Cohu (CU3) Risk Analysis

Effective November 2, 2021, a $70 million share repurchase program was authorized by the Board. On October 25, 2022, the Board authorized an additional $70 million under the share repurchase program. The stock repurchase program was authorized to potentially offset dilution from equity issuances under our equity incentive plans and because the Board believes that, for reasons unrelated to our performance, the trading price of our common stock from time to time may not be reflective of the true value of the Company. Repurchases have been, and may be made in the future, using our existing cash resources. We give no assurances as to when, how much and for what duration stock repurchases may be made. However, stock repurchases may adversely affect us if the economy turns downward, as it could leave us limited in our ability to obtain cash necessary for ongoing operations or strategic initiatives. In addition, any repurchase of stock may have no positive impact on our stock price. Further, as stock may be repurchased, given the volatility of our stock price, we may repurchase stock at prices which, in hindsight, are materially higher than the subsequent price of our stock. In connection with the issuance of the Notes, we entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions with one or more of the initial purchasers of the Notes or their respective affiliates and/or other financial institutions (the "option counterparties"). The capped call transactions initially cover, subject to anti-dilution adjustments substantially similar to those applicable to the Notes, the number of shares of our common stock underlying the Notes. The capped call transactions are expected generally to reduce or offset potential dilution to our common stock and/or offset any cash payments we may be required to make in excess of the principal amount of converted Notes, as the case may be, upon any conversion of the Notes, with such reduction and/or offset subject to a cap. In connection with establishing and maintaining their initial hedges of the capped call transactions, we understand that the option counterparties or their respective affiliates may modify their hedge positions by entering into or unwinding various derivatives with respect to our common stock and/or purchasing or selling our common stock or other securities of ours in secondary market transactions from time to time prior to the maturity of the Notes (and are likely to do so during any observation period relating to a conversion of the Notes or following any repurchase of the Notes by us if we elect to terminate or unwind the relevant portion of the capped call transactions). The effect, if any, of these activities on the trading price of our common stock will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions, and is uncertain at this time. Any of these activities could, however, adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.

We may seek additional financing in the future to meet our capital needs or to meet our strategic initiatives or operating activities. We have in the past issued common stock as acquisition consideration and for general corporate purposes. For example, in March 2021, we issued 5,692,500 additional shares of our common stock in an underwritten follow-on public offering, which represented an increase of 13.4% of outstanding shares of common stock at the time. We may determine to utilize common stock as acquisition consideration, issue convertible debt, or pursue another follow-on equity offering to raise capital for debt reduction or for other general corporate purposes, at any time in the future. Any issuances of additional shares of our common stock would dilute shareholders' ownership interest in our company, and shareholders would have a proportionately reduced ownership and voting interest in our company as a result of equity issuance. If we raise additional funds by issuing debt, we may be subject to limitations on our operations due to restrictive covenants. Additionally, our ability to make scheduled payments or refinance our obligations will depend on our operating and financial performance, which in turn is subject to prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other factors beyond our control. At our election, if applicable, we may settle Notes tendered for conversion partly in shares of our common stock. As a result, the conversion of some or all of the Notes may dilute the ownership interests of existing shareholders. Any sales in the public market of the shares of our common stock issuable upon such conversion of the Notes could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common stock. In addition, the existence of the Notes may encourage short selling by market participants because the conversion of the Notes could depress the price of our common stock.