National’s capacity utilization percentage in its wafer fabrication plants ran in the mid-90s for most of fiscal 2004. However, during National’s fiscal 2005 second quarter, which started August 30, 2004, the company’s wafer fabrication utilization rates declined to the mid-60s due to significant inventory reductions in the distribution channel and lower demand than expected in some markets. In addition, as the company continues to strategically de-emphasize its lower margin and commodity businesses, more of the company’s manufacturing capacity becomes available for higher margin Analog products.

(January 07, 2005) Fremont, Calif.&#8212Aehr Test Systems, a supplier of semiconductor test and burn-in equipment, says that its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 ended November 30, 2004 were in line with expectations. Net sales increased 33% in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 to $4.8 million, compared with $3.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2004.