 2007 is below prior year results. Revenue from the Maverick/Lightning product lines has also decreased relative to the year ago quarter. Service revenue increased from prior year and represented 6% of revenue for the three months ended March 24, 2007. The decrease in the Magnum product line is the result of an absence of significant sales from a large customer from the same period last year and an overall softening of market demand. The average price per Magnum system sold increased in the three months ended March 24, 2007 as one large customer purchased higher pin count systems compared to the average systems sold during the three months ended March 25, 2006. The Maverick/Lightning product line decrease in revenue is the result of a decreased number of systems sold as compared to the three months ended March 25, 2006.

The overall increase in net revenue for the nine months ended March 24, 2007 reflected an increase in the average price per system sold for the Magnum product line partially offset by a decrease in the average price per system of the Maverick/Lighting product line compared to the nine months ended March 25, 2006. The increase in Magnum average testing capacity per system in the fiscal 2007 period as compared to the fiscal 2006 period resulted because one large customer has begun to purchase larger test capacity systems. The average price per Magnum system sold in the nine months ended March 24, 2007 increased approximately 9% due to a higher mix of larger capacity systems sold as compared to the nine months ended March 25, 2006. Magnum systems shipments were 80% of our net revenue in the nine months ended March 24, 2007 and March 25, 2006, respectively. Maverick/Lightning net revenue increased slightly for the nine months ended March 24,2007 as compared to the nine months ended March 25, 2006 as the decline in average price per system sold was offset by an increase in unit volume. We believe the Magnum product will continue to provide the majority of our product revenue. However, the specific results will fluctuate based upon specific customer buying patterns, including product configuration.

The following table provides customers that contributed 10% or more of net revenue in the three and nine month periods ended March 24, 2007 and March 25, 2006:

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  

Customer

  

March 24,

2007

   

March 25,

2006

    March 24,
2007
    March 25,
2006
 

SanDisk

   69 %   36 %   44 %   30 %

Samsung

   *     33 %   14 %   20 %

Atmel

   *     12 %   11 %   *  

Hynix

   *     *     *     24 %

* Less than 10% of net revenue in the period.

Customers representing a significant portion of any period’s net revenue will vary due to specific buying patterns and their test capacity requirements. We expect that three or four customers will continue to provide a majority of our net revenue in any particular period.

Net revenue by geographic region is based upon the ship-to or first in-use destination and during the three and nine months ended March 24, 2007 and March 25, 2006 was as follows:

 

Net Revenue by Geographic Region

   Three months ended     Nine months ended  

(dollars in thousands)

   March 24, 2007     March 25, 2006     March 24, 2007     March 25, 2006  

North America, primarily United States

   $ 4,527    21.4 %   $ 3,737    15.0 %   $ 17,224    26.1 %   $ 9,071    14.7 %

Asia/Pacific

     16,554    78.3       19,831    79.4       46,666    70.8       50,587    82.1  

EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa)

     71    0.3       1,402    5.6       2,051    3.1       1,942    3.2  
                                                    

Total

   $ 21,152    100.0 %   $ 24,970    100.0 %   $ 65,941    100.0 %   $ 61,600    100.0 %
                                                    

North America revenue increased largely due to the increase in Atmel net revenue for shipments to their North America locations. Net revenue by geographies will vary due to the timing of capacity additions by particular customers and the particular customer locations where the capacity is being added. We believe the Asia/Pacific region will continue to be a major geographic source of our revenue, particularly for flash memory manufacturers.

 

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Cost of Revenue and Gross Profit

 

(dollars in thousands)

   Three Months Ended     Change     Nine Months Ended     Change  
     March 24,
2007
    March 25,
2006
    $     %     March 24,
2007
    March 25,
2006
    $    %  

Gross Profit

   $ 10,777     $ 13,033     $ (2,256 )   (17.3 )%   $ 35,009     $ 31,283     $ 3,726    11.9 %

% of Net Revenue

     51.0 %     52.2 %         53.1 %     50.8 %     

Gross profit decreased $2.3 million in the three months ended March 24, 2007 as compared to the three months ended March 25, 2006 due to lower revenue levels and an adverse mix change driven by specific customer and configuration changes. The specific buying pattern of individual customers has historically had a quarter to quarter impact on our reported results. The adverse volume and mix effects were partially offset by increased recovery of previously written-down inventory and improved manufacturing variances.

Gross profit increased $3.7 million in the nine months ended March 24, 2007 as compared to the nine months ended March 25, 2006 due to the higher revenue levels, positive customer mix and reduction in direct material costs due largely to material cost reductions negotiated with our vendors. In addition, we benefited from increased recoveries resulting from sales of previously written-down inventory. Recoveries resulting from sales of previously written-down inventory were $1,057,000 for the nine months ended March 24, 2007, compared to $277,000 for the nine months ended March 25, 2006.

Gross profit as a percentage of net revenue will vary depending upon the mix of customers and size of systems in a particular period. We believe that if we win more market share for our testers we may experience pricing pressures that we may not be able to offset by improved absorption or reduced material cost resulting in a lower gross profit percentage.

Research and Development Expense

 

     Three Months Ended     Change     Nine Months Ended     Change  

(dollars in thousands)

   March 24,
2007
    March 25,
2006
    $    %     March 24,
2007
    March 25,
2006
    $    %  

Research and Development (“R&D”)

   $ 2,634     $ 2,358     $ 276    11.7 %   $ 7,009     $ 6,110     $ 899    14.7 %

% of Net Revenue

     12.5 %     9.4 %          10.6 %     9.9 %     

We currently invest significantly in research and development focused on enhancing our current product offering and developing new products for other markets we plan to address. The increase in R&D expense in the three months ended March 24, 2007 as compared to the three months ended March 25, 2006 consists primarily of $0.3 million related to compensation expense for ten additional engineers. The remaining increase relates primarily to increases in depreciation, materials, tooling and facility expenses partially offset by reductions in stock based compensation, outside contractor and other expenses. The increase in R&D expense in the nine months ended March 24, 2007 as compared to the nine months ended March 25, 2006 consists primarily of $0.6 million related to compensation expense for nine additional engineers and partially offset by a $0.1 million decrease in stock based compensation. The remaining increase relates primarily to increases in depreciation, materials, tooling and facility expenses.

We believe that we will continue to increase our R&D spending in future periods to support ongoing enhancements and increased research engineering activities for new products, partially offset by reduced engineering support required on the Maverick product. Net revenues may not increase at a rate equal to or greater than will be required for R&D increases.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

 

     Three Months Ended     Change     Nine Months Ended     Change  

(dollars in thousands)

   March 24,
2007
    March 25,
2006
    $    %     March 24,
2007
    March 25,
2006
    $    %  

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”)

   $ 6,659     $ 5,906     $ 753    12.7 %   $ 17,835     $ 15,675     $ 2,160    13.8 %

% of Net Revenue

     31.5 %     23.7 %          27.0 %     25.4 %     

The increase in SG&A expense in the three months ended March 24, 2007 as compared to the three months ended March 25, 2006 resulted from $0.3 million of incremental rental cost related to the Hellyer site; $0.3 million due to the addition of eight employees in sales and marketing to support growth in sales and three in finance and administration and $0.2 million in incremental selling and marketing costs. Until we exit the Monterey Road facility at or near December 10, 2007, the end of the lease term, we will have occupancy costs associated with the two facilities.

The increase in SG&A expense in the nine months ended March 24, 2007 as compared to the nine months ended March 24, 2007 resulted due to higher compensation expense of $1.3 million because of the addition of 6 employees in sales and marketing to support growth in sales and two in finance and incremental expenses associated with expanding our sales presence; an increase of $0.6 million in audit, accounting, legal and other miscellaneous costs largely related to becoming a public company and $0.3 million for the Hellyer site costs.

 

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We expect SG&A will increase in future periods as we continue our international expansion, grow our administrative capabilities and incur additional outside costs required of a public company, including the costs to address the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The mix of the source of revenue and its implication on commission expense may either add to, or offset to some extent those additional expected costs.

Interest and Other Income, Net.

 

     Three Months Ended     Change     Nine Months Ended     Change  

(dollars in thousands)

   March 24,
2007
    March 25,
2006
    $    %     March 24,
2007
    March 25,
2006
    $    %  

Interest and Other Income, Net

   $ 835     $ 139     $ 696    501 %   $ 2,475     $ 312     $ 2,163    693 %

% of Net Revenue

     3.9 %     0.6 %          3.8 %     0.5 %     

The increase in interest and other income, net was caused by higher average cash balance invested due to the $58.6 million proceeds from the initial public offering, higher interest rates and partial investment in higher yielding auction rate securities and municipal debt securities in the three and nine months ended March 24, 2007 as compared to the three and nine months ended March 25, 2006.

Income Tax Provision

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  

(dollars in thousands)

   March 24,
2007
    March 25,
2006
    March 24,
2007
    March 25,
2006
 

Income Tax Provision

   $ 860     $ 1,717     $ 4,182     $ 3,318  

Effective Tax Rate

     37.1 %     35.0 %     33.1 %     33.8 %

The decrease in the income tax provision in the three months ended March 24, 2007 as compared to the three months ended March 25, 2006, is due primarily to a decrease in the income before income taxes, offset by a slight increase in the effective rate. The increase in the effective rate in the three months ended March 24, 2007 as compared to the three months ended March 25, 2006, resulted primarily from the relative impact of certain permanent items on a lower pre-tax income.

The increase in the income tax provision in the nine months ended March 24, 2007 as compared to the nine months ended March 25, 2006, is due to the income before income taxes increasing by $2.8 million combined with a slightly lower effective rate. The decrease in the effective rate in the nine months ended March 24, 2007 as compared to the nine months ended March 25, 2006 resulted from the reinstatement of the federal R&D credit during the December quarter, the tax benefit derived from the disqualifying disposition of incentive stock options, and the phase in of the domestic manufacturers deduction, largely offset by the impact of the phase out of the extraterritorial (export sales benefit) exclusion (ETI). Further, the state income tax rate increased because in fiscal 2006 our California tax was computed on an alternative minimum basis whereas in fiscal 2007 we expect it to be computed at the regular California statutory rates.

Accretion of Series B Preferred Stock Redemption Value

Because the Series B Preferred was automatically converted to common shares in conjunction with our IPO, we recorded no Series B Preferred accretion in the three and nine months ended March 24, 2007, as compared to $4.8 million and $7.8 million in the three and nine months ended March 25, 2006, respectively.

Our quarterly results of operations have varied in the past and are likely to do so again in the future. As such, we believe that period-to-period comparisons of our operating results should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance. Factors that may cause our revenue and operating results to fluctuate include those discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

In March 2006 we completed our IPO and raised $58.6 million of net cash proceeds to the Company after underwriters’ discount and issuance costs. The transaction closed on March 27, 2006, the beginning of our fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006. As of March 24, 2007, we had cash and cash equivalents of $45.6 million and working capital of $110.9 million. As of June 24, 2006 we had cash and cash equivalents of $68.7 million and working capital of $100.8 million. The decrease in cash from June 24, 2006 is primarily due to the $29.6 million use of cash in investing activities during the period. During the nine months ended March 24, 2007, we invested $47.4 million in short-term investments to improve our interest yield.

 

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Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities of $5.5 million during the nine months ended March 24, 2007, consisted of (in thousands):

 

Net income

   $ 8,458  

Non-cash charges (credits):

  

Depreciation and amortization

     1,123  

Provision for excess inventory

     1,121  

Stock-based compensation

     1,268  

Tax benefits from stock-based compensation plans

     496  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation plans

     (445 )

Deferred tax benefit

     (545 )

Cash invested in working capital

     (5,962 )
        
   $ 5,514  
        

Significant changes in assets and liabilities during the nine months ended March 24, 2007, included in the $6.0 million change in other working capital accounts above, were a $7.3 million increase in accounts receivable due to the timing of sales during the nine months ended March 24, 2007 and a $1.7 million decrease in deferred income as a result of the timing of acceptance of systems. These uses of cash were partially offset by a $3.2 million decrease in inventory as a result of reduced order activity.

Our inventory turns in the nine months ended March 24, 2007 were 1.8 as compared to 2.1 in the nine months ended March 25, 2006. The decrease in inventory turns in the fiscal 2007 as compared to the fiscal 2006 period resulted because we had reduced inventory purchases in late fiscal 2005 and our growth rate of net revenue initially exceeded the rate of increase in inventory purchases in the nine months ended March 25, 2006. Nevertheless, we believe we can take steps to improve inventory turns at the current level of revenues over the next several quarters.

Days sales outstanding in our accounts receivable at March 24, 2007 were 103 days as compared to 58 days at March 25, 2006. Days sales outstanding in accounts receivable varies significantly due to the timing of shipments during the period and changes in deferred product revenue and customer deposits. We continue to monitor outstanding accounts receivable and aggressively pursue cash collections.

In general, our ability to generate positive cash flows from operations is dependent on our ability to generate revenue and collect the related cash on a timely basis, while maintaining an efficient cost structure. As a result, sales volume is the most significant uncertainty in our ability to generate cash flows from operations. However, as sales increase, we will use cash for inventory and accounts receivable before it is converted to cash and cash equivalents, thereby putting pressure on our cash balances during periods of high revenue growth. We believe that our business strategies will allow us to generate future sales that, combined with our existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, will be sufficient to fund our business for the next 12 months.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities in the nine months ended March 24, 2007 was $29.6 million as compared to cash used in investing activities of $0.3 million in the nine months ended March 25, 2006. In the nine months ended March 24, 2007, we invested approximately $29.0 million, net of redemptions, in short-term investments to increase our yield on our excess cash without a significant increase in our investment risk.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Cash provided by financing activities was $1.1 million in the nine months ended March 24, 2007 and $0.1 million in the nine months ended March 25, 2006. Cash provided by financing activities in the nine months ended March 24, 2007 consisted of $0.5 million of excess tax benefits from our stock-based compensation plans as well as $0.6 million of proceeds from stock option exercises.

We believe that our current cash balances, combined with future cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for operations for the next 12 months. However, a large acquisition of a complementary business, products, or technologies, or a material joint venture, could require us to obtain additional equity or debt financing, which may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all. No such activities are anticipated at this time. We are unaware of any known material trends or uncertainties that may require us to make cash management decisions that will impair our operating capabilities during the next year.

 

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Commitments

In December 2006 we signed a sublease and master lease agreement to lease a 128,000 square foot building located at 5345 Hellyer Avenue, San Jose, California for a total of 10 years. The leased premise will be used primarily for manufacturing, research and design and general corporate purposes. The total rent obligation over the term of the lease is $10.9 million. We and our landlord intend to construct improvements at the building to prepare the leased premise for its intended use. The landlord has provided a tenant improvement allowance for a portion of the construction costs. We expect to fund the additional cost of outfitting the facility from general cash reserves.

We have not used off-balance sheet financing arrangements, issued or purchased derivative instruments linked to our stock, or used our stock as a form of liquidity. We have a $10,000,000 maximum revolving credit facility based on certain qualifying accounts receivable with a financial institution that expires on July 29, 2007, bearing interest at the bank’s prime rate plus 0.25% per annum. The interest rate at March 24, 2007 was 8.25%. The agreement, which is collateralized by our assets, contains a minimum net worth covenant and other restrictions. The commitment fee is $12,500 per annum for the initial $5,000,000 credit facility and an additional $12,500 for the next $5,000,000 credit facility. As of March 24, 2007, there have been no borrowings under the line of credit, and we were in compliance with the covenant and other restrictions.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal while at the same time maximizing the income we receive from our investments without significant risk of loss. As of March 24, 2007, our cash and cash equivalents consisted primarily of money market funds maintained at two U.S. financial institutions. Our short-term investments consisted of auction rate securities with auction dates within 90 days of the balance sheet date and municipal debt securities. To minimize our exposure to interest rate market risk, we have in the past limited the maturities of our fixed rate investments to relatively short periods of time. Due to the short-term nature of these instruments, it is not anticipated that a 10% change in market interest rates would have a material adverse impact on the total value of our investment portfolio as of March 24, 2007.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. The Securities and Exchange Commission defines the term “disclosure controls and procedures” to mean a company’s controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified on the Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded, based on the evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures by our management, with the participation of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as of the end of the period covered by this report, that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective for this purpose.

As required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley act, we are conducting a thorough review of all of our internal control processes and procedures. As a result of this review, management has identified an opportunity to strengthen internal controls in several areas, including those relating to income tax accounting. We intend to improve the internal controls over income tax accounting during our fiscal 2007 fourth quarter by implementing more stringent levels of review of the preparation of our income tax provision and related tax liabilities.

Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. It should be noted that the design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and our system of controls may not succeed in achieving its stated goals under all conditions.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, we may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of day-to-day operations. As of March 24, 2007, we were not engaged in any legal proceedings that were expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 24, 2006, which could materially affect our business, financial condition and/or future results. The risks described in our Form 10-K are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us, or that we currently deem to be immaterial, also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or future results.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

In connection with our initial public offering on March 21, 2006, we sold 4,600,000 shares of our common stock at the initial public offering price per share of $14.00. The net offering proceeds to us after deducting underwriters’ discount of $4.5 million and other issuance costs of $1.3 million were $58.6 million. We received the proceeds on March 27, 2006 and have not used any proceeds. The net offering proceeds have been invested in cash equivalent instruments.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

 

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

None.

 

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ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

  (a) Exhibits

 

Exhibit 31.1    Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 31.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 32.1    Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

    NEXTEST SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    (Registrant)
Date: May 8, 2007      
    By:  

/s/ Robin Adler

      Robin Adler
      Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
      (Principal Executive Officer)
    By:  

/s/ James P. Moniz

      James P. Moniz
      Chief Financial Officer
      (Principal Financial Officer)

 

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Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Description

31.1    Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1    Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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