GENEVA, April 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- STMicroelectronics reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2007.
Revenues and Gross Profit
Net revenues for the first quarter were $2,276 million, decreasing 3.7% compared to the $2,364 million reported in last year's first quarter, and reflecting a double-digit decrease in the telecom market segment. Flash memory revenues declined 21.6% while all other product sales were flat year-over- year. Sequentially, net revenues decreased 8.4% from the $2,483 million reported in the prior quarter, largely reflecting lower telecom and consumer sales. Flash memory revenues decreased 13.4% sequentially with all other product sales decreasing 7.6%. Year-over-year and sequential growth in automotive, as well as year-over-year growth in the industrial segment were more than offset by declines in other market segments.
Gross profit was $785 million for the 2007 first quarter down from the $837 million in last year's first quarter. The gross margin was 34.5% in the 2007 first quarter. On a sequential basis, gross profit and gross margin decreased from the fourth quarter levels of $901 million and 36.3%.
President and CEO Carlo Bozotti commented, "The trough of the multi- quarter industry correction currently underway appears to be somewhat deeper than we or industry analysts had anticipated. Our first quarter sales and operating results were negatively impacted by declines in the wireless and consumer segments, in particular, as well as a tougher overall price environment and an unfavorable product mix within wireless. As we manage through this period of correction, factory loadings have adversely affected gross margin."
Operating Expenses
Total R&D and SG&A expenses were $696 million in the first quarter, representing a sequential quarterly decrease of 2%. R&D expenses increased 1% to $435 million in the 2007 first quarter versus the $430 million in the prior quarter. SG&A expenses declined to $261 million for the 2007 first quarter compared to $281 million in the prior quarter. Combined selling, general & administrative and research & development expenses represented 30.6% of net revenues in the first quarter, compared to 28.6% in the prior quarter.
Operating Profit
For the 2007 first quarter, the Company reported operating income of $62 million and an operating margin of 2.7% (3.2% excluding restructuring and impairment charges). In the prior quarter, the Company reported operating income of $173 million and an operating margin of 7.0% (7.4% excluding restructuring and impairment charges). In the year-ago quarter, the Company reported operating income of $140 million and an operating margin of 5.9% (6.5% excluding restructuring and impairment charges).
Net Income and Earnings per Share
For the 2007 first quarter, net income totaled $74 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, compared to the prior quarter net income of $276 million or $0.30 per diluted share, and the year-ago quarter where net income totaled $132 million or $0.14 per share.
Net results included $12 million of impairment, restructuring charges, and other related closure costs during the 2007 first quarter, representing an after-tax impact of approximately $0.01 per share. In the prior quarter, restructuring-related expenses were $10 million ($0.01 per share impact) and $13 million ($0.01 per share impact) in the year-ago quarter.
In the first quarter of 2007, the effective average exchange rate for the Company was approximately $1.29 to euro 1.00, compared to $1.28 to euro 1.00 in the fourth quarter of 2006 and $1.20 to euro 1.00 in the year-ago quarter.
Cash Flow and Balance Sheet Highlights
Net cash from operating activities was $476 million in the first quarter. Capital expenditures were $285 million in the 2007 first quarter compared to $386 million in the prior quarter. Net operating cash flow* was $172 million for the first quarter, compared to $187 million in the year-ago quarter, and $157 million in the prior quarter.
At March 31, 2007, ST's cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, short-term deposits and restricted cash equaled $3.0 billion. Total debt was $2.1 billion. ST's net financial position** was $917 million at the end of the first quarter. Shareholders' equity was $9.9 billion. The Company noted that inventory increased approximately $20 million sequentially, net of currency effects.
* Net operating cash flow is a non-US GAAP metric, which the Company's
management utilizes as a measure of cash-generation capability. It is
defined as net cash from operating activities ($476 million in the
first quarter of 2007) minus net cash used in investing activities
(primarily capital expenditures) excluding restricted cash, payments
for purchase of and proceeds from the sale of marketable securities and
investment in and proceeds from matured short-term deposits ($304
million in the first quarter of 2007).
** Net financial position is a non-US GAAP metric used by the Company's
management to help assess financial flexibility. It is defined as cash
and cash equivalents, marketable securities, short-term deposits and
restricted cash ($3,030 million) minus total debt (bank overdrafts $0
million + current portion of long-term debt $103 million + long-term
debt $2,010 million).
Carlo Bozotti, President and CEO, stated, "We are advancing on our strategic roadmap. First, we continue our focus on cash flow and a lighter asset model for ST. We are decreasing our capital intensity, as evidenced by our first quarter capital expenditures of $285 million, representing a 26% reduction from the prior quarter. For the full year, we are driving towards our capex to sales ratio target of 12%, and are solidly on track based upon first quarter trends and our capital budget outlook for the rest of 2007. As a result, we are increasing our returns to shareholders with the planned 150% increase in the annual cash dividend to $0.30 per share.
"Secondly, following our January 1st reorganization of NOR and NAND Flash businesses into a stand-alone segment, the internal carve-out activities are essentially completed and we continue to progress towards deconsolidation.
"Finally, the strengthening of our product portfolio has been evident in the market share gains ST achieved during 2006, and our objective in 2007 is to make these improvements more visible in our operating results. Supported by the solid foundation of performance within Industrial, Multisegment and Automotive, the progress of our Application Specific Product Groups (ASG) will be instrumental to accomplishing this objective. While ASG has been most affected by the current industry correction and our inventory actions during this period, we expect to see tangible signs of progress over the course of 2007. In particular, new ASG products introduced in the first quarter, most importantly the 3G digital base band, saw limited sales impact thus far, but are expected to ramp nicely through the year. Coupled with planned introductions during the remainder of 2007, including new connectivity products, data-storage SoC's, and digital-TV offerings together with progressive growth in multimedia processors, we believe our product roadmap and strategy are gaining traction."
Net Revenues by Market Segment for Q1 2007
The following table estimates, within a variance of 5% to 10% in the absolute dollar amount, the relative weighting of each of the Company's target market segments for the first quarter of 2007.
Market Segment % of Net Revenues
Q1 2007
Automotive 16%
Consumer 17%
Computer 17%
Telecom 34%
Industrial & Others 16%
For the first quarter, Automotive increased by about 3% sequentially. Industrial and Others was down approximately 5%, while Telecom and Computer were down approximately 12% and 8%, respectively. Consumer was down almost 13% sequentially with analog consumer sales declining at a much faster rate than digital consumer offerings.
Financial and Operating Data by Segment for Q1 2007
The following tables and commentary provide a breakdown of revenues and operating income by product segment.
In Million US$ Q1 2007
Segment Net % of Net Operating
Revenues Revenues income (loss)
ASG (Application Specific
Product Groups) $1,220 53.6% $(1)
IMS (Industrial and
Multisegment Sector) 722 31.7% 107
FMG (Flash Memories Group) 323 14.2% (17)
Others (1)(2) 11 0.5% (27)
TOTAL $2,276 100% $62
Sequentially, Industrial and Multisegment Sector revenues decreased 5.1%, Application Specific Product Groups sales declined 9.1%, and FMG sales declined 13.4%.
Mr. Bozotti continued, "First quarter 2007 operating profit declined to essentially breakeven for ASG, IMS reported $107 million in this tough environment while FMG had an operating loss of $17 million due to a gross margin of about 19%."
(1) Net revenues of "Others" include revenues from sales of Subsystems and
other products not allocated to product segments.
(2) Operating loss of "Others" includes items such as impairment,
restructuring charges, and other related closure costs, start-up
costs, and other unallocated expenses such as strategic or special
research and development programs, certain corporate-level operating
expenses, certain patent claims and litigations, and other costs that
are not allocated to the product segments, as well as operating
earnings or losses of the Subsystems and Other Products segment.
Certain costs, mainly R&D, formerly in the "Others" category, have
been allocated to the segments.
Outlook
Mr. Bozotti stated, "We see sales growth resuming for ST in the second quarter. Specifically, we expect sequential sales growth in the range between 4% and 10%. With respect to the gross margin for the upcoming quarter, two factors are anticipated to limit sequential margin expansion: first, the increased weakness of the US dollar will have a negative impact on ST; and second, an estimated impact of about 40 basis points due to unloading of logic products in our Singapore fab, in connection with the Flash memory carve-out. The result is an expected second quarter gross margin level of about 35% plus or minus 1 percent."
These objectives are based on an assumed currency exchange rate for the Company of approximately $1.34 = euro 1.00 for the 2007 second quarter, which reflects current exchange rate levels combined with the impact of existing hedging contracts.
Net Revenues and Operating Profit by Group in 2006
The following tables reflect previously announced 2006 net revenues and operating income of the Company according to the new organizational footprint put in place at the beginning of 2007.
Net Revenues
In Million US$
Segment Revenues Q1 2006 Q2 2006 Q3 2006 Q4 2006 FY 06
ASG (Application Specific
Product Groups) $1,317 $1,367 $1,370 $1,342 $5,396
IMS (Industrial and
Multisegment Sector) 621 707 754 760 2,842
FMG (Flash Memories Group) 412 407 379 372 1,570
Others 14 14 10 8 46
TOTAL $2,364 $2,495 $2,513 $2,483 $9,854
Totals are correct, rounding accounts for any inconsistencies.
Operating Profit
In Million US$
Segment Operating
Income (Loss) Q1 2006 Q2 2006 Q3 2006 Q4 2006 FY 06
ASG (Application Specific
Product Groups) $95 $108 $125 $111 $439
IMS (Industrial and
Multisegment Sector) 77 105 134 125 441
FMG (Flash Memories Group) (16) 3 (17) (24) (53)
Others (16) (47) (48) (39) (150)
TOTAL $140 $169 $194 $173 $677
Totals are correct, rounding accounts for any inconsistencies.
Recent Corporate Developments
The Company recently announced the main resolutions to be submitted for shareholders' approval at the Company's Annual General Meeting, which will be held in Amsterdam on Thursday, April 26, 2007.
The main resolutions, proposed by the Supervisory Board, include:
-- Approval of the Company's 2006 accounts reported in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). (2006 accounts
reported under U.S. GAAP were filed on SEC Form 20-F on March 14,
2007.)
-- The appointments for a three-year term, expiring at the 2010 Annual
General Meeting, as new members of the Supervisory Board of Mr. Ray
Bingham and Mr. Alessandro Ovi. Mr Robert White's and Mr. Antonino
Turicchi's Board service will conclude with the 2007 Annual General
Meeting.
-- The distribution of a cash dividend of $0.30. If approved, the
Company's common shares would trade ex-dividend on the three stock
exchanges on which they are listed, on Monday, May 21, 2007. For
holders of shares listed on Euronext Paris and the Milan Stock Exchange
(Borsa Italiana), Monday, May 21, 2007 would also be the payment date.
For holders of shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the record
date would be Wednesday, May 23, 2007, and the payment date would be on
or after Tuesday, May 29, 2007. Transfers between New York and European
(Dutch) registered shares would be closed from the end of business in
Europe on Friday, May 18, 2007, until the open of business in New York
on Thursday, May 24, 2007.
The complete Agenda and relevant detailed information concerning the STMicroelectronics N.V. Annual General Meeting, as well as all related AGM materials, is available on the Company's website http://www.st.com/.
Products, Technology and Design Wins
Application-Specific Product Highlights
-- In mobile multimedia, LG Electronics selected ST's Nomadik(TM)
multimedia application processor technology, together with ST's
pre-integrated S60 Platform, for LG's stylish new JoY 3.5G HSDPA smart
phone. ST also released details of two agreements that will provide
enhanced functionality for Nomadik: one for next-generation graphics
technology with AMD for mobile gaming and user interface applications;
and another, with Arkamys, for implementing audio algorithms on the
Nomadik platform to create 'surround sound' from just two headphones or
speakers.
-- In mobile connectivity, ST gained three wireless-LAN design-ins at a
tier-one customer for 2.5G and 3G smart phones; to date, ST's WLAN
solution has been designed-in to a total of 28 portable consumer
products.
-- In imaging, ST introduced: the VS6724 2-megapixel UXGA-resolution
camera subsystem, for the high-volume mainstream camera-phone market;
and the VM6101 light and color-sensing IC for mobile phones, notebook
PCs and LCD TVs.
-- In digital consumer, Samsung Electronics, Metalink and ST used CeBIT to
announce their collaboration to launch a revolutionary HDTV IP set-top
box (STB), based on the 802.11n wireless standard. In addition to the
launch at the Consumer Electronics Show of the STi7200, the world's
first dual HDTV decoder chip to be manufactured in 65nm technology, ST
also announced new STB decoder products: the STi5107 MPEG decoder for
SDTV (standard-definition TV), designed to address the requirements of
the mainstream STB market; and the QAMi5107 integrated demodulator plus
MPEG decoder single-chip solution for digital cable SDTV.
-- ST also introduced several front-end STB demodulator products,
including: the STV0900, a dual DVB-S2 satellite demodulator chip
intended for STBs that allow viewers to watch one SDTV or HDTV channel
while recording another; the STV0498 for cable TV STBs, supporting the
DOCSIS 2.0 standard and fully compatible with the DOCSIS 3.0
channel-bonding scheme; and the STV0297E, the latest generation device
from the industry-leading STV0297 cable TV demodulator family. For TVs,
ST announced its first column-driver ICs, now being sampled to key
customers, including CPT, for the fast-growing large-size LCD TV
market.
-- ST launched the STV83xy family of TV sound-processor chips, which are
intended for mainstream flat-panel TV sets. ST also announced the
'Sound Terminal(TM)' digital-audio streaming concept, which brings
high-quality audio, lower power dissipation, and reduced manufacturing
costs to applications such as flat-panel TV sets, wireless products and
personal audio systems. Additionally, ST announced agreements for
surround-sound audio algorithms and next-generation wireless solutions
based on Bluetooth and infra-red technologies for integration into the
Sound Terminal family.
-- In automotive applications, in the airbag segment, for which ST has
more than 40% market share in intelligent drivers, ST won a new
platform with a major European tier-one player, intended for mid- to
low-end car models. In the crash-avoidance segment, ST and Mobileye are
now starting to ship modules to major US and European OEMs, including
GM, BMW and Volvo. ST also won sockets with major Russian OEMs for
engine control, car supply voltage and MCU applications.
-- In automotive multimedia, ST introduced a high-sensitivity GPS chip
family for OEM applications and the fast-growing Portable Navigation
Device market, for which ST is currently working with the market
leader. Additionally, ST has developed a System-on-Chip (SoC) IC
designed to operate with both GPS and the new European Galileo
navigation standard. Also ST's NaviFlex multimedia platform has been
selected by several OEMs for navigation devices, telematic boxes,
digital radio receivers and high-end car radios.
-- In car body applications, ST gained several design wins, including: a
body-control module, based on an analog chipset, for a European tier
one customer; an ASSP for an innovative next-generation lighting
solution; and wins for analog smart power ICs at two major American car
makers.
-- In automotive digital broadcasting, ST began major deliveries of its
90nm digital satellite radio chipsets to both XM Radio and Sirius
Radio. Using the same allocated RF spectrum to deliver a digital audio
and video signal, the Sirius chipset is also enabling Delphi to provide
Sirius Backseat TV to car manufacturers. ST also signed an agreement
with the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS to jointly
develop a dedicated low-power ASIC for Digital Radio Mondiale(TM)
(DRM(TM)) applications.
-- In computing and peripherals, ST announced its cooperation with The
Institute of Computing Technology (ICT) of the Chinese Academy of
Sciences on the development and commercial exploitation of processors
developed by ICT. The first-generation product, Loongson 2E, delivers
world-class performance and optimized power consumption at a compelling
price point.
-- ST introduced two additions to its SPEAr(TM) configurable
System-on-Chip ICs: the dual-core SPEAr Plus600 and single-core SPEAr
Head600, to enable printer, POS and other equipment manufacturers to
develop complex yet flexible digital engines at a fraction of the time
and cost required by a full-custom design. Additionally, ST gained two
design wins for digital ASICs, the first for a laser printer, the
fastest growing printer segment, and the second for an inkjet
multi-function printer. And a major player in the POS market chose ST
to develop an analog ASIC for its new product range.
-- In medical, Veredus Laboratories is beginning a trial with the
Singapore National University Hospital to assess diagnostic testing
using ST's lab-on-chip In-Check(TM) platform for the detection of all
major influenza types, including H5N1 avian influenza.
Industrial and Multi-Segment Product Highlights
-- In power applications, ST gained design wins with several US and
Taiwanese server manufacturers for a power-management IC for
next-generation AMD CPUs. ST's PM6680 power system controller is
ramping-up production with one of the largest notebook makers. ST also
gained in the LCD/PDP power supply market with design wins at various
manufacturers in Asia, and gained a design win for the L6924 battery
charger and L5973 dc/dc converter with Logitech for Apple iPod
accessories.
-- In power MOSFETs, ST gained design wins across all major sectors,
including wins with world leading OEMs in the telecoms and computer
segments. ST also gained its first billing for its 80A/1200V monolithic
ESBT for a solar-panel converter application. ST's IGBT products were
qualified for use in two applications: plasma display panels; and in
modules specifically designed for induction heating and PFCs.
-- ST saw customer qualification of ultra-low-capacitance protection
technology for consumer, telecoms and computer applications, as well as
the qualification and ramp-up of AC switches at European leaders in
home appliances.
-- In advanced analog and logic, ST introduced a new LED driver, which
includes auto-power-saving features allowing OEMs to meet the high
power-efficiency requirements of industrial applications by
guaranteeing savings of 80% compared to existing solutions. ST also
introduced Xpander Logic, which enables the re-assignment of existing
or additional I/O-intensive tasks from the MCU in embedded systems.
-- ST's temperature sensors are now in qualification with various
customers: the STLM75 sensor at a major US server manufacturer; sensors
for DRAM memory modules are now in qualification with several PC
makers; and production deliveries of temperature sensors and
microprocessor supervisors at a major US metering manufacturer.
-- In MEMS, ST introduced the LIS302ALK ultra-compact 'low-g' linear
accelerometers, which provide precise acceleration values in all three
dimensions.
-- In microcontrollers, ST announced two development kits: a kit for the
STR7 and STR9 MCU families that will greatly simplify embedding
software to handle the USB interface standard into applications; and a
motor-control kit, built around the 32-bit STR750, for the rapid
development of high-performance control applications.
-- In non-volatile memory ICs, ST launched a 1-Mbit serial EEPROM, the
M24M01, which is available in the tiny SO8N package. Additionally, ST
made its 2- to 64-Kbit devices available in the 2 x 3mm MLP8 package.
Flash Memory Product Highlights
-- ST announced availability of 1-Gbit and 512-Mbit 65nm NOR Flash,
featuring the smallest die size available in the market. Based on
multi-level-cell (MLC) technology, the family is fully compatible with
ST's existing 90nm NOR Flash PR family. ST also announced the M29W320,
a 32-Mbit device that is Automotive Grade-certified for operation over
the -40 to +125 degrees C range.
All of STMicroelectronics' press releases (including all releases in Q1) are available at http://www.st.com/stonline/press/news/latest.htm
Nomadik, Sound Terminal, SPEAr and In-Check are trademarks of STMicroelectronics. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Some of the statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended) based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those in such statements due to, among other factors:
-- future developments of the world semiconductor market, in particular
the future demand for semiconductor products in the key application
markets and from key customers served by our products;
-- pricing pressures, losses or curtailments of purchases from key
customers all of which are highly variable and difficult to predict;
-- the financial impact of obsolete or excess inventories if actual demand
differs from our anticipations;
-- the impact of intellectual property claims by our competitors or third
parties, and our ability to obtain required licenses on reasonable
terms and conditions;
-- changes in the exchange rates between the US dollar and the Euro,
compared to an assumed effective exchange rate of US $1.34 = euro 1.00
and between the U.S. dollar and the currencies of the other major
countries in which we have our operating infrastructure;
-- our ability to manage in an intensely competitive and cyclical industry
where a high percentage of our costs are fixed and difficult to reduce
in the short term, including our ability to adequately utilize and
operate our manufacturing facilities at sufficient levels to cover
fixed operating costs;
-- our ability to perform the announced strategic repositioning of our
Flash memory business in line with the requirements of our customers
and without adverse effect on existing alliances or other agreements
relating to this business , as well as the potential negative financial
impact of any future deconsolidation of the Flash memory business;
-- our ability in an intensive competitive environment, to secure customer
acceptance and to achieve our pricing expectations for high-volume
supplies of new products in whose development we have or are currently
investing;
-- the anticipated benefits of research and development alliances and
cooperative activities, as well as the uncertainties concerning the
modalities, conditions and financial impact beyond 2007 of the R&D
cooperative alliance in Crolles 2;
-- the ability of our suppliers to meet our demands for supplies and
materials and to offer competitive pricing;
-- our gross margin could vary significantly from expectations based on
changes in revenue levels, product mix and pricing, capacity
utilization, variations in inventory valuation, excess or obsolete
inventory, manufacturing yields, changes in unit costs, impairments of
long-lived assets, including manufacturing, assembly/test and
intangible assets, and the timing and execution of the manufacturing
ramp and associated costs, including start-up costs;
-- changes in the economic, social or political environment, including
military conflict and/or terrorist activities, as well as natural
events such as severe weather, health risks, epidemics or earthquakes
in the countries in which we, our key customers and our suppliers
operate;
-- changes in our overall tax position as a result of changes in tax laws
or the outcome of tax audits, and our ability to accurately estimate
tax credits, benefits, deductions and provisions and to realize
deferred tax assets;
-- the outcome of litigation;
-- the results of actions by our competitors, including new product
offerings and our ability to react thereto.
Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results and performance of our business to differ materially and adversely from the forward-looking statements. Certain such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes", "may", "will", "should", "would be" or "anticipates" or similar expressions or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Some of these risk factors are set forth and are discussed in more detail in "Item 3. Key Information-Risk Factors" included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2006, as filed with the SEC on March 14, 2007. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this release as anticipated, believed or expected. We do not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update any industry information or forward-looking statements set forth in this release to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
Unfavorable changes in the above or other factors listed under "Risk Factors" from time to time in our SEC filings, including our Form 20-F, could have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.
Conference Call Information
The management of STMicroelectronics will conduct a conference call on April 25, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time / 3:00 p.m. CET, to discuss performance for the first quarter of 2007.
The conference call will be available via the Internet by accessing the following Web address: http://investors.st.com/. Those viewing the webcast should go to the Web site at least 15 minutes prior to the call, in order to register, download, and install any necessary audio software. The webcast will be available until May 4, 2007.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2006, the Company's net revenues were $9.85 billion and net earnings were $782 million. Further information on ST can be found at http://www.st.com/.
(tables attached)
For further information, please contact:
INVESTOR RELATIONS:
Stanley March
Group Vice President, Investor Relations
Tel: +1.212.821.89.39
Fax: +1.212.821.89.23
