AMD expects to turn profit by year's end

Speaking at the Reuters Global Technology Summit in california, Meyer said AMD's main division would end the year profitable and with positive free money flow if the computer market improves in the second half from the first, as is the case usually.

NEW YORK—Advanced Micro Devices Inc. expects its core business to make a net profit by year's end with the personal computer market potentially stronger in the second half, Chief Executive Dirk Meyer said Monday (May 18).

The two companies have consolidated reporting and that consolidated report won't show a profit, he said.

A spokeswoman said Meyer's forecast excluded GlobalFoundries, a joint venture between AMD and an investment arm of Abu Dhabi that took over the U.S. chip company's manufacturing assets in March.

Meyer was giving his first in-depth interview since the European Commission last week ruled that Intel Corp, the world's largest maker of microchips, had given illegal rebates to computer makers to try and depress AMD's market share.

"On the assumption they return to at least nominal seasonality from a growth perspective, we'll be in nice shape to leave this year with a profit and free money flow," Meyer said. "I'm hopeful things will stabilize and we'll see a resumption of growth in the back half of the year."

"Over time, it's going to allow us to more successfully compete for business," he said.

Intel was ordered to end its practices with immediate effect. Meyer said he expected no "light switch" effect from the ruling, but was optimistic about the company's future.

Asked if AMD might seek additional funding from Abu Dhabi on top of the investment already gained in the foundry venture, Meyer said he had not spoken to representatives of the oil-rich Emirate.

Reference from eetimes