Does ASM International have a stock buy-back program?
In November 2006, ASMI announced that for at least the period 2007 through 2009, it would use the dividends received from its subsidiary, ASM Pacific Technology Ltd., to increase shareholder value, by one or more of four options: the buy-back of its convertibles, repurchase of common shares, purchase of ASM Pacific Technology shares to the November 2006 level, or pay cash dividends. The Boards of ASMI will determine the most appropriate use(s) of these funds when each dividend is received. During 2007, the Company repurchased 428,706 shares of common stock, using part of the proceeds from the dividends received from ASM Pacific Technology during the year. Purpose of these shares is to cover a portion of the Company’s outstanding stock options. During the first half of 2008, ASMI repurchased 2,405,100 common shares, utilizing the proceeds from the dividends received from ASM Pacific Technology in April and part of the at that time anticipated dividends which were received from ASM Pacif
