10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2015

MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Jun 4, 2015

Filed July 10, 2015For Securities:MU

Summary

Micron Technology, Inc. (MU) reported its financial results for the fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 4, 2015. For the third quarter, net sales were $3.85 billion, a slight decrease of 3% year-over-year, primarily driven by lower DRAM sales due to declining average selling prices. Net income attributable to Micron was $491 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, a decrease from $806 million ($0.68 per diluted share) in the prior year's quarter. The year-over-year decline in profitability was influenced by the pricing pressures in the DRAM market. For the first nine months of fiscal 2015, net sales increased by 4% to $12.59 billion, while net income grew to $2.43 billion, up from $1.93 billion in the comparable period of the prior year. This growth was supported by strong NAND Flash sales volume, partially offsetting the declines in DRAM. The company continues to manage its financial resources, with significant investments in property, plant, and equipment, while also actively managing its debt profile through repurchases and issuances. Investors should monitor the ongoing pricing trends in the memory market and the company's ability to leverage its NAND Flash segment growth.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 were $3.85 billion, a 3% decrease compared to $3.98 billion in the third quarter of fiscal 2014.
  • 2Net income attributable to Micron for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 was $491 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, down from $806 million, or $0.68 per diluted share, in the prior year's quarter.
  • 3For the first nine months of fiscal 2015, net sales increased to $12.59 billion from $12.13 billion in the same period of fiscal 2014, driven by higher NAND Flash sales volumes.
  • 4Gross margin percentage declined to 31% in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 from 34% in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, primarily due to lower DRAM gross margins.
  • 5The company's Compute and Networking Business Unit (CNBU) saw a significant operating income decrease due to lower DRAM average selling prices and sales volumes.
  • 6The Mobile Business Unit (MBU) showed increased sales and operating income, primarily driven by higher mobile NAND Flash gigabit sales volumes.
  • 7Micron actively managed its debt, issuing new notes and repurchasing existing ones, while also drawing on revolving credit facilities.
  • 8Capital expenditures remained significant, with cash expenditures for property, plant, and equipment totaling $2.26 billion for the first nine months of fiscal 2015.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the third quarter of fiscal 2015, net sales decreased by 3% year-over-year to $3.85 billion, primarily due to lower DRAM sales. Net income attributable to Micron also decreased to $491 million from $806 million in the same period last year. However, for the first nine months of fiscal 2015, net sales increased by 4% to $12.59 billion, and net income grew to $2.43 billion from $1.93 billion, largely driven by increased NAND Flash sales volumes.

The primary driver for the revenue and profitability decline in the third quarter was the decrease in DRAM average selling prices (ASPs) and sales volumes. Conversely, the increase in net sales for the nine-month period was supported by higher gigabit sales volumes for NAND Flash products. The company also noted that pricing pressures in the DRAM market and a shift in product mix impacted gross margins.

Micron operates four business segments: Compute and Networking (CNBU), Mobile (MBU), Storage (SBU), and Embedded (EBU). CNBU experienced a significant decline in operating income due to DRAM market weakness. MBU showed strong performance with increased sales and operating income, driven by mobile NAND Flash. SBU saw decreased sales and an operating loss, attributed to reduced NAND Flash sales volumes as production shifted to mobile and embedded products. EBU reported stable sales and improved operating income, benefiting from higher sales volumes.

Micron is actively managing its financial resources. For the first nine months of fiscal 2015, the company generated $4.18 billion in cash from operations. It also engaged in debt management activities, including issuing new notes and repurchasing existing ones, and drew on its revolving credit facilities. Significant capital expenditures are ongoing, with $2.26 billion spent on property, plant, and equipment in the first nine months of 2015, reflecting continued investment in manufacturing and R&D.