Qimonda Reports Results for the Second Quarter of Financial Year 2008

Qimonda AG (NYSE: QI) today announced results for the second quarter of financial year (FY) 2008, which ended March 31, 2008. Net sales decreased to Euro 412 million, or 20 percent, from Euro 513 million in the first quarter of FY 2008. Compared to the second quarter of FY 2007, sales declined 58 percent from Euro 984 million. In the second quarter of FY 2008, Qimonda recorded an EBIT loss of Euro 468 million compared to an EBIT loss of Euro 590 million in the first quarter of FY 2008 and a positive EBIT of Euro 85 million in the second quarter of FY 2007. Net loss was Euro 482 million, or a loss per share (basic and diluted) of Euro 1.41, compared to a net loss of Euro 598 million in the first quarter of FY 2008, or a loss per share (basic and diluted) of Euro 1.75. In the second quarter of FY 2007, Qimonda reported net income of Euro 57 million or earnings per share (basic and diluted) of Euro 0.17. For the first half of FY 2008, Qimonda recorded net sales of Euro 925 million, a decrease of 57 percent compared to the same period last year. EBIT loss for the first half of the financial year was Euro 1,058 million compared to a positive EBIT of Euro 335 million in the first half of the previous financial year. Net loss amounted to Euro 1,080 million or a loss per share of Euro 3.16 compared to net income of Euro 234 million or earnings per share of Euro 0.68 in the first half of FY 2007. "Even though second quarter results show an improvement compared to last quarter, we are still operating in extremely difficult market conditions,” said Kin Wah Loh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Qimonda AG. "Since the beginning of this industry downturn, we have reduced our capital expenditures, phased out 200mm foundries and more recently reduced the loading of our 300mm foundry capacities. Now we are introducing a comprehensive cost reduction program to further adjust our cost structure. At the same time, our breakthrough Buried Wordline technology will give us a competitive leap forward in productivity, product portfolio and partnerships. I am excited to announce our first partnership based on this new technology platform with Winbond.” Results from Operations In the second quarter, Qimonda realized bit shipment growth of 48 percent compared to the corresponding period one year earlier. Net sales decreased mainly due to a 67 percent decline in average selling price for the company’s products compared with the prior year quarter as well as a weaker US dollar. Compared with the first financial quarter, bit production grew by 6 percent mainly due to productivity improvements. Bit shipments decreased by 9 percent as finished goods inventories grew slightly. Net sales decreased due to the lower bit shipments and a 7 percent decline in average selling prices for the company’s products. Qimonda’s share of shipments to PC applications grew slightly to 56 percent due to its increased focus on accelerating the conversion of its process technology. In the second quarter of FY 2008, Qimonda generated 32 percent of its net sales in North America, 17 percent in Europe, 40 percent in Asia Pacific and 11 percent in Japan. Year over year, gross margin and net income turned to losses due to the significant decline in average selling prices, resulting in a net loss in the second quarter of FY 2008. The effect of the rapid and deep price decline could not be offset by higher bit shipments and improved manufacturing productivity. Quarter over quarter, negative gross margin and net loss narrowed primarily due to the absence of inventory write downs for the quarter as well as the effect of the restructuring and business discontinuation charges that were recorded in the first quarter. However, net loss in the second quarter included a write down of goodwill of Euro 61 million. Pursuant to US GAAP standard SFAS No. 142, the company assessed its recorded goodwill for impairment. As a result of this assessment, Qimonda wrote off the full carrying amount of its goodwill as of March 31, 2008. This non-cash charge of Euro 61 million is reflected as other operating expense. Qimonda had converted more than 75 percent of its capacities to 80nm and 75nm by the end of March and is on track to reach a conversion rate of 90 percent by September 2008. Cash Flow and Balance Sheet In the second quarter of FY 2008, cash outflow from operations narrowed to Euro 110 million compared to an outflow of Euro 158 million in the first quarter of FY 2008, mainly due to improvements in working capital. Capital expenditures in the second quarter of FY 2008 were primarily used for technology conversions and decreased significantly to Euro 79 million from Euro 190 million in the prior quarter. Free cash flow was negative Euro 193 million. The previous quarter free cash flow of negative Euro 217 million included a cash inflow of Euro 131 million from sale leaseback transactions. At the end of the second quarter of FY 2008, Qimonda’s gross cash position increased to Euro 768 million compared to Euro 746 million in the last quarter. The company’s net cash position in the second quarter was Euro 216 million compared to Euro 374 million in the first quarter of FY 2008. The second quarter figures include Euro 170 million in proceeds from a convertible bond issuance and a Euro 40 million term loan. "In a difficult market environment we maintained strict financial discipline and ensured a solid cash position,” said Michael Majerus, Chief Financial Officer of Qimonda AG. Technology and Partnerships Based on the recent progress the company has made, Qimonda plans to further accelerate the conversion to the new Buried Wordline technology and plans to introduce the first product, a 1G DDR2 on 65nm Buried Wordline technology, in September 2008. Qimonda has just signed a technology license and foundry agreement on the 65nm Buried Wordline technology with Winbond. This partnership builds on a longstanding history of successful mutual cooperation. Qimonda is also in discussions with other potential partners regarding its breakthrough technology. Cost Reduction Program Since the beginning of the market downturn in 2007, Qimonda has cut capital expenditures approximately by half, completely phased out less productive 200mm foundries and reduced 300mm foundry capacities. This puts Qimonda now in a position to implement in a second step a comprehensive cost reduction program to adjust its cost structure accordingly and lower its breakeven point. The company targets Euro 180 million in annualized cost reductions compared to the current cost structure. These cost reductions are based on a combination of reducing workforce in the range of 10 percent on a worldwide basis and cutting recurring costs. This includes a reduction in non-volatile memory development to basic research activities. The related agreement with Macronix will be terminated. Qimonda expects to realize these savings in full starting in FY 2009 and to accrue any restructuring charges relating to this program by the end of FY 2008. Outlook For the third quarter, Qimonda expects its bit production to decrease by a high single digit percentage compared to the second quarter, mainly due the reduction of capacity corridors with foundry partners. Qimonda is currently targeting an increase in its bit production for FY 2008 of 20 to 30 percent, taking into account a reduction of 300mm capacities at its foundry partners, compared to its prior estimate of 30 to 40 percent. In general, Qimonda expects a slow down of supply growth in the market, in line with market researchers, eventually leading to a more balanced supply and demand situation. Qimonda is further reducing its target for SG&A expenses for FY 2008 to between Euro 180 million and Euro 200 million compared to its original target at the beginning of the financial year of between Euro 210 million and Euro 230 million. For FY 2008, Qimonda continues to expect bit demand for DRAM to be driven by continued solid growth in servers, consumer and communication applications and the move to higher density modules in the PC market. Qimonda expects its share of bit-shipments for use in non-PC applications to be greater than 50 percent for the full financial year. Recent Strategic and Production Highlights Technology Breakthrough: innovative Buried Wordline DRAM technology to further advance the company’s diversified product portfolio and to deliver improvements in its productivity. Convertible bond fully exercised with total principal amount of US Dollar 248.1 million. Intel Validation of DDR3 SO-DIMMs on upcoming Intel® Centrino® 2 Processor Technology Mobile Platforms. Upcoming Events 2008 July 24 Earnings Release for the Third Quarter of FY 2008 Unaudited Financial Information Attached is Qimonda's unaudited financial information for the second quarter of the 2008 financial year, which ended March 31, 2008. This financial information includes reconciliations of the non-US GAAP financial measures EBIT, net cash position and free cash flow to net income, gross cash position and cash flow from operations, respectively, which are the closest measures prepared in accordance with US GAAP. Financial information as of dates before and for periods beginning before May 1, 2006 is derived from Qimonda's combined financial statements prepared in accordance with its carve-out from Infineon, effective on that date. Conference Call The company will host a conference call today at 4:30pm EST, 1:30pm PST, 9:30pm GMT, and 10:30pm CET to discuss its financial results. The web cast and slide presentation will be available at www.qimonda.com. A webcast replay will be available for a limited time on the company’s web site. An audio replay of the conference call will also be available at phone number +1 718 354 1112 (US), +44 (0)20 7806 1970 (UK), +49 (0)69 22222 0418 (Germany), +81 (0)3 3570 8212 (Japan), pass code: 7984877 #, beginning at 6:30pm EST today and continuing until 5:59pm EST on April 24, 2008. About Qimonda Qimonda AG (NYSE: QI) is a leading global memory supplier with a broad diversified DRAM product portfolio. The company generated net sales of Euro 3.61 billion in financial year 2007 and had approximately 13,500 employees worldwide. Qimonda has access to five 300mm manufacturing sites on three continents and operates six major R&D facilities. The company provides DRAM products for a wide variety of applications, including in the computing, infrastructure, graphics, mobile and consumer areas, using its power saving technologies and designs. Further information is available at www.qimonda.com. Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions and forecasts made by Qimonda management and third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to update any of them in light of new information or future events. These forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and are subject to a number of uncertainties, including trends in demand and prices for semiconductors generally and for our products in particular, the success of our development efforts, both alone and with our partners, the success of our efforts to introduce new production processes at our facilities and the actions of our competitors, the availability of funds for planned expansion efforts and the outcome of antitrust investigations and litigation matters, as well as other factors. We caution you that these and a number of other known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual future results, or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. These factors include those identified under the heading "Risk Factors" in our most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and our prospectus supplement filed with the SEC on February 11, 2008, each of which is available without charge on our website and at www.sec.gov. Qimonda AG and Subsidiaries Unaudited Financial Information Second Quarter 31.03.2008 All amounts in Euro millions, except where otherwise stated 3 Months 3 Months 3 Months 6 Months 6 Months March 31 Dec 31 March 31 March 31 March 31 Q2 FY 2008 Q1 FY 2008 Q2 FY 2007 FY 2008 FY 2007 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Total net sales 412 513 984 925 2,157 Cost of goods sold (652) (927) (785) (1,579) (1,608) Gross (loss) profit (240) (414) 199 (654) 549 Research and development expense (109) (110) (96) (219) (193) Selling, general and administrative expense (42) (48) (48) (90) (92) Restructuring charges (2) (16) - (18) - Other operating (expense) income, net (60) 3 3 (57) 3 Operating (loss) income (453) (585) 58 (1,038) 267 Interest (expense) income, net (5) 1 2 (4) 3 Equity (loss) in earnings of associated companies (12) 2 28 (10) 65 Loss on associated company share issuance - (7) - (7) - Other non-operating (expense) income, net (2) 2 1 - 6 Minority interests (1) (2) (2) (3) (3) Income (loss) before income taxes (473) (589) 87 (1,062) 338 Income tax expense (9) (9) (30) (18) (104) Net (loss) income (482) (598) 57 (1,080) 234   Earnings (loss) per share - basic and diluted (in euro) (1.41) (1.75) 0.17 (3.16) 0.68   FINANCIAL POSITION Assets: Current assets:   Cash and cash equivalents 540 509 872 540 872   Marketable securities 228 237 263 228 263   Trade accounts receivable, net 194 258 505 194 505   Inventories 344 386 753 344 753   Deferred income taxes 31 38 51 31 51   Other current assets 147 240 201 147 201 Total current assets 1,484 1,668 2,645 1,484 2,645   Property, plant and equipment, net 1,982 2,146 2,061 1,982 2,061 Intangible assets, net 71 138 153 71 153 Long-term investments 561 594 668 561 668 Deferred income taxes 142 151 162 142 162 Other assets 24 19 19 24 19 Total assets 4,264 4,716 5,708 4,264 5,708   Liabilities and shareholders' equity: Current liabilities:    Short-term debt and current maturities 123 68 69 123 69    Trade accounts payable 603 704 658 603 658    Accrued liabilities 121 146 150 121 150    Deferred income taxes 5 5 17 5 17    Other current liabilities 297 261 294 297 294 Total current liabilities 1,149 1,184 1,188 1,149 1,188   Long-term debt 429 304 129 429 129 Pension liabilities 27 25 29 27 29 Deferred income taxes 14 26 51 14 51 Long-term accrued liabilities 16 18 5 16 5 Other liabilities 226 202 182 226 182 Minority Interest 80 84 76 80 76 Total liabilities 1,941 1,843 1,660 1,941 1,660 Total shareholders' equity 2,323 2,873 4,048 2,323 4,048 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 4,264 4,716 5,708 4,264 5,708   CASH FLOW   Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (110) (158) 286 (268) 724 therein: Depreciation and amortization 162 163 171 325 332 Impairment Goodwill 61 - - 61 -   Net cash used in investing activities (87) (35) (278) (122) (486) therein: Net (purchases) proceeds of marketable securities (4) 24 (119) 20 (130) Purchases of property, plant and equipment (79) (190) (144) (269) (365)   Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 232 (38) (191) 194 (295) therein: Net change in short-term debt due Infineon - - (184) - (296)   RECONCILIATIONS   Net (loss) income (482) (598) 57 (1,080) 234 Interest (expense) income, net (5) 1 2 (4) 3 Earnings (loss) before Interest (EBI) (477) (599) 55 (1,076) 231 Income tax expense (9) (9) (30) (18) (104) Earnings (loss) before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) (468) (590) 85 (1,058) 335   Cash and cash equivalents 540 509 872 540 872 Marketable securities 228 237 263 228 263 Gross Cash position 768 746 1,135 768 1,135   Short-term debt and current maturities 123 68 69 123 69 Long-term debt 429 304 129 429 129 Total financial debt 552 372 198 552 198           Net Cash position 216 374 937 216 937 Total shareholders' equity 2,323 2,873 4,048 2,323 4,048 Capital Employed 2,107 2,499 3,111 2,107 3,111   Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (110) (158) 286 (268) 724 Net cash used in investing activities (87) (35) (278) (122) (486) Net purchases (proceeds) of marketable securities 4 (24) 119 (20) 130 Free Cash Flow (193) (217) 127 (410) 368   STATISTICS AND RATIOS   Gross Margin (58)% (81)% 20 % (71)% 25 % R&D as % of sales 26 % 21 % 10 % 24 % 9 % SG&A as % of sales 10 % 9 % 5 % 10 % 4 % EBI / Sales (116)% (117)% 6 % (116)% 11 % EBIT Margin (114)% (115)% 9 % (114)% 16 % Net income / Sales (117)% (117)% 6 % (117)% 11 % Effective Tax Rate (2)% (2)% 34 % (2)% 31 % Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (million) - basic 342 342 342 342 342 Sales / Equity 0.7 0.7 1.0 0.8 1.1 Capital Turnover (Sales / Capital Employed) 0.8 0.8 1.3 0.9 1.4 Net (loss) income / Equity ratio (83)% (83)% 6 % (93)% 12 % ROCE (EBI / Capital Employed) (91)% (96)% 7 % (102)% 15 %