10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2011

Seagate Technology Holdings plc Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Apr 1, 2011

Filed May 3, 2011For Securities:STX

Summary

Seagate Technology Holdings plc (STX) reported its fiscal third-quarter results for the period ending April 1, 2011. The company experienced a decrease in revenue compared to the prior year, with revenue for the quarter at $2.7 billion, down from $3.05 billion in the same period last year. This decline is attributed to a persistent competitive pricing environment in the disk drive industry. Gross margin also saw a significant reduction, falling to 19% from 30% year-over-year, further impacted by intense market competition and a lack of substantial new product introductions. Despite the revenue and margin pressures, the company generated positive operating cash flow of $947 million for the nine months ended April 1, 2011. Seagate continued its share repurchase program, investing $405 million in buybacks during the quarter. Looking ahead, Seagate announced a significant pending transaction to acquire certain hard disk drive assets from Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. for $687.5 million in cash and approximately 45.2 million shares. This strategic move is expected to close by the end of the calendar year 2011 and is subject to regulatory approvals.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue for the third quarter of fiscal year 2011 was $2.7 billion, a decrease from $3.05 billion in the prior year's comparable quarter.
  • 2Gross margin declined to 19% from 30% in the year-ago period, reflecting ongoing competitive pricing pressures in the industry.
  • 3The company generated $947 million in cash from operating activities for the nine months ended April 1, 2011.
  • 4Seagate repurchased approximately $405 million of its ordinary shares during the third quarter.
  • 5A significant pending transaction was announced to acquire hard disk drive assets from Samsung for $687.5 million in cash and approximately 45.2 million shares.
  • 6The company expects to continue paying a quarterly cash dividend of $0.18 per share, with the first payment planned for June 1, 2011.
  • 7Total assets stood at $8.28 billion as of April 1, 2011, with total liabilities at $5.79 billion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seagate reported revenue of $2.7 billion for the three months ended April 1, 2011. This represents a decrease compared to $3.05 billion reported for the same period in the prior fiscal year. Revenue for the nine months ended April 1, 2011 was $8.11 billion, a 7% decrease from the comparable prior-year period, attributed to a competitive pricing environment.

Gross margin as a percentage of revenue decreased significantly to 19% for the quarter ended April 1, 2011, down from 30% in the prior year's quarter. This compression is largely due to the competitive pricing in the disk drive industry and the absence of major new product introductions that typically boost margins.

Seagate announced on April 19, 2011, an agreement to acquire certain hard disk drive assets from Samsung. The transaction is valued at $687.5 million in cash and approximately 45.2 million Seagate ordinary shares. The deal is expected to close by the end of calendar year 2011, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

As of April 1, 2011, Seagate had approximately $2.5 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments. The company generated $947 million in operating cash flow for the first nine months of fiscal year 2011 and believes its sources of cash will be sufficient to meet its obligations for at least the next 12 months. The company also has a $350 million senior secured revolving credit facility, with no borrowings as of the reporting date.