To: Knighty Tin who wrote (26792 ) 3/18/1998 2:09:00 PM From: tom r. phillips Read Replies (3) | Respond to of 132070
Micron Technology Inc.'s Ratings Placed on S&PWatch,Negative Wednesday March 18, 1:46 pm Eastern Time Company Press Release SOURCE: Standard & Poor's CreditWire Micron Technology Inc.'s Ratings Placed on S&PWatch, Negative NEW YORK, March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Standard & Poor's today placed its ratings of Micron Technology Inc. (Micron) on CreditWatch with negative implications (see list below). The action follows Micron's announced material earnings decline for its fiscal second quarter ended Feb. 26, 1998, and Standard & Poor's expectations that market conditions will remain pressured over the near to intermediate period. Boise, Idaho-based Micron is a manufacturer of semiconductor memory chips and, through its 64% owned Micron Electronics Inc. [Nasdaq:MUEI - news] subsidiary, manufactures and direct-markets personal computers. Semiconductor memory revenues declined 35% from the previous quarter, reflecting continued industry-wide severe price pressures and lower volumes due to insufficient chip testing equipment. Micron Electronics' personal computer operations reported negative gross margins, as the company's notebook PCs were sold below cost. High operating expenses contributed to Micron's $208 million operating loss for the quarter, on $733 million in sales. Proceeds of $237 million from the 90% sale of Micron Electronics' contract manufacturing operation during the quarter contributed to liquidity. Cash balances of $935 million at Feb. 26, 1998, unchanged from the previous quarter, provide adequate near-term liquidity. Standard & Poor's will meet with management to assess the company's plans to restore operating profitability levels in the two businesses. -- CreditWire. RATINGS PLACED ON CREDITWATCH WITH NEGATIVE IMPLICATIONS Micron Technology Inc. Corporate credit rating BB Bank loan BB Subordinated debt B+ Mixed shelf registration (Preliminary) BB/B+ SOURCE: Standard & Poor's CreditWire