AMD (NYSE: AMD) reported another lackluster quarter. The lipstick on the pig was that most of the company's fourth quarter losses were writes downs arising from the purchase of graphics chip company ATI.
What AMD spent little time talking about was that revenue was slightly down from a year ago, dipping slightly to $1.77 billion. Gross margins rose to 44% from 36% in the same period a year ago. That is still well below the 58% that Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) reported. After backing out a huge write-off, AMD had a modest loss.
The company also had $95 million in interest expense. Long-term debt is over $5 billion. With shares at $6.34, down from a 52-week high of $18.18 and a price of over $40 less than two years ago, Wall Street has left the company for dead.
There is not much in the current quarterly report to bring money back into the stock.
Douglas A. McIntyre is an editor at 247wallst.com.











Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-18-2008 @ 9:25AM
Micro1234 said...
I agree that these results do not give cause for money to come back into this stock. The reason for money to comeback into this stock existed before these results came out. This company has product that there is high demand for and once the technical issues are cleared up they will have a blowout quarter and a half. It's funny how the chip industry sort of parallels the auto industry in that certain individuals "take sides" regarding AMD and Intel not unlike what you might find in a "Ford vs. Chevy" argument. This blogger has consistently displayed his bias towards Intel and has not once displayed any objective criticism of AMD. Sure they paid too much for ATI, sure they have had glitch on Barcelona. The fact remains that long term both of these issues will go away. And by writing down the ATI purchase, the product that they have as a result of this purchase will contribute considerable profits in future periods due to the fact that it has been well received by the industry and there will be minimal goodwill amortization to offset the higher margins that come with well received product. On the Barcelona front, the only downside is the fact that once they get production up to full speed you can almost count on Intel to drop prices to once again try and run AMD out of business. That is why for the foreseeable future AMD is a stock that you have to get in for a short period and get out about the time that Intel unleashes their wrath upon them. This time you should get in now in the mid sixes and get out at the end of the Qtr. 2 when it hits $10. Start of Q3 is when Intel will fight back after the market has shown an affinity for AMD's better more efficient product.
3-09-2008 @ 6:48PM
sebastian said...
Although the current status of AMD may appear grim and it may also appear that we are witnessing the death throws of a major competitor in the processor game you can count on one thing. The company is revealing what it wants the public and Intel to see. I was around when AMD suprised everyone (including Intel) and took a major foothold on the processor market with the first Athlons. I was there when the Athlon processor broke the seemingly impossible 1Ghz barrier. I was also there when Cyrix died, and I don't see AMD headed down that path just yet. Though it may be true that AMD is definately the David in this David and Goliath battle, I see huge things in the future for this company should it withstand the initial ridicule and financial troubles. Intel is giving little regard to AMD at this time and is even basking in it's appearantly evergrowing lead over the company. The giant is so relaxed going into battle, fat from his feasting on wallets of the investors. AMD appearantly insignificant and starving appears to be no challenge to vast power of Intel. Laugh if you wish, but keep your eyes open for the stone that will drop the giant, because it is coming.