Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2008 was $(7.6) million or $(0.33) per share compared to net income of $2.0 million or $0.09 per share for the fourth quarter of 2007 and $37,000 or $0.00 per share for the third quarter of 2008. Net loss for the fourth quarter ended December 27, 2008 included a $5.5 million pretax charge for the write-down of inventory due to deteriorating business conditions in the back-end semiconductor industry and a $2.6 million charge for acquired in-process research and development associated with our acquisition of Rasco GmbH that closed on December 9, 2008.
Net sales for the year ended December 27, 2008 were $199.7 million with a net loss of $(5.4) million or $(0.23) per share compared to net sales of $241.4 million with net income of $8.0 million or $0.34 per share for the year ended December 29, 2007.
Cohu is presenting unaudited non-GAAP financial measures to provide additional insight into underlying operating performance on a comparable basis. The unaudited non-GAAP financial measures exclude charges and income tax credits for share-based compensation, the amortization of acquired intangible assets and the write-off of acquired in-process research and development. On a non-GAAP basis, the net loss for the fourth quarter of 2008 was $(3.9) million or $(0.17) per share compared to net income of $3.2 million or $0.14 per share in the same period last year. For the year ended December 27, 2008, net income on a non-GAAP basis was $1.7 million or $0.07 per share compared to $12.6 million or $0.54 per share in the previous year.
Sales of semiconductor equipment accounted for 69% of fourth quarter 2008 sales. Microwave communications equipment and television cameras and related equipment contributed 19% and 12%, respectively, for the same period.
Orders for the fourth quarter of 2008 were $34.4 million compared to $46.0 million for the third quarter of 2008. Orders for semiconductor equipment decreased to $21.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2008 from $31.0 million in the third quarter of 2008. Backlog was $46.6 million at December 27, 2008 compared to $52.0 million at September 27, 2008. Backlog and orders include amounts associated with Rasco and were $1.8 million in orders received after December 9 and $2.8 million in year end backlog. Cohu expects first quarter 2009 sales to be approximately $33 million.
James A. Donahue, president and chief executive officer, stated, Current business conditions are extremely difficult and are not expected to improve in the near term. The global financial crisis has eroded consumer and business confidence, resulting in lower sales of electronic products and has sharply reduced demand for semiconductors. Equipment utilization rates at IDMs and test subcontractors have fallen to the 50% range in some cases. Against this backdrop, customers for backend semiconductor equipment have suspended capital spending for new equipment and reduced purchases of spares and non-essentials. In response to these weak business conditions, we have taken actions to reduce costs and preserve cash, including headcount reductions, pay cuts, suspension of the company’s matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, reduced work hours and mandatory time off.
Donahue continued, As recently announced, we completed the acquisition of Rasco in early December. Rasco is a leading supplier of gravity-feed and strip handlers and this acquisition substantially expands our product offering and increases our addressable market. The integration of Rasco is proceeding well, synergies are on track and we project the Rasco acquisition will deliver meaningful accretion when business conditions improve.
Donahue concluded, We are continuing to invest in new product development and manufacturing initiatives that will enhance our competitive position and financial performance. With major new IC test handler platforms recently completed or in development in each of our three handler product lines, along with the acquisition of Rasco, we are well-positioned to extend our leadership position in IC test handling. While it is not yet possible to see light at the end of the tunnel in this challenging environment, we have the resources to withstand a prolonged downturn and I have never been more confident in our future.
