8-KRegulation FD

Seagate Technology Holdings plc 8-K Report, Regulation FD Disclosure (Dec 1, 2005)

Filed December 1, 2005For Securities:STX

Summary

Seagate Technology Holdings plc (STX) is providing an update on its business outlook at an investor conference on December 1, 2005. For the second fiscal quarter ending December 30, 2005, the company anticipates stronger-than-expected demand and product mix for desktop storage, coupled with robust demand for notebook storage, though supply remains constrained by glass substrates. Overall pricing is expected to be slightly better than previously forecast. Seagate now projects Q2 2006 revenue of approximately $2.2 billion, operating expenses around $280 million, and non-GAAP diluted EPS in the range of $0.53-$0.57, leading to GAAP diluted EPS of $0.49-$0.53. For the full fiscal year 2006, Seagate expects normalized market conditions with comparable total available market (TAM) for enterprise and desktop storage, a modest sequential decline in notebook storage TAM, and growth in consumer electronics storage. Price erosion is projected to be within historical norms. Key operational assumptions include successful ramp-ups of new high-capacity drives (80GB/platter notebook and 160GB/platter desktop), sequential growth in notebook shipments, penetration of the near-line and retail markets, and improvement in substrate supply. The company forecasts non-GAAP diluted EPS of approximately $2.00 for FY2006, resulting in GAAP diluted EPS of approximately $1.84.

Key Highlights

  • 1Seagate revises Q2 FY2006 outlook upwards due to better-than-expected demand and pricing for desktop and notebook storage products.
  • 2Q2 FY2006 revenue forecast is set at approximately $2.2 billion.
  • 3Supply constraints for notebook drives persist due to limited availability of glass substrates.
  • 4FY2006 EPS (non-GAAP) is projected at approximately $2.00, with GAAP EPS expected to be around $1.84.
  • 5Company anticipates normalized market conditions for FY2006 with expected price erosion at historical norms.
  • 6Key operational focus for FY2006 includes ramping new high-capacity drives and expanding market penetration in enterprise and retail segments.

Frequently Asked Questions

The improved outlook for Q2 FY2006 is driven by better-than-expected demand and product mix for desktop storage products, strong demand for notebook storage products, and an aggregate pricing environment anticipated to be slightly better than previously expected.

Yes, the supply of notebook drives continues to be constrained by the availability of glass substrates, which is a key component.

Seagate expects Q2 FY2006 revenue of approximately $2.2 billion. Non-GAAP diluted EPS is projected to be in the range of $0.53-$0.57, leading to GAAP diluted EPS of $0.49-$0.53.

For FY2006, Seagate forecasts non-GAAP diluted EPS of approximately $2.00, translating to GAAP diluted EPS of approximately $1.84. This outlook assumes normalized market conditions, with TAM for enterprise and desktop storage comparable to recent quarters, a modest decline in notebook storage TAM, and growth in consumer electronics storage.