10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2002

ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 29, 2002

Filed November 13, 2002For Securities:AMD

Summary

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) reported its third quarter and nine-month results for the period ending September 29, 2002. The company experienced a significant decline in net sales, down 34% year-over-year for the quarter and 32% for the nine-month period, primarily driven by weakness in the PC processor market. This downturn, coupled with ongoing industry-wide challenges, led to substantial operating losses and a net loss of $254.2 million for the quarter and $448.3 million for the nine months. Despite these financial headwinds, AMD continued to invest in research and development, particularly for its next-generation 'Hammer' technology processors, leading to an increase in R&D expenses. The company's balance sheet shows a decrease in accounts receivable and an increase in inventories compared to the prior year, while cash and cash equivalents remained relatively stable. AMD also secured new debt financing, including a $155 million term loan, and issued $500 million in convertible senior debentures earlier in the year to manage its financial position. Management is implementing a 2002 Restructuring Plan aimed at reducing expenses and improving its cost structure, anticipating significant charges in the fourth quarter.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales decreased significantly by 34% year-over-year to $508.2 million for Q3 2002, and by 32% for the nine months to $2.01 billion, primarily due to a 44% decline in PC processor sales.
  • 2The company reported a substantial net loss of $254.2 million for Q3 2002, compared to a net loss of $186.9 million in the prior year's quarter. The nine-month net loss was $448.3 million, an increase from $44.7 million in the same period of 2001.
  • 3Gross margin percentage declined to 11% in Q3 2002 from 22% in Q3 2001, reflecting lower average selling prices and unit shipments for PC processors, partially offset by a better product mix in memory products.
  • 4Research and development expenses increased by 37% year-over-year for the quarter and 17% for the nine months, driven by investments in next-generation microprocessors, particularly the 'Hammer' technology.
  • 5The company secured a $110 million term loan and has access to up to $155 million under a new agreement, along with $500 million from the issuance of convertible senior debentures earlier in the year, to bolster its financial position.
  • 6AMD announced a 2002 Restructuring Plan aimed at reducing expenses and improving its cost structure, anticipating significant restructuring charges in Q4 2002.
  • 7Foundry Services segment revenue declined by 44% year-over-year for the quarter due to the termination of arrangements with Legerity.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of AMD's revenue decline was the significant weakness in the PC processor market, which saw a 44% year-over-year decrease in net sales. Industry-wide weakness in PC sales, coupled with AMD's strategic decision to reduce excess PC processor inventory in the supply chain by not accepting or shipping certain orders and accepting product returns, contributed to this decline.

AMD announced a 2002 Restructuring Plan to address industry weakness and adjust its cost structure. This plan is expected to reduce expenses by approximately $100 million per quarter by Q2 2003, leading to total expense reductions of $350 million in 2003. However, the company anticipates significant pre-tax restructuring and related charges in the fourth quarter of 2002, estimated at several hundred million dollars.

AMD has secured new financing, including a $110 million term loan and access to up to $155 million under a new agreement, in addition to the $500 million in convertible senior debentures issued earlier in the year. The company ended the quarter with $533.4 million in cash and cash equivalents. Despite operating losses, AMD is focusing on managing its liquidity and capital expenditures, believing current cash and potential financing will be sufficient for the next 12 months.

FASL, a joint venture for Flash memory devices, continued to operate, but AMD's Flash memory product sales faced weak market demand and a concentration of sales with a few key customers. The company is also transitioning to its new MirrorBit™ technology for Flash memory products. AMD's share of FASL net income was positive for the nine months ($6.1 million), but FASL itself reported a net loss of $1.6 million for Q3 2002.