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Vishay Intertechnology

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FY2009 Annual Report · Vishay Intertechnology
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Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

2009

An nuAl RepoRt

www.vishay.com

One of the World’s Largest Manufacturers of
Discrete Semiconductors and Passive Components

Letter from the Executive 
Chairman and the CEO

In year 2009, despite the unprecedented global recession, Vishay generated “free cash”* of $246 million, which is one of 
the best results in the Company’s history. thanks to a very significant reduction in fixed costs, Vishay permanently reduced 
its break-even point by $400 to $500 million. By the end of 2009, with improving end market demand, Vishay approached 
pre-recession profit margins at considerably lower sales levels. As the Company is committed to keeping its fixed costs 
stable, with future sales growth it is very well positioned for further profit margin increases.

yeaR 2009 

Vishay’s revenues for 2009 were $2.042 
billion, a decrease of approximately 27.6% 
compared to 2008. Vishay reported a 
loss from continuing operations for the 
year ended December 31, 2009 of $56.5 
million, or $0.31 per share.

Adjusted net earnings** for 2009 were 
$3.3 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, 
excluding various items affecting 
comparability such as restructuring and 
severance costs and asset write-downs. 
During 2009, cash generated from 
continuing operations was $290.4 million, 
compared to $268.5 million during 2008. 
our capital expenditures were limited to 
$50.3 million during 2009 compared to 
$152.0 million during 2008.

the global economy’s deep recession 
that began in September 2008 continued 
in 2009. However, in the fourth quarter of 
2009, buoyed by a dramatic increase in 
end demand for electronic components, 
Vishay’s business grew from very 
low levels at a robust pace. the very 
significant reduction in fixed costs that 
Vishay started in the fourth quarter of 
2008 and completed in 2009 helped 
the Company to increase profit margins 
approaching pre-recession levels by the 
end of 2009. 

Vishay’s semiconductor business, which 
was hit the hardest by the recession, 
recovered strongly by the end of 2009. 
the recovery for Vishay diodes and 
optoelectronic products started in July 
2009, driven by increased demand in 
the consumer market in Asia. Increased 
demand for diodes and optoelectronic 
products in the european automotive 
market also started in the third quarter of 
2009. By the fourth quarter of 2009, this 
recovery had spread to virtually all market 
sectors, sales channels, and regions. 

Vishay’s passive components business 
also recovered strongly by the end of 
2009. Increased demand for Vishay 
resistors and inductors was driven by 
an accelerated rebound in the industrial 
market, as well as an upturn in most other 

markets. Increased demand for Vishay 
capacitors was driven by an upturn in 
some key markets, particularly automotive 
and consumer.

our focus in 2009 was to generate “free 
cash.” We generated $246 million in “free 
cash,” making year 2009 one of Vishay’s 
best in terms of cash. only years 2002 and 
2000 were better for Vishay in this regard.

Vishay, during 2009, continued the major 
restructuring and right-sizing efforts that 
we defined and began implementing in 
the fourth quarter of 2008. During 2009 
we reduced inventories by $103 million 
and limited our capital spending to $50 
million, compared to $152 million in 2008. 
our cash costs for restructuring were 
$48 million in 2009. We reduced all fixed 
costs by $176 million in 2009, with $80 
million coming from manufacturing and 
$96 million coming from SG&A. Since 
the downturn began in September 2008, 
we have reduced the total number of 
employees by 19% and reduced total fixed 
headcount by 16%.

the restructuring of our operations 
continued successfully in 2009. 
We completed the consolidation of 
optoelectronics packaging in Asia. 
We closed our film capacitor plant in 
Shanghai, China, moving the volume 
to loni, India. We closed our multilayer 
ceramic chip (MLCC) capacitor plant in 
Monroe, Connecticut, moving the volume 
to Migdal Ha’Emek, Israel. In addition, 
we completed the move of non-linear 
resistor manufacturing from Belgium to 
China, Israel, and Germany. these actions 
permanently reduced our fixed costs.

VIshay PRecIsIon gRouP  
sPIn-off

In october 2009, Vishay announced its 
intention to spin off its Foil technology 
products (strain gages, ultra-precision 
foil resistors, and current sensors) and 
Weighing Modules and Control Systems 
(transducers/load cells, instruments, weigh 
modules, and control systems) businesses 
into an independent, publicly traded 

company to be named Vishay precision 
Group, Inc. (VpG). Because these two 
businesses are not core components of 
Vishay Intertechnology’s overall operations, 
in terms of products, technologies, 
manufacturing processes, markets, and 
customers, we expect that the spin-off will 
enable the management teams of both 
Vishay Intertechnology and VpG to better 
focus on the unique issues facing their 
respective businesses and will permit each 
company to pursue its own business plan, 
resource allocation program, and growth 
strategy. Sales of VpG in the last few 
years were approximately 9% of Vishay 
Intertechnology’s total sales. 

the spin-off is expected to take the form 
of a tax-free stock dividend to Vishay’s 
stockholders and it is anticipated that 
holders of Vishay common stock will 
receive common stock of VpG and holders 
of Vishay Class B common stock will 
receive Class B common stock of VpG. 
Following the spin-off, VpG will be an 
independent, publicly traded company, 
and Vishay Intertechnology will not retain 
any ownership interest in it.

InnoVatIons In technology

In 2009, Vishay continued to develop, 
manufacture, and market new components 
based on innovative and proprietary 
technologies. these technologies make 
possible new generations of end products 
that are smaller and richer in features 
and functions. examples of new Vishay 
components released during 2009 include 
the following:

• MOSFETs built on industry-leading 
trenchFet® p-channel technology 
that packs one billion transistor cells 
into each square inch of silicon. these 
MOSFETs save power and extend 
battery life in handheld devices.

• Trench diodes built on Vishay’s 

successful family of trench-technology-
based TMBS® diodes. Vishay is the sole 
source for these diodes, which reduce 
power losses and improve efficiency 
in computing, consumer, and other 
applications.

*“Free cash” refers to the amount of cash generated from operations in excess of our capital expenditures and net of proceeds from the sale of assets,  
  a measure which we use to evaluate our operations and our ability to fund acquisitions and repay debt.
**See table on page 34 of Vishay’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the calculation of adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share.

Vishay Intertechnology

• Industry-first ultra-miniature infrared 

receivers for remote control and data 
transmission in notebooks and other 
computing, communications, and 
entertainment devices. they reduce or 
eliminate causes of interference, including 
optical noise from fluorescent lamps and 
emissions from plasma displays. 

• A resistor with Power Metal Strip® 

technology that is the first of its kind 
to operate over a temperature range of 
−65°C to +275°C. Its high-temperature 
capability and high power ratings 
(double the standard rating for this 
product type) allow it to be used in harsh 
environments such as automotive sub-
systems and industrial oil and gas well 
drilling equipment without sacrificing 
electrical performance. Vishay is 
collecting royalties via Power Metal Strip 
technology licensing agreements.

• Additions to Vishay’s growing series 
of IHlp® power inductors (one of 
Vishay’s highly successful new product 
platforms) for end products including 
mobile devices, servers, and automotive 
controls. Vishay is collecting royalties via 
IHlp technology licensing agreements. 

• TANTAMOUNT® tantalum chip capacitors 
that feature the highest voltage rating 
available for this device type. they are 
optimized for use in airborne, sensor, 
and industrial control applications and in 
telecommunications base stations.

Vishay products received a number of 
awards in 2009 from leading industry 
media outlets, including Electronic 
Products, EDN China, Electronic Product 
China, and EN-Genius Network. 

fInancIal conDItIon anD 
lIQuIDIty

As noted above, Vishay generated $246 
million of “free cash” during 2009, $92 
million of which was generated in the 
fourth quarter. Vishay has generated “free 
cash” in each of the past 13 years, and 
“free cash” in excess of $80 million in each 
of the past 8 years. 

Vishay had total debt of $336 million 
and cash and cash equivalents of $579 
million as of December 31, 2009. the debt 
consists predominantly of the following: 
$105 million of long-term notes due in 
2102 or in 92 years, with an interest rate of 
lIBoR plus 0%, and an $87.5 million term 
loan maturing in July 2011 with payments 
spread over the next one and a half years, 
with an interest rate of lIBoR plus 2.5%. 
We also have a $250 million revolving 
credit facility maturing in April 2012 with  
an interest rate of lIBoR plus 1.52%,  
$125 million of which was unused as of 
December 31, 2009.

Dr. Felix Zandman
executive Chairman of the Board  

Dr. Gerald Paul   
Chief executive officer

In summary, our liquidity was $759 million 
(cash and cash equivalents of $579 million 
and credit lines of $178 million) and total 
debt was $336 million, of which $105 
million are long-term notes due in 92 years.

looKIng aheaD

Vishay permanently reduced its break-
even point by drastically reducing fixed 
costs in 2009. thus, even at sales levels 
that are lower than those we achieved 
prior to the 2008-2009 recession, we 
expect that our profit levels will be higher. 
As we don’t intend to undo our fixed cost 
reductions despite expected sales growth, 
Vishay is in a favorable position to reach 
new performance levels going forward. 

preparations for the spin-off of VpG 
are proceeding smoothly. Vishay 
Intertechnology has a broad line of 
discrete electronic components, while 
VpG is vertically integrated from sensors 
to weighing modules to instruments to 
control systems. the spin-off will make 
Vishay a pure play discrete electronic 
components company. It will show VpG’s 
performance on a stand-alone basis, 
rather than being diluted into Vishay. Also, 
it will sharpen management focus for both 
companies. Furthermore, it will enable 
each company to more effectively execute 
strategies and allocate resources.

our R&D activities are progressing 
as planned and will accelerate as the 
economy improves. With our strong 
balance sheet, good liquidity, and the 
improved economic environment, we are 
again actively pursuing acquisitions. We are 
targeting small to mid-sized companies. 
For our passive components business, 
we aim to strengthen and broaden our 
position as a specialty products supplier. 
For our discrete semiconductors business, 
the intent is to increase market share and 
exploit synergies. 

In 2010, as in the past, we expect that 
Vishay will continue to be an excellent 
generator of “free cash,” based on 
improved profitability in combination 
with only slightly higher working capital 

requirements despite the anticipated sales 
growth. Inventories are expected to stay 
approximately flat. our controlled capital 
expenditures for expansion are targeted 
mostly at new products for which demand 
is rapidly growing. We do not yet expect 
a need to expand capacity for commodity 
product lines. our defined restructuring 
programs have been implemented. 
therefore, restructuring costs going 
forward are projected to be low.

We are very confident that 2010 will be a 
good year for us. Vishay is structured for 
flexibility; in the case of a new economic 
slowdown we are fully prepared to 
reestablish all measures needed to adjust 
Vishay to new realities. Whether the 
economic upturn continues during 2010 
or is followed by a new downturn, Vishay 
will continue to roll out a steady stream 
of new and improved products, generate 
a significant amount of free cash, and 
maintain its strong position in the global 
electronics industry. 

Vishay thanks its employees, customers, 
vendors, strategic business partners, and 
stockholders for their support during 2009, 
and looks forward to continued support 
during 2010 and beyond.

Dr. Felix Zandman  
executive Chairman of the Board  

Dr. Gerald paul   
Chief executive officer

Vishay Intertechnology

1

Semiconductors

Discrete semiconductors (including rectifiers, diodes, and optoelectronic components) typically perform the function 
of switching, amplifying, rectifying, or transmitting electrical signals. Semiconductors are referred to as “active” 
components because they require power to function.

Mosfets

MoDules

Metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect 
transistors (MOSFETs) function as solid-state 
switches to control power. For example, 
they turn off specific functions of notebook 
computers and mobile phones when these 
functions are not in use, thereby extending 
battery life. they also help convert power 
into levels required by other components. 
Vishay offers low- and high-voltage Siliconix 
trenchFet® and planar MOSFETs in 
innovative package formats to switch and 
manage power very efficiently. Vishay is the 
number one manufacturer worldwide of low-
voltage power MOSFETs.

IntegRateD cIRcuIts (Ics)

Integrated circuits combine the functions 
of multiple semiconductors and passive 
components on a single chip. IC products 
from Vishay are focused on analog signal 
switching and routing, power conversion, 
and power management. they are used in 
end products such as netbook, notebook, 
and desktop computers; mobile phones; 
and fixed telecommunications systems. the 
Vishay IC portfolio includes switchmode 
and linear regulators, MOSFET drivers, bus 
interface devices, and analog switches  
and multiplexers.

RectIfIeRs

Rectifiers convert alternating current (AC) 
into direct current (DC), a unidirectional 
current required for operation of many 
electronic systems. For example, a bridge 
rectifier is used in a clock radio to change 
the AC voltage from a wall outlet to a 
specific DC voltage. Vishay rectifiers, 
including patented TMBS® devices, reduce 
power losses and improve efficiency in 
computing, telecommunications, and other 
applications. Vishay is the number one 
manufacturer worldwide of power rectifiers.

Modules combine several components 
into a single package. examples include 
Vishay’s extensive family of Gen VII power 
modules, each of which integrates two 
semiconductors in a diode, thyristor/diode, 
thyristor/thyristor, or Schottky rectifier 
combination. they are used in power 
supplies, temperature and motor control 
circuits, battery chargers, and other high-
voltage industrial applications. 

DIoDes anD thyRIstoRs

Diodes and thyristors are semiconductor 
components that allow voltage to be 
conducted in only one direction. Most 
diodes are based on semiconductor p-n 
junctions; in thyristors there are four layers 
of p-n material creating three p-n junctions. 
Both types of devices are used in a wide 
range of electronic systems to route, switch, 
and block radio frequency (RF), analog, 
and power signals. the Vishay diodes 
portfolio includes Schottky, switching, pIn, 
sinterglass, and rectifier devices, as well as 
products for transient voltage suppression, 
electrostatic discharge (eSD) protection, and 
electromagnetic interference (EMI) filtering. 
Vishay is the number one manufacturer 
worldwide of diodes.

InfRaReD / oPtoelectRonIcs

optoelectronic components emit light, 
detect light, or do both. Vishay’s broad 
range of optoelectronic components 
includes infrared data communications 
devices (IRDCs) for wireless two-way data 
transfer, optocouplers and solid-state 
relays for circuit isolation, IR emitters and 
IR receivers for one-way remote controls 
(as used in television sets, for example), 
optical sensors for detection, leDs for light 
sources, and 7-segment displays. Vishay is 
the number one manufacturer worldwide of 
infrared components.

2

Vishay Intertechnology
Vishay Intertechnology

Passive Components

passive components (resistors, capacitors, inductors) do not require a power supply to handle the signals that pass 
through them. they are used to store electrical charges, to limit or resist electrical current, and to help in filtering, 
surge suppression, measurement, timing, and tuning applications.

worldwide of wet and conformal-coated 
tantalum capacitors, as well as capacitors for 
power electronics. It is also one of the largest 
manufacturers of molded tantalum surface-
mount capacitors.

About Vishay

Vishay is one of the world’s 

largest manufacturers of discrete 

semiconductors and passive electronic 

components. these are used in 

virtually all types of electronic devices 

and equipment, in the industrial, 

computing, automotive, consumer, 

telecommunications, military, aerospace, 

power supplies, and medical markets. 

Vishay’s global footprint includes 

manufacturing plants in Asia, europe, 

and the Americas, as well as sales 

offices worldwide. Vishay has market 

shares ranging from substantial to 

number one for many of its products. 

Vishay’s technology innovations, 

acquisition strategy, focus on cost 

reductions, and ability to provide “one-

stop shop” service to customers have 

made it a global industry leader. 

ResIstoRs

Resistors restrict current flow. Vishay 
manufactures many different types 
of resistive products, including single 
(discrete) resistors based on thin film, 
thick film, metal oxide film, carbon film, 
and wirewound technologies, as well as 
resistor networks and arrays, in which 
multiple resistors are combined in a 
single package. Vishay also manufactures 
thermistors, used for current protection 
and temperature sensing, as well as 
potentiometers, trimmers, and resistive 
transducers. Resistors are used in 
all electronic circuits. Vishay is the 
number one manufacturer worldwide of 
wirewound and other power resistors, 
leaded film resistors, and thin film 
surface-mount resistors.

InDuctoRs

Inductors are categorized as magnetics. 
Inductors use an internal magnetic field 
to change AC current phase and resist 
AC current. Inductor applications include 
controlling AC current and voltage and 
filtering out unwanted electrical signals. 
transformers, also characterized as 
magnetics, are made up of two inductors 
on a common core of magnetic material. 
transformers increase or decrease 
AC voltage or AC currents. Vishay 
innovations include IHlp® inductors, 
which feature higher frequency operation, 
higher current ratings, and smaller sizes 
than competing devices.

caPacItoRs

Capacitors store energy and discharge 
it when needed. Applications include 
power conversion, DC-linking, frequency 
conversion, bypass, decoupling, 
and filtering. types of capacitors 
manufactured by Vishay include tantalum 
(both solid and wet), ceramic (both 
multilayer chip and disk), film, power, 
heavy-current, and aluminum. Capacitors 
are used in almost all electronic circuits. 
Vishay is the number one manufacturer 

Vishay Intertechnology

3

The Vishay Story

Dr. Zandman, with the financial support of Alfred p. Slaner, founded Vishay in 1962 to develop and manufacture Bulk 
Metal® foil resistors. The Company was named after the village in Lithuania where relatives of Dr. Zandman and Mr. 
Slaner had perished during the Holocaust. the Company’s initial product portfolio consisted of foil resistors and foil 
resistance strain gages.

PassIVe coMPonent 
acQuIsItIons

During the 1960s and 1970s, Vishay 
became known as the world’s 
leading manufacturer of foil resistors, 
photoStress® products, and strain 
gages. Vishay’s subsequent decision to 
grow through acquisitions proved very 
successful. Starting in 1985, Vishay 
acquired resistor companies Dale 
electronics (u.S.), Draloric electronic 
(Germany), and Sfernice (France). these 
acquisitions helped produce dramatic 
sales growth. In the early 1990s, Vishay 
applied its acquisition strategy to the 
capacitor market by purchasing Sprague 
electric (u.S.), Roederstein (Germany), 
and Vitramon (u.S.). In 2002, Vishay 
purchased BCcomponents (former 
passive component businesses of 
philips electronics [netherlands] and 
Beyschlag [Germany]). this acquisition 
greatly enhanced Vishay’s global market 
position in passive components. In 2008, 
Vishay acquired, from KEMET, a specialty 
tantalum capacitor product line with 
applications in the oil exploration, military, 
and aerospace industries.

gRoWth In seMIconDuctoRs

In 1998, Vishay acquired the 
Semiconductor Business Group of 
TEMIC, which included Telefunken 
(Germany), producer of RF transistors, 
diodes, and optoelectronics, and 
80.4% of Siliconix (u.S.), producer 
of MOSFETs and power and analog 
switching integrated circuits. Vishay’s 

Recent VIshay aWaRDs

next semiconductor acquisition came in 
2001, with the purchase of the infrared 
components business of Infineon 
technologies (Germany). that was 
followed the same year by the acquisition 
of General Semiconductor (u.S.), a 
leading global manufacturer of rectifiers 
and diodes. the addition of Infineon’s 
infrared components group and General 
Semiconductor’s product lines enhanced 
Vishay’s existing telefunken business and 
propelled Vishay into the top ranks of 
discrete semiconductor manufacturers.  

In 2005, Vishay purchased the remaining 
19.6% of Siliconix shares. In 2007, 
Vishay acquired selected discrete 
semiconductor and module product 
lines from International Rectifier. this 
acquisition added manufacturing plants 
in Italy, China, and India and provided 
products that were new to Vishay: high-
voltage planar MOSFETs and high-power 
diodes and thyristors. It further enhanced 
Vishay’s market position in discrete 
semiconductors.

VIshay PRecIsIon gRouP  
sPIn-off 

In october 2009, Vishay announced its 
intention to spin off its Foil technology 
products (strain gages, ultra-precision 
foil resistors, and current sensors) and 
Weighing Modules and Control Systems 
(transducers/load cells, instruments, 
weigh modules, and control systems) 
businesses into an independent, publicly-
traded company to be named Vishay 
precision Group, Inc. (VpG). Because 

these two businesses are not core 
components of Vishay Intertechnology’s 
overall operations, in terms of products, 
technologies, manufacturing processes, 
markets, and customers, we expect that 
the spin-off will enable the management 
teams of both Vishay Intertechnology 
and VpG to better focus on the unique 
issues facing their respective businesses 
and will permit each company to 
pursue its own business plan, resource 
allocation program, and growth strategy. 
Sales of VpG in the last few years 
were approximately 9% of Vishay 
Intertechnology’s total sales. 

the spin-off is expected to take the form 
of a tax-free stock dividend to Vishay’s 
stockholders and it is anticipated that 
holders of Vishay common stock will 
receive common stock of VpG and 
holders of Vishay Class B common stock 
will receive Class B common stock of 
VpG. Following the spin-off, VpG will be 
an independent, publicly traded company, 
and Vishay Intertechnology will not retain 
any ownership interest in it.

successful stRategy, 
fInancIal stRength

Vishay’s growth through innovations 
and acquisitions and its focus on cost 
reductions have enabled it to remain 
financially strong during periodic 
downturns in the highly cyclical 
electronics industry. even in year 2009, 
most of which was impacted by a severe 
global economic recession, Vishay was 
able to generate a significant amount 

• Preferred Supplier Award, Lutron Electronics
• Best Supplier of Passive Components Award, le Syndicat professionnel de la Distribution en Électronique Industrielle (SPDEI)
• Electronic Products magazine Product of the Year Award: VHP100 Bulk Metal® Foil resistor 
• EDN China magazine Innovation Award, Power Device and Module category: TrenchFET® Gen III power MOSFETs  
• EDN China magazine Innovation Award, Passive Component, Connector, and Sensor category: WSLT2010...18 Power Metal 

Strip® resistor 

• Electronic Products China magazine product of the Year Award: SiR440Dp n-channel trenchFet® power MOSFET 
• EN-Genius Award for Best Improvement in power Devices: trenchFet® Gen III power MOSFETs with TurboFET™ technology 

4

Vishay Intertechnology

InDustRy RanKIngs

Semiconductors
• Number 1 worldwide in discrete power semiconductors
• Number 1 worldwide in diodes
• Number 1 worldwide in power rectifiers
• Number 1 worldwide in low-voltage power MOSFETs
• Number 1 worldwide in infrared components

Passive Components
• Number 1 worldwide in wirewound and other power resistors
• Number 1 worldwide in leaded film resistors
• Number 1 worldwide in thin film SMD resistors
• Number 1 worldwide in wet and conformal-coated tantalum capacitors
• Number 1 worldwide in capacitors for power electronics

of “free cash” (the amount of cash 
generated from operations in excess 
of capital expenditures and net of 
proceeds from the sale of assets). In fact, 
its generation of $246 million in “free 
cash” was one of the best results in the 
Company’s history.

Vishay’s historically strong cash 
generation has provided money to 
acquire other companies and businesses. 
In the process, Vishay has become a truly 
international Company — a leader in the 
global electronics industry that sells into 
all geographic markets and all relevant 
market segments. Vishay is committed to 
remaining cash positive regardless of the 
level of sales.

MeetIng custoMeR neeDs

Vishay’s customer mix includes original 
equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of end 
products, original design manufacturers 
(ODMs) and electronic manufacturing 
services (EMS) companies that design 
and/or manufacture end products on 
an outsourcing basis, and distributors 
that, depending on their size, sell to end 
customers at an international, regional, 
or local level. Vishay offers one of the 
industry’s broadest portfolios of electronic 
components. Its “one-stop shop” 
service for complete discrete component 
solutions enables customers to streamline 
their design and purchasing processes 
by ordering multiple types of components 
from Vishay. Customers can send their 
bills of materials to Vishay and ask that 

Vishay cross-reference Vishay products 
in all categories.

Vishay supports customers in the 
development and production of 
environmentally friendly end products. It 
manufactures components in lead (pb)-
free, RoHS-compliant, and halogen-free 
categories, as well as 
components that meet its 
own definition of “green.”

While many Vishay products are 
commodity products, others are high-
margin specialty products based on 
proprietary technology. Vishay’s mix 
of commodity and specialty products 
moderates the price erosion that is a fact 
of life in the electronics industry. 

Vishay Sales Growth

Recession 
Year

89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

00

01 02 03 04 05 06 07

08 09

Years

coMMItMent to 
InnoVatIon

Dollars in the 
millions

$3000

$2500

$2000

$1500

$1000

Vishay, a leader in 
technology for almost 50 
years, is deeply committed 
to innovation. through 
its R&D, design, and 
manufacturing programs, it 
generates a steady stream 
of innovative components 
to help designers create 
new generations of end 
products — from tablet 
computers to implantable 
medical devices to 
advanced engine controls. 
Vishay is well positioned 
for growth in emerging 
markets such as hybrid 
vehicles and solar and 
wind energy. It offers a broad array of 
components, both custom and off-the-
shelf, for key hybrid applications such 
as advanced motor control and battery 
management and for solar and wind 
energy applications. 

$500

$0

85 86 87 88

Revenue by Region, 2009

Revenue by product Group, 2009

ASIA 38%

AMERICAS 25%

euRope 37%

MEASUREMENTS GROUP 7%

MOSFETs 21%

CApACItoRS 21%

ReSIStoRS/InDuCtoRS 23%

DIoDeS 20%

InFRAReD/opto 8%

5

Vishay Intertechnology

Diverse Components for  
Diverse Markets

Vishay components are used by virtually all major American, Asian and european manufacturers of electronic products.

InDustRIal 

From oil and gas exploration equipment 
to wind power turbines and solar power 
systems. From electric power generation 
plants and high-voltage transmission lines 
to leD lighting and lighting ballasts for 
compact fluorescent lamps. From heavy-
duty factory equipment to portable power 
tools. From household appliances such 
as refrigerators, microwaves, washers, 
and dryers to commercial heating and air 
conditioning systems. these and other 
industrial products and systems depend 
on types of electronic components 
manufactured by Vishay to help manage 
and convert power, control motors, 
process data, sense temperature, and 
perform other vital functions. Vishay is 
a leading producer of components for 
myriad industrial applications, including 
those that involve wide voltage and 
current ranges, extreme temperatures, 
and other environmental stresses. 

coMPutIng 

Computers contain microprocessors 
— the complex integrated circuits 
that perform calculations and 
coordinate activities. Supporting 
the work of microprocessors are 
discrete semiconductors and passive 
components. Computers, from network 
servers to tablet pCs and notebooks, 
need to have systems in place to handle 
the current levels and heat associated 
with rapid microprocessing speeds, 
manage power, filter out unwanted 
electrical signals, and perform other 
vital functions. Vishay components 
dissipate heat, suppress radio frequency 
interference (RFI), protect against 

electrical shock, support disk drive motor 
controls and graphics cards, and more. In 
portable computing devices, they monitor 
power usage, extend battery life, and 
enable short-range, two-way, wireless 
connectivity. Vishay components also are 
used in printers, scanners, photocopiers, 
and other computing and digital imaging 
hardware. 

autoMotIVe

Automobiles employ electronic control 
units (eCus) for a growing array of 
functions including engine control, 
steering, braking, traction control, 
emission control, airbag deployment, 
security, climate control, lighting, and 
onboard information and entertainment. 
Vishay components are essential 
parts of eCus. Very hot under-the-
hood temperatures, cold weather, and 
vibration are just some of the stresses 
placed upon automotive components. 
Reliability is critical. Vishay manufactures 
a variety of components that meet the 
high quality and reliability standards set 
by the automotive industry. For hybrid 
vehicles, Vishay offers a number of key 
components — both custom and off-
the-shelf — for applications such as 
advanced motor control and battery 
management.

consuMeR

the consumer market includes handheld 
audio and video players, digital cameras, 
e-book readers, electronic toys, video 
game consoles, televisions, high-end 
home entertainment centers, and more. 
each new generation of these devices 
and systems requires more and more 
sophisticated electronic circuitry. And this 
circuitry requires types of components 
manufactured by Vishay. Discrete 
electronic components are used to extend 
battery life and perform other functions in 
portable and battery-powered consumer 
products. they support key functions in 
high-definition (HD) televisions, flat-panel 
video displays, wireless remote control 
technologies, and cable, fiber optic, and 
satellite communications.

telecoMMunIcatIons 

telecommunications, which includes 
transmission of data, voice, and visual 
information via wire, cable, optical 
fiber, electromagnetic fields, and radio 
frequencies, can be simple point-to-
point communication or can require 
complex exchange networks. It involves 
myriad electronic devices and systems 
including transmitters, receivers, access 
infrastructure, routers, switches, fixed 
line phones, set-top boxes, and mobile 
devices. Vishay manufactures a very 
broad range of components for mobile 
and wireless access devices including 
solid tantalum capacitors; chip fuses; 
current sense resistors; analog switches; 
MicroFOOT® and powerpAIR® MOSFETs; 
protected load switches; lDos; 
MicroSMP™ rectifiers; eSD protection 
products; optical products for ambient 
light sensing, proximity detection, 
and IrDA® data communications; and 
chip antennas for digital tVs. Vishay 
also provides a very broad range of 
components for power supplies, dc-to-dc 
conversion, EMI filtering, and line card 
protection for transmission systems, 
base stations, access infrastructure, and 
customer premises equipment.

MIlItaRy anD aeRosPace 

Vishay manufactures one of the 
industry’s broadest lines of military-
qualified resistors and capacitors, 
and offers components — including 
some semiconductors — with lead 
content as required by military and 
aerospace customers. the Company 
also produces customized components 
for military and aerospace customers. 
Vishay components are used in cockpit 

6

Vishay Intertechnology

Diverse Components for  

Diverse Markets

Revenue By End Market, 2009

TELECOMMUNICATIONS 13%

InDuStRIAl 29%

poWeR SupplIeS 9%

MILITARY/AEROSPACE 5%

MEDICAL 2%

COMPUTING 17%

CONSUMER 10%

AUTOMOTIVE 15%

Vishay’s Blue-Chip  
Customers and Distributors

Apple 
Acer 
Arrow 
Asus 
Avnet 
Bosch 
Celestica 
Cisco 
Compal 
Continental 
Dell 
Delphi 
Delta 
emerson 
ericsson 
Flextronics 
Foxconn 
Future 
Hewlett-packard 

Huawei 
Jabil 
lG electronics 
Motorola 
nokia 
nintendo 
philips 
Quanta 
Rutronik 
Samsung 
Sanmina-SCI 
Siemens 
Sony 
ttI 
tomen 
Weikeng 
Wistron 
WpI 
…and others

MeDIcal 

Implantable devices, instrumentation, 
and communications systems are part 
of the growing medical electronics 
market. Medical implantable devices 
include glucose monitors for diabetics, 
nerve stimulators to control symptoms 
of parkinson’s disease, and pacemakers, 
defibrillators, and stents to prevent 
and treat heart problems. Medical 
instrumentation ranges from small 
blood pressure cuffs to large imaging, 
radiation, and ventilator equipment. 
Medical communications systems 
store and retrieve data and link medical 
staff and patients. Vishay is a leading 
manufacturer of telemetry coils for 
pacemakers and defibrillators and 
transformers for defibrillators, as well 
as MLCCs and tantalum capacitors for 
implantable devices and hearing aids. 
It provides close engineering support 
to medical customers. each advance in 
medical technology provides new market 
opportunities for Vishay.

equipment, GpS navigation, radar 
and sonar units, radio and satellite 
communications, weapons such as 
missiles and torpedoes, and a variety 
of other military, space, airborne, and 
aerospace systems. they are designed 
to withstand extreme temperatures, 
intense vibration, high humidity, and other 
environmental stresses. Vishay’s focus on 
innovation and commitment to product 
quality have enabled it to build strong 
relationships with leading military and 
aerospace customers.

PoWeR suPPlIes

power supplies, which include adapters, 
converters, and uninterruptible power 
supplies (upS), handle the electric 
current from main power grids and 
batteries and adjust it for use by all 
types of devices — from small, portable 
products to large industrial equipment. 
power supplies must meet various 
power quality, energy-saving, and safety 
regulations.  their capabilities range 
from very low (milliwatts) to very high 
(kilowatts), depending on the devices and 
functions for which they are used. Vishay 
manufactures most of the electronic 
components needed to design just about 
any type of power supply. these include 
TMBS® diodes (market-leading devices 
in terms of design flexibility, efficiency, 
and cost), along with Super Junction 
Fet™ MOSFETs, Hyperfast rectifiers, and 
tandem diodes for power factor correction 
(pFC); film capacitors for electromagnetic 
interference (EMI) suppression; transient 
voltage suppressors (tVS) for inrush 
protection; trenchFet® MOSFETs; power 
rectifiers; high-power inductors; current 
sense resistors; and couplers.

Vishay Intertechnology

7

Product List

seMIconDuctoRs
Rectifiers
Schottky (single, dual) 
Standard, Fast, and ultra-Fast Recovery  

(single, dual) 

Bridge 
Superectifier®
Sinterglass Avalanche Diodes

high-Power Diodes and thyristors
High-power Fast-Recovery Diodes 
phase-Control thyristors 
Fast thyristors

small-signal Diodes
Schottky and Switching (single, dual) 
tuner/Capacitance (single, dual) 
Bandswitching 
pIn

Zener and suppressor Diodes
Zener (single, dual) 
tVS (tRAnSZoRB®, Automotive, eSD,  
  Arrays)

fets
low-Voltage trenchFet® Power MOSFETs
High-Voltage trenchFet® Power MOSFETs
High-Voltage Planar MOSFETs 
JFets

optoelectronics
IR emitters and Detectors, and IR Receiver  
  Modules 
optocouplers and Solid-State Relays 
optical Sensors 
leDs and 7-Segment Displays 
Infrared Data Transceiver Modules 
Custom products

Ics
power ICs 
Analog Switches

Modules
Power Modules (contain power diodes,  

thyristors, MOSFETs, IGBTs)

PassIVe coMPonents
Resistive Products
Film Resistors 
  Metal Film Resistors 
  thin Film Resistors 
  thick Film Resistors 
  Metal Oxide Film Resistors 
  Carbon Film Resistors 
Wirewound Resistors 
Power Metal Strip® Resistors
Chip Fuses 
Variable Resistors 
  Cermet Variable Resistors 
  Wirewound Variable Resistors 
  Conductive plastic Variable Resistors 
networks/Arrays 
non-linear Resistors 
  ntC thermistors 
  ptC thermistors 
  Varistors

Magnetics
Inductors 
transformers

capacitors
tantalum Capacitors 
  Molded Chip Tantalum Capacitors 
  Coated Chip tantalum Capacitors 
  Solid through-Hole tantalum  

  Capacitors 

  Wet tantalum Capacitors 
Ceramic Capacitors 
  Multilayer Chip Capacitors 
  Disc Capacitors 
Film Capacitors 
power Capacitors 
Heavy-Current Capacitors 
Aluminum Capacitors

8

Vishay intertechnology

 
 
 
 
Corporate Information

coRPoRate offIceRs 
Dr. Felix Zandman 
Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board 
Chief Technical Officer 
Chief Business Development Officer 
Dr. Gerald paul 
President 
Chief Executive Officer 
Marc Zandman 
Vice Chairman of the Board 
Chief Administration Officer 
President, Vishay Israel Ltd.
Dr. lior Yahalomi 
Executive Vice President  
Chief Financial Officer 
Ziv Shoshani 
Executive Vice President 
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. 
President 
Chief Executive Officer designee 
Vishay Precision Group, Inc.
lori lipcaman
Executive Vice President Finance  
Chief Accounting Officer
peter Henrici 
Senior Vice President  
Treasurer 
Corporate Secretary 
Investor Relations
David l. tomlinson 
Senior Vice President 
Corporate Controller

shaReholDeR assIstance 
For information about stock transfers, address 
changes, account consolidation, registration changes, 
lost stock certificates and Form 1099, contact the 
Company’s Transfer Agent and Registrar.
transfer Agent and Registrar
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company 
59 Maiden Lane 
New York, NY 10038 
Phone: 800-937-5449 
Fax: 718-921-8331  
Email: info@amstock.com 
For other information or questions, contact: 
Investor Relations, at (610) 644-1300.
Common Stock
Ticker symbol: VSH 
The common stock is listed and principally 
traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
Duplicate Mailings
If you receive more than one Annual Report and 
Proxy Statement and wish to help us reduce costs by 
discontinuing multiple mailings, contact our Transfer 
Agent American Stock Transfer & Trust Company. 
Electronic Proxy Materials
You can receive Vishay’s annual report and proxy 
materials electronically, which will give you immediate 
access to these materials, and will save the Company 
printing and mailing costs. If you are a registered 
holder (you own the stock in your name), and wish to 
receive your proxy materials electronically, go to  
www.icsdelivery.com/vsh. 
If you are a street holder (you own this stock through 
a bank or broker), please contact your broker and ask 
for electronic delivery of Vishay’s proxy materials.

coRPoRate offIce
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. 
63 Lancaster Ave. 
Malvern, PA 19355-2143  USA 
Phone: 610-644-1300 
Fax: 610-296-0657 
www.vishay.com

annual MeetIng
June 16, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. 
The Rittenhouse Hotel 
Grand Salon, 2nd Floor 
210 West Rittenhouse Square 
Philadelphia, PA 19103

BoaRD of DIRectoRs 
Dr. Felix Zandman 
Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board 
Chief Technical Officer 
Chief Business Development Officer  
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. 
Marc Zandman 
Vice Chairman of the Board 
Chief Administration Officer 
President, Vishay Israel Ltd. 
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.
Zvi Grinfas 
Investor, previously 24 years in various 
executive positions from Vice President of 
Engineering to CEO and Chairman of the 
board of IMP, Inc., a semiconductor company
eliyahu Hurvitz
Former CEO and Chairman of the Board 
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. 
Dr. Abraham ludomirski 
Founder and Managing Director of 
Vitalife Fund, a venture capital company 
specializing in high-tech electronic  
medical devices
Dr. Gerald paul 
President 
Chief Executive Officer  
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.
Wayne M. Rogers 
Investor, specializing in small and mid-sized 
acquisitions; stock commentator and analyst 
for Fox News Channel
Ronald M. Ruzic 
Retired Group President 
BorgWarner Automotive, Inc.
Ziv Shoshani 
Executive Vice President 
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. 
President 
Chief Executive Officer designee 
Vishay Precision Group, Inc.
thomas C. Wertheimer 
Accounting Consultant,  
previously partner of  
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Ruta Zandman 
Public Relations Associate 
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

honoRaRy chaIRMan of the 
BoaRD
Alfred p. Slaner
(Deceased March 14, 1996) 

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

Corporate Headquarters

63 Lancaster Avenue

Malvern, PA 19355-2143

United States

P 610.644.1300 F 610.296.0657

© Copyright 2010 Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.
® Registered trademarks of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., and other parties.
All rights reserved.

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