ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES INC - FORM 10-Q

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file	filename
EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES INC	Financial_Report.xls
EX-31.1 - SECTION 302 CEO CERTIFICATION - ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES INC	d275338dex311.htm
EX-31.2 - SECTION 302 CFO CERTIFICATION - ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES INC	d275338dex312.htm
EX-32.2 - SECTION 906 CFO CERTIFICATION - ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES INC	d275338dex322.htm
EX-32.1 - SECTION 906 CEO CERTIFICATION - ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES INC	d275338dex321.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2011

¨	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: 0-12853

ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES, INC.


Oregon		93-0370304
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

13900 N.W. Science Park Drive, Portland, Oregon		97229
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number: (503) 641-4141

Registrant’s web address: www.esi.com

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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s Common Stock at February 3, 2012 was 28,895,826 shares.

ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS


		PAGE NO.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)

	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - at December 31, 2011 and April 2, 2011		1

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - for the fiscal quarter and three fiscal quarters ended December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2011		2

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - for the three fiscal quarters ended December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2011		3

	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		4

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		11

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		20

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		20

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		21

Item 1A.	Risk Factors		21

Item 6.	Exhibits		30

SIGNATURES			31

ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)


(In thousands)	Dec 31, 2011		Apr 2, 2011
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	67,557	$	116,412
Restricted cash		22,269		10,769
Short-term investments		124,738		69,245

Total cash, restricted cash and investments		214,564		196,426
Trade receivables, net of allowances of $484 and $429		25,707		44,100
Inventories		72,631		65,362
Shipped systems pending acceptance		1,239		5,289
Deferred income taxes, net		11,985		9,892
Other current assets		3,942		6,784

Total current assets		330,068		327,853
Non-current assets:
Non-current investments		12,867		8,097
Auction rate securities		—		5,166
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $99,801 and $92,334		36,159		39,661
Non-current deferred income taxes, net		30,849		30,822
Goodwill		4,014		4,014
Acquired intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $10,196 and $8,906		8,745		10,035
Other assets		12,661		14,519

Total assets	$	435,363	$	440,167

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	11,062	$	18,650
Accrued liabilities		21,912		33,425
Deferred revenue		8,384		16,039

Total current liabilities		41,358		68,114
Non-current liabilities:
Income taxes payable		10,102		9,754
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, without par value; 1,000 shares authorized; no shares issued		—		—
Common stock, without par value; 100,000 shares authorized; 28,887 and 28,299 issued and outstanding		165,557		153,189
Retained earnings		217,678		207,420
Accumulated other comprehensive income related to auction rate securities		—		1,445
Accumulated other comprehensive income, other		668		245

Total shareholders’ equity		383,903		362,299

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	435,363	$	440,167

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

ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)


	Fiscal quarter ended						Three fiscal quarters ended
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Dec 31, 2011			Jan 1, 2011			Dec 31, 2011			Jan 1, 2011
Net sales	$	49,807		$	67,209		$	208,737		$	185,234
Cost of sales		28,646			37,182			117,875			107,733

Gross profit		21,161			30,027			90,862			77,501
Operating expenses:
Selling, service and administration		13,944			15,172			45,324			43,063
Research, development and engineering		10,480			10,210			32,456			30,638
Legal settlement costs		—			1,311			550			1,311
Restructuring costs		861			827			861			827

Net operating expenses		25,285			27,520			79,191			75,839

Operating (loss) income		(4,124	)		2,507			11,671			1,662
Non-operating income (expense):
Gain on sale of previously impaired auction rate securities		—			—			2,729			—
Interest and other income (expense), net		47			(39	)		(496	)		206

Total non-operating income (expense)		47			(39	)		2,233			206
(Loss) income before income taxes		(4,077	)		2,468			13,904			1,868
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes		(2,196	)		117			1,335			(73	)

Net (loss) income	$	(1,881	)	$	2,351		$	12,569		$	1,941

Net (loss) income per share – basic	$	(0.07	)	$	0.08		$	0.44		$	0.07

Net (loss) income per share – diluted	$	(0.07	)	$	0.08		$	0.43		$	0.07

Weighted average number of shares – basic		28,849			28,132			28,689			27,978

Weighted average number of shares – diluted		28,849			28,667			29,384			28,458

Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.08			—		$	0.08			—

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

ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)


	Three fiscal quarters ended
(In thousands)	Dec 31, 2011			Jan 1, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	12,569		$	1,941
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		8,130			7,686
Amortization of acquired intangible assets		1,307			1,487
Share-based compensation expense		9,546			7,283
Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts		50			(150	)
Gain on sale of previously impaired auction rate securities		(2,729	)		—
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment		2			105
Deferred income taxes		(2,109	)		(3,963	)
Changes in operating accounts:
Decrease (increase) in trade receivables, net		18,502			(5,875	)
(Increase) decrease in inventories		(6,432	)		17
Decrease (increase) in shipped systems pending acceptance		4,050			(638	)
Decrease in other current assets		2,937			513
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(21,219	)		13,605
Decrease in deferred revenue		(7,660	)		(761	)

Net cash provided by operating activities		16,944			21,250
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of investments		(720,961	)		(299,983	)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments		660,707			296,626
Proceeds from sale of auction rate securities		6,450			—
Cash paid to acquire the assets of PyroPhotonics Lasers, Inc.		—			(8,075	)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		(4,198	)		(4,382	)
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash		(11,500	)		55
Decrease in other assets		174			306

Net cash used in investing activities		(69,328	)		(15,453	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Stock plan activity, net		2,345			781
Excess tax benefit of share-based compensation		519			—

Net cash provided by financing activities		2,864			781
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		665			1,148

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		(48,855	)		7,726
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD		116,412			39,335

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	67,557		$	47,061

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid for income taxes	$	(4,268	)	$	(1,485	)
Income tax refunds received	$	132		$	712
Non-cash financing activities:
Dividends declared but not paid	$	2,311		$	—

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

ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation

These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted in these interim statements. Accordingly, these condensed consolidated financial statements are to be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended April 2, 2011. These interim statements include all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments and accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim periods presented. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the entire year.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of commitments and contingencies at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Management believes that the estimates used are reasonable. Significant estimates made by management include: revenue recognition; inventory valuation; product warranty reserves; allowance for doubtful accounts; share-based compensation; income taxes including the valuation of deferred tax assets; fair value measurements; valuation of cost method equity investments; and valuation of long-lived assets.

There have been no significant changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies from those presented in Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended April 2, 2011. All references to years or quarters relate to fiscal years or fiscal quarters unless otherwise noted.

2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

There have been no recent accounting pronouncements or changes in accounting pronouncements during the quarter ended December 31, 2011 that are of significance to the Company.

3. Restricted Cash

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had restricted cash of $22.3 million, which collateralizes commercial letters of credit substituted for the cash bond previously held by the Kaohsiung District Court of Taiwan. See Note 14 “Legal Proceedings” for further discussion.

4. Fair Value Measurements

Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value

Fair value is defined under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (ASC Topic 820) as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. ASC Topic 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include the following:

•

Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

•

Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities that are either directly or indirectly observable; and

•

Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

The Company’s fair value hierarchy for its financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2011 and April 2, 2011 was as follows (in thousands):


December 31, 2011	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total
Money market securities	$	6,343	$	—		$	—	$	6,343
Commercial paper		—		96,728			—		96,728
Government agencies		—		50,033			—		50,033
Corporate bonds		—		20,219			—		20,219
Municipal bonds		—		3,177			—		3,177
Forward purchase or (sale) contracts:
Japanese Yen		—		(23	)		—		(23	)
Korean Won		—		(6	)		—		(6	)
Euro		—		38			—		38
British Pound		—		(7	)		—		(7	)
Chinese Renminbi		—		14			—		14

April 2, 2011	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total
Money market securities	$	5,261	$	—		$	—	$	5,261
Commercial paper		—		97,332			—		97,332
Government agencies		—		63,667			—		63,667
Forward purchase or (sale) contracts:
Japanese Yen		—		135			—		135
Taiwan Dollar		—		—			—		—
Korean Won		—		98			—		98
Euro		—		(26	)		—		(26	)
British Pound		—		(23	)		—		(23	)
Auction rate securities		—		—			5,166		5,166
Preferred stock		—		—			—		—

For Level 1 assets, the Company utilized quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.

For Level 2 assets, exclusive of forward contracts, the Company utilized quoted prices in active markets for similar assets. For forward contracts, spot prices at December 30, 2011 and April 1, 2011 were utilized to calculate fair values.

The Level 3 assets consisted of auction rate securities (ARS) and preferred stock acquired through the conversion of ARS. Since auctions of ARS had not recently occurred, estimated fair values were based primarily upon the income approach using a discounted cash flow model which took into account the following: (i) the underlying structure of each security; (ii) the present value of future principal and interest payments discounted at rates that reflect current market conditions; (iii) consideration of the probabilities of default, restructuring or redemption by the issuer (trigger events); (iv) estimates of the recovery rates in the event of default for each security; (v) the financial condition, results, ratings of and financial claims on the bond insurers and issuers; and (vi) the underlying trust assets of the securities.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company did not have any ARS investments. During the first quarter of 2012, the Company sold all of its remaining ARS for approximately $6.0 million and all of its preferred stock for approximately $0.5 million. These ARS had a total estimated fair value of $5.2 million as of April 2, 2011, which consisted of $10.7 million par value ARS and $4.0 million par value ARS which were converted by the bond issuer to its preferred stock in 2009. The Company recorded a gain of $2.7 million in the first quarter of 2012, which included $1.4 million in reclassification of previously recorded unrealized gain out of accumulated other comprehensive income.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had $6.0 million invested in Series D Preferred Stock and $3.0 million invested in Series E Preferred Stock of OmniGuide, Inc., representing an 11% interest. At each reporting period end, the Company determines whether events or circumstances have occurred that are likely to have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of these investments. If there are no events or circumstances identified that would adversely affect the fair value of the investments, the fair values of the investments are not calculated as it is not practicable to do so. As of December 31, 2011 and April 2, 2011, management had not identified any events or circumstances that indicated the investments were impaired; therefore, the full carrying value of $9.0 million was included in Other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2011 and April 2, 2011.

Investments

Certain information regarding the Company’s investments at December 31, 2011 and April 2, 2011 was as follows (in thousands):


			Unrealized
December 31, 2011	Cost		Gain		Loss			Fair Value
Available-for-sale securities (current):
Commercial paper	$	96,727	$	1	$	—		$	96,728
Government agencies		47,022		14		—			47,036
Corporate bonds		10,346		3		—			10,349
Municipal bonds		3,178		—		(1	)		3,177

	$	157,273	$	18	$	(1	)	$	157,290

Available-for-sale securities (non-current):
Corporate bonds	$	9,829	$	41	$	—		$	9,870
Government agencies		2,997		—		—			2,997

	$	12,826	$	41	$	—		$	12,867


			Unrealized
April 2, 2011	Cost		Gain		Loss			Fair Value
Available-for-sale securities (current):
Commercial paper	$	97,330	$	2	$	—		$	97,332
Government agencies		55,550		20		—			55,570

	$	152,880	$	22	$	—		$	152,902

Available-for-sale securities (non-current):
Government agencies	$	8,087	$	10	$	—		$	8,097
Auction rate securities		10,700		1,445		(6,979	)		5,166
Preferred stock		4,000		—		(4,000	)		—

	$	22,787	$	1,455	$	(10,979	)	$	13,263

There were no sales of available-for-sale securities in the second and third quarters of 2012 nor in the first three quarters of 2011. In addition to the sales of ARS in the first quarter of 2012, the Company sold certain available-for-sale securities for approximately $3.5 million at cost. For purposes of determining gross realized gains and losses and reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income, the cost of securities sold is based on specific identification. Net unrealized holding gains and losses on current available-for-sale securities included in accumulated other comprehensive income were insignificant as of December 31, 2011 and April 2, 2011.

Underlying maturities of investments as of December 31, 2011 were $157.3 million within one year and $12.9 million between one to five years.

5. Inventories

Inventories are principally valued at standard costs, which approximate the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Components of inventories were as follows:


(In thousands)	Dec 31, 2011		Apr 2, 2011
Raw materials and purchased parts	$	46,249	$	45,650
Work-in-process		12,518		11,274
Finished goods		13,864		8,438

	$	72,631	$	65,362

6. Other Current Assets

Other current assets consisted of the following:


(In thousands)	Dec 31, 2011		Apr 2, 2011
Prepaid expenses	$	2,995	$	3,840
Value added tax receivable		902		2,481
Other		45		463

	$	3,942	$	6,784

7. Other Assets

Other assets consisted of the following:


(In thousands)	Dec 31, 2011		Apr 2, 2011
Minority equity investment	$	8,966	$	8,966
Consignment and demo equipment, net		2,762		4,624
Other		933		929

	$	12,661	$	14,519

8. Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consisted of the following:


(In thousands)	Dec 31, 2011		Apr 2, 2011
Payroll-related liabilities	$	6,680	$	13,486
Product warranty accrual		4,637		4,415
Professional fees payable		2,345		1,653
Dividend payable		2,311		—
Pension benefit liabilities		2,189		1,808
Purchase order commitments and receipts		755		922
Restructuring costs payable		514		711
Customer deposits		495		5,499
Value added taxes payable		432		1,028
Income taxes payable		181		1,540
Legal settlement costs payable		—		1,208
Other		1,373		1,155

	$	21,912	$	33,425

See Note 16 “Shareholders’ Equity” for additional information regarding dividend payable.

9. Product Warranty Accrual

The following is a reconciliation of the change in the aggregate accrual for product warranty:


	Fiscal quarter ended						Three fiscal quarters ended
(In thousands)	Dec 31, 2011			Jan 1, 2011			Dec 31, 2011			Jan 1, 2011
Product warranty accrual, beginning	$	5,117		$	4,111		$	4,415		$	2,576
Warranty charges incurred, net		(1,248	)		(1,872	)		(5,199	)		(4,655	)
Provision for warranty charges		768			2,115			5,421			6,433

Product warranty accrual, ending	$	4,637		$	4,354		$	4,637		$	4,354

Net warranty charges incurred include labor charges and costs of replacement parts for system repairs under warranty. These costs are recorded net of any estimated cost recoveries resulting from either successful repair of damaged parts or from warranties offered by the Company’s suppliers for defective components. The provision for warranty charges reflects the estimate of future anticipated net warranty costs to be incurred for all products under warranty at fiscal year end and is recorded to cost of sales.

10. Deferred Revenue

Generally, revenue is recognized upon fulfillment of acceptance criteria at the Company’s factory and title transfer which frequently occur at the time of delivery to a common carrier. Revenue is deferred whenever title transfer is pending and/or acceptance criteria have not yet been fulfilled. Deferred revenue occurrences include sales to Japanese customers, shipments of substantially new products and shipments with custom specifications and acceptance criteria. In sales involving multiple element arrangements, the fair value of any undelivered elements, including installation services, is deferred until the elements are delivered and acceptance criteria are met. Revenue related to maintenance and service contracts is deferred and recognized ratably over the duration of the contracts.

The following is a reconciliation of the changes in deferred revenue:


	Fiscal quarter ended						Three fiscal quarters ended
(In thousands)	Dec 31, 2011			Jan 1, 2011			Dec 31, 2011			Jan 1, 2011
Deferred revenue, beginning	$	9,363		$	16,373		$	16,039		$	13,193
Revenue deferred		4,267			8,187			33,304			27,691
Revenue recognized		(5,246	)		(12,047	)		(40,959	)		(28,371	)

Deferred revenue, ending	$	8,384		$	12,513		$	8,384		$	12,513

11. Earnings Per Share

Following is a reconciliation of weighted average shares outstanding used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:


	Fiscal quarter ended					Three fiscal quarters ended
(In thousands, except per share data)	Dec 31, 2011			Jan 1, 2011		Dec 31, 2011		Jan 1, 2011
Net (loss) income	$	(1,881	)	$	2,351	$	12,569	$	1,941

Weighted average shares used for basic earnings per share		28,849			28,132		28,689		27,978
Incremental diluted shares		—			535		695		480

Weighted average shares used for diluted earnings per share		28,849			28,667		29,384		28,458

Net (loss) income per share:
Net (loss) income – basic	$	(0.07	)	$	0.08	$	0.44	$	0.07

Net (loss) income – diluted	$	(0.07	)	$	0.08	$	0.43	$	0.07

Awards of options, stock-settled stock appreciation rights (SARs), unvested restricted stock units (RSUs) and shares associated with the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) representing an additional 4.2 million and 3.0 million shares of stock for the quarters ended December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2011, respectively, were not included in the calculation of diluted net earnings per share because their effect would have been antidilutive.

For the three quarters ended December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2011, awards of options, SARs, unvested RSUs and ESPP shares representing an additional 2.8 million and 2.9 million shares, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted net earnings per share as their effect would have been antidilutive.

12. Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, were as follows:


	Fiscal quarter ended						Three fiscal quarters ended
(In thousands)	Dec 31, 2011			Jan 1, 2011			Dec 31, 2011			Jan 1, 2011
Net (loss) income	$	(1,881	)	$	2,351		$	12,569		$	1,941
Foreign currency translation adjustment		121			232			401			939
Net unrealized gain (loss) on current available-for-sale securities		42			(18	)		15			3
Net unrealized gain on auction rate securities		—			996			—			1,190
Reclassification of unrealized gain on auction rate securities to earnings		—			—			(1,445	)		—
Other comprehensive income		2			2			6			6

Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(1,716	)	$	3,563		$	11,546		$	4,079

13. Product and Geographic Information

Net sales by product type were as follows:


	Fiscal quarter ended				Three fiscal quarters ended
(In thousands)	Dec 31, 2011		Jan 1, 2011		Dec 31, 2011		Jan 1, 2011
Interconnect/ Micromachining Group (IMG)	$	35,318	$	29,780	$	134,757	$	83,481
Semiconductor Group (SG)		8,435		29,674		50,631		61,891
Components Group (CG)		6,054		7,755		23,349		39,862

	$	49,807	$	67,209	$	208,737	$	185,234

Net sales by geographic area, based on the location of the end user, were as follows:


	Fiscal quarter ended				Three fiscal quarters ended
(In thousands)	Dec 31, 2011		Jan 1, 2011		Dec 31, 2011		Jan 1, 2011
Asia	$	42,731	$	60,094	$	185,550	$	164,978
Americas		4,515		3,928		14,375		11,558
Europe		2,561		3,187		8,812		8,698

	$	49,807	$	67,209	$	208,737	$	185,234

14. Legal Proceedings

All Ring Patent Infringement Prosecution

The Company’s proceedings against All Ring Tech Co., Ltd (All Ring) in Taiwan for alleged patent infringement are ongoing. As a part of these proceedings, the Company established three letters of credit for approximately $19.5 million in July 2009, September 2009 and June 2011, which are collateralized by $22.3 million of restricted cash. The total restricted cash balance was included in Restricted cash on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011.

In June 2011, the Kaohsiung District Court of Taiwan announced its judgment, finding that All Ring had infringed on the Company’s 207469 patent, ordering All Ring to pay the Company approximately $24.0 million plus interest accrued from November 4, 2005 through the payment date at a rate of 5%, and enjoining All Ring from selling any system infringing the 207469 patent. On June 16, 2011, All Ring posted a cash bond for approximately $24.0 million to prevent the provisional execution of the judgment. All Ring appealed this judgment to the Intellectual Property Court on June 28, 2011 and on October 31, 2011, the Company filed its response to All Ring’s appeal. All Ring and the Company have each filed several additional briefs with the Intellectual Property Court. See the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended April 2, 2011 for further background and additional information related to these proceedings.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in various other legal matters, either asserted or unasserted, and investigations. In the opinion of management, ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

15. Restructuring and Cost Management Plans

During the third quarters in each of 2012 and 2011, the Company initiated restructuring plans to reduce its worldwide cost structure. In 2011, this plan resulted from the Company’s globalization strategy directed at reducing costs through transition of certain procurement and manufacturing activities to Asia. In 2012, the plan was driven by the continuation of the Company’s globalization efforts as well as the identification of other cost alignment opportunities. As a result of the planned actions, the Company recognized $0.9 million and $0.8 million of restructuring costs during the third quarters of 2012 and 2011, respectively, which consisted primarily of employee severance and related benefits. At December 31, 2011 and April 2, 2011, the amount of unpaid restructuring costs in Accrued Liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets was $0.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

16. Shareholders’ Equity

Share Repurchase Program

On May 15, 2008, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program totaling $20.0 million to acquire shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock primarily to offset dilution from equity compensation programs. The repurchases were to be made at management’s discretion in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions in compliance with applicable securities laws and other legal requirements and are subject to market conditions, share price and other factors. There was no fixed completion date for the repurchase program.

The Company did not repurchase any shares under this program during 2012 and 2011. Through December 31, 2011, a total of 372,825 shares had been repurchased for $5.3 million under this authorization at an average price of $14.16 per share, calculated inclusive of commissions and fees. Any cash used to settle repurchase transactions is reflected as a component of cash used in financing activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

On December 9, 2011, the Board of Directors terminated the prior repurchase program and authorized a new share repurchase program totaling $20.0 million to acquire shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock. The repurchases are to be made at management’s discretion in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions in compliance with applicable securities laws and other legal requirements and are subject to market conditions, share price and other factors. There is no fixed completion date for the repurchase program.

The Company did not repurchase any shares under this program during the third quarter of 2012.

Dividends

On December 9, 2011, the Board of Directors adopted a dividend policy under which the Company intends to pay quarterly cash dividends. The following table summarizes the dividend declared by ESI’s Board of Directors during fiscal 2012:


Date Declared	Record Date	Payable Date	Amount per Share
December 9, 2011	January 27, 2012	February 17, 2012	$ 0.08

The estimate of the amount to be paid as a result of the December 9, 2011 declaration is $2.3 million, which is included in Accrued Liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011.

ESI currently anticipates that it will continue to pay cash dividends on a quarterly basis in the future, although the declaration and amount of any future cash dividends are at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on ESI’s financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, business conditions and other factors, as well as a determination that cash dividends are in the best interest of ESI’s shareholders.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The statements contained in this report that are not statements of historical fact, including without limitation, statements containing the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates” and similar words, constitute forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. From time to time we may make other forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are subject to an inherent risk that actual results may materially differ as a result of many factors, including the risks described in Part II, Item 1A “Risk Factors.”

Business Overview

Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries (ESI) is a leading supplier of innovative laser-based manufacturing solutions for the microtechnology industry. Our advanced laser systems enable precise structuring and testing of micron to submicron features in components and devices which are used in a wide variety of end products in the consumer electronics, computer, communications and other industries. These features enable our customers to achieve functionality, or improve yield and productivity in their manufacturing processes that can be critical to their profitability. Founded in 1944, ESI is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with global operations and subsidiaries in Asia, Canada, Europe and the United States.

Our advanced laser microengineering systems allow semiconductor, microelectronics, and other microtechnology manufacturers to physically alter select device features during high-volume production in order to increase performance and improve production yields. Laser microengineering comprises a set of precise micron-level processes, including advanced micromachining, via drilling, wafer scribing and dicing, material ablation, semiconductor memory-link cutting, electronic device trimming, and nano-level structuring to alter material characteristics such as color and texture. These processes require application-specific laser systems able to meet our customers’ exacting performance and productivity requirements. Our laser-based systems improve production yields or enable improved performance for semiconductor devices, flexible interconnect material, high-density interconnect (HDI) circuits, advanced semiconductor packaging, light emitting diodes (LEDs), flat panel liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and other high value components.

Additionally, we produce high-capacity test and optical inspection equipment that is critical to the quality control process during the production of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs). Our equipment ensures that each component meets the electrical, physical and optical tolerances required to perform properly.

Summary of Sequential Quarterly Results

The financial results of the quarter ended December 31, 2011, which represented the third fiscal quarter of 2012, reflected a reduction in earnings as revenue decreased to $49.8 million from $81.9 million in the prior quarter. However, total order volume for the third quarter of 2012 increased to approximately $45 million, compared to approximately $41 million for the second quarter of 2012, which ended October 1, 2011. The sequential increase in orders was primarily driven by orders for our flex interconnect products from customers in Asia. Although the LED, Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) and passive component industries continue to be in overcapacity, orders increased in passive components driven by demand for the smallest chipsets and we received several orders for our semiconductor products.

Orders for our Interconnect/ Micromachining Group (IMG) products decreased approximately 15% in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the prior quarter. Orders for micromachining products declined from the prior quarter and can vary in volume between periods based upon the timing of design wins. However, orders for our flex interconnect products were very strong, driven by demand in the market for smart phone and tablet devices.

Orders for our Semiconductor Group (SG) products increased approximately 85% in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the prior quarter driven by increased demand for our memory repair and trim systems. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in LED orders as a result of overcapacity in the industry, particularly for makers of LED backlights for display.

Orders for our Components Group (CG) products increased approximately 95% in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the prior quarter. The increase was primarily driven by demand for tools to support the smallest chipset MLCCs, used primarily in smart portable devices.

Net sales of $49.8 million for the third quarter of 2012 decreased $32.1 million compared to $81.9 million for the prior quarter. Sales for our IMG products decreased $15.9 million influenced by consumption of backlog orders from micromachining customers. We received a very large micromachining order in the first quarter, which subsequently drove an increase in revenue in the second quarter. SG sales decreased $15.7 million driven by lower orders for our memory repair customers as they utilize existing capacity. CG sales decreased $0.4 million as our MLCC customers continued absorbing capacity created by systems delivered in prior quarters.

Gross margin decreased 1.4% to 42.5% on net sales of $49.8 million for the third quarter of 2012 compared to 43.9% on net sales of $81.9 million for the prior quarter. The decrease was primarily driven by decreased production volume and the impact of fixed costs, partially offset by favorable product mix.

Net operating expenses were $25.3 million in the third quarter of 2012, which included $0.9 million in restructuring costs. Restructuring costs increased $0.9 million from zero in the prior quarter as we initiated restructuring plans in the third quarter to reduce our worldwide cost structure through the continuation of our globalization efforts as well as the identification of other cost alignment opportunities. Exclusive of the restructuring costs, net operating expenses decreased $1.2 million from the prior quarter. This decrease was due to a reduction of $0.9 million in selling, service and administration (SS&A) expenses and a $0.3 million decrease in research, development and engineering (RD&E) expenses. SS&A expenses decreased primarily as a result of reductions in discretionary spending and variable pay due to lower business volumes. RD&E expenses decreased primarily due to lower project materials expense.

Operating loss was $4.1 million in the third quarter of 2012, a decrease of $14.4 million compared to operating income of $10.3 million in the prior quarter. The decrease was primarily due to lower sales volumes and gross profit combined with the addition of restructuring costs.

The effective tax benefit was 53.9% for the third quarter of 2012, resulting from an income tax benefit of $2.2 million, compared to an effective rate of 13.8% for the prior quarter that resulted from an income tax provision of $1.4 million. The tax benefit was favorably impacted by relative fixed dollar benefits on lower income and discrete benefits related to higher manufacturing and research and development credits.

Net loss for the third quarter of 2012 was $1.9 million compared to net income $8.5 million in the prior quarter due to the impact of the items discussed above.

Quarter Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to Quarter Ended January 1, 2011

Results of Operations

The following table presents results of operations data as a percentage of net sales:


	Fiscal quarter ended
	Dec 31, 2011			Jan 1, 2011
Net sales		100.0	%		100.0	%
Cost of sales		57.5			55.3

Gross margin		42.5			44.7
Selling, service and administration		28.0			22.5
Research, development and engineering		21.1			15.2
Legal settlement costs		—			2.0
Restructuring costs		1.7			1.2

Operating (loss) income		(8.3	)		3.8
Interest and other income (expense), net		0.1			(0.1	)

(Loss) income before income taxes		(8.2	)		3.7
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes		(4.4	)		0.2

Net (loss) income		(3.8	)%		3.5	%

Net Sales

Net sales were $49.8 million for the third quarter of 2012, a decrease of $17.4 million or 26% compared to net sales of $67.2 million for the third quarter of 2011. Compared to the prior year revenue decreased for both SG and CG driven by a combination of memory repair customers utilizing existing capacity and MLCC customers continuing to absorb capacity created by systems delivered in prior quarters. The decrease was partially offset by increased revenue for IMG as demand for our flex interconnect products remained strong.

The following table presents net sales information by product group:


	Fiscal quarter ended
	Dec 31, 2011					Jan 1, 2011
(In thousands, except percentages)	Net Sales		% of Net Sales			Net Sales		% of Net Sales
Interconnect/ Micromachining Group (IMG)	$	35,318		70.9	%	$	29,780		44.3	%
Semiconductor Group (SG)		8,435		16.9			29,674		44.2
Components Group (CG)		6,054		12.2			7,755		11.5

	$	49,807		100.0	%	$	67,209		100.0	%

IMG sales in the third quarter of 2012 increased $5.5 million or 19% compared to the third quarter of 2011. The increase was primarily driven by strong demand for our flex via drilling products.

SG sales in the third quarter of 2012 decreased $21.2 million or 72% compared to the third quarter of 2011. The overall decrease was driven by lower orders for our memory repair systems, reflecting overcapacity in the industry for DRAM, primarily as a result of slower growth in personal computers.

CG sales in the third quarter of 2012 decreased $1.7 million or 22% compared to the third quarter of 2011. The decrease was primarily due to our MLCC customers absorbing capacity created by systems delivered in prior quarters.

The following table presents net sales information by geographic region:


	Fiscal quarter ended
	Dec 31, 2011					Jan 1, 2011
(In thousands, except percentages)	Net Sales		% of Net Sales			Net Sales		% of Net Sales
Asia	$	42,731		85.8	%	$	60,094		89.5	%
Americas		4,515		9.1			3,928		5.8
Europe		2,561		5.1			3,187		4.7

	$	49,807		100.0	%	$	67,209		100.0	%

Compared to the third quarter of 2011, the decrease in net sales for the third quarter of 2012 was most significant in Asia, our primary geographic market. The decrease in Asia was driven primarily by a decrease in memory repair sales. Net sales in the Americas and Europe remain a lower percentage of total sales as purchases in these regions are primarily for specialized uses or research and development purposes, as compared to the trend by our customers to source their high-volume manufacturing in Asia.

Gross Profit


	Fiscal quarter ended
	Dec 31, 2011					Jan 1, 2011
(In thousands, except percentages)	Gross Profit		% of Net Sales			Gross Profit		% of Net Sales
Gross Profit	$	21,161		42.5	%	$	30,027		44.7	%

Gross profit for the third quarter of 2012 was $21.2 million, a decrease of $8.9 million compared to gross profit of $30.0 million for the third quarter of 2011. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 42.5% for the third quarter of 2012 from 44.7% for the third quarter of 2011. These decreases were primarily related to lower revenue levels and decreased production capacity utilization.

Operating Expenses


	Fiscal quarter ended
	Dec 31, 2011					Jan 1, 2011
(In thousands, except percentages)	Expense		% of Net Sales			Expense		% of Net Sales
Selling, service and administration	$	13,944		28.0	%	$	15,172		22.5	%
Research, development and engineering		10,480		21.1			10,210		15.2
Legal settlement costs		—		—			1,311		2.0
Restructuring costs		861		1.7			827		1.2

	$	25,285		50.8	%	$	27,520		40.9	%

Selling, Service and Administration

Selling, service and administration (SS&A) expenses primarily consist of labor and other employee-related expenses including share-based and variable compensation expense, travel expenses, professional fees, sales commissions and facilities costs. SS&A expenses were $13.9 million for the third quarter of 2012, a decrease of $1.2 million compared to the third quarter of 2011. This decrease was primarily driven by reductions in variable compensation as well as our efforts to control overall discretionary spending, partially offset by selective increases in headcount, which predominantly occurred in Asia.

Research, Development and Engineering

Research, development and engineering (RD&E) expenses are primarily comprised of labor and other employee-related expenses, professional fees, project materials and project consulting. RD&E expenses totaled $10.5 million for the third quarter of 2012, an increase of $0.3 million compared to the third quarter of 2011. This increase is primarily due to an increase in project materials and consulting, and higher professional and legal fees associated with patent maintenance, partially offset by a decrease in variable compensation.

Legal Settlement Costs

In 2009, James Dooley, former Chief Executive Officer of the Company, initiated arbitration against us seeking severance in connection with his 2003 termination for cause. On December 10, 2010, the assigned arbitrator ruled in favor of Mr. Dooley and, as a result, we recognized approximately $1.3 million in settlement and legal costs during the third quarter of 2011. On December 27, 2010, we filed a complaint seeking declaratory relief to vacate the arbitration award with the United States District Court, District of Oregon (the Court). However, on June 14, 2011, the Court reaffirmed its original ruling upholding the arbitrator’s award. We did not further appeal and paid the award in the first quarter of 2012.

Restructuring Costs

During the third quarters in each of 2012 and 2011, we initiated restructuring plans to reduce our worldwide cost structure. In 2011, this plan resulted from our globalization strategy directed at reducing costs through transition of certain procurement and manufacturing activities to Asia. In 2012, the plan was driven by the continuation of these globalization efforts as well as the identification of other cost alignment opportunities. As a result of the planned actions, we recognized $0.9 million and $0.8 million of restructuring costs during the third quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively, which consisted primarily of employee severance and related benefits. We expect to recognize an additional $0.5 million to $1.0 million in restructuring costs in the fourth quarter of 2012 as we complete these cost alignment actions.

Non-operating Income and Expense

Interest and Other Income (Expense), net

Interest and other income, net, consists of interest income and expense, market gains and losses on assets held for our deferred compensation plan, realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses, bank charges, investment management fees and other miscellaneous non-operating items.

Income Taxes


	Fiscal quarter ended
	Dec 31, 2011						Jan 1, 2011
(In thousands, except percentages)	Income Tax Benefit			Effective Tax Rate			Income Tax Provision		Effective Tax Rate
Income tax (benefit) provision	$	(2,196	)		53.9	%	$	117		4.7	%

The income tax benefit for the third quarter of 2012 was $2.2 million on the pretax loss of $4.1 million, an effective tax benefit of 53.9%. The tax benefit was favorably impacted by relative fixed dollar benefits on lower income and discrete benefits related to higher manufacturing and research and development (R&D) credits. For the third quarter of 2011, the income tax provision was $0.1 million on pretax income of $2.5 million, an effective tax rate of 4.7%. In the third quarter of 2011, the tax rate was favorably impacted by the reenactment of the R&D tax credit and the resulting catch-up benefit.

Our effective tax rate is subject to fluctuation based upon the mix of income and differing tax rates between jurisdictions, and the occurrence and timing of numerous discrete events such as changes in tax laws or their interpretations, extensions or expirations of research and experimentation credits, closure of tax years subject to examination, finalization of income tax returns, the relationship of fixed deductions to overall changes in estimated and actual pretax income or loss and the tax jurisdictions where income or loss is generated. Based on currently available information, we are not aware of any further discrete events which are likely to occur that would have a material effect on our financial position, expected cash flows or results of operations. We anticipate no significant changes in unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months as the result of examinations or lapsed statutes of limitation.

Net Income (Loss)


	Fiscal quarter ended
	Dec 31, 2011						Jan 1, 2011
(In thousands, except percentages)	Net loss			% of Net Sales			Net income		% of Net Sales
Net (loss) income	$	(1,881	)		(3.8	)%	$	2,351		3.5	%

Net loss for the third quarter of 2012 was $1.9 million, or $(0.07) per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $2.4 million, or $0.08 per basic and diluted share for the third quarter of 2011. The decline was primarily due to lower revenue and gross profit levels in the third quarter of 2012, partially offset by lower net operating expenses.

Three Quarters Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to Three Quarters Ended January 1, 2011

Results of Operations

The following table presents results of operations data as a percentage of net sales:


	Three fiscal quarters ended
	Dec 31, 2011			Jan 1, 2011

Net sales		100.0	%		100.0	%
Cost of sales		56.5			58.2

Gross margin		43.5			41.8
Selling, service and administration		21.7			23.3
Research, development and engineering		15.6			16.5
Legal settlement costs		0.3			0.7
Restructuring costs		0.4			0.4

Operating income		5.5			0.9
Gain on sale of previously impaired auction rate securities		1.3			—
Interest and other (expense) income, net		(0.2	)		0.1

Income before income taxes		6.6			1.0
Provision for income taxes		0.6			—

Net income		6.0	%		1.0	%

Net Sales

Net sales were $208.7 million for the first three quarters of 2012, an increase of $23.5 million or 13% compared to net sales of $185.2 million for the first three quarters of 2011. The increase was driven by strong shipments of our IMG products, partially offset by decreases in both SG and CG driven by a combination of memory repair customers utilizing existing capacity and MLCC customers continuing to absorb capacity created by systems delivered in 2011.

The following table presents net sales information by product group:


	Three fiscal quarters ended
	Dec 31, 2011					Jan 1, 2011
(In thousands, except percentages)	Net Sales		% of Net Sales			Net Sales		% of Net Sales
Interconnect/ Micromachining Group (IMG)	$	134,757		64.5	%	$	83,481		45.1	%
Semiconductor Group (SG)		50,631		24.3			61,891		33.4
Components Group (CG)		23,349		11.2			39,862		21.5

	$	208,737		100.0	%	$	185,234		100.0	%

IMG sales in the first three quarters of 2012 increased $51.3 million or 61% compared to the first three quarters of 2011. The increase was driven by shipments of a large micromachining order received in our first quarter and continued strong demand for our flex via drilling products.

SG sales in the first three quarters of 2012 decreased $11.3 million or 18% compared to the first three quarters of 2011. The overall decrease in sales was driven primarily by a decrease in the memory repair market as customers’ utilized existing capacity.

CG sales in the first three quarters of 2012 decreased $16.5 million or 41% compared to the first three quarters of 2011. The decrease was primarily due to our MLCC customers continuing to absorb capacity created by systems delivered in the first half of 2011.

The following table presents net sales information by geographic region:


	Three fiscal quarters ended
	Dec 31, 2011					Jan 1, 2011
(In thousands, except percentages)	Net Sales		% of Net Sales			Net Sales		% of Net Sales
Asia	$	185,550		88.9	%	$	164,978		89.1	%
Americas		14,375		6.9			11,558		6.2
Europe		8,812		4.2			8,698		4.7

	$	208,737		100.0	%	$	185,234		100.0	%

Compared to the first three quarters of 2011, net sales for the first three quarters of 2012 increased across all geographic regions: $20.6 million or 12% in Asia, $2.8 million or 24% in the Americas and $0.1 million or 1% in Europe. The majority of our systems are sold into Asia as our customers’ manufacturing facilities primarily reside in that region. The increase in Asia was driven by an increase in the micromachining and flex interconnect business during the first three quarters of the year. Net sales in the Americas and Europe remain a lower percentage of total sales as purchases in these regions are primarily for specialized uses or research and development purposes, as compared to the trend by our customers to source their high-volume manufacturing in Asia.

Gross Profit


	Three fiscal quarters ended
	Dec 31, 2011					Jan 1, 2011
(In thousands, except percentages)	Gross Profit		% of Net Sales			Gross Profit		% of Net Sales
Gross Profit	$	90,862		43.5	%	$	77,501		41.8	%

Gross profit for the first three quarters of 2012 was $90.9 million, an increase of $13.4 million compared to gross profit of $77.5 million for the first three quarters of 2011. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 43.5% for the first three quarters of 2012 from 41.8% for the three quarters of 2011. These increases were primarily related to higher revenue levels, increased production capacity utilization and the sale of lower margin legacy products in the first quarter of 2011.

Operating Expenses


	Three fiscal quarters ended
	Dec 31, 2011					Jan 1, 2011
(In thousands, except percentages)	Expense		% of Net Sales			Expense		% of Net Sales
Selling, service and administration	$	45,324		21.7	%	$	43,063		23.3	%
Research, development and engineering		32,456		15.6			30,638		16.5
Legal settlement costs		550		0.3			1,311		0.7
Restructuring costs		861		0.4			827		0.4

	$	79,191		38.0	%	$	75,839		40.9	%

Selling, Service and Administration

SS&A expenses were $45.3 million for the first three quarters of 2012, an increase of $2.3 million compared to the first three quarters of 2011. Excluding the impact of $0.9 million of acquisition settlement proceeds received during the first quarter of 2011, the increase was $1.4 million. This increase was primarily related to a $1.8 million increase in share-based compensation, which was driven by accelerated expense associated with the Chief Executive Officer’s retirement eligibility date and increased estimated attainment of performance based grants. Additionally, labor costs were higher due to selective headcount increases, primarily in Asia. The increases were partially offset by lower discretionary spending and variable compensation due to lower business volume.

Research, Development and Engineering

RD&E expenses totaled $32.5 million for the first three quarters of 2012, an increase of $1.8 million compared to the first three quarters of 2011. This increase was primarily due to labor costs associated with selective increases in headcount and higher legal and professional fees associated with patent maintenance.

Legal Settlement Costs

Legal settlement costs for the first three quarters of 2012 were $0.6 million, which consisted of court and legal fees associated with the All Ring litigation and other non-recurring legal matters. Legal settlement costs in the first three quarters of 2011 related to the legal action brought by James Dooley, our former Chief Executive Officer. In 2009, Mr. Dooley initiated arbitration against us seeking severance in connection with his 2003 termination for cause. On December 10, 2010, the assigned arbitrator ruled in favor of Mr. Dooley and, as a result, we recognized approximately $1.3 million in settlement and legal costs during the third quarter of 2011. On December 27, 2010, we filed a complaint seeking declaratory relief to vacate the arbitration award with the United States District Court, District of Oregon (the Court). However, on June 14, 2011, the Court reaffirmed its original ruling upholding the arbitrator’s award. We did not further appeal and paid the award in the first quarter of 2012.

Restructuring Costs

During the third quarters in each of 2012 and 2011, we initiated restructuring plans to reduce our worldwide cost structure. In 2011, this plan resulted from our globalization strategy directed at reducing costs through transition of certain procurement and manufacturing activities to Asia. In 2012, the plan was driven by the continuation of these globalization efforts as well as the identification of other cost alignment opportunities. As a result of the planned actions, we recognized $0.9 million and $0.8 million of restructuring costs during the first three quarters of 2012 and 2011, respectively, which consisted primarily of employee severance and related benefits. We expect to recognize an additional $0.5 million to $1.0 million in restructuring costs in the fourth quarter of 2012 as we complete these cost alignment actions.

Non-operating Income and Expense

Gain on Sale of Previously Impaired Auction Rate Securities (ARS)

During the first quarter of 2012, we sold all of our remaining ARS with a total par value of $14.7 million for approximately $6.5 million. We recorded a total gain of $2.7 million, which included $1.4 million in reclassification of previously recorded unrealized gains out of accumulated other comprehensive income. There were no sales of ARS during the first three quarters of 2011.

Interest and Other (Expense) Income, net

Net interest and other expense was $0.5 million for the first three quarters of 2012 compared to net interest and other income of $0.2 million for the first three quarters of 2011. The decrease in income was primarily due to market losses on assets held for our deferred compensation plan and lower interest yields on our investments. We sold our remaining ARS in the fourth quarter of 2011 and the first quarter of 2012, which were earning above market interest rates.

Income Taxes


	Three fiscal quarters ended
	Dec 31, 2011					Jan 1, 2011
(In thousands, except percentages)	Income Tax Provision		Effective Tax Rate			Income Tax Benefit			Effective Tax Rate
Income tax provision (benefit)	$	1,335		9.6	%	$	(73	)		(3.9	)%

The income tax provision for the first three quarters of 2012 was $1.3 million on pretax income of $13.9 million, an effective tax rate of 9.6%. For the first three quarters of 2011, the income tax benefit was $0.1 million on pretax income of $1.9 million, an effective tax benefit of 3.9%. The lower effective tax rate for the first three quarters of 2011 was primarily due to the fluctuation in the level of expected annual income between the two years, the relative quarterly income levels, and the mix of income between jurisdictions and their relative tax rates.

Net Income


	Three fiscal quarters ended
	Dec 31, 2011					Jan 1, 2011
(In thousands, except percentages)	Net Income		% of Net Sales			Net Income		% of Net Sales
Net income	$	12,569		6.0	%	$	1,941		1.0	%

Net income for the first three quarters of 2012 was $12.6 million, or $0.44 per basic share and $0.43 per diluted share, compared to a net income of $1.9 million, or $0.07 per basic and diluted share for the first three quarters of 2011. The improvement was primarily due to increased revenue, improved gross profits in the first three quarters of 2012 and the gain on the sale of ARS in the first quarter of 2012, offsetting the impact of higher net operating expenses.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

At December 31, 2011, our principal sources of liquidity were cash and cash equivalents of $67.6 million, short-term investments of $124.7 million and accounts receivable of $25.7 million. We also held $22.3 million in restricted cash which represented collateral for commercial letters of credit. Our current ratio was 8.0 to 1.0 and we held no long-term debt. Working capital of $288.7 million was up compared to the April 2, 2011 balance of $259.7 million.

In December 2011, the Board of Directors adopted a dividend policy under which we intend to pay quarterly cash dividends. Accordingly, a dividend of $0.08 per share of outstanding common stock will be paid on February 17, 2012 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on January 27, 2012. The estimate of the amount to be paid as a result of the December 9, 2011 declaration is $2.3 million, which is included in Accrued Liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011.

We currently anticipate that we will continue to pay cash dividends on a quarterly basis in the future, although the declaration and amount of any future cash dividend are at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, business conditions and other factors, as well as a determination that cash dividends are in the best interest of our shareholders.

In 2008, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program totaling $20.0 million to acquire shares of our outstanding common stock primarily to offset dilution from equity compensation programs. Repurchases under the program were made at management’s discretion in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions in compliance with applicable securities laws and other legal requirements and are subject to market conditions, share price and other factors. We did not repurchase any shares under this program during 2011 or 2012. As of December 31, 2011, a total of 372,825 shares had been repurchased under this authorization for $5.3 million at an average price of $14.16 per share, calculated inclusive of commissions and fees. There was no fixed completion date for the repurchase program.

In December 2011, the Board of Directors terminated the 2008 repurchase program and authorized a new share repurchase program totaling $20.0 million to acquire shares of our outstanding common stock. The repurchases are to be made at management’s discretion in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions in compliance with applicable securities laws and other legal requirements and are subject to market conditions, share price and other factors. There is no fixed completion date for the repurchase program. We did not repurchase any shares under this program during the third quarter of 2012.

As of December 31, 2011, we did not have any ARS investments. During the first quarter of 2012, we sold all of the remaining ARS for approximately $6.0 million and all of the preferred stock for approximately $0.5 million. These ARS had a total estimated fair value of $5.2 million as of April 2, 2011, which consisted of $10.7 million par value ARS and $4.0 million par value ARS which were converted by the bond issuer to its preferred stock in 2009. We recorded a gain of $2.7 million in the first quarter of 2012, which included $1.4 million in reclassification of previously recorded unrealized gain out of accumulated other comprehensive income.

Sources and Uses of Cash

Net cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $16.9 million for the three quarters ended December 31, 2011 due to net income of $12.6 million and $14.2 million in non-cash items, which was partially offset by $9.8 million in net reductions within working capital. The primary use of cash from working capital consisted of $21.2 million from decreases in accounts payable and other liabilities, $7.7 million from net decreases in deferred revenue and $6.4 million in increases in inventory, partially offset by $18.5 million in decreases of trade receivables, decreases in shipped systems pending acceptance of $4.1 million and net decreases in current assets of $2.9 million.

For the three quarters ended December 31, 2011, net cash used in investing activities of $69.3 million was due to the purchase of securities of $721.0 million, an increase in restricted cash of $11.5 million, and purchases of property, plant and equipment of $4.2 million, partially offset by $660.7 million in proceeds from maturities of securities and $6.5 million in sales of ARS. Net cash provided by financing activities of $2.9 million resulted from activity in our employee stock plans.

We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments are adequate to fund our operations, share repurchase program, cash dividends and contractual obligations for at least the next twelve months.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

We reaffirm the “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in Part II Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations reported in our Form 10-K for the year ended April 2, 2011.

Contractual Obligations

There have been no significant changes in our contractual obligations subsequent to those reported in our Form 10-K for the year ended on April 2, 2011.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There have been no material changes in the market risk disclosure contained in our Form 10-K for the year ended April 2, 2011.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Attached to this quarterly report as exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 are the certifications of our President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and our Chief Financial Officer (CFO) required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the Section 302 Certifications). This portion of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q is our disclosure of the conclusions of our management regarding the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report based on management’s evaluation of those disclosure controls and procedures. This disclosure should be read in conjunction with the Section 302 Certifications for a complete understanding of the topics presented.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management has evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our CEO and CFO, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the third quarter of 2012 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

All Ring Patent Infringement Prosecution

Our proceedings against All Ring Tech Co., Ltd (All Ring) in Taiwan for alleged patent infringement are ongoing. As a part of these proceedings, we established three letters of credit for approximately $19.5 million in July 2009, September 2009 and June 2011, which are collateralized by $22.3 million of restricted cash. The total restricted cash balance was included in Restricted cash on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011.

In June 2011, the Kaohsiung District Court of Taiwan announced its judgment, finding that All Ring had infringed on our 207469 patent, ordering All Ring to pay us approximately $24.0 million plus interest accrued from November 4, 2005 through the payment date at a rate of 5%, and enjoining All Ring from selling any system infringing the 207469 patent. On June 16, 2011, All Ring posted a cash bond for approximately $24.0 million to prevent the provisional execution of the judgment. All Ring appealed this judgment to the Intellectual Property Court on June 28, 2011 and on October 31, 2011, we filed our response to All Ring’s appeal. We and All Ring have each filed several additional briefs with the Intellectual Property Court. See our Form 10-K for the year ended April 2, 2011 for further background and additional information related to these proceedings.

In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various other legal matters, either asserted or unasserted, and investigations. In the opinion of management, ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The statements contained in this report that are not statements of historical fact, including without limitation statements containing the words “believes,” “expects” and similar words, constitute forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. From time to time, we may make other forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are subject to an inherent risk that actual results may differ materially. The following information highlights some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should be considered in light of these factors. Factors that may result in such variances include, but are not limited to, the following:

Risks Related to Our Competition and Customers

Volatility of Our Customers’ Industries

Our business is dependent upon the capital expenditures of manufacturers of microelectronics, semiconductors and LEDs used in consumer electronics, computers, wireless communications and other electronic products. The capital equipment market for semiconductor, microelectronics and consumer electronics manufacturers has historically been characterized by sudden and severe cyclical variations in product supply and demand due to a number of factors including capacity utilization, demand for customers’ products, inventory levels relative to demand and access to affordable capital. The timing, severity and duration of these market cycles are difficult or impossible to predict. As a result, business levels can vary significantly from quarter to quarter or year to year. Significant downturns in the market for semiconductors and microelectronics used in electronic devices or in the market for consumer electronics reduce demand for our products and may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. For example, the economic slowdown that began in 2008 resulted in a decrease in orders for all of our product groups for each quarter throughout 2009, with virtually no orders for our memory repair systems throughout 2010. Additionally, some of our customers’ ability to access credit was adversely affected, limiting their ability to purchase our products. Starting in the second quarter of 2012, we again began to experience a significant reduction in orders due to increased uncertainties regarding global economic conditions. The degree of the impact of any downturn on our business depends on a number of factors, including: the strength of the global and US economies; the overall level of demand for consumer electronics products; the stability of global financial systems; and the overall health of the semiconductor, microelectronics, LED and consumer electronics industries.

Highly Competitive Markets

We face substantial competition from established competitors throughout the world, some of which have greater financial, engineering, manufacturing and marketing resources than we do. Those competitors with greater resources may, in addition to other things, be able to better withstand periodic downturns, compete more effectively on the basis of price and technology, or more quickly develop enhancements to, and new generations of, products that compete with the products we manufacture and market. New companies may enter the markets in which we compete, or industry consolidation may occur, further increasing competition in those markets. We believe that to be competitive we must continue to expend significant financial resources in order to, among other things, invest in new product development and enhancements. We may not be able to compete successfully in the future and increased competition may result in price reductions, reduced profit margins and loss of market share.

Increased Price Pressure

We have experienced and continue to experience price pressure in the sale of our products, from both competitors and customers. Pricing pressures typically have become more intense during cyclical downturns when competitors seek to maintain or increase market share, reduce inventory or introduce more technologically advanced products. In addition, we may agree to pricing concessions with our customers in connection with volume orders. Our business, financial condition, margins or results of operations may be materially and adversely affected by competitive pressure and intense price-based competition.

Revenues are Largely Dependent on Few Customers

We depend on a few significant customers for a large portion of our revenues. In 2011, our top ten customers accounted for approximately 62% of total net sales, with one customer accounting for approximately 24% of total net sales. We anticipate that sales of our products to a relatively small number of customers will continue to account for a significant portion of our revenues. Consolidation between customers, changes in various partnership and technology arrangements between customers, customer bankruptcies or customer departures from their respective industries all may result in even fewer customers accounting for a high percentage of our revenue. Furthermore, none of our customers have any long-term obligation to continue to buy our products or services and may therefore delay, reduce or cease ordering our products or services at any time. The cancellation, reduction or deferral of purchases of our products by even a single customer could significantly reduce our revenues in any particular quarter. If we were to lose any of our significant customers or suffer a material reduction in their purchase orders, revenue could decline and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Revenues are Largely Based on the Sale of a Small Number of Product Units

We derive a substantial portion of our revenue from the sale of a relatively small number of products. Accordingly, our revenues, margins and other operating results could fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter depending upon a variety of factors in addition to those described above, including:

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changes in the timing and terms of product orders by our customers;

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changes in the mix of products and services that we sell;

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timing and market acceptance of our new product introductions; and

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delays or problems in the planned introduction of new products, or in the performance of any such products following delivery to customers.

As a result of these risks, we believe that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our revenue and operating results may not be meaningful, and that these comparisons may not be an accurate indicator of our future performance.

Risks Related to Our Supply Chain and Production

Variability of Production Capacity

To meet rapidly changing demand in the industries we serve, we must effectively manage our resources and production capacity. During periods of decreasing demand for our products, we must be able to appropriately align our cost structure with prevailing market conditions and effectively manage our supply chain. Our ability to rapidly and effectively reduce our cost structure in response to such downturns is limited by the fixed nature of many of our expenses in the near term and by our need to continue our investment in next-generation product technology and to support and service our products. Conversely, when upturns occur in the markets we serve, we may have difficulty rapidly and effectively increasing our manufacturing capacity or procuring sufficient materials to meet sudden increases in customer demand that could result in the loss of business to our competitors and harm to our relationships with our customers. If we are not able to timely and appropriately adapt to changes in our business environment, our business, financial condition or results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

Problems with Critical Suppliers

We use a wide range of components from numerous suppliers in the manufacture of our products, including custom electronic, laser, optical and mechanical components. We generally do not have guaranteed supply arrangements with our suppliers. We seek to reduce the risk of production and service interruptions and shortages of key parts by selecting and qualifying alternative suppliers for key parts, monitoring the financial stability of key suppliers and maintaining appropriate inventories of key parts. Although we make reasonable efforts to ensure that parts are available from multiple suppliers, some key parts are available only from a single supplier or a limited group of suppliers in the short term. In addition, some of the lasers we use in our products are difficult to manufacture, and as a result we may not receive an adequate supply of lasers in a timely fashion to fill orders. Operations at our suppliers’ facilities are subject to disruption or discontinuation for a variety of reasons, including changes in business relationships, competitive factors, financial difficulties, work stoppages, fire, natural disasters or other causes. Any such disruption or discontinuation to our suppliers’ operations could interrupt or reduce our manufacturing activities and delay delivery of our products, any or all of which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, when markets recover from the recent economic downturn, there is a heightened risk that one or more of our suppliers may not be able to meet increased demand requirements, adversely impacting our ability to fulfill orders and win business with our customers.

Problems with Contract Manufacturers

We have arrangements with contract manufacturers to complete the manufacturing of certain of our products or product subcomponents. Any significant interruption in our contract manufacturers’ ability to provide manufacturing services to us as a result of contractual disputes with us or another party, labor disruptions, financial difficulties, natural disasters, delay or interruption in the receipt of inventory, customer prioritization or other causes could result in reduced manufacturing capabilities or delayed deliveries for certain of our products, any or all of which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

Charges for Excess or Obsolete Inventory

One factor on which we compete is the ability to ship products on schedules required by customers. In order to facilitate timely shipping, management forecasts demand, both in type and amount of products, and these forecasts are used to determine inventory to be purchased. We also order materials based on our technology roadmap, which represents management’s assessment of technology that will be utilized in new products that we develop. Certain types of inventory, including lasers and optical equipment, are particularly expensive and may only be used in the production of a single type of product. If actual demand is lower than forecast with respect to the type or amount of products actually ordered, or both, our inventory levels may increase. As a result, there is a risk that we may have to incur material accounting charges for excess and obsolete inventory if inventory cannot be used, which would negatively affect our financial results. Also, if we alter our technology or product development strategy, we may have inventory that may not be usable under the new strategy, which may also result in material accounting charges.

Risks Related to Our Organization

Operating a Global Business

International shipments accounted for 93% of net sales in 2011, with 89% of our net sales to customers in Asia. We expect that international shipments will continue to represent a significant percentage of net sales in the future. We also have significant foreign operations, including manufacturing facilities in China and Singapore, research and development facilities in Canada, China and Taiwan, and sales and service offices in various countries. Under our globalization strategy, we intend to increase our foreign operations in the future. Our non-U.S. sales, purchases and operations are subject to risks inherent in conducting business abroad, many of which are outside our control, including the following:

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periodic local or geographic economic downturns and unstable political conditions;

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price and currency exchange controls;

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fluctuation in the relative values of currencies;

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difficulty in repatriating money, whether as a result of tax laws or otherwise;

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difficulties protecting intellectual property;

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compliance with labor laws and other laws governing employees;

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local labor disputes;

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shipping delays and disruptions;

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unexpected changes in trading policies, regulatory requirements, tariffs and other barriers; and

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difficulties in managing a global enterprise, including staffing, collecting accounts receivable, and managing suppliers, distributors and representatives.

Our business and operating results could also be impacted, directly or indirectly, by natural disasters, outbreaks of infectious disease, military action, international conflicts, terrorist activities, civil unrest and associated political instability. Many of our facilities, including our Portland, Oregon headquarters, are in areas with known earthquake risk. Some of these events or circumstances may also result in heightened security concerns with respect to domestic and international travel and commerce, which may further affect our business and operating results. In particular, due to these uncertainties, we are subject to the following additional risks:

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future tightening of immigration controls may adversely affect the residence status of non-U.S. engineers and other key technical employees in our U.S. facilities or our ability to hire new non-U.S. employees in such facilities;

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more frequent instances of shipping delays;

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demand for our products may not increase or may decrease; and

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our customers or suppliers may experience financial difficulties or cease operations.

Implementation and Modification of Globalization Strategy

We are implementing our globalization strategy in which we are moving certain operational resources and capabilities to different countries in Asia to be closer to many of our significant customers and to reduce costs. We believe this strategy will enhance customer relationships, improve our responsiveness, and reduce our manufacturing costs for certain products. We opened a manufacturing facility in Singapore in the fourth quarter of 2010 for certain IMG and CG products.

Our globalization strategy is subject to a variety of complexities and risks, many of which we have little experience managing, and which may divert a substantial amount of management’s time. These risks include:

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challenges in designing new facilities that can be scaled for future expansion, replicating current processes and bringing new facilities up to full operation;

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unpredictable costs, redundancy costs and cost overruns for developing new facilities and acquiring equipment;

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building local management teams, technical personnel and other staff for functions that we have not previously conducted outside of the United States;

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technical obstacles such as poor production or process yield and loss of quality control during the ramp of a new facility;

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re-qualifications and other procedures that may be required by our customers;

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our ability to bring up local suppliers to meet our quality and cycle-time needs;

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our ability to reduce costs in the United States as we add costs in Asia;

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rapidly changing business conditions that may require plans to be changed or abandoned before they are fully implemented; and

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challenges posed by distance and by differences in language and culture.

These and other factors could delay the development and implementation of our strategy, as well as impair our gross margins, delay shipments and deliveries, cause us to lose sales, require us to write off investments already made, damage our reputation and harm our business, financial condition and operating results. If we decide to change our current globalization strategy, we may incur charges for certain costs incurred.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

We may make acquisitions of, or significant investments in, other businesses with complementary products, services or technologies, such as our September 2010 acquisition of certain assets of PyroPhotonics Lasers, Inc. Acquisitions involve numerous risks, many of which are unpredictable and beyond our control, including:

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difficulties and increased costs in connection with integration of the personnel, operations, technologies and products of the acquired businesses;

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implementation of our enterprise resource planning (ERP) system into the acquired company’s operations;

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diversion of management’s attention from other operational matters;

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the potential loss of key employees of the acquired company;

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lack of synergy or inability to realize expected synergies resulting from the acquisition;

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acquired assets becoming impaired as a result of technological advancements or worse-than-expected performance by the acquired company;

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difficulties establishing satisfactory internal controls at the acquired company;

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risks and uncertainties relating to the performance of the combined company following the transaction; and

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acquiring unanticipated liabilities for which we will not be indemnified.

Furthermore, the accounting for an acquisition could result in significant charges resulting from amortization or write-off of intangible assets we acquire. Our inability to effectively manage these risks could result in our inability to realize the anticipated benefits of an acquisition on a timely basis, or at all, and materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, all acquisition transaction costs must be expensed as incurred rather than capitalized, which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

The means by which we finance an acquisition may also significantly affect our business or the value of the shares of our common stock. If we issue common stock to pay for an acquisition, the ownership percentage of our existing shareholders will be diluted and the value of the shares held by our existing shareholders could be reduced. If we use cash on hand to pay for an acquisition, the payment could significantly reduce the cash that would be available to fund our operations or to use for other purposes. If we borrow funds in connection with an acquisition, we would be required to use cash to service the debt and to comply with financial and other covenants.

We may from time to time also make strategic investments in development stage companies. Investments in development stage companies are subject to a high degree of risk. We cannot assure you that we will not lose all or a portion of our investment in any such company.

Hiring and Retention of Personnel

Our continued success depends in part upon the services of our key managerial, financial and technical personnel. The loss of key personnel, or our inability to attract, assimilate and retain qualified personnel, could result in the loss of customers, inhibit our ability to operate and grow our business and otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. We have previously had to, and may in the future have to, impose salary reductions on employees during economic downturns in an effort to maintain our financial position. These actions may have an adverse effect on employee loyalty and may make it more difficult for us to attract and retain key personnel. Competition for qualified personnel in the industries in which we compete is intense, and we may not be successful in attracting and retaining qualified personnel. We may incur significant costs in our efforts to recruit and retain key personnel, which could affect our financial position and results of operations.

Risks Related to Technology

Markets Characterized by Rapid Technological Change

The markets for our products are characterized by rapid technological change and innovation, frequent new product introductions, changes in customer requirements and evolving industry standards. Our future performance will depend on the successful development, introduction and market acceptance of new and enhanced products that address technological changes and the requirements of current and potential customers. The development of new, technologically advanced products is a complex and uncertain process, requiring high levels of innovation and highly skilled engineering and development personnel, as well as the accurate anticipation of technological and market trends. We cannot assure you that we will be able to identify, develop, manufacture, market or support new or enhanced products successfully, if at all, or on a timely basis. The introduction by us or by our competitors of new or enhanced products, or alternative technologies, may cause our customers to defer, change or cancel orders for our existing products or cease purchasing our products altogether. For example, our semiconductor memory customers are exploring alternative redundancy technologies such as electrical redundancy technology. If our customers were to achieve sufficient yield improvement with one of these technologies and convert it into their manufacturing process, there would be a material adverse effect on the size of the addressable market of our memory yield improvement systems. Further, we cannot assure that our new products will gain market acceptance or that we will be able to respond effectively to product announcements by competitors, technology changes or emerging industry standards. If we are unable to develop new or enhanced products to address product or technology changes or new industry standards on a timely basis or at all, or if our new or enhanced products are not accepted by the market, or if our customers adopt alternative technologies, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.

Need to Invest in Research and Development

Our industry is characterized by the need for continued investment in research and development. Because of intense competition in the industries in which we compete, if we were to fail to invest sufficiently in research and development, our products could become less attractive to our current and potential customers or obsolete, and our business and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. As a result of our need to maintain our spending levels in this area, our operating results could be materially harmed if our net sales decline. In addition, as a result of our emphasis on research and development and technological innovation, our operating costs may increase in the future, and research and development expenses may increase as a percentage of total operating expenses and as a percentage of net sales.

Products are Highly Complex

Our products are highly complex, and our extensive product development, manufacturing and testing processes may not be adequate to detect all defects, errors, failures and quality issues that could impact customer satisfaction or result in claims against us. As a result, we may have to replace certain components or provide remediation in response to the discovery of defects in products after they are shipped. The occurrence of any defects, errors, failures or quality issues could result in cancellation of orders, product returns, diversion of our resources, legal actions by our customers and other losses to us or to our customers. These occurrences could also result in the loss of, or delay in, market acceptance of our products, loss of sales and increased expenses and warranty costs, which would harm our business and adversely affect our revenues and profitability.

Risks Related to Legal Matters

Protection of Proprietary Rights – Generally

Our success depends significantly upon the protection of our proprietary rights. We attempt to protect our proprietary rights through patents, copyrights, trademarks, maintenance of trade secrets and other measures, including entering into confidentiality agreements. We incur substantial costs to obtain and maintain patents and to defend our intellectual property rights. For example, we initiated litigation against All Ring Tech Co., Ltd. in Taiwan in August 2005 alleging that certain of our patent rights had been violated. We rely upon the laws of the United States and foreign countries where we develop, manufacture or sell our products to protect our proprietary rights. We may not be successful in protecting these proprietary rights, these rights may not provide the competitive advantages that we expect, or other parties may challenge, invalidate or circumvent these rights.

Protection of Proprietary Rights – Foreign Jurisdictions

Our efforts to protect our intellectual property may be less effective in some foreign countries where intellectual property rights are not as well protected as in the United States. Many United States companies have encountered substantial problems in protecting their proprietary rights against infringement in foreign countries. If we fail to adequately protect our intellectual property in these countries, it could be easier for our competitors to sell competing products in foreign countries, which could result in reduced sales and gross margins.

Intellectual Property Infringement Claims

Several of our competitors hold patents covering a variety of technologies, applications and methods of use similar to some of those used in our products. While we attempt in our designs to avoid patent infringement, from time to time we and our customers have received correspondence from our competitors claiming that some of our products, as used by our customers, may be infringing one or more of these patents. Competitors or others have in the past and may in the future assert infringement claims against our customers or us with respect to current or future products or uses, and these assertions may result in costly litigation or require us to obtain a license to use intellectual property rights of others. If claims of infringement are asserted against our customers, those customers may seek indemnification from us for damages or expenses they incur.

If we become subject to infringement claims, we will evaluate our position and consider the available alternatives, which may include seeking licenses to use the technology in question or defending our position. These licenses, however, may not be available on satisfactory terms or at all. If we are not able to negotiate the necessary licenses on commercially reasonable terms or successfully defend our position, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Tax Audits and Changes in Tax Law

We are periodically under audit by United States and foreign tax authorities and may have exposure to additional tax liabilities as a result. Significant judgment is required in determining our provision for income and other tax liabilities. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final outcome of tax audits and the impact of changes in tax laws or the interpretation of tax laws could result in material differences from what is reflected in historical income tax accruals. If additional taxes are assessed as a result of an examination, a material effect on our financial results, tax positions or cash flows could occur in the period or periods in which the determination is made.

Legal Proceedings

From time to time we are subject to various legal proceedings, including breach of contract claims and claims that involve possible infringement of patent or other intellectual property rights of third parties. It is inherently difficult to assess the outcome of litigation matters, and there can be no assurance that we will prevail in any litigation. Any litigation could result in substantial cost and diversion of management’s attention, which by itself could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results. Further, adverse determinations in such litigation could result in loss of our property rights, subject us to significant liabilities, require us to seek licenses from others or prevent us from manufacturing or selling our products, any of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Provisions Restricting Our Acquisition

Our articles of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that could make it harder for a third party to acquire us without the consent of our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors has also adopted a shareholder rights plan, or “poison pill,” which would significantly dilute the ownership of a hostile acquirer. In addition, the Oregon Control Share Act and the Oregon Business Combination Act limit the ability of parties who acquire a significant amount of voting stock to exercise control over us. These provisions may have the effect of lengthening the time required for a person to acquire control of us through a proxy contest or the election of a majority of our Board of Directors, may deter efforts to obtain control of us and may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us without negotiation. These provisions may apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by our shareholders.

Risks Related to Financial Matters

Unfavorable Currency Exchange Rate Fluctuations

Currency exchange rate fluctuations could have an adverse effect on our sales and results of operations and we could experience losses with respect to forward exchange contracts into which we may enter. Unfavorable currency fluctuations could require us to increase prices to foreign customers, which could result in lower net sales by us to those customers. Alternatively, if we do not adjust the prices for our products in response to unfavorable currency fluctuations, our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, some of our foreign sales are denominated in the currency of the country in which these products are sold and the currency we receive in payment for such sales could be less valuable at the time of receipt as a result of exchange rate fluctuations. From time to time, we enter into forward exchange contracts to hedge the value of accounts receivable primarily denominated in Japanese yen and other currencies. However, we cannot be certain that our efforts will be adequate to protect us against significant currency fluctuations or that such efforts will not expose us to additional exchange rate risks, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

Fluctuations in Effective Tax Rate

As a global company, we are subject to taxation in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Our effective tax rate is subject to fluctuation from one period to the next because the income tax rates for each year are a function of many factors, including: (a) taxable income levels and the effects of a mix of profits (losses) earned by ESI and our subsidiaries in numerous tax jurisdictions with a broad range of income tax rates; (b) our ability to utilize deferred tax assets; (c) taxes, refunds, interest or penalties resulting from tax audits; (d) the magnitude of various credits and deductions as a percentage of total taxable income; and (e) changes in tax laws or the interpretation of such tax laws. Changes in the mix of these items may cause our effective tax rate to fluctuate between periods, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.

Impairment of Intangible Assets

We held a total of $8.7 million in acquired intangible assets and $4.0 million in goodwill at December 31, 2011. We review our acquired intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. We test goodwill for impairment using a qualitative and quantitative approach at least annually or between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value below the carrying value. If such an adverse event occurred and had the effect of changing one of the critical assumptions or estimates related to the fair value of our intangible assets or goodwill, an impairment charge could result. Any such impairment charges may have a material negative impact on our financial condition and operating results.

Stock Price Volatility

The market price of our common stock has fluctuated widely. During fiscal 2011, our stock price fluctuated between a high of $17.44 per share and a low of $10.46 per share. Consequently, the current market price of our common stock may not be indicative of future market prices, and we may be unable to sustain or increase the value of an investment in our common stock. Factors affecting our stock price, many of which our outside of our control, may include:

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variations in operating results from quarter to quarter;

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changes in earnings estimates by analysts or our failure to meet analysts’ expectations;

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changes in the market price per share of our public company customers;

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market conditions in the semiconductor and other industries into which we sell products;

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general economic conditions;

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political changes, hostilities or natural disasters;

•

low trading volume of our common stock;

•

the number of analysts covering our common stock; and

•

the number of firms making a market in our common stock.

In addition, the stock market has recently experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. These fluctuations have particularly affected the market prices of the securities of high-technology companies like ours. These market fluctuations could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

Reduction or Cessation of Dividends

Our Board of Directors first adopted a quarterly dividend in December 2011. We intend to pay quarterly dividends subject to capital availability and periodic determinations by our Board of Directors that cash dividends are in the best interest of our shareholders and are in compliance with all laws and agreements applicable to the declaration and payment of cash dividends by us. Future dividends may be affected by, among other factors: our views on potential future capital requirements for investments in acquisitions and the funding of our research and development; legal risks; stock repurchase programs; changes in federal and state income tax laws or corporate laws; and changes to our business model. Our dividend payments may change from time to time, and we cannot provide assurance that we will continue to declare dividends at all or in any particular amounts. A reduction or cessation in our dividend payments could have a negative effect on our stock price.

Impairment of Investments

Our investment portfolio is primarily comprised of commercial paper, debt securities issued by US governmental agencies and municipal debt securities. These investments are intended to be highly liquid and low risk. If the markets for these securities were to deteriorate for any reason, including as a result of a downgrade in the credit rating of US government securities, the liquidity and value of these investments could be negatively affected, which could result in impairment charges. Any such impairment charges may have a material impact on our financial condition and operating results.

Item 6. Exhibits

This list is intended to constitute the exhibit index.



3.1		Third Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 15, 2010.

3.2		2009 Amended and Restated Bylaws. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 19, 2009 (the “May 19 8-K”).

4.1		Rights Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2009, between Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. and Mellon Investor Services. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the May 19 8-K.

31.1		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2		Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS		XBRL Instance Document *

101.SCH		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document *

101.CAL		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document *

101.DEF		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document *

101.LAB		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document *

101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document *

Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

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.


Dated: February 8, 2012		ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES, INC.

	By	/s/ Nicholas Konidaris
	Nicholas Konidaris
	President and Chief Executive Officer
	(Principal Executive Officer)

	By	/s/ Paul Oldham
	Paul Oldham
	Vice President of Administration,
	Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary
	(Principal Financial Officer)

	By	/s/ Kerry Mustoe
	Kerry Mustoe
	Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting
	Officer
	(Principal Accounting Officer)

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller Reporting Company