In fiscal 2021, Advantest posted record-high orders, sales, and net income for the second consecutive year.
The semiconductor test business remained extremely strong due to the expansion of semiconductor demand amidst the advancing digital revolution, the increasing sophistication of semiconductors, and growing needs for device reliability. On the other hand, it was also a year of increasing uncertainty for the global economy, and for us, due to prolonged supply chain woes, new Covid-19 variants, geopolitical risks, and the specter of inflation stalking the world's economies.
In fiscal 2022, Advantest will prioritize prompt procurement of parts and stable product supply capacity. The semiconductor market is expected to grow further over the medium to long term. We will focus on providing leading-edge test solutions that support the evolution of semiconductor technology, while collaborating with customers, developing advanced test technologies, and investing in the human resources and equipment that make it all possible. We will also continue to focus on ESG, including measures to strengthen our management system in line with our global business operations, improve employee engagement, and respond to climate change.
In this "VUCA" age, it is difficult to predict the future. I believe that for a company to continue to grow, it must consistently take on challenges, and embrace volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity as opportunities for innovation. In line with our core values, summed up as the practice of INTEGRITY, we will incorporate diversity, perfect our teamwork, push the boundaries of technology, and aim to be number one.
Thank you for your continued support.
