Research focus will keep these two ahead

Article Excerpt

VERIGY LTD. $11.97 (Nasdaq symbol VRGY; SI Rating: Extra Risk) (1-800-447-8378; www.verigy.com; Shares outstanding: 58.8 million; Market cap: $704.3 million; No dividends paid) designs and makes test systems that are used in the production of computer chips. Verigy’s technology helps chipmakers cut down on errors and improve the reliability of their products. It has installed more than 4,500 of its systems worldwide. Verigy gets about 45% of its revenue from consulting and support services. These include start-up assistance and system calibration and repair. This business helps lower the company’s reliance on system sales, which have been slowed by the weak economy. The company lost $7 million, or $0.12 a share (before one time items) in its fourth quarter, which ended October 31, 2009. Still, that was a lot better than the $0.25-a-share loss that analysts were expecting. Verigy lost $36 million, or $0.60 a share, in the year-earlier quarter. Revenue fell 35.3%, to $97 million from $150 million. Orders rose 17% during…