10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2003

ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 30, 2003

Filed May 13, 2003For Securities:AMD

Summary

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) reported its first quarter 2003 financial results, highlighting a significant decline in net sales and a substantial increase in net loss compared to the prior year period. Net sales fell by 21% year-over-year to $714.6 million, primarily driven by decreases in PC Processor sales. The company's net loss widened to $146.4 million from $9.2 million in the first quarter of 2002. This performance reflects the ongoing challenges in the semiconductor industry, including weak customer demand and excess inventory. Despite the challenging top-line and bottom-line results, AMD reported a sequential increase in net sales and a slight improvement in gross margin percentage from the fourth quarter of 2002. The company continues to invest in research and development, with expenses increasing year-over-year, and is implementing restructuring plans aimed at aligning costs with industry conditions. Investors should closely monitor AMD's ability to navigate the cyclical semiconductor market, manage its debt obligations, and execute its strategic initiatives, including the proposed joint venture with Fujitsu for Flash memory operations.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales for Q1 2003 decreased by 21% to $714.6 million compared to $902.1 million in Q1 2002.
  • 2Net loss for Q1 2003 significantly increased to $146.4 million ($0.42 per share) from $9.2 million ($0.03 per share) in Q1 2002.
  • 3PC Processor net sales decreased by 32% year-over-year due to lower unit shipments and average selling prices.
  • 4Memory Products net sales increased by 36% year-over-year, driven by higher unit shipments and average selling prices.
  • 5Gross margin percentage improved sequentially to 31% in Q1 2003 from 26% in Q4 2002, but declined from 35% in Q1 2002.
  • 6Research and development expenses increased by 18% year-over-year to $203.1 million, reflecting ongoing investment.
  • 7The company announced a Memorandum of Understanding with Fujitsu Limited to establish a new Flash memory semiconductor joint venture, FASL LLC, expected to operate in Q3 2003.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the year-over-year decline in net sales was a significant decrease in PC Processor net sales, which fell by 32% due to lower unit shipments and average selling prices. This was partially offset by an increase in Memory Products net sales.

The company's profitability has significantly deteriorated. The net loss widened from $9.2 million in the first quarter of 2002 to $146.4 million in the first quarter of 2003. This widening loss is a concern for investors, reflecting the challenging market conditions.

The company expects PC processor sales to be flat to up in Q2 2003, based on an improved product mix and anticipated benefits from better-balanced PC supply chain inventory. Flash memory device sales are also expected to be higher than in Q1 2003.

The proposed joint venture with Fujitsu, named FASL LLC, aims to integrate AMD's and Fujitsu's Flash memory assets and operations. This strategic move is expected to lead to consolidation and potential efficiencies in the Flash memory business, with AMD holding a majority stake and consolidating the new entity's financials upon operation.