|
Geneva, April 28, 2008 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) reported
financial results for the 2008 fiscal first quarter ended March 30,
2008.
ST, in conjunction with Intel and Francisco Partners, completed their
previously announced agreement to create Numonyx, an independent semiconductor
company, with ST contributing its Flash Memories Group (FMG). The transaction
was completed on March 30, 2008. The first quarter 2008 income statement
incorporates FMG for the entire period while the balance sheet reflects
Numonyx equity valuation at quarter end. In this press release, ST presents
certain financial results for the Company as a whole, as well as for
the Company excluding FMG.
The acquisition of Genesis Microchip, a leading supplier of image processors,
is included in the first quarter 2008 results following completion of
the acquisition in January, 2008.
Net Revenues and Gross Profit Review
In
Million US$ and % |
|
|
|
Q1 2008 |
Q1 2007 |
Net
Revenues |
2,478 |
2,276 |
|
ST ex FMG
|
2,179 |
1,953 |
|
FMG
|
299 |
323 |
Gross
Profit |
899 |
785 |
|
Gross margin
|
36.3%
* |
34.5% |
|
Gross margin
ex FMG
|
37.6% |
37.0% |
* Gross margin for total Company reflects accounting of Flash Assets
as Held for Sale
On a year-over-year basis and excluding FMG, ST’s net revenues
grew 11.6%, led by automotive, industrial and wireless segments, and
the inclusion of $32 million in sales from Genesis Microchip. Including
FMG, net revenues increased 8.9% year-over-year, as FMG revenues decreased
about 7.4% due to difficult memory market conditions.
On a sequential basis and excluding FMG, net revenues decreased 8.6%,
reflecting sales growth in automotive and the addition of Genesis Microchip,
offset principally by seasonal declines in all other market segments.
Including FMG, sales declined sequentially 9.6%.
Excluding FMG, gross profit was $820 million for the 2008 first quarter,
increasing about 13% in comparison to the year-ago quarter. Excluding
FMG the gross margin was 37.6%, representing an increase of about 60
basis points in comparison to the year-ago period, thanks to improved
product mix and volumes and despite the much more difficult currency
environment. The Company estimates that currency negatively impacted
gross margin by about 300 basis points year-over-year.
Both the gross profit and gross margin were lower in the first quarter
in comparison to the prior period, reflecting Q4 to Q1 seasonal volume
declines in certain product families, first quarter contract pricing
as well as currency.
Operating Expenses
Combined Q1 2008 SG&A and R&D expenses of $813 million include
a one-time, non-cash $21 million charge for in-process R&D specifically
related to the Genesis Microchip acquisition. Excluding the impact of
this incremental expense for in-process R&D and currency, combined
SG&A and R&D expenses were essentially flat sequentially, reflecting
the addition of Genesis operating costs and higher share-based compensation
charges.
On a year-over-year basis, R&D costs increased about 2% excluding
the one-time, in-process R&D charge and net of currency impacts,
while SG&A increased approximately 5%, excluding currency impacts.
In the first quarter of 2008, the effective average exchange rate for
the Company was approximately $1.47 to €1, compared to $1.425 to
€1 in the fourth quarter of 2007 and $1.29 to €1 in the year-ago
quarter. The Company’s effective exchange rate reflects actual
exchange rate levels combined with the impact of hedging programs.
President and CEO
Carlo Bozotti commented, “The first part
of 2008 was very active from a strategic perspective. We completed the
spin-off of our Flash business into a new company, Numonyx. We better
secured our wireless position for the future through the announced majority-owned
joint venture with NXP, combining complementary product lines and customer
bases into an extremely well positioned industry leader. We also completed
the acquisition of Genesis Microchip to strengthen our position in digital
TV.
“From a financial perspective, first quarter revenue and gross
margin closely tracked our outlook. Looking at our business, which now
excludes FMG, we recorded strong year-over-year sales growth of 11.6%,
well-supported by growth in all market segments, and more particularly
driven by industrial and telecom, demonstrating the progress we are
making in building a stronger product portfolio.
“Due to the continued and substantial decline of the US dollar,
our profitability improvements continue to be absorbed by negative currency
fluctuations. We estimate that our year-over-year operating profit was
significantly affected, by about $140 million.
“Finally, our net operating cash flow of about $220 million, before
payment for the Genesis acquisition, also underscores our progress in
capital management which has led to significant reductions in ST’s
capital intensity.”
Summary of Currency Impact
Management believes that currency impact on operating performance is
an important element in comparing operating results. The following table
intends to report estimated year-over-year currency impacts.
| In Million
US$ and % |
|
| Effective
USD/Euro |
Q1 2008
as reported $1.47 |
Q1 2007
as reported $1.29 |
Estimated
impact on selected Q1 2008 results at Q1 2007 exchange rates* |
| |
|
|
Estimated Adverse Impact |
Estimated Q1 2008 results
at constant currency |
| Net Revenues |
2,478 |
2,276 |
|
|
| Gross Profit |
899 |
785 |
74 |
973 |
| Gross margin
|
36.3% |
34.5% |
300 basis points |
39.3% |
| R&D |
(509) |
(435) |
43 |
(466) |
| SG&A |
(304) |
(261) |
29 |
(275) |
| **Pro-forma Operating income: excluding Impairment &
Restructuring and In-process R&D charges |
116 |
74 |
143 |
259 |
* These columns reflects non-GAAP best estimates of exchange-rate impact
on selected financial metrics for ST, and are based upon a US dollar-to-Euro
effective exchange rate of $1.29 per Euro and $1.47 per Euro for First
Quarter 2007 and First Quarter 2008, respectively. Net revenues impact
is based on the assumption that industry prices adjust to equivalent US$
prices with a delay of one quarter, and it is incorporated into estimated
amounts.
**Pro-forma Operating income excluding Impairment, Restructuring and In-process
R&D charges is a metric management believes represent a meaningful
comparison of operating performance. The Q1 2007 amount is derived by
adding $12 million in impairment and restructuring charges to the reported
operating income of $62 million; while the Q1 2008 amount comes from the
addition of $183 million in impairment and restructuring charges and $21
million in one-time in-process R&D expenses from the acquisition of
Genesis Microchip to the reported -$88 million in operating income.
Operating Income, Net Income and Earnings per Share
First quarter 2008 impairment and restructuring charges totaled $183
million, with $19 million primarily coming from previously announced
restructuring programs and $164 million in non-cash impairment charges
related to the completion of the FMG divestiture.
Following the announcement in January 2008 of impairment recognition
in certain asset-backed securities, a downgrade in the credit rating
of a portion of these securities has resulted in ST recognizing an additional
pre-tax $29 million impairment to the value of these financial assets
in the first quarter of 2008. Additionally, the Company has initiated
legal action, and will continue to pursue all options to recover its
losses from these investments, which were made by a global financial
institution deviating from our specific authorization.
Based upon impairment, restructuring and other closure costs--principally
due to the completion of the spin-off of its FMG division--ST reported
an operating loss of $88 million and a net loss of $84 million or $0.09
per share in the 2008 first quarter.
Excluding impairment and restructuring charges and in-process R&D
charge operating income and margin were $116 million and 4.7%, respectively.
Net income per diluted share was $0.13 excluding restructuring, impairment,
in-process R&D charges and other-than-temporary impairment charge
on financial assets.
In the year-ago quarter, the Company reported operating income of $62
million, equal to an operating margin of 2.7% (3.2% excluding restructuring
and impairment charges), and net income of $74 million or $0.08 per
diluted share ($0.09 excluding restructuring and impairment charges).
In the prior quarter, the Company reported an operating loss of $15
million (operating income was $264 million, an operating margin of 9.6%,
excluding restructuring and impairment charges of $279 million), and
net income of $20 million, or $0.02 per diluted share ($0.27 excluding
restructuring and impairment charges that are equivalent, net of taxes,
to $0.20 per diluted share, and other-than-temporary impairment charges
on marketable securities of $46 million, an after-tax impact of $0.05
per diluted share).
Cash Flow and Balance Sheet Highlights
Net cash from operating activities was $502 million in the first quarter.
Net operating cash flow* was $49 million, or $219 million excluding
the $170 million payment for the Genesis business acquisition for the
first quarter, compared to $172 million in the year-ago quarter.
Capital expenditures were $258 million, or 10.4% of net sales during
the first quarter, compared to $405 million, or 14.8% in the prior quarter
and $285 million, or 12.5% in the year-ago quarter.
Inventory was $1.54 billion at quarter end following the disposal of
FMG, reflecting the addition of Genesis Microchip inventory, about $40
million of currency effect as well as stock increases in preparation
for second quarter sales growth.
At March 30, 2008, ST’s cash and cash equivalents, marketable
securities, short-term deposits and restricted cash equaled $3.71 billion.
Total debt was $2.62 billion. ST’s net financial position** was
$1.1 billion. Shareholders’ equity was $9.84 billion.
* 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 ($502 million in the first
quarter of 2008) 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 (current and
non-current) and investment in and proceeds from matured short-term
deposits ($453 million in the first quarter of 2008).
** 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 (current and non-current),
short-term deposits and restricted cash ($3,709 million) minus total
debt (bank overdrafts $0 million + current portion of long-term debt
$300 million + long-term debt $2,324 million).
Net Revenues by Market Segment for Q1 2008
The following table estimates, within a variance of 5% to 10% in the
absolute dollar amount, the relative weighting of each of the Company’s
target market segments for the 2008 first quarter.
| As
% of Net Revenues |
Q1
2008 |
|
| Market Segment |
ST |
ST
excluding FMG |
| Automotive |
16% |
18% |
| Consumer |
17% |
17% |
| Computer |
16% |
17% |
| Telecom |
35% |
31% |
| Industrial & Other |
16% |
17% |
In comparison to the year-ago quarter, all market segments posted growth,
led by Industrial & Others which increased 14%; Telecom and Consumer,
which increased 10% and 8%, respectively; and Computer and Automotive,
which increased approximately 6% each.
On a sequential basis, and excluding Flash memory, Telecom reported
a 17% seasonal sales decline, while Computer and Consumer were both
down about mid single-digit percentages.
Financial and Operating Data by Product Segment for Q1 2008
The following table provides a breakdown of revenues and operating income
by product segment.
| In
Million US$ and % |
Q1
2008 |
| Segment |
Net Revenues |
%
of Net Revenues |
Operating
income (loss) |
| ASG (Application Specific Product Groups) |
$1,393 |
56.2% |
$7 |
| IMS (Industrial and Multisegment Sector) |
772 |
31.2% |
90 |
| FMG (Flash Memories Group) |
299 |
12.1% |
16 |
| Others (1)(2) |
14 |
0.5% |
(201) |
| TOTAL |
$2,478 |
100% |
$(88) |
(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, acquired in-process R&D, 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.
ASG’s revenues grew 14.2% year-over-year and decreased 8.4% sequentially.
Year-over-year sales improvement was driven by application specific
wireless, consumer-- including Genesis Microchip-- and automotive products.
ASG’s operating profit declined sequentially due to seasonal factors
and currency impact.
Carlo Bozotti observed, “Importantly, we experienced
strong underlying improvement, year-over-year, in our ASG operating
income, including the incremental costs from the 3G design team we acquired
from Nokia in November. Masking most of our improvement is the difficult
currency environment and, to a lesser extent, Genesis Microchip, a transaction
we just closed, where we plan to realize identified synergies within
a couple quarters of integration.”
IMS’ sales declined 8.7% sequentially and grew 7.1% year-over-year
reflecting strength in MEMS, microcontrollers, and advanced analog products.
IMS’ operating profit was $90 million, a decline sequentially
reflecting season factors and currency impact. FMG sales declined 16.5%
sequentially and 7.4% year-over-year, while operating profit showed
the benefit of suspended depreciation.
Outlook
Mr. Bozotti stated, “We continue to have strong positive momentum
with our new product introductions and marketing efforts, and, despite
the current economic uncertainties, expect sales to increase sequentially
in the range between 5% and 11% compared to first quarter sales of $2.18
billion excluding FMG. This outlook represents approximately 10% to
16% year-over-year growth. Second quarter 2008 gross margin is expected
to be about 37% plus or minus one percentage point.”
This outlook is based on an assumed currency exchange rate of approximately
$1.55 = €1.00 for the 2008 second quarter, which reflects current
exchange rate levels combined with the impact of existing hedging contracts.
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 May 14th, 2008.
The main resolutions, proposed by the Supervisory Board, include:
- Approval of the Company’s 2007 accounts reported in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). (2007 accounts
reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP were filed on SEC Form 20-F
on March 3, 2008.)
- The reappointment for a three-year term, expiring at the 2011 Annual
General Meeting, of Carlo Bozotti, as the sole member of the Managing
Board and the Company’s President and CEO.
- The reappointment for a three-year term, expiring at the 2011 Annual
General Meeting, for the following members of the Supervisory Board:
Mr. Gérald Arbola, Mr. Tom de Waard, Mr. Didier Lombard and
Mr. Bruno Steve, and the appointment to the Supervisory Board, for
a three-year term expiring at the 2011 Annual General Meeting, of
Mr. Antonino Turicchi.
- The distribution of a cash dividend of US$0.36 per share, to be
paid in four equal quarterly installments in May, August, and November
2008 and February 2009 to shareholders of record in the month of each
quarterly payment. If approved, for the first installment, the Company's
common shares will trade ex-dividend on the three stock exchanges
on which they are listed, on Monday May 19, 2008. For holders of shares
listed on Euronext Paris and the Milan Stock Exchange (Borsa Italiana),
Monday, May 19, 2008 will also be the payment date. For holders of
shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the record date will
be Wednesday, May 21, 2008, and the payment date will be on or after
Tuesday, May 27, 2008. Transfers between New York and European (Dutch)
registered shares will be closed from the end of business in Europe
on Friday, May 16, 2008, until the open of business in New York on
Thursday, May 22, 2008.
Additional Corporate Developments
- On January 25, ST announced that it had performed all necessary
steps to complete its acquisition of Genesis Microchip, concluded
the transaction and began the integration of Genesis into ST’s
Home Entertainment & Displays Group. ST anticipates using the
acquisition to expand its leadership in the $1.5 billion digital-TV
market.
- On March 30, ST, Intel and Francisco partners closed the transaction
formally launching their Numonyx flash-memory joint venture, which
ST will report under the equity method of consolidation, deconsolidating
from ST’s Income Statement the results of Flash Memory Group.
- On April 2, ST announced a share repurchase plan, which authorizes
the Company to repurchase up to 30 million shares of ST’s common
stock.
- On April 7th, ST inaugurated its new Greater China headquarters
building, in Shanghai. The ceremony was organized to highlight ST’s
determination to further increase its presence in one of the world’s
fastest growing economic regions.
- On April 10th, ST and NXP announced an agreement to merge portions
of their wireless businesses that together generated $3 billion in
revenue during 2007. For an investment of $1.55 billion, which included
a control premium, ST will own 80% of the joint venture and the companies
have agreed on a future exit mechanism for NXP’s 20% interest
that includes put and call options, exercisable beginning three years
from the formation of the JV.
Products, Technology and Design Wins
Application-Specific Product Highlights
- In mobile communications, ST announced new hardware features of
its Nomadik processor, and multiple platform availability, including
Symbian OS/S60, Linux, Windows Mobile, Windows Embedded CE and the
Trolltech Qtopia application environment. ST also introduced the world’s
first 24-bit audio DAC with Playback Time Extender™ technology
for mobile music applications. The device is especially suitable for
mobile phones, as it could enable the doubling, or more, of the typical
music playback time currently available on cellular phones, to go
beyond 20 hours.
- In mobile connectivity, ST introduced a 65nm Bluetooth®/FM
Radio combo chip to meet the demanding integration and cost requirements
of the mobile phone market. The IC combines Bluetooth wireless functionality
with an FM radio transceiver, enabling users to play the music stored
on their mobile phone on an FM car radio or home stereo.
- In imaging, ST introduced the market’s smallest 2-megapixel
single-chip camera sensor for mobile applications. Coupling low space
requirements with advanced image-processing capabilities, ST’s
latest mobile-phone camera sensor addresses consumers’ appetite
for full-featured imaging solutions in increasingly popular thin-profile
handsets.
- In communications infrastructure, ST gained design wins for two
highly-complex 65nm digital ASICs for a market-leading network-router
customer.
- In digital consumer, ST confirmed its leadership position for the
shipment of MPEG-2 and H.264 decoder chips for integrated digital
TV sets (iDTVs) for the European market. ST also introduced a cost-optimized
iDTV platform that provides demodulation, MPEG-2 HD and standard-definition
(SD) decoding, full HD video processing, high-quality audio, and video
switching functions for iDTV sets worldwide.
- Additionally, ST announced a new single-chip HD set-top-box decoder
combining both the demodulation and decoder functions on a single
device, designed to meet the requirements of major satellite operators
worldwide, including the increasingly fast transition to the DVB-S2
satellite broadcast standard, and allowing OEMs to target the high-volume
market for consumers moving to HD services.
- Also in consumer, ST launched a pair of audio chips in its all-digital
Sound Terminal™ Family for home theater audio systems: a new
digital power amplifier that is capable of driving up to 100 watts
per channel of audio into stereo 8-ohm loads; and an audio processor
that uses ST’s proprietary FFX (full flexible amplification)
digital modulation technology.
- In computer peripherals, ST gained two SoC design wins from a leading
hard-disk drive (HDD) maker and also launched an HDD motor-control
chip for demanding enterprise-level applications. In printers, ST
gained big design wins in Japan and Korea for its SPEAr™ (Structured
Processor Enhanced Architecture) processor; and one from a major customer
for an ASIC specifically for printers for emerging markets. ST also
produced the first 0.18-micron BCD8 prototypes of a power combo motor
driver IC for a leading printer maker.
- In medical applications, following the success of the evaluation
trials conducted at the National University Hospital of Singapore,
ST and Veredus Laboratories announced the commercial availability
of VereFlu™, a portable lab-on-chip application for rapid detection
of all major influenza types at the point of need. VereFlu is a breakthrough
molecular diagnostic test that can detect infection with high accuracy
and sensitivity, within two hours.
- In car communications, ST announced that its Nomadik-platform based
Cartesio automotive-grade application processor, with embedded GPS
for navigation and telematics, will enable several products from Garmin,
a world leader in portable navigation. Garmin is to integrate Cartesio
in a range of navigation systems, including its new nüvi 205
Personal Navigation Device. Additionally, ST announced the industry’s
first integrated power-management chip for MOST (Media Oriented Systems
Transport) networks, which are commonly used in the automotive sector.
The chip was jointly designed with MOST network-processor-market leader
SMSC.
- In car radio applications, ST’s three-chip digital broadcasting
solution, which powers SIRIUS Backseat TV™, recently received
important recognition with the application winning the Automotive
News PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers’ Contribution to Excellence)
award. SIRIUS Backseat TV is offered in Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles.
- In automotive powertrain applications, ST’s strength in engine
management was confirmed by a design win for a reference platform
from a major European OEM for use in China and India, as well as in
Europe. Additionally, ST gained a key design win for an alternator
controller IC for use in the new Tata Nano car from India. ST also
achieved a design win in energy-saving and fuel-consumption optimization
from a major European OEM. And in car safety, ST’s automotive
camera module prototype was delivered to European car makers.
- In car body applications, ST’s smart-power products have
continued to be accepted by key players in Europe, North America and
Korea with several sockets being won in various applications. ST also
gained a design win for a dedicated ASIC from European and North American
customers for emerging applications using LED drivers.
- In automotive microcontrollers (MCUs), ST launched its new STM8
8-bit MCU platform, aimed at automotive and multi-segment applications.
Prototypes of the first STM8 device have already been delivered to
several tier-one customers for use in a large variety of automotive
applications. A further milestone in the MCU area was achieved by
the joint ST and Freescale design program with the launch of four
32-bit Power Architecture™ MCUs.
Industrial and Multi-Segment Product Highlights
- In general-purpose microcontrollers, in addition to the launch
of the STM8 8-bit MCU platform, which will be ramping up in volume
later this year for multiple markets, ST’s leading-edge 32-bit
STM32 Cortex-M3 based platform gained further industry recognition
with the winning of a best tools prize at the 2008 Embedded Awards
by Hitex’s STM32 PerformanceStick evaluation kit.
- In MEMS applications, ST gained three significant design wins for
its motion sensing accelerometers for mobile consumer products. In
addition, ST announced that its three-axis acceleration sensors are
being used to enable motion control in the new Air Mouse and Music
Remote from Gyration, the consumer electronics brand from Movea, Inc.Gyration’s
in-air motion-control products use ST’s accelerometer technology
to translate natural hand movements into on-screen action, accurately
responding to changes in position and direction.
- In the fast emerging NFC (Near Field Communication) market, which
provides advanced wireless or ‘contactless’ services for
users, such as electronic payment via mobile phone, ST introduced
a secure SoC solution, based on the ST21 smart card MCU, that integrates
all the necessary hardware and software for a complete NFC system.
- In memory ICs, ST announced that it is the first to offer a complete
serial EEPROM portfolio from 2 Kbit to 128 Kbit in both I2C and SPI
versions, benefiting from space-saving MLP (Micro Leadframe Package)
technology.
- For power conversion markets, ST gained design wins for its smart-power
converters in products as different as induction cookers and audio
applications, together with backlight driver ICs for display panels.
ST also released details of a new flexible and cost-saving controller
for high-performance flyback power converters.
- In power discretes, ST announced two new power MOSFETs that use
ST’s proprietary STripFET™ technology to deliver extremely
low conduction and switching losses, aimed at the most demanding DC-DC
converter applications. ST was also awarded a design win for a custom
device for a major automotive energy-saving program; and multiple
wins for its MDmesh™ II technology in various segments. The
Company also further strengthened its hand in delivering world-class
power components with various design wins for power bipolar, power
RF, and IGBTs for a myriad of applications from medical to portable
radios.
- In protection ICs, ST introduced a new series of high-temperature
TRIACs that can maintain full performance up to a temperature of 150
degrees C in appliance motor-control applications. The Company earned
an important design win in this field, too. ST also introduced new
ICs that combine EMI filtering and ESD protection in a single ultra-compact
package, enabling system designers of mobile phones, among other applications,
to implement both functions in board space that previously only accomodated
just the ESD protection alone.
- In linear and interface ICs, ST achieved numerous design wins in
a range of applications, including many from market leaders within
their segment. Additionally, ST announced a low-profile stereo headset
amplifier IC, optimized for feature-phone applications, that improves
audio performance, extends battery life and enables more responsive
user controls compared to existing solutions.
- In advanced analog, ST gained design wins for real-time clock (RTC)
chips with major companies in server and computer-peripheral applications,
in addition to starting a major project for a medical application.
The Company also introduced a new series of drop-in replacement precision
digital-output temperature sensors that are ideal for low-power applications
in a broad range of product areas. In advanced logic products, ST
gained two important design wins: the first for a 6-bit level translator
for a dual memory card with a leading mobile phone maker; and the
second for a 24-bit LED driver IC for an outdoor display-panel application.
All of STMicroelectronics’ press releases (including all releases
in Q1) are available at www.st.com/stonline/press/news/latest.htm
Nomadik, Playback Time Extender, SPEAr, STripFET and MDmesh 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;
- the results of actions by our competitors, including new product
offerings and our ability to react thereto;
- curtailments of purchases from key customers or pricing pressures
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 other third parties, and our ability to obtain required licenses
on reasonable terms and conditions;
- the outcome of ongoing litigation as well as any new litigation
to which we may become a defendant;
- changes in the exchange rates between the US dollar and the
Euro, compared to an assumed effective exchange rate of US $1.55 =
€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, incurred
in currencies other than US dollars which is our reporting currency
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 restructure in accordance with our plans if
unforeseen events require adjustments or delays in implementation;
- our ability in an intensively competitive environment to secure
customer acceptance and to achieve our pricing expectations for high-volume
supplies of new products in whose development we have been, or are
currently, investing;
- the ability of our suppliers to meet our demands for supplies
and materials and to offer competitive pricing;
- significant differences in the gross margins we achieve compared
to 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, execution and
associated costs for the announced transfer of manufacturing from
facilities designated for closure 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.
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. 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 by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Some of the risk factors
we face 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, 2007, as filed with the SEC
on March 3, 2008. 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 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 results of operations
or financial condition.
Conference Call Information
The management of STMicroelectronics will conduct a conference call on
April 29, 2008, at 9:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time / 3:00 p.m. CET, to discuss
operating performance for the first quarter of 2008. The conference
call will be available via the Internet by accessing the following Web
address: http://investors.st.com.
Those accessing 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 9, 2008.
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 2007, the Company's net revenues
were $10 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com
| |
|