10-KPeriod: FY2007

FLEX LTD. Annual Report, Year Ended Mar 31, 2007

Filed May 29, 2007For Securities:FLEX

Summary

Flextronics International Ltd. (FLEX) reported robust revenue growth of 23% to $18.9 billion for fiscal year 2007, driven by strong performance across all market segments, particularly mobile communications. The company, a global leader in electronics manufacturing services (EMS), operates an extensive network of facilities in over 30 countries. A key strategic focus for FLEX is its vertically-integrated end-to-end service model, which encompasses design, engineering, manufacturing, and logistics, aiming to provide cost savings and faster time-to-market for its Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) customers. Despite the strong revenue performance, the company's gross margin remained flat at 4.9%, impacted by increased start-up costs for new programs and a shift towards higher-volume, lower-margin contracts. The company continues to invest in expanding its design and engineering capabilities and global manufacturing footprint, particularly in low-cost regions, to maintain its competitive edge in a dynamic industry.

Key Highlights

  • 1Achieved 23% revenue growth to $18.9 billion in fiscal year 2007, demonstrating strong demand for its EMS offerings.
  • 2Operates a vast global manufacturing and logistics network spanning over 30 countries across four continents, with 61% of net sales in Asia.
  • 3Emphasizes a vertically-integrated end-to-end service model to offer comprehensive supply chain solutions to OEMs.
  • 4Invested in expanding design and engineering capabilities, including user interface, mechanical, electronic system, and PCB design.
  • 5Maintains a significant customer base of technology industry leaders, with the top ten customers accounting for approximately 64% of net sales.
  • 6Continued strategic expansion into low-cost manufacturing regions, with over 75% of manufacturing capacity located in such areas.
  • 7Navigated the complexities of the EMS industry, characterized by rapid technological change, short product life cycles, and intense competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Flextronics operates primarily as an electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider, offering vertically integrated supply chain solutions. It generates revenue by designing, building, and shipping complete packaged products for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across various markets, including computing, mobile communications, consumer digital devices, telecommunications infrastructure, industrial, automotive, aerospace, and medical devices. The company also provides services like printed circuit board fabrication, systems assembly, logistics, and after-sales support.

Flextronics emphasizes several competitive strengths, including its extensive global presence with facilities in major electronics markets, its vertically-integrated end-to-end service offering simplifying the product development process, its low-cost manufacturing capabilities supported by industrial parks in strategic locations, advanced supply chain management, long-standing customer relationships, and growing design and engineering capabilities.

Key risks include dependence on industries with rapid technological change and short product life cycles, potential customer order cancellations or delays, intense industry competition, difficulties in managing acquisitions and integrating operations, significant restructuring charges, fluctuating operating results due to market dynamics, risks associated with strategic customer relationships, international operational risks (including currency fluctuations and political instability), and potential component shortages. The concentration of revenue from its top customers also presents a risk.