Investors

Chairman and CEO Hitoshi Mizorogi   President and COO Kazuma Sekiya

In fiscal 2009, the world economy emerged from the worst of the economic crisis and began a gradual recovery. Semiconductor manufacturers were among the first to report increases in their equipment utilization, and by the second half of the fiscal year, there were signs of a major recovery trend, including the resumption of capital investment.

This situation was reflected in the performance of the DISCO Group. Sales of precision blades and wheels were close to peak levels, despite the effects of a higher yen. In addition, the resumption of capital investment by semiconductor manufacturers resulted in a sharp improvement in demand for semiconductor assembly equipment, especially dicing saws. Sales of laser saws for use in LED production remained especially strong, and cumulative sales surpassed the 200-unit milestone four months ahead of schedule. As these figures indicate, we have expanded our income base by building the laser saw business, under development since 2001, into a new core business segment.

We responded to the recession by implementing comprehensive cost-cutting measures. The benefits of these efforts, combined with an improving market environment, aggressive marketing activities and production-related measures, were reflected in a substantial year-on-year increase in operating income.

We remain committed to the development of a stronger, leaner corporate structure through improvements in efficiency and optimisation of costs. We will also continue to invest in strategic research and development in the fields of Kiru (cutting), Kezuru (grinding) and Migaku (polishing), and in efficiency improvements in our production facilities, so that we can achieve our corporate mission while realizing a fair exchange of value with our stakeholders. We look forward to the continuing support of our shareholders.