Microcontrollers maker Microchip Technology (MCHP) provided adjusted earnings and revenue outlook for the fourth quarter that seems to be modestly ahead of expectations. Importantly, the company indicated that it will focus on improving margins sequentially. The March quarter normally gets impacted seasonally due to Lunar New Year holidays in Asia, but the company sees the period to be a recovery from inventory correction. The company's third quarter results came in line with Street estimations.
Q3 Results
Microchip reported net income of $77.5 million, down 24 percent from $101.9 million and earnings slipped 27 percent to 38 cents a share from 52 cents a share in the year-ago quarter. On an adjusted basis, net income would have dropped 25 percent to $85.4 million from $113.8 million and earnings skid 27.6 percent to $38 cents a share from 52 cents a share in the year earlier quarter.
Net sales fell 10.5 percent to $329.2 million from $367.8 million in the previous year quarter. On average, Wall Street analysts predicted the company to earn 42 cents a share on revenues of $328.72 million.
Adjusted gross margin slipped 56.8 percent from 59.8 percent in the third quarter of last year as a result of weak demand the industry is going through.
Outlook
Moving ahead, Microchip sees adjusted earnings between 43 cents and 47 cents a share on revenues of $332.4 - $345.6 million. Adjusted earnings outlook represents 2.4 – 12 percent growth on revenues upside of 1 – 5 percent. This should be a better one considering the sluggishness with which it has been passing through.
Street analysts' predict the company to earn 43 cents a share on revenues of $337.85 million.
Our Take
Microchip delivered results in line with expectations, but projection for fourth quarter seems to be slightly ahead of expectations indicating recovery. The March quarter should further indicate the strength of recovery. It appears that the downside for the industry seems to be over and upward trajectory can be seen in the quarters to come.