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Cohu (COHU)
NASDAQ:COHU

Cohu (COHU) AI Stock Analysis

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COCohu
(NASDAQ:COHU)
46Neutral
Cohu faces significant financial and operational challenges, notably declining revenue and profitability, which overshadow its low leverage and stable recurring revenue streams. Technical indicators suggest bearish momentum, while valuation metrics are unattractive. Although there is potential for growth in software revenue, recent strategic restructuring highlights industry headwinds, warranting a cautious outlook.
Positive Factors
Growth Potential
Management sees a potential recovery of auto/industrial semis which should drive growth next year.
Restructuring
COHU announced it has launched a strategic restructuring program to consolidate certain U.S. and Europe operations to Asia and to cut 7% of the workforce in an effort to improve its cost structure.
Negative Factors
Market Demand
Cohu reported both 4Q24 results and 1Q25 guidance below the Street's estimates, both of which can be attributed to the weak end-market demand environment, as customers continue to digest excess inventory.

Cohu (COHU) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Cohu Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCohu, Inc. is a leading provider of equipment and services for the semiconductor industry. The company operates primarily in the semiconductor test and inspection sector, offering a broad range of solutions including test handling, burn-in, thermal subsystems, and MEMS test modules. Cohu serves a diverse customer base comprising semiconductor manufacturers and test subcontractors, assisting them in enhancing yield, productivity, and efficiency in their testing processes.
How the Company Makes MoneyCohu makes money by offering a comprehensive suite of testing and inspection solutions tailored to the semiconductor industry. The company's revenue model is primarily based on the sale of its equipment, which includes test handlers, burn-in systems, and thermal solutions. In addition to direct equipment sales, Cohu generates recurring revenue through the provision of spare parts, services, and support contracts. The company's financial performance is influenced by its ability to innovate and maintain technological leadership in its product offerings, as well as by its strategic partnerships with semiconductor manufacturers and test subcontractors. Global demand for semiconductors, industry trends, and technological advancements are significant factors that contribute to Cohu's earnings.

Cohu Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Cohu faces significant financial challenges with a 51% revenue decline from 2022 to 2024 and negative profitability metrics. The balance sheet remains relatively stable with low leverage, but cash flow issues, including a negative free cash flow in 2024, raise concerns about liquidity and financial stability.
Income Statement
40
Negative
Cohu's income statement reveals a concerning trend with declining revenue from $812.78M in 2022 to $401.78M in 2024, indicating a significant 51% decrease. The company also faced negative profitability metrics in 2024, with a gross profit margin of 0%, net profit margin of -17.38%, and negative EBIT and EBITDA margins. This reflects substantial operational challenges and a potential inability to cover costs, raising concerns about revenue stability and profitability.
Balance Sheet
65
Positive
The balance sheet shows relative financial stability with a strong equity position. The debt-to-equity ratio improved to 0.02 in 2024, indicating low leverage. However, the equity ratio decreased slightly to 88.52% from previous years. Although the company maintains a solid cash position, the declining asset base and equity suggest potential risks if revenue does not recover.
Cash Flow
55
Neutral
Cash flow analysis highlights a troubling decline in free cash flow, turning from $85.42M in 2023 to -$7.86M in 2024. Operating cash flow dropped significantly, impacting the company's ability to generate cash internally. Despite a positive operating cash flow to net income ratio, the negative free cash flow indicates liquidity issues and challenges in sustaining operations without external funding.
Breakdown
TTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
897.71M401.78M636.32M812.77M887.21M636.01M
Gross Profit
393.81M180.29M302.81M383.33M386.96M271.78M
EBIT
202.74M-71.67M43.27M125.56M132.87M17.86M
EBITDA
259.66M-11.84M98.94M178.97M180.64M74.11M
Net Income Common Stockholders
161.30M-69.82M28.16M96.85M167.32M-13.84M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
262.09M262.09M335.70M385.58M379.90M170.03M
Total Assets
999.41M999.41M1.15B1.23B1.26B1.10B
Total Debt
18.69M18.69M58.94M98.18M139.83M345.73M
Net Debt
-187.71M-187.71M-186.59M-144.16M-150.37M196.37M
Total Liabilities
111.47M111.47M200.18M298.57M376.54M583.89M
Stockholders Equity
856.89M856.89M950.17M928.84M882.50M511.62M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
77.65M-7.86M85.42M98.09M85.73M31.07M
Operating Cash Flow
91.67M2.78M101.47M112.86M97.73M49.73M
Investing Cash Flow
31.96M21.92M-30.21M-67.87M39.89M-18.36M
Financing Cash Flow
-5.94M-59.03M-68.14M-91.07M6.53M-38.07M

Cohu Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price18.00
Price Trends
50DMA
23.36
Negative
100DMA
24.81
Negative
200DMA
26.87
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-1.33
Positive
RSI
28.00
Positive
STOCH
13.29
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For COHU, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 18 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 20.86, below the 50-day MA of 23.36, and below the 200-day MA of 26.87, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -1.33 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 28.00 is Positive, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 13.29 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for COHU.

Cohu Risk Analysis

Cohu disclosed 44 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Cohu reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Cohu Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (59)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
TETER
70
Outperform
$17.34B32.2914.62%0.45%5.52%16.59%
70
Outperform
$286.42M11.8517.88%-37.77%3.20%
69
Neutral
$92.89B29.4089.51%0.91%12.19%20.80%
63
Neutral
$2.58B35.467.35%15.16%-15.16%
59
Neutral
$22.39B11.53-18.05%2.31%5.00%-25.89%
53
Neutral
$10.78B<0.01%14.61%85.44%
46
Neutral
$918.32M-8.15%-36.86%-351.11%
* Technology Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
COHU
Cohu
18.00
-13.37
-42.62%
AEHR
Aehr Test Systems
8.98
-7.60
-45.84%
FORM
Formfactor
31.56
-12.58
-28.50%
COHR
Coherent Corp
69.57
3.63
5.51%
KLAC
KLA
699.00
-0.62
-0.09%
TER
Teradyne
107.23
3.88
3.75%

Cohu Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Feb 13, 2025 | % Change Since: -16.16% | Next Earnings Date: Apr 24, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a balanced outlook with both positive developments in software and new market segments, alongside challenges such as inventory corrections and shipment delays impacting short-term revenue and margins.
Highlights
Positive Revenue Prospects in HBM and Silicon Carbide Markets
Cohu expects to generate $7 million from HBM inspection systems and $5 million from silicon carbide applications in 2025.
Software Revenue Growth
Cohu's software revenue, including contributions from the recent acquisition of Tignis, is expected to grow at an annual rate of 50% over the next three years.
Stable Recurring Revenue Stream
Recurring revenue accounted for 65% of the full-year 2024 revenue, providing stability amidst market fluctuations.
Operational Efficiency
Operating expenses for Q4 were lower than guidance at $45.3 million due to lower labor costs and higher vacation utilization.
Lowlights
Inventory Reserve Charge Impact
A $2.1 million inventory reserve charge negatively impacted Q4 gross margin by 220 basis points.
Revenue Decline in Automotive and Mobile Segments
Revenue in automotive and mobile segments declined as customers work through ongoing inventory corrections.
Lower Gross Margin
Q4 gross margin was 41.8%, below guidance due to inventory reserve charges.
Q1 Revenue Guidance Impacted by Shipment Delays
Q1 2025 revenue guidance was reduced due to customer requests to delay shipments to later in the year.
Company Guidance
During the fourth quarter of 2024, Cohu's revenue was $94.1 million, within the guidance range, but gross margin was impacted by a $2.1 million inventory reserve charge, bringing it to 41.8%. Recurring revenue accounted for 62% of total revenue, with systems revenue showing growth in computing, industrial, and consumer segments. Test cell utilization increased to 73%, driven by improvements in OSATs. For 2025, the first-quarter revenue is projected at $97 million, plus or minus $7 million, with a gross margin of approximately 44%. Cohu anticipates growth in its software revenue at an annual rate of 50% over the next three years, bolstered by its recent acquisition of Tignis and efforts to expand in the memory and silicon carbide power semiconductor markets.

Cohu Corporate Events

Business Operations and Strategy
Cohu Announces Strategic Restructuring Amid Industry Downturn
Negative
Feb 24, 2025

On February 19, 2025, Cohu, Inc. initiated a strategic restructuring program aimed at repositioning its operations and improving its cost structure amid a downturn in the semiconductor test and inspection equipment industry. The restructuring involves consolidating operations in Switzerland and Germany to lower-cost locations, reducing headcount in the U.S. and Asia, and negotiating with trade unions. The company expects to incur pretax charges of $6.1 million to $7.2 million throughout fiscal 2025, impacting its Semiconductor Test & Inspection segment.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.