These specialized techs have big potential

Article Excerpt

VERIGY LTD. $10.98 (Nasdaq symbol VRGY; SI Rating: Extra Risk) (1-800-447-8378; www.verigy.com; Shares outstanding: 58.3 million; Market cap: $639.9 million) 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. The company 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 new-system sales, which have been slowed by the recession. Verigy lost $25 million, or $0.44 a share (before one-time items), in the three months ended April 30, 2009. Still, that was a lot better than the $0.65 a share that analysts were expecting. The company earned $13 million, or $0.22 a share, in the year-earlier quarter. These figures exclude non-recurring items, particularly costs related to an 18% cut Verigy made to its workforce…