10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2003

ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 28, 2003

Filed November 12, 2003For Securities:AMD

Summary

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) reported its third-quarter 2003 results, showing a significant increase in net sales year-over-year, driven by the consolidation of FASL LLC and growth in both Computation Products and Memory Products segments. Despite the revenue growth, the company continued to incur net losses, though the loss narrowed compared to the same period in the prior year. Significant investments in property, plant, and equipment, particularly related to the FASL LLC joint venture and Fab 30, are highlighted, alongside a substantial debt load. Management's focus remains on integrating FASL LLC and managing operational costs, with ongoing restructuring efforts aimed at improving efficiency and profitability. The company faces continued market competition and cyclical industry pressures. The formation of FASL LLC, a joint venture with Fujitsu for flash memory products, effective June 30, 2003, significantly impacted the financial results. This consolidation led to a substantial increase in revenue for the Memory Products segment and required a re-evaluation of the company's reporting segments. While this strategic move aims to enhance market position, the integration process and its financial implications will be closely watched by investors. AMD's continued investment in its Opteron and Athlon 64 microprocessors indicates a commitment to innovation and future growth in the competitive computing market.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales for the third quarter of 2003 reached $953.8 million, an 88% increase compared to $508.2 million in the third quarter of 2002, largely due to the consolidation of FASL LLC.
  • 2The formation of FASL LLC, a joint venture with Fujitsu for flash memory products, was completed on June 30, 2003, and its results were consolidated starting in the third quarter.
  • 3The company reported a net loss of $31.2 million ($0.09 per share) for the third quarter of 2003, an improvement from a net loss of $254.2 million ($0.74 per share) in the same quarter of 2002.
  • 4Total assets increased to $6.66 billion from $5.62 billion at the end of 2002, with significant increases in property, plant, and equipment, and cash and cash equivalents.
  • 5Research and development expenses were $214 million for the quarter, slightly down from $221 million in the prior year's third quarter, reflecting ongoing investment in new products.
  • 6Operating segments were reorganized to Computation Products and Memory Products, with Memory Products revenue significantly boosted by the FASL LLC consolidation.
  • 7The company continued to execute its 2002 Restructuring Plan, aiming for cost reductions and operational alignment, with nearly all planned positions eliminated and activities expected to conclude by year-end 2003.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the significant increase in net sales was the consolidation of the results of FASL LLC, a newly formed joint venture with Fujitsu for flash memory products, which became effective on June 30, 2003. This consolidation boosted the Memory Products segment's revenue considerably.

Although net sales increased significantly, the company's expenses, including cost of sales, research and development, and marketing, general and administrative expenses, remained substantial. The company also incurred significant interest expenses and minority interest related to the FASL LLC transaction. While the net loss narrowed compared to the prior year's quarter, the overall cost structure and strategic investments contributed to the continued loss.

The formation of FASL LLC is a key strategic move to combine AMD's and Fujitsu's flash memory operations, aiming for improved efficiency and market competitiveness in the memory products segment. For investors, it represents a significant step in AMD's memory business, potentially leading to future growth, but also introduces complexities related to joint venture accounting, minority interests, and integration risks.

AMD's cash and cash equivalents increased significantly to $994.9 million as of September 28, 2003, providing a stronger liquidity position. However, the company carries a substantial amount of long-term debt and capital lease obligations, totaling over $2 billion. This leverage, combined with ongoing capital expenditure plans, indicates a continued focus on managing financial resources prudently.