News

Intersil Reports Record Gross Margin

April 29, 2015 by Jeff Shepard

Intersil Corporation announced financial results for the first quarter of 2015. Revenue of $134.2 million was up 2.3% sequentially. The company reported a GAAP net loss of $68.8 million resulting from a charge related to intellectual property litigation. Non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.17 exceeded expectations due in part to lower than anticipated operating expenses but also as a result of record gross margin during the quarter.

"New business began to ramp in Q1 as anticipated, and we are making steady progress on our turnaround," said Necip Sayiner, president and CEO of Intersil. "While some customer platform delays and a weaker macro environment are moderating our near-term growth rate, we continue to enjoy strong interest in our new products."

Highlights include: Gross margin improved again and was up to 59.9% on a GAAP basis and 60.2% on a non-GAAP basis. Operating income on a non-GAAP basis increased sequentially, resulting in a non-GAAP operating margin of 21.3%. Diluted GAAP loss per share was $0.53 and non-GAAP earnings per share were $0.17.

Revenue for the first quarter was better than seasonal as newly-introduced consumer products started ramping and the company's Industrial and Infrastructure (I&I) products experienced strong demand. All I&I product areas increased sequentially to contribute to a nearly 7% increase in revenue. Intersil's Consumer and Computing (C&C) revenue was down sequentially 6% as a result of weak demand in the PC market. Overall design win activity remained strong, particularly for new products.

For the first quarter, GAAP results include an $81.1 million charge related to an intellectual property lawsuit brought against Intersil in 2008 by Texas Advanced Optical Solutions. Intersil is seeking to overturn the verdict through post-trial motions and appeals to the appropriate U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, as necessary. GAAP operating expenses therefore totaled $144.1 million, with R&D expense of $32 million and SG&A expense of $25.5 million. GAAP gross margin increased again to 59.9%. For the quarter, the company reported an operating loss of $63.8 million and a net loss of $68.8 million. GAAP diluted loss per share was $0.53.

Non-GAAP gross margin improved again for the eighth consecutive quarter to 60.2% due to favorable product revenue mix driven by lower revenue in computing and higher revenue from the company's I&I products. The company reported non-GAAP operating expenses of $52.1 million. Q1 non-GAAP operating income was $28.6 million resulting in a non-GAAP operating margin of 21.3%. Fully diluted Q1 earnings per share on a non-GAAP basis were $0.17.

Cash and short-term investments increased and totaled $221 million at the end of the first quarter. Intersil's board of directors authorized payment of a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share of common stock. The payment of this dividend will be made on or about May 29, 2015, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 19, 2015.