Summary
Texas Instruments (TXN) filed an 8-K on September 8, 2004, to update its business outlook for the third quarter of 2004. The company revised its expected revenue and earnings per share (EPS) ranges downward. This adjustment is primarily attributed to customers aggressively reducing their inventory levels to better align with their own end-equipment growth rates. These inventory adjustments are noted to be more pronounced in standard products sold through distribution channels. While revenue expectations were lowered across most segments, particularly for semiconductors, the EPS outlook saw a slight upward revision within the provided range. This is due to factors such as reduced factory loadings, a lower expected accrual for profit sharing, and a favorable adjustment to the effective annual tax rate, mainly from an increased estimated tax benefit for export sales. Investors should note that the company explicitly mentions various risks and uncertainties that could impact actual results, as detailed in their "Safe Harbor" statement.
Key Highlights
- 1Texas Instruments (TXN) revised its Q3 2004 revenue outlook downwards due to accelerated customer inventory reductions.
- 2Total Q3 2004 revenue is now expected to be between $3.100 billion and $3.240 billion (previously $3.200 billion to $3.440 billion).
- 3Semiconductor revenue outlook was also lowered to $2.665 billion - $2.785 billion (previously $2.780 billion - $2.980 billion).
- 4Q3 2004 EPS is projected to be between $0.27 and $0.29, slightly improved from the prior range's lower end and within the previous upper limit.
- 5The EPS revision reflects reduced factory loadings, lower profit sharing accruals, and a reduced effective annual tax rate (26% from 29%) due to export sales benefits.
- 6The company attributes inventory adjustments to customers aligning stock with their end-equipment growth rates, with a greater impact on standard products via distribution.
- 7TXN will host a conference call on the same day (September 8, 2004) to discuss the business outlook update, available on their website.