Intel Outlines Financial Framework for Foundry Business, Sets Path to Margin Expansion

Rhea-AI Summary

Intel introduces a new financial reporting structure aligned with its foundry operating model, focusing on transparency, cost savings, and growth. The company aims to drive increased cost discipline and higher returns through greater transparency, accountability, and incentives. The new model includes recast operating segment financial results, clear goals for long-term growth, and profitability, and a targeted path towards enhancing shareholder value. Intel Foundry, a key component, aims to achieve break-even operating margins by 2030 and become the world's second-largest foundry.

Positive

• Introduction of a new financial reporting structure aligned with Intel's foundry operating model.
• Focus on transparency, cost savings, and growth through increased cost discipline and higher returns.
• Recast operating segment financial results provided for 2023, 2022, and 2021.
• Clear goals set for long-term growth, profitability, and shareholder value creation.
• Intel Foundry to drive operating margin improvement and achieve break-even margins by 2030.
• Targeted path towards becoming the world's second-largest foundry by 2030.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

Intel's announcement of a new financial reporting structure is a strategic move aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability. By aligning financial results with its foundry operating model, Intel is signaling a commitment to cost discipline and shareholder value creation. The establishment of Intel Foundry as a separate segment underscores the company's focus on becoming a major player in the foundry services market, competing with the likes of TSMC and Samsung.

Intel's shift towards a foundry model is reflective of the broader industry trend where companies are increasingly outsourcing their manufacturing needs to specialized foundries. This transition could potentially open up new revenue streams for Intel, as it seeks to leverage its manufacturing prowess to attract external customers. Additionally, setting aggressive non-GAAP gross and operating margin targets for 2030 indicates Intel's confidence in the profitability of this strategic pivot.

However, investors should monitor the execution of this transition closely. The foundry business is capital intensive with high entry barriers and Intel's success will depend on its ability to achieve process parity and leadership, especially as it aims to become the world's second-largest foundry by 2030. The targeted operating losses peak in 2024 highlights the near-term financial burden as the company scales its foundry operations.

Financial Analyst

Intel's recasting of its operating segment financial results dating back to 2021 offers investors a clearer picture of the company's financial trajectory under the new operating model. This level of retrospective transparency is helpful in assessing the effectiveness of Intel's strategic shifts and the potential return on investment. The appointment of experienced CFOs for both Intel Foundry and Intel Products is a positive sign of Intel’s commitment to the financial rigor of each unit.

The financial targets set for 2030, including a non-GAAP gross margin of 60% and an operating margin of 40%, are ambitious. Achieving such margins would be a significant improvement over current levels and could signal strong operational efficiency and product competitiveness. However, it's important to note that non-GAAP measures exclude certain costs that are real and can affect the company's cash flow. Investors should take a holistic view of Intel's financial health, including both GAAP and non-GAAP measures.

Moreover, the expected peak in operating losses for Intel Foundry in 2024 is a critical factor to consider. While it may weigh on short-term profitability, the long-term outlook is predicated on the assumption of increased demand for Intel's foundry services and successful execution of its advanced packaging business. Given the historically cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry, these projections should be considered within the context of broader market conditions.

Technology Industry Analyst

Intel's differentiation strategy as both a semiconductor manufacturer and a technology provider is a unique approach that could potentially create a competitive advantage. The company's focus on AI Everywhere and the establishment of the world's first systems foundry for the AI era is indicative of its intent to lead in high-growth areas. This could position Intel favorably as AI and machine learning applications continue to expand across various industries.

The new reporting segments, including Client Computing, Data Center and AI and Network and Edge, reflect the company's strategic priorities and growth areas. The separation of Altera into a standalone business suggests a more focused approach to capitalizing on the opportunities in programmable solutions.

However, the semiconductor industry is known for rapid technological advancements and intense competition. Intel's ability to maintain technological leadership, particularly in EUV lithography, will be essential for the success of its foundry business. Additionally, the reliance on non-GAAP measures to communicate financial targets may raise questions about the underlying assumptions and the exclusion of certain costs.

Investors should also consider the potential risks associated with the foundry business, such as the need for continuous capital investments, the challenge of attracting and retaining external customers and the impact of geopolitical tensions on the global supply chain.

New financial reporting structure reflects Intel’s transition to a foundry operating model to drive greater transparency, cost savings and growth.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Intel Corporation today outlined a new financial reporting structure that is aligned with the company’s previously announced foundry operating model for 2024 and beyond. This new structure is designed to drive increased cost discipline and higher returns by providing greater transparency, accountability and incentives across the business.

To support the new structure, Intel provided recast operating segment financial results for the years 2023, 2022 and 2021. The company also shared a targeted path toward long-term growth and profitability of Intel Foundry, as well as clear goals for driving financial performance improvement and shareholder value creation.

“Intel’s differentiated position as both a world-class semiconductor manufacturer and a fabless technology leader creates significant opportunities to drive long-term sustainable growth across these two complementary businesses,” said Pat Gelsinger, Intel CEO. “Implementing this new model marks a key achievement in our IDM 2.0 transformation as we hone our execution engine, stand up the industry’s first and only systems foundry with geographically diverse leading-edge manufacturing capacity, and advance our mission to bring AI Everywhere.”

The new operating model establishes a foundry relationship between Intel Foundry, the company’s manufacturing organization, and Intel Products, comprised of the company’s product business units. Launched at its inaugural Direct Connect event in February, Intel Foundry is the world’s first systems foundry for the AI era, offering full-stack optimization from the factory network to software.

The combination of Intel’s world-class foundry and product capabilities will leverage a more resilient, sustainable and secure source of supply while delivering cutting-edge solutions to customers through continuous technology improvements, reference designs and new standards.

New Reporting Structure

Beginning with the first quarter 2024, the company will present segment results aligned to the following operating segments: Client Computing Group (CCG); Data Center and AI (DCAI); Network and Edge (NEX); Intel Foundry; Altera, an Intel Company (formerly Intel’s Programmable Solutions Group); Mobileye; and Other. CCG, DCAI and NEX will collectively be referred to as Intel Products; Altera, Mobileye and Other will collectively be referred to as All Other.

Intel Foundry is a newly established operating segment that includes foundry technology development, foundry manufacturing and supply chain, and foundry services (formerly IFS). Under this new structure, Intel Foundry will recognize revenues generated from both external foundry customers and Intel Products, as well as technology development and product manufacturing costs historically allocated to Intel Products. The new Altera operating segment, which was previously reported under DCAI, follows its announced separation into a standalone business.

The Form 8-K containing recast operating segment results for the years 2023, 2022 and 2021 aligned with the foundry operating model was furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and posted on the company’s Investor Relations website.

Dave Zinsner, Intel chief financial officer, said, “This model is designed to unlock significant cost savings, operational efficiencies and asset value. As it begins to take hold, we expect to accelerate on our path toward achieving our ambition of 60% non-GAAP gross margins and 40% non-GAAP operating margins in 2030. Ultimately, improved cost competitiveness will help us deliver process technology, product and foundry leadership while driving significant financial upside for Intel and our owners.”

Clear Path to Value Unlock and Margin Expansion

The transition to the new operating model is expected to enable Intel Foundry to achieve profitable growth and unlock unrealized value across Intel’s approximately $100 billion in capital assets. It will also create significant efficiency and cost savings opportunities across both Intel Foundry and Intel Products.

• Intel Foundry: Operating margin improvement is expected through shifting volume mix to leading-edge extreme ultraviolet (EUV) nodes as the company achieves process parity and leadership. Intel Foundry expects to drive further operating margin expansion by manufacturing a larger percentage of Intel’s products, growing its high-margin advanced packaging business, continuing to expand its external foundry business, and further focusing on capital utilization, cost efficiency and growing scale. Intel Foundry’s operating losses are expected to peak in 2024 as Intel completes its five-nodes-in-four-years journey, and the company is driving for Intel Foundry to achieve break-even operating margins midway between now and the end of 2030, when it targets 40% non-GAAP gross margins and 30% non-GAAP operating margins. Intel Foundry currently has an expected lifetime deal value with external customers of more than $15 billion and remains focused on its goal of becoming the world’s second-largest foundry by 2030.
• Intel Products: Intel Products already exhibits healthy operating margins today, which are expected to improve as the product operating segments benefit from the new operating model. In this model, product operating segments will have increased visibility into and be accountable for the financial drivers for their businesses. Instead of recognizing manufacturing costs that were previously allocated to the product operating segments, they will be charged a market-based price by Intel Foundry. Continued operating margin improvement is expected as the product segments build on their execution momentum with leadership products and improved pricing, drive cost optimizations in design and roadmap decisions, and realize improved costs in package, assembly and test. Intel Products targets 60% non-GAAP gross margin and 40% non-GAAP operating margin by the end of 2030.

Appointment of Intel Foundry CFO

As part of today’s news, Intel also announced the appointment of Lorenzo Flores as chief financial officer of Intel Foundry, effective April 8, 2024. Flores possesses nearly 30 years of financial experience in semiconductors and technology, including most recently as the chief financial officer of Xilinx. This complements the earlier appointment of Mark Henninger as the chief financial officer of Intel Products. Both will report to Zinsner.

Investor Webinar

• Intel will host an investor webinar at 1:30 p.m. PDT today to present the vision and financial framework for the Intel Foundry business, including the recast financials and new segment reporting structure aligned with the foundry operating model. The webcast and corresponding presentation slides can be accessed on Intel's Investor Relations website at intc.com.
• An infographic that outlines the new financial reporting structure can be found on the Intel Newsroom.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release contains forward-looking references to the achievement of certain non-GAAP financial results, including non-GAAP gross margins and non-GAAP operating margins. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. A full reconciliation of these targets cannot be provided without unreasonable efforts as we are unable to provide the reconciling adjustments over the forward-looking period. For a full explanation of these non-GAAP financial measures, see Intel’s earnings release for the fourth-quarter and full-year 2023, released on January 25, 2024, available on intc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements, including with respect to:

• our business plans and strategy and anticipated benefits therefrom, including with respect to our IDM 2.0 strategy, the transition to an internal foundry model, updates to our reporting structure, and our AI strategy;
• projections of our future financial performance, including future profitability, gross margin improvements, operating margin improvements, cost savings, and operational efficiencies;
• future products, services, and technologies and expectations regarding product and process leadership;
• plans and goals related to Intel's foundry business, including with respect to anticipated customers and future business with customers, future manufacturing capacity, service technology and IP offerings, and ecosystem support;
• expected completion and impacts of restructuring activities and cost-saving or efficiency initiatives;
• our anticipated growth, future market share, and trends in our businesses and operations;
• projected market and technology trends, such as AI; and
• other characterizations of future events or circumstances.

Such statements involve many risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including those associated with:

• the high level of competition and rapid technological change in our industry;
• the significant long-term and inherently risky investments we are making in R&D and manufacturing facilities that may not realize a favorable return;
• the complexities and uncertainties in developing and implementing new semiconductor products and manufacturing process technologies;
• our ability to time and scale our capital investments appropriately and successfully secure favorable alternative financing arrangements and government grants;
• implementing new business strategies and investing in new businesses and technologies;
• changes in demand for our products;
• macroeconomic conditions and geopolitical tensions and conflicts, including geopolitical and trade tensions between the US and China, the impacts of Russia's war on Ukraine, tensions and conflict affecting Israel, and rising tensions between mainland China and Taiwan;
• the evolving market for products with AI capabilities;
• our complex global supply chain, including from disruptions, delays, trade tensions and conflicts, or shortages;
• product defects, errata and other product issues, particularly as we develop next-generation products and implement next-generation manufacturing process technologies;
• potential security vulnerabilities in our products;
• increasing and evolving cybersecurity threats and privacy risks;
• IP risks including related litigation and regulatory proceedings;
• the need to attract, retain, and motivate key talent;
• strategic transactions and investments;
• sales-related risks, including customer concentration and the use of distributors and other third parties;
• our significantly reduced return of capital in recent years;
• our debt obligations and our ability to access sources of capital;
• complex and evolving laws and regulations across many jurisdictions;
• fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
• changes in our effective tax rate;
• catastrophic events;
• environmental, health, safety, and product regulations;
• our initiatives and new legal requirements with respect to corporate responsibility matters; and
• other risks and uncertainties described in this release, our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

All information in this release reflects management's expectations as of the date of this release, unless an earlier date is specified. We do not undertake, and expressly disclaim any duty, to update such statements, whether as a result of new information, new developments, or otherwise, except to the extent that disclosure may be required by law.

About Intel

Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) is an industry leader, creating world-changing technology that enables global progress and enriches lives. Inspired by Moore’s Law, we continuously work to advance the design and manufacturing of semiconductors to help address our customers’ greatest challenges. By embedding intelligence in the cloud, network, edge and every kind of computing device, we unleash the potential of data to transform business and society for the better. To learn more about Intel’s innovations, go to newsroom.intel.com and intel.com.

© Intel Corporation. Intel, the Intel logo and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240402570432/en/

Kylie Altman

Investor Relations

1-916-356-0320

kylie.altman@intel.com

Sophie Won

Media Relations

1-408-653-0475

sophie.won@intel.com

Source: Intel Corporation

FAQ

What is Intel's new financial reporting structure aligned with?

Intel's new financial reporting structure is aligned with the company's foundry operating model for 2024 and beyond.

What are the key objectives of the new financial reporting structure?

The new structure aims to drive increased cost discipline, higher returns, transparency, accountability, and incentives across the business.

What is the focus of Intel Foundry in the new operating model?

Intel Foundry aims to achieve break-even operating margins by 2030 and become the world's second-largest foundry.

Who is appointed as the chief financial officer of Intel Foundry?

Lorenzo Flores is appointed as the chief financial officer of Intel Foundry, effective April 8, 2024.

Where can the webcast and presentation slides regarding Intel Foundry business be accessed?

The webcast and presentation slides can be accessed on Intel's Investor Relations website at intc.com.