10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2003

INTEL CORP Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 29, 2003

Filed May 7, 2003For Securities:INTC

Summary

Intel Corporation's (INTC) first-quarter 2003 results show a company navigating a stable, albeit seasonally typical, revenue environment. Net revenue for the quarter ending March 29, 2003, was largely flat year-over-year at $6.75 billion, mirroring the prior year's performance. This stability was primarily driven by the Intel Architecture business, where increased unit sales of microprocessors offset lower average selling prices. While gross margin saw a slight improvement to 52.0% from 51.3% in the prior year's quarter, reflecting better efficiency, the company is positioning itself for future growth by continuing to invest in research and development and strategic product launches. Operationally, Intel maintained a strong financial position, with robust cash flow from operations and significant cash and short-term investments. The company actively managed its capital structure, continuing its share repurchase program and paying dividends. However, the report also highlights ongoing investments in new technologies, including the launch of Intel Centrino mobile technology, and the inherent pricing pressures and competitive landscape of the semiconductor industry. Investors should note the company's cautious outlook for the second quarter, anticipating slightly lower revenue and a dip in gross margin due to startup costs and the non-recurrence of a prior quarter inventory benefit, while maintaining a full-year gross margin expectation.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net revenue for Q1 2003 was $6.75 billion, flat compared to $6.78 billion in Q1 2002, indicating stable performance.
  • 2Gross margin improved slightly to 52.0% from 51.3% year-over-year, driven by increased efficiency.
  • 3The Intel Architecture business remained the primary revenue driver, with flat revenue but higher unit sales offsetting lower average selling prices.
  • 4The company launched Intel Centrino mobile technology in March 2003, a significant step in its mobile strategy.
  • 5Intel generated strong operating cash flow of $1.71 billion in Q1 2003, down from $1.53 billion in Q1 2002.
  • 6Significant share repurchases ($1.0 billion in Q1 2003) and dividend payments continued, demonstrating commitment to shareholder returns.
  • 7The outlook for Q2 2003 projected revenue between $6.4 billion and $7.0 billion, with a gross margin expected around 50%, reflecting seasonal trends and increased startup costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the first quarter of 2003, Intel reported net revenue of $6.75 billion, which was largely flat compared to $6.78 billion in the same period of 2002. Net income was $915 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, slightly down from $936 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, in the prior year's quarter. The gross margin improved to 52.0% from 51.3%.

The Intel Architecture business, which includes microprocessors and chipsets, showed flat revenue but improved operating income, benefiting from higher unit sales and some inventory adjustments. The Wireless Communications and Computing Group (WCCG) saw a slight revenue increase but an increased operating loss, primarily due to challenges in its flash memory products. The Intel Communications Group (ICG) experienced a revenue decrease and a reduced operating loss due to lower expenses.

Intel launched its new Intel Centrino mobile technology in March 2003, aiming to boost its presence in the mobile computing market. The company's strategy remains focused on silicon integration for the convergence of computing and communications. For the second quarter of 2003, Intel anticipates revenue between $6.4 billion and $7.0 billion and a gross margin of approximately 50%, reflecting seasonal patterns and higher startup costs, while maintaining a full-year gross margin expectation of around 51%.

Intel maintains a strong financial position, with $7.1 billion in cash and cash equivalents and $3.4 billion in short-term investments as of March 29, 2003. The company generated $1.71 billion in cash from operations in Q1 2003. Intel continues to return capital to shareholders through its share repurchase program, buying back $1.0 billion in common stock during the quarter, and by paying dividends.