Verigy Surges Ahead

Article Excerpt

VERIGY LTD. $24.63 (Nasdaq symbol VRGY; SI Rating: Speculative) (1-800-447- 8378; www.verigy.com; Shares outstanding: 59 million; Market cap: $1.5 billion) designs and makes test systems used in computer-chip production. Verigy shares jumped in late February after it reported earnings of $0.28 a share in the three months ended January 31, 2007, up 12% from $0.25 a year earlier. Revenues fell 2.9%, to $165 million from $170 million. The stock has risen 43% since we first recommended it at $17.17 in the November, 2006 issue of Stock Pickers Digest. Thanks to its balanced product portfolio, Verigy posted stronger results, despite overall weakness in the semiconductor (computer chip) test industry. The company holds cash of $300 million, or $5.10 a share, and has no debt. Verigy spends around 14% of revenues on research and development. Verigy is still a buy. buy…