KULICKE & SOFFA INDUSTRIES INC
10-Q, 1996-08-08
SPECIAL INDUSTRY MACHINERY, NEC
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                  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                       Washington, D.C. 20549


                             FORM 10-Q


[X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE      
      SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

     For the quarterly period ended  JUNE 30, 1996.
                                    ----------------
                                  OR

[ ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
     SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

     For the transition period from            to          .
                                     ---------    ---------

Commission File No.  0-121
                    -------


                  KULICKE AND SOFFA INDUSTRIES, INC.
        ------------------------------------------------------
        (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


       PENNSYLVANIA                               23-1498399
- ----------------------------                  -------------------
(State or other jurisdiction                     (IRS Employer
    of incorporation)                         Identification No.


2101 BLAIR MILL ROAD, WILLOW GROVE, PENNSYLVANIA          19090 
- ------------------------------------------------       ----------
(Address of principal executive offices)               (Zip code)


                           (215) 784-6000
         ----------------------------------------------------
         (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


Indicate by check mark whether registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by section 13 or 15 (d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to
file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  X     No                 
                                        ----      -----

As of August 5, 1996, there were 19,432,959 shares of the
Registrant's Common Stock, Without Par Value outstanding.

<PAGE>
                  KULICKE AND SOFFA INDUSTRIES, INC.

                    FORM 10 - Q   JUNE 30, 1996

                                INDEX




                                                              Page No.
                                                              --------
PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 

          Consolidated Balance Sheet -
           June 30, 1996 and September 30, 1995                      3

          Consolidated Statement of Operations -
           Three and Nine Months Ended June 30, 1996 
           and 1995                                                  4

          Consolidated Condensed Statement of Cash Flows -
           Nine Months Ended June 30, 1996 and 1995                  5

          Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements             6 - 9


Item 2.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL 
          CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.                 10 - 16


PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION


Item 6.   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8 - K.                       17

Signatures.                                                         17

<PAGE>
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1 - Financial Statements

                        KULICKE AND SOFFA INDUSTRIES, INC. 
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 
                                (in thousands)
                                  (unaudited)
                                                    June 30,    September 30,
                                                      1996          1995
                                                    --------    -------------

                                    ASSETS
 CURRENT ASSETS:
 Cash and cash equivalents                         $  52,521      $  28,624
 Short-term investments                                8,241          9,590
 Accounts and notes receivable, net                   58,221         77,427
 Inventories, net                                     46,189         40,850
 Prepaid expenses and other current assets             3,798          3,534
                                                   ---------      ---------
   TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                              168,970        160,025

 Property, plant and equipment, net                   39,841         25,519
 Intangible assets, primarily goodwill, net           42,607          1,183
 Long-term investments                                   947          2,732
 Other assets                                          4,715          1,570
                                                   ---------      ---------
   TOTAL ASSETS                                    $ 257,080      $ 191,029
                                                   =========      =========

                      LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES: 
 Current portion of long-term debt                 $     485      $      60
 Accounts payable to suppliers and others             20,674         33,145
 Accrued expenses                                     18,458         16,014
 Income taxes payable                                  5,405          6,973
                                                   ---------      ---------
  TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                           45,022         56,192

 Long-term debt                                       50,797            156 
 Other liabilities                                     2,500          1,034
                                                   ---------      ---------
  TOTAL LIABILITIES                                   98,319         57,382
                                                   ---------      ---------
 Commitments and contingencies                            --             -- 

 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 Common stock, without par value                      47,222         45,757
 Retained earnings                                   113,792         89,238
 Cumulative translation adjustment                    (2,253)        (1,348)
                                                   ---------      ---------
 TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                          158,761        133,647
                                                   ---------      ---------
 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY        $ 257,080      $ 191,029
                                                   =========      =========

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
<PAGE>
                      KULICKE AND SOFFA INDUSTRIES, INC. 
                    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                    (in thousands, except per share data)
                                (unaudited)


                                     Three months            Nine months
                                    ended June 30,          ended June 30,
                                  -----------------       -----------------
                                    1996      1995         1996       1995
                                  -------   -------       -------   ------- 
Net sales                         $76,912   $87,296      $319,475  $203,540

Cost of goods sold                 49,111    47,456       194,101   112,498 
                                  -------   -------      --------  --------
Gross profit                       27,801    39,840       125,374    91,042

Selling, general and 
 administrative                    18,192    13,153        53,436    35,476
Research and development, net      12,937     8,316        36,368    21,022
                                  -------   -------      --------  --------
Income (loss) from operations      (3,328)   18,371        35,570    34,544

Interest income                       822       405         2,391     1,065
Interest expense                     (806)     (312)       (2,507)   (1,392)
Equity loss of joint venture         (192)       --          (240)       --
Other expense                          --        --          (630)       --
                                  -------   -------      --------  -------- 
Income (loss) before income taxes  (3,504)   18,464        34,584    34,217
                                   
Income tax expense (benefit)       (1,016)    4,431        10,030     8,206
                                  -------   -------      --------  --------
           
Net income (loss)                 ($2,488)  $14,033      $ 24,554  $ 26,011
                                  =======   =======      ========  ========

Net income (loss) per share:
  Primary                          ($0.13)    $0.76         $1.24     $1.50
                                    =====     =====         =====     =====  
  Fully diluted                    ($0.13)    $0.72         $1.24     $1.37
                                    =====     =====         =====     =====
Weighted average shares 
 outstanding:
  Primary                          19,798    18,422        19,836    17,381

  Fully diluted                    19,798    19,863        19,836    19,668
    
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
<PAGE>    
                   KULICKE AND SOFFA INDUSTRIES, INC. 
                CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                               (in thousands)
                                 (unaudited)

                                               Nine months ended June 30,
                                                   1996          1995 
                                                  ------        ------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 Net income                                     $ 24,554      $ 26,011
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to
  net cash provided by operating activities:
   Depreciation and amortization                   7,082         3,529
   Changes in other components of working 
    capital, net of acquisition of business        7,051       (17,893)
   Other changes, net                                161         1,129
                                                --------      --------
Net cash provided by operating activities         38,848        12,776
                                                --------      --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 Cash portion of AFW purchase price, 
  less cash acquired                             (42,781)           --
 Purchase of property, plant and equipment       (14,532)       (5,215)
 Purchases of short-term investments
  classified as available-for-sale               (16,571)       (7,906)
 Proceeds from sales of short-term investments
  classified as available-for-sale                19,200        12,373
 Proceeds from maturities of debt securities
  held-to-maturity                                   505            --
 Investment in joint venture                      (2,550)           --
                                                --------      --------
Net cash used by investing activities            (56,729)         (748) 
                                                --------      -------- 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 Proceeds from borrowings under bank 
  credit facility                                 50,000            --
 Repayment of borrowings and capital
  lease obligations                               (8,458)          (45)
 Proceeds from exercise of stock options             225         1,454
                                                --------      --------
Net cash provided by financing activities         41,767         1,409
                                                --------      --------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash               11            43
                                                --------      --------
Change in cash and cash equivalents               23,897        13,480 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of period                                         28,624         8,754
                                                --------      --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period      $ 52,521      $ 22,234
                                                ========      ========  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
<PAGE>
                KULICKE AND SOFFA INDUSTRIES, INC. 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    (amounts in thousands)
                           (unaudited)

NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The consolidated financial statement information included herein
is unaudited, but in the opinion of management, contains all
adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments,
necessary to present fairly Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc.'s
("the Company") financial position as of June 30, 1996 and
September 30, 1995, and the results of its operations and its
cash flows for the three and nine month periods ended June 30,
1996 and 1995.  These financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the audited financial statements included in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 1995.  

NOTE 2 - ACQUISITION OF AMERICAN FINE WIRE CORPORATION

On October 2, 1995, the Company acquired American Fine Wire
Corporation ("AFW") through the acquisition of all of the common
stock of Circle "S" Industries, Inc. ("Circle "S""), the parent
corporation of AFW.  AFW is a manufacturer of fine gold and
aluminum wire used in the wire bonding process, and has
manufacturing facilities in Singapore; Selma, Alabama; and
Zurich, Switzerland.  The AFW purchase price, including
transaction related costs, approximated $54.7 million, and was
initially financed by borrowings under a bank credit facility and
seller promissory notes (see Note 5).  The AFW acquisition was
accounted for using the purchase method.  Accordingly, AFW's
operating results are included in the Company's consolidated
financial statements commencing October 2, 1995.  

The AFW purchase price, including transaction related costs, has
been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
based on their estimated fair market values, as follows:

     Cash                                          $10,944
     Accounts receivable                             9,166
     Inventory                                       1,964
     Property and equipment                          3,687
     Intangible assets, primarily goodwill          43,099
     Other assets                                      283  
     Short-term debt                                (8,000)
     Accounts payable and accrued expenses          (5,231)
     Other liabilities                              (1,190) 
                                                    ------
       Total purchase price                        $54,722
                                                    ======

The excess of the AFW purchase price over the estimated fair
value of acquired tangible net assets consists primarily of
goodwill and a favorable operating lease for the Selma
manufacturing facility, both of which are being amortized over a
twenty-year period.    
<PAGE>
Unaudited pro forma income statement data reflecting the combined
operating results of the Company and AFW for the nine month
period ended June 30, 1995, as if the acquisition had occurred on
October 1, 1994, after giving effect to certain pro forma
adjustments, are as follows:

                                                     Pro forma
                                                    -----------   
                                                     (unaudited)

Revenue                                               $256,415
Net income                                            $ 24,791
Fully diluted net income per share                    $   1.31

NOTE 3 - INVENTORY

                                        June 30,    September 30,
                                          1996           1995 
                                         -------        -------
Finished goods                           $19,712        $10,673
Work in process                           10,737         15,740
Raw materials and supplies                25,833         22,190
                                         -------        -------
                                          56,282         48,603
Inventory reserves                       (10,093)        (7,753)
                                         -------        -------
                                         $46,189        $40,850
                                         =======        =======

NOTE 4 - INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURE

On February 28, 1996, the Company entered into a joint venture
agreement with Delco Electronics Corporation ("Delco"), providing
for the formation and management of Flip Chip Technologies,
L.L.C. ("FCT" or "the Joint Venture").  FCT was formed to provide
wafer bumping services.  The Company accounts for its investment
in the joint venture using the equity method.  As of June 1996,
the Company contributed $2.6 million to FCT, and recognized its
proportionate share of the joint venture's operating loss.  

NOTE 5 - DEBT OBLIGATIONS

The Company borrowed $15.0 million under its bank credit facility
on October 2, 1995 to fund the cash portion of the AFW purchase
price and issued promissory notes totaling $34.4 million to
certain selling shareholders of Circle "S".  The promissory notes
were repaid in full on January 5, 1996, together with accrued
interest thereon.  To finance the repayment of the promissory
notes, on January 5, 1996, the Company borrowed the remaining
$35.0 million available under a term credit facility.  Borrowings
under the $50.0 million term credit facility bore interest at the
LIBOR rate plus 50 basis points (5.5% at June 30, 1996).

On April 10, 1996, the Company renegotiated the terms of its bank
credit facilities resulting in a new Restated Loan Agreement
providing for a $10.0 million revolving credit facility expiring
February 28, 1997, and a $50.0 million revolving credit facility
expiring March 30, 2001.  The $10.0 million revolving loan bears
interest at the prime rate less 1/4%.  The $50.0 million
revolving loan bears interest at the Company's option, either at
<PAGE>
a Base Rate (defined as the lesser of the prime rate minus 1/2%
or the Federal Funds rate plus 1/2%) or, at a LIBOR Rate (defined
as LIBOR plus .4% to .6%, depending on maintenance of certain
financial covenants).  In May, 1996 the Company elected the 180
day LIBOR rate plus forty basis points resulting in an effective
rate of 6.025%.  This rate will be in effect through the end of
the fiscal year.

The Restated Loan Agreement is unsecured and requires that the
Company maintain certain covenants including a leverage ratio, an
interest ratio and working capital of not less than $50.0
million.  Additionally, the Restated Loan Agreement also limits
the Company's ability to mortgage, pledge, or dispose of material
assets, engage in certain transactions with affiliates and
imposes restrictions as to the type and quality of the Company's
investments.

NOTE 6 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

For the three and nine month periods ended June 30, 1996, primary
and fully diluted earnings per share included the dilutive effect
of shares issuable upon exercise of stock options.  For the three
and nine month periods ended June 30, 1995, fully diluted
earnings per share included the dilutive effects of shares
issuable upon exercise of stock options and convertible
subordinated debentures, the remainder of which were either
converted or redeemed during fiscal 1995.

NOTE 7 - RECLASSIFICATIONS

Certain amounts in the Company's prior year financial statements
have been reclassified to conform to their presentation in the
Company's fiscal 1996 financial statements.

<PAGE>
NOTE 8 - OPERATING RESULTS BY BUSINESS SEGMENT

Operating results by business segment for the nine month periods
ended June 30, 1996 and 1995 were as follows:
                               
                                 Packaging   Corporate
Nine months ended     Equipment  Materials      and
 June 30, 1996:        Segment    Segment   Eliminations    Total
                      ---------  ---------   ------------ -------
Net sales             $247,839   $ 71,636                $319,475
Cost of goods sold     137,950     56,151                 194,101
                      --------   --------                --------
Gross profit           109,889     15,485                 125,374
Operating costs         73,206     10,660     $ 5,938      89,804
                      --------   --------    --------    --------
Operating income      $ 36,683   $  4,825    ($ 5,938)    $35,570
                      ========   ========    ========    ========
  
                                 Packaging   Corporate
Nine months ended     Equipment  Materials      and
 June 30, 1995:        Segment    Segment   Eliminations    Total
                      ---------  ---------  ------------  -------
Net sales             $189,313   $ 14,227                $203,540
Cost of goods sold     104,266      8,232                 112,498
                      --------   --------                --------
Gross profit            85,047      5,995                  91,042
Operating costs         49,668      2,308     $ 4,522      56,498
                      --------   --------    --------    --------
Operating income      $ 35,379   $  3,687    ($ 4,522)    $34,544
                      ========   ========    ========    ========

Intersegment sales are immaterial.

<PAGE>
Item 2.        Management's Discussion and Analysis of
            Financial Condition and Results of Operations

INTRODUCTION

The Company's operating results depend primarily upon the capital
expenditures of semiconductor manufacturers and subcontract
assemblers worldwide, which in turn depend on the current and
anticipated market demand for semiconductors and products
utilizing semiconductors.  The semiconductor industry has
historically been highly volatile and has experienced periodic
downturns and slowdowns which have had a severe negative effect
on the semiconductor industry's demand for semiconductor capital
equipment, including assembly equipment and packaging materials
manufactured, marketed and sold by the Company.  These downturns
and slowdowns have also adversely affected the Company's
operating results.  While the Company does not consider its
business to be seasonal in nature, historically there have been
substantial fluctuations in the amounts which semiconductor
manufacturers and subcontract assemblers have invested in capital
equipment.  To help mitigate the effect of volatile demand for
capital equipment, the Company acquired AFW in October 1995 to
increase the portion of the Company's revenues in the packaging
materials segment (previously called the expendable tools and
materials segment) which have historically fluctuated less than
capital equipment sales.

The Company's equipment sales consist primarily of a relatively
small number of machines, most with selling prices ranging from
approximately $60,000 to over $500,000.  A delay or reduction in
shipments of a limited number of machines, either due to
manufacturing delays or to rescheduling or cancellation of
customer orders, could have a material adverse effect on
operating results for any particular quarter.  The Company
believes that such volatility will continue to characterize the
industry and the Company's operations in the future.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Three month period ended June 30, 1996
compared to three month period ended June 30, 1995.

The Company recorded bookings totaling $68.0 million during the
fiscal 1996 third quarter ended June 30, 1996 (including $16.0
million related to AFW) compared to $102.0 million for the third
quarter of fiscal 1995.  At June 30, 1996, the backlog of
customer orders totalled approximately $65.0 million (including
$9.0 million related to AFW products) compared a backlog of $74.0
million as of March 31, 1996.  Because the timing of deliveries
may vary and orders generally are subject to delay or
cancellation, the Company's backlog as of any date may not be
indicative of sales for any succeeding period.  

As a consequence of the declining booking levels during the past
two quarters, consolidated net sales for the third quarter ended
June 30, 1996 decreased by $10.4 million to $76.9 million
compared to $87.3 million reported for the same period in the
prior year.  The decrease in consolidated net sales primarily
reflects a $26.4 million decline in equipment segment sales,
partially offset by a $16.0 million increase in sales in the
packaging materials segment, including $15.3 million in wire
sales attributable to the AFW business acquired October 2, 1995. 
<PAGE>
By geographic area, revenue for the quarter was primarily
realized in the United States and the Asia/Pacific region, with
shipments primarily destined for Malaysia, Taiwan, Philippines
and Singapore.  Shipments into Korea were significantly lower
during the fiscal 1996 third quarter than during the comparable
period last year. 

In the equipment segment, lower unit volume, primarily for the
Company's Model 1488 Turbo bonders and 1474 Wedge bonders, offset
in part by improved selling prices for the 1488 Turbo bonders,
accounted for approximately $26.2 million of the decrease in net
sales during the third quarter of fiscal 1996 compared to the
same period last year.

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales in the equipment
segment totaled 42.3% during the three month period ended June
30, 1996 compared to 45.8% for the same period last year.  This
decline primarily reflects the unfavorable effect of lower sales
volumes on manufacturing overhead absorption during the fiscal
1996 third quarter as compared to the same period in the prior
year.  

In the packaging materials segment, gross profit as a percentage
of net sales decreased to 20.1% for the third quarter of fiscal
1996 as compared to 42.5% for the fiscal 1995 third quarter. 
This decrease principally reflects the impact of the AFW
acquisition, as the gross profit percentage on sales of wire
products is significantly lower than historically realized by the
Company on sales of expendable tools. 

Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses totaled
$18.2 million during the fiscal 1996 third quarter, compared to
$13.2 million during the same period last year.  Of this
increase, $2.1 million was due to incremental SG&A costs
associated with the AFW business, including $.5 million of
goodwill amortization.  The remainder of the increase was largely
attributable to higher employment levels, primarily in the areas
of customer support, information systems and other administrative
areas as compared to the same period in the prior year.

Net research and development ("R&D") costs increased to $12.9
million for the third quarter of fiscal 1996, from the $8.3
million for the same period last year.  The Company continues to
invest heavily in the development of new products, primarily the
8000 Series wire bonders, and in enhancements of existing
products. 

During the third quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company incurred an
operating loss of $3.5 million compared to $18.5 million of
income for the same period in fiscal 1995.  The decline in
operating income resulted primarily from lower revenue levels and
decreased gross profit margins in both segments of the business,
as well as increased SG&A and R&D expenses noted above.  

The majority of interest expense incurred during the third
quarter of fiscal 1996 resulted from borrowings related to the
AFW acquisition.  In the comparable period last year, a majority
of the interest expense related to the Company's 8% Subordinated
Convertible Debentures, which were converted or redeemed during
fiscal 1995.  Interest income during the third quarter of fiscal
<PAGE>
1996 exceeded the amounts reported for the same period last year
primarily due a higher average balance of invested cash and to
interest earned on a note receivable from a customer in fiscal
1996.

At the end of February 1996, the Company entered into an
agreement with Delco Electronics Corporation ("Delco") to form
and manage Flip Chip Technologies, L.L.C. ("FCT"), a joint
venture which will provide wafer bumping services.  Nonoperating
costs during the third quarter ended June 30, 1996 reflect the
Company's proportionate share of the loss incurred by FCT.

The increase in the Company's effective tax rate to 29% in fiscal
1996 compared to a rate of 24% for fiscal 1995 was due primarily
to utilization of most remaining domestic tax credit
carryforwards in fiscal 1995, the effect of non-deductible
goodwill amortization resulting from the AFW acquisition and the
estimated amount and geographic distribution of taxable income in
fiscal 1996.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Nine month period ended June 30, 1996
compared to nine month period ended June 30, 1995. 

For the nine month period ended June 30, 1996, consolidated net
sales increased by $115.9 million from the $203.5 million for the
fiscal 1995 year to date period.  Equipment segment revenue was
$247.8 million for the nine month period, with the remaining
$71.6 million attributable to the packaging materials segment
(including $50.2 million of wire sales as a result of the AFW
acquisition).  By geographic area, revenues for the nine month
period ended June 30, 1996 were primarily realized in the United
States and Asia/Pacific region, with shipments primarily destined
for Taiwan, Korea, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Higher unit volume of machine sales, primarily of the Company's
Model 1488 Turbo bonders, accounted for approximately $56.5
million of the increase in net sales during the nine month period
of fiscal 1996 as compared to the same period of the prior year. 
Improved selling prices for the Model 1488 Turbo bonder (compared
to selling prices realized on earlier models of gold ball wire
bonders) contributed an additional $2.1 million to net sales
during the nine month period ended June 30, 1996.  The remaining
increase of $7.1 million was attributable to the higher sales
volume of Micro-Swiss expendable tools as compared to the same
period last year. 

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales in the equipment
segment totaled 44.3% during the nine month period in fiscal 1996
compared to 44.9% during the same period last year.  The
reduction of the fiscal 1996 year to date gross profit margin
primarily resulted from unfavorable manufacturing overhead
absorption compared to fiscal 1995, partially offset by improved
selling prices on the Model 1488 Turbo bonder.

In the packaging materials segment, gross profit as a percentage
of net sales decreased to 21.6% for the nine month period ended
June 30, 1996 as compared to 42.1% for the fiscal 1995 year to
date period.  This decrease was primarily the result of the
historically lower gross profit margin realized by AFW on wire
sales.
<PAGE>
SG&A expenses for the fiscal 1996 year to date period increased
to $53.4 million from $35.5 million, with approximately $6.1
million of the increase due to incremental costs related to the
AFW operation.  The remainder of the increase resulted
principally from higher employment levels and increased travel
costs associated with servicing the Company's installed base of
customers in fiscal 1996.

R&D costs increased to $36.4 million for the nine month period of
fiscal 1996, from the $21.0 million for the same period last
year.  The Company continues to invest heavily in the development
of new products, including the 8000 Series wire bonders and in
enhancements of existing products.  

The majority of interest expense incurred during the nine month
period of fiscal 1996 resulted from borrowings related to the AFW
acquisition.  In the comparable period last year, a majority of
the interest expense related to the Company's 8% Subordinated
Convertible Debentures, which were converted or redeemed during
fiscal 1995.  Interest income during the nine month period of
fiscal 1996 exceeded the amounts reported for the same period
last year primarily due to a higher average balance of invested
cash and interest earned on a note receivable from a customer in
fiscal 1996. 

Nonoperating costs during the nine month period ended June 30,
1996 included the write-off of $.6 million of costs incurred in
connection with a proposed public offering of the Company's
common stock which was indefinitely delayed due to a decline in
the market price of the Company's common stock and the Company's
proportionate share of the loss incurred by FCT.

The increase in the Company's effective tax rate to 29% during
fiscal 1996 compared to the fiscal 1995 rate of 24% was due
primarily to utilization of most remaining domestic tax credit
carryforwards in fiscal 1995, the effect of non-deductible
goodwill amortization resulting from the AFW acquisition and the
estimated amount and geographic distribution of taxable income in
fiscal 1996.

COMPANY OUTLOOK

Certain of the information set forth below and elsewhere in this
report contains forward looking statements that are subject to
certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results
to differ materially from those set forth in the forward looking
statements.  These risks and uncertainties include, but are not
limited to the following:  the risk of volatile demand in the
semiconductor industry; the continued deferral or possible
cancellation of existing customer orders; the timing,
development, introduction and acceptance of new products and
enhancements to existing products; the Company's ability to
manufacture and ship its products on a timely basis; competitive
pricing pressures; and international political and other
developments which could impact foreign operations.

While Semiconductor consumption continues to grow, the Company's
equipment segment is being adversely affected by the industry-
wide over-investment in assembly capacity made last year.  During
the fiscal 1996 third quarter, the rate of new customer orders
<PAGE>
booked into backlog was lower than each of the previous two
quarters.  The declining customer order rate over the past two
quarters has adversely affected the equipment segment's net sales
during the third quarter of fiscal 1996.  Moreover, the Company
presently expects weak demand for all of its products to continue
at least through the end of this calendar year.  While the
Company believes that long-term growth prospects for the
semiconductor industry and for the Company's products remain
positive, the Company is presently evaluating areas in which it
could significantly reduce operating costs in the fourth fiscal
quarter of 1996 as a result of the current overcapacity in the
semiconductor industry.  Due to the anticipated lower volume of
equipment sales and incremental costs expected to be incurred as
the Company resizes its operations the Company expects to incur a
loss for the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996. 

The Company is in the process of developing a new generation of
wire bonder, the 8000 family, which will be based on an entirely
new platform and has required the development of new software and
many subassemblies not part of the Company's current wire
bonders.  The first prequalification Model 8020 ball bonder (the
first production model of the 8000 family) was shipped to a
customer in March 1996 and is presently being field tested.  In
connection with the anticipated cost reductions discussed above,
the Company is reevaluating all of its R&D activities, including
projects involving the 8000 family.  A potential impact of this
re-evaluation could be a delay in the release of the Model 8020
until after the middle of calendar year 1997. 

Development and technical risks exist in all of the Company's R&D
projects and have the potential to delay the introduction of new
products.  No assurance can be given that the introduction of the
Model 8020 will not be further delayed due to technical or other
difficulties, or that the Model 8020 will not experience
performance problems after shipment.  The Company's inability to
complete the development of and introduce the Model 8020 or other
new products, or its inability to manufacture and ship these
products in volume and on a timely basis, could adversely affect
the Company's competitive position.  The Company also may incur
substantial costs during the customer evaluation and
qualification process to ensure the functionality and reliability
of such product.

The Company's planned transition to the Model 8020 platform also
involves numerous risks, including the possibility that customers
will defer purchases of the current model of gold ball wire
bonders in anticipation of the availability of the Model 8020 or
that the Model 8020 will fail to meet customer needs or achieve
market acceptance.  To the extent that the Company fails to 
accurately forecast demand in volume and configuration for both
its current and next-generation wire bonders and generally to
manage product transitions successfully, it could experience
reduced orders, delays in product shipments, increased risk of
inventory obsolescence and delays in collecting accounts
receivable.  There can be no assurance that the Company will
successfully develop and manufacture new products, including the
Model 8020, that new products introduced by the Company will be
accepted in the marketplace or that the Company will manage its
product transitions successfully.  The Company's failure to do
<PAGE>
any of the foregoing could materially adversely affect the
Company's business, financial condition and operating results. 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

During the past three fiscal years, the Company has financed its
operations principally through cash flows from operating
activities.  Cash generated by operating activities totaled $38.8
million during the first nine months of fiscal 1996 compared to
$12.8 million during the same period of fiscal 1995.  Cash and
total investments increased to $61.7 million at June 30, 1996
from the $40.9 million reported at September 30, 1995.  Cash
flows from operating activities and the overall increase in cash
and total investments in the nine months of fiscal 1996 compared
to the same period in the prior year generally reflect
improvements in working capital.

At June 30, 1996, working capital increased to $123.9 million
compared to $103.8 million at September 30, 1995.  Accounts
receivable at June 30, 1996 decreased by $19.2 million compared
to the balance at September 30, 1995.  The effect of reduced
sales volumes and collection of a customer note receivable were
offset by a $7.3 million increase in accounts receivable
attributable to the AFW business.  As a result of lower than
anticipated sales volumes during the previous two quarters,
inventory increased $5.3 million at June 30, 1996 compared to
September 30, 1995, of which, $2.3 million was attributable to
the AFW business.  The remainder of the change in working capital
is due to an overall reduction of the Company's current
liabilities as the Company has adjusted its materials purchasing
plans to more closely track customer delivery schedules. 

As described in Notes 2 and 5 to the Company's June 30, 1996
financial statements, the Company acquired AFW on October 2,
1995.  Of the total AFW purchase price, $50.0 million was
financed by borrowings under the Company's bank credit facility. 

During the nine months of fiscal 1996, the Company invested
approximately $14.5 million in property and equipment (excluding
$1.5 million in assets acquired under capital lease), primarily
to upgrade equipment used in the Company's manufacturing and R&D
activities and for tooling used to manufacture new models of
machines.  The Company intends to reexamine its capital
expenditure program in light of the harsh business environment in
which it is currently operating.  The Company presently expects
that fiscal 1996 capital spending will not exceed $25.0 million. 
The principal capital project planned for the remainder of fiscal
1996 is the on-going expansion of the Micro-Swiss operating
facilities in Israel.

Through June 1996, the Company has contributed $2.6 million as
part of its initial capital contribution to the joint venture,
and expects additional capital contributions to FCT during fiscal
1996 will not exceed $1.0 million.

On April 10, 1996, the Company renegotiated the terms of its bank
credit facilities resulting in a Restated Loan Agreement
providing for a $10.0 million revolving credit facility expiring
February 28, 1997, and a $50.0 million revolving credit facility
expiring March 30, 2001.  As of March 31, 1996, the $50.0 million
<PAGE>
borrowed under the term credit facility was classified as long-
term debt as the Company presently does not expect to repay any
principal under this loan during the next year.  There have been
no borrowings under the $10.0 million credit line during fiscal
1996.  

A significant portion of the Company's cash and investments are
attributable to undistributed earnings of its foreign
subsidiaries.  Deferred income taxes have not been provided on
that portion of such undistributed earnings which is considered
indefinitely reinvested in the foreign operations.  If such funds
were required to be repatriated to fund the Company's operations
or other financial obligations, additional income tax expenses
could be required to be recognized.  

The amended Gold Supply Agreement dated October 2, 1995 between
AFW and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "AFW Companies") and
their gold supplier contains certain financial covenants and
prohibits the AFW Companies from paying any dividends or making
any distributions without the consent of the supplier if,
following any such dividend or distribution, the net worth of the
AFW Companies would be less than $7.0 million.

The Company believes that anticipated cash flows from operations,
its working capital and amounts available under its revolving
credit facility will be sufficient to meet the Company's
liquidity and capital requirements for at least the next 12
months.  The Company may, however, seek additional equity or
additional or replacement debt financing to provide capital for
corporate purposes or to fund strategic business opportunities,
including possible acquisitions, joint ventures, alliances or
other business arrangements which could require substantial
capital outlays.  The timing and amount of any such capital
requirements cannot be precisely determined at this time and will
depend on a number of factors, including demand for the Company's
products, semiconductor and semiconductor capital equipment
industry conditions and competitive factors and the nature and
size of strategic business opportunities which the Company may
elect to pursue.  

<PAGE>
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION.

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

        (a)  Exhibits

             Exhibit 3(i) - The Company's Amended and Restated    
                            Articles of Incorporation dated 
                            April 23, 1986.

             Exhibit 27   - Financial Data Schedule



                             SIGNATURES
                             ----------

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                              KULICKE AND SOFFA INDUSTRIES, INC.




Date:  August 8, 1996            /s/ Clifford G. Sprague        
                                  -------------------------------
                                  Clifford G. Sprague
                                   Senior Vice President,
                                   Chief Financial Officer and 
                                   Chief Accounting Officer


                                                     Exhibit 3(i) 
                FORM OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION                 
              OF KULICKE AND SOFFA INDUSTRIES, INC.
          AS AMENDED AND RESTATED AS OF APRIL 23, 1986


1.  The name of the corporation is Kulicke and Soffa Industries,  
    Inc.

2.  The location of its registered office in this Commonwealth of 
    Pennsylvania is 2101 Blair Mill Road, Willow Grove,           
    Pennsylvania 19090.

3.  The purpose or purposes of the corporation are to engage in and 
    to do any lawful act concerning any or all lawful business for 
    which corporations may be incorporated under the Business     
    Corporation Law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

4.  The term of the corporation's existence is perpetual.

5.  The aggregate number of shares which the corporation shall have 
    authority to issue is 55,000,000 consisting of 50,000,000     
    shares of Common Stock without par value and 5,000,000 shares 
    of Preferred Stock, without par value.  The Board of Directors 
    is authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by law and the 
    provisions of this Article 5, to provide for the issuance of  
    shares of Preferred Stock, including one or more series of such 
    stock, and to fix, from time to time by resolution, the number 
    of shares to be included in each such series, and the         
    designations, preferences, qualifications, limitations,       
    restrictions, and special or relative rights of the shares of 
    each such series.    

6.  For the purposes of this Article 6, the term "Business        
    Combination" shall mean any one or more of the following      
    transactions:

    A.  Any merger or consolidation of the corporation or any     
        Subsidiary thereof with or into any 20% Shareholder or any 
        other corporation which is, or after such merger or       
        consolidation would be, an Affiliate of a 20% Shareholder; 
        or

    B.  Any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or  
        other disposition (in a single transaction or in a series 
        of related transactions) of assets of the corporation or  
        any of its subsidiaries to any 20% Shareholder or any     
        Affiliate of any 20% Shareholder if the aggregate value of 
        such assets is equal to or greater than 10% of this       
        corporation's consolidated shareholder's equity; or
<PAGE>
    C.  The issuance or transfer by this corporation or by any    
        (subsidiary in a single transaction or a series of related 
        transactions) of any securities of this corporation or any 
        subsidiary to any 20% Shareholder or any Affiliate of any 
        20% Shareholder in exchange for cash, securities or       
        property, or any combination thereof, having an aggregate 
        fair market value equal to or greater than ten percent    
        (10%) of this corporation's consolidated shareholders'    
        equity; or

    D.  Any reclassification of securities, recapitalization,     
        reorganization of this corporation or any merger or       
        consolidation of this corporation with any of its         
        Subsidiaries, or any similar transaction which has the    
        effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the         
        proportionate share of the outstanding capital stock      
        beneficially owned by any 20% Shareholder or the          
        proportionate number of votes which may be cast in an     
        election of directors in respect of the shares of this    
        corporation's capital stock beneficially owned by any 20% 
        Shareholder; or

    E.  The adoption of any plan of dissolution, liquidation or   
        partial liquidation which calls for distribution of assets 
        in kind to any 20% Shareholder or any Affiliate of a 20%  
        Shareholder; or

    F.  Any merger, consolidation, recapitalization,              
        reorganization, dissolution or other similar transaction in 
        which a 20% Shareholder and/or Affiliates of such 20%     
        Shareholder, receives cash, securities or other property  
        which is different in kind or amount from the distribution 
        made in the transaction to all other holders of Common    
        Stock and in which all holders of the Common Stock of this 
        corporation do not receive in cash an amount per share at 
        least as great as the highest price at which such 20%     
        Shareholder or Affiliate of such 20% Shareholder has      
        acquired shares of this corporation's Common Stock at or  
        subsequent to the time such 20% Shareholder acquired a    
        beneficial interest in 10% or more of the outstanding     
        shares of any class or series of any capital stock in this 
        corporation.  If such 20% Shareholder or any Affiliate of 
        such 20% Shareholder has acquired shares other than for   
        cash, the price at which such shares shall be deemed to   
        have been acquired shall be determined by the Continuing  
        Directors of this corporation and such determination of a 
        majority of such Continuing Directors of this corporation 
        shall be conclusive for the purposes of this Article 6:

        provided however, that no transaction described in        
        Subparagraphs A through F above shall constitute a Business 
        Combination:
<PAGE>
       (i)  if the Board of Directors has by resolution authorized 
            or ratified the execution and delivery of a written   
            agreement in principle, memorandum of understanding,  
            letter of intent, agreement or plan respecting such   
            transaction prior to the time that any 20% Shareholder 
            involved in such transaction acquired beneficial      
            ownership of more than 10% of the outstanding shares of 
            any class or series of any capital stock of this      
            corporation, or 

       (ii) if 70% of the Continuing Directors have approved the  
            transaction prior to its submission to the            
            shareholders.

No Business Combination described in Subparagraphs A through E
above shall be entered into by this corporation without the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding
shares of all classes and series of this corporation's capital
stock, voting as a single class, and the affirmative vote of the
holders of at least 66 2/3% of all shares of this corporation's
capital stock, other than the shares beneficially owned by the 20%
Shareholder and no Business Combination described in Subparagraph
F above shall be entered into by this corporation without the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least 85% of the outstanding
shares of all classes and series of this corporation's capital
stock, voting as a single class, and the affirmative vote of the
holders of at least 75% of all shares of this corporation's capital
stock other than the shares beneficially owned by the 20%
Shareholder.

This corporation shall not purchase any shares of its capital stock
or, other than in the ordinary course of business, purchase any
assets from, sell any assets to, obtain any services from or
provide any services to any 10% Shareholder or any Affiliate
thereof without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 50%
of the outstanding shares of all classes and series of this
corporation's capital stock, voting as a single class, and the
affirmative vote of the holders of 50% of all shares of this
corporation's capital stock other than the shares beneficially
owned by the 10% Shareholder; provided, however, that such vote of
the shareholders shall not be required if the transaction is
approved and authorized by the affirmative vote of 70% of the
Continuing Directors of this corporation, or if the transaction is
pursuant to a tender offer made by this corporation to its own
shareholders and no 10% Shareholder or Affiliate of a 10%
Shareholder is permitted by the terms of the tender offer to tender
a greater proportion of the shares beneficially owned by such 10%
Shareholder and the Affiliates of such 10% Shareholder that such
shares so held by such 10% Shareholder and his Affiliates represent
as a proportion of the outstanding shares of the class being
tendered for by the corporation.  The corporation is hereby
specifically authorized to set appropriate conditions to any tender
offer made by it limiting the shares to be tendered by 10%
Shareholders and their Affiliates and/or the shares which the
<PAGE>
corporation is required to accept from 10% Shareholders and their
Affiliates in any tender offer to such percentages of the shares
beneficially owned by 10% Shareholder and their Affiliates as the
Board of Directors deems to be in the best interests of the
corporation, provided, however, that the provisions of this
paragraph shall not apply to purchases by this corporation of its
own capital stock on the over-the-counter market or on any exchange
other than purchases effected on such markets in a "cross"
transaction or by prearrangement, with a 10% Shareholder or an
Affiliate of a 10% Shareholder.

    For the purpose of this Article 6:

    A.  A "person" shall mean an individual, partnership, group,  
        firm, corporation or other entity.

    B.  A "20% Shareholder" shall mean any person (other than this 
        corporation or a subsidiary thereof) who or which, as of  
        the record date for determination of shareholders entitled 
        to notice of and to vote on the Business Combination or   
        other transaction which is a subject of this Article 6, or 
        who or which, immediately prior to the consummation of such 
        transaction:  (i) is the beneficial owner, directly or    
        indirectly, of 20% or more of the outstanding shares of any 
        class or series of this corporation's capital stock, (ii) 
        is an Affiliate of this corporation and at any time within 
        two years prior thereto was the beneficial owner, directly 
        or indirectly, of 20% or more of the outstanding shares of 
        any class or series of this corporation's capital stock.

    C.  A "10% Shareholder" shall mean any person (other than this 
        corporation or a subsidiary thereof) who or which, as of  
        the record date for determination of shareholders entitled 
        to notice of and to vote on the Business Combination or   
        other transaction which is a subject of this Article 6, or 
        who or which, immediately prior to the consummation of such 
        transaction:  (i) is the beneficial owner, directly or    
        indirectly, of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of any 
        class or series of this corporation's capital stock, (ii) 
        is an Affiliate of this corporation and at any time within 
        two years prior thereto was the beneficial owner, directly 
        or indirectly, of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of 
        any class or series of this corporation's capital stock.

    D.  A person shall be deemed the "beneficial owner" of any    
        shares of this corporation's capital stock:

       (i)  which such person or any of such person's Affiliates  
            would be deemed to be the beneficial owner under      
            Section 13D of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 
            the Regulations of the Securities and Exchange        
            Commission thereunder, and
<PAGE>
       (ii) all shares of this corporation's capital stock        
            beneficially owned by such person's Associates, and

       (iii)all shares beneficially owned by any member of any    
            partnership, limited partnership, syndicate or other  
            group, and by any Affiliates and Associates of any    
            member of any such entity of which such person would be 
            deemed a member under the provisions of Section 13 of 
            the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Regulations 
            of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.

    E.  A "Continuing Director" shall mean (i) a person who is a  
        member of the Board of Directors of the corporation and has 
        served as such continuously from a date prior to the date 
        on which the 20% Shareholder or the 10% Shareholder, as the 
        case may be, whose holdings would give rise to the        
        application of any of the provisions of this Article 6,   
        acquired 10% of more of the outstanding shares of any class 
        or series of the capital stock of this corporation, and   
        (ii) any person designated, prior to such person's initial 
        election or appointment as a director, as a Continuing    
        Director by a majority of the Continuing Directors.

    F.  "Affiliate" of a person shall mean any person controlling, 
        controlled by, or under control with, such person and any 
        person acting in concert with, or as part of a group, with 
        such person.

    G.  "Associate" of a person shall mean a relative, by blood,  
        marriage or adoption, of closer relationship than second  
        cousin, all relatives sharing the same domicile as a      
        person, all trusts for the benefit of a person or any of  
        such person's Affiliates or of which a person or an       
        Affiliate of such person serves as trustee.

    H.  "Subsidiary" means any corporation, association,          
        partnership or other entity in which this corporation holds 
        an equity interest equal to or larger than 50% of the     
        outstanding equity securities or has the right to cast on 
        any matter at least 50% of the votes which the holders of 
        all equity security holders are entitled to cast.

A majority of the Continuing Directors shall have the power and
duty to determine, for the purposes of this Article 6, on the basis
of the information available to them:  (i) the number of shares of
capital stock beneficially owned by any person, (ii) whether a
person is an Affiliate or Associate, and (iii) who are members of
any group.

The amendment, alteration, change or repeal of this Article 6, or
any part thereof, shall require the affirmative vote of the holders
of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of all classes and series
of this corporation's capital stock, voting as a single class, and
the affirmative vote of the holders of 66 2/3% of all shares of
<PAGE>
this corporation's capital stock other than shares beneficially
owned by 20% Shareholders.

Whenever the By-Laws of this corporation provide for a classified
Board of Directors of three or more classes, no amendment to the
By-Laws adopted by the shareholders shall (a) reduce the number of
classes of directors below three classes or (b) increase or
decrease the total number of directors or the number of directors
in any class unless adopted by the affirmative vote of the holders
of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of all classes and series
of this corporation's capital stock voting as a single class and
the affirmative vote of the holders of 66 2/3% of all shares of
this corporation's capital stock other than shares beneficially
owned by the 20% Shareholders.  Nothing in this paragraph shall
limit or prevent the Board of Directors from adopting resolutions
increasing or decreasing the number of classes of directors, the
number of directors in any class or the total number of directors
constituting the entire Board of Directors.




<TABLE> <S> <C>

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<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
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<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1996
<CASH>                                          52,521
<SECURITIES>                                     8,241
<RECEIVABLES>                                   58,221
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     46,189
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                                0
                                          0
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