Financial news: Aixtron, Agilent and Rohm
Aixtron breaks even and predicts profits
Aixtron, the MOCVD equipment manufacturer, reported an operating loss of €0.1 million ($0.12 million) for the quarter ending March 31, 2004, an improvement on the losses of €7.1 million ($8.5 million) for the equivalent quarter of 2003.
Revenue for the recent quarter was €25.4 million, up 36% from the identical quarter of 2003, with revenues by region of 74% for Asia, 13% for USA and 13% for Europe.
“This is now the fourth consecutive quarter of increased demand,” said Aixtron’s CEO, Paul Hyland, pointing to continued growth of the LED market for the increased demand of Aixtron s systems.
“The very positive progress in the new market areas of displays and silicon semiconductors are giving us increased confidence," said Hyland.
Aixtron’s cash and cash equivalents position has slightly improved, standing at €47.1 million, up €1.8 million from the previous quarter.
Rohm’s profits rise but cost-cutting continues Rohm reported a net profit of ¥63.7 billion ($560 million) for its fiscal year ending March 31, 2004, up 20.2% from the previous year, according to Japanese newspaper Nihon Keizai Shimbun.
Rohm attributed its success to solid demand for products such as LEDs, LCD displays, and semiconductor lasers, which are used in mobile phones and DVD recorders.
Annual group sales increased by only 1.5% to ¥355.6 billion, hampered by a sluggish domestic market which accounts for almost half of all sales.
Rohm said it will focus its resources on manufacturing high-end customized chips for mobile devices and automobiles, while continuing cost-cutting and other restructuring measures.
Agilent’s semiconductor division reports improved profits
Agilent’s semiconductor products division recorded an operating profit of $65 million for the quarter ending April 30, 2004, up $5 million on the previous quarter, and in stark contrast to a $43 million loss for the same quarter of 2003.
Revenue was $523 million for this division in the latest quarter, up 25% from last year. Agilent believes the rise is associated with strong demands for new mobile and consumer products.
Overall Agilent reported an operating net income for the quarter of $119 million, and revenue of $1.83 billion. “Orders and revenue were at their highest level since 2001,” said Ned Barnholt, Agilent chairman and CEO.
