Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD; NYSE: AMD) is an American multinational semiconductor company based in Sunnyvale, California, that develops computer processors and related technologies for commercial and consumer markets. Its main products include microprocessors, motherboard chipsets, embedded processors and graphics processors for servers, workstations and personal computers, and processor technologies for handheld devices, digital television, automobiles, game consoles, and other embedded systems applications.
AMD is the second-largest global supplier of microprocessors based on the x86 architecture and also one of the largest supplier of graphics processing units. It also owns 8.6% of Spansion, a supplier of non-volatile flash memory.[2] In 2010, AMD ranked twelfth among semiconductor manufacturers in terms of revenue.
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD), incorporated on May 1, 1969, is a global semiconductor company. The Company primarily offers x86 microprocessors, for the commercial and consumer markets, embedded microprocessors for commercial, commercial client and consumer markets and chipsets for desktop and notebook personal computers (PCs), professional workstations and servers. It also offers graphics, video and multimedia products for desktop and notebook computers, including home media PCs, professional workstations and servers and technology for game consoles. As of December 25, 2010, the Company had two segments: Computing Solutions and Graphics. Computing Solutions segment includes microprocessors, chipsets and embedded processors and related revenue. The Graphics segment includes graphics, video and multimedia products and related revenue, as well as revenue received in connection with the development and sale of game console systems that incorporate its graphics technology.
Computing Solutions
The Company offers microprocessor products for servers, notebooks and desktop PCs and other consumer devices. It bases its microprocessors and chipsets on the x86 instruction set architecture and AMD’s Direct Connect Architecture, which connects an on-chip memory controller and input/output (I/O), channels directly to one or more microprocessor cores. The Company integrates two or more processor cores onto a single die, and each core has its own dedicated cache, which is memory that is located on the semiconductor die, permitting quicker access to frequently used data and instructions. Some of its microprocessors have additional levels of cache, such as second level cache (L2), and third level cache (L3). In March 2010, the Company launched Direct Connect Architecture 2.0 as part of the AMD Opteron 6000 Series platform. The Company designs its microprocessors to be compatible with operating system software, such as the Microsoft Windows family of operating systems, Linux, NetWare, Solaris and UNIX.
The Company’s microprocessors for server platforms consist primarily of multi-core AMD Opteron processors. In March 2010, the Company launched the AMD Opteron 6000 Series platform. The Company’s microprocessors for notebook PC platforms consist of the AMD Dual-Core Accelerated Processor E-350, AMD Dual-Core Accelerated Processor C-50, AMD Phenom II Dual-Core Mobile Processor, AMD Phenom II Quad-Core Mobile Processor, AMD Turion X2 Mobile Processor, AMD Turion II Mobile Processor, AMD Turion II Ultra Mobile Processor, AMD Turion Neo X2 Mobile Processor, AMD Athlon II processor, AMD Athlon Neo processor, AMD Athlon Neo X2 Dual-Core processor and the Mobile AMD Sempron processor. In May 2010, it launched two notebook platforms targeted at the mainstream market and the market for small and thin-and-light notebooks. In January 2011, it launched a low-power notebook platform in two APU variations: E-Series, and C-Series. Its low-powered platform with the E-Series Zacate APU is focused at mainstream notebooks, while its low-powered platform with the C-Series Ontario APU is focused at HD netbooks.
The Company’s microprocessors for desktop PC platforms consist primarily of the tiered product brands, such as AMD Phenom II, AMD Phenom, AMD Athlon II, AMD Athlon X2, AMD Athlon and AMD Sempron processors, which are based on AMD64 Technology. Processors marked under these brand names include single-, dual-, triple-, quad- and six- core versions. All AMD desktop microprocessors are based on AMD Direct Connect Architecture. AMD Phenom branded processors are designed for megatasking, or running multiple, multi-threaded applications at the same time. The Company designed the AMD Athlon processors for advanced multitasking on mainstream desktop PCs, and they are available with single or dual-core technology. The Company designed the AMD Athlon dual-core processors for users who run software applications, such as productivity applications, multimedia applications and basic content creation, simultaneously.
AMD’s embedded platforms include options from the AMD Opteron, AMD Athlon, AMD Turion, and AMD Sempron processor families; the AMD Embedded G-Series, which is the embedded version of its APUs; the AMD Radeon graphics processor family, and numerous AMD chipsets. These products are part of the AMD Longevity Program, which provides for an availability period of up to five years in some cases in order to support lengthy development and qualification cycles and long-term life of the system in the market. In April 2010, the Company announced two complete platforms for the embedded market, the compact ASB2 platform and the high-performance AM3 platform with graphics performance and I/O features. Its embedded platforms consist of chipset and graphics solutions along with high-performance central processing unit (CPU). In January 2011, the Company launched the AMD Embedded G-Series platform.
Graphics Products
The Company’s graphics products include three dimensional (3D) graphics and video and multimedia products developed for use in desktop and notebook PCs, including home media PCs, professional workstations and servers. With each of its graphics products, it provides drivers and supporting software packages that enable the use of these products under a variety of operating systems and applications. The Company’s latest generation of graphics products and related software offers full support for the Microsoft Windows 7 and Microsoft Windows Vista operating systems. In addition, its graphics products support Apple’s Mac OS X, as well as Linux-based applications.
The Company’s discrete graphics processing units (GPU) for desktop PCs include the AMD Radeon HD 6000 series, ATI Radeon HD 5000 series, ATI Radeon HD 4000 series and ATI Radeon HD 3000 series. In February 2010, it introduced the ATI Radeon HD 5830 with full support for DX 11 gaming, AMD Eyefinity technology and AMD Stream capabilities. In February 2010, it launched the ATI Radeon HD 5570 graphics card, targeting end-users seeking an energy efficient, low-profile DX 11 card for small form factor PCs, and the ATI Radeon HD 5450 graphics card designed to deliver enthusiast HD multimedia and game experience at a value price. In December 2010, it launched the AMD Radeon HD 6900 series graphics processors, providing gaming enthusiasts with AMD’s second-generation DX 11-capable architecture, AMD HD3D technology for 3D entertainment and AMD Eyefinity multi-display technology.
The Company’s discrete GPU’s for notebook PCs include: the AMD Radeon HD 6000M series, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5000 series and ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4000 series. In January 2010, the Company launched its ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5800 series for gaming enthusiasts, the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5700 and 5600 series for multimedia performance notebooks, and ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5400 series for value and ultra-thin notebooks. In September 2010, the Company launched the ATI Radeon HD 5870 and the ATI Radeon HD 5850. The ATI Radeon HD 5800 series of graphics cards is designed to expand PC users’ computing experience with AMD Eyefinity multi-display technology and accelerate their computing experience with AMD Accelerated Parallel Processing. In January 2011, the Company launched the AMD Radeon HD 6000M series graphics. The Company’s AMD FirePro family of professional graphics products consist of 3D and 2D multi-view graphics cards and GPUs that it designed for integration in notebook and desktop workstations, as well as business PCs. The Company designed its AMD FirePro 3D graphics cards for demanding applications, such as CAD and digital content creation. The Company’s AMD FirePro 2D Multi-View graphics cards and AMD FireMV 2D workstation cards are designed for financial and corporate environments.
The Company designed its AMD FireStream series of products to utilize the parallel stream processing power of the GPU for heavy floating-point computations and to meet the requirements of various industries, such as the high-performance computing and the scientific and financial sectors. In June 2010, it launched the ATI FireStream 9350 and 9370 GPU compute accelerators focused to handle high-performance computing, and cloud and enterprise scale deployments for commercial, scientific and academic research markets.
The Company competes with ARM Ltd., Intel Corporation, Nvidia Corporation and IBM.
Finding new ways to compete led to the concept of AMD's "Spheres of Influence." For the transforming AMD, those spheres were microprocessors compatible with IBM computers, networking and communication chips, programmable logic devices, and high-performance memories. In addition, the company's long survival depended on developing submicron process technology that would fill its manufacturing needs into the next century.
By its 25th anniversary, AMD had put to work every ounce of tenaciousness it had to achieve those goals, growing to be either number one or number two worldwide in every market it served, including the Microsoft Windows-compatible business. AMD became a preeminent supplier of flash, networking, telecommunications, and programmable logic chips as well.
In May 1989, the company established the office of the chief executive, consisting of the top three company executives. In March 1991, AMD introduced new versions of the Am386 microprocessor family, breaking the Intel monopoly. A mere seven months later, the company had shipped its millionth Am386. That year, Siemens sold off its interest in AMD.
In February of the following year, the company's five-year arbitration with Intel ended, with AMD awarded full rights to make and sell the entire Am386 family of microprocessors. Early in 1993, the first members of the Am486 microprocessor family were introduced, and AMD and Fujitsu established a joint venture to produce flash memories, a new technology in which memory chips retained information even after the power was turned off. In July the Austin facility broke ground on Fab 25. In January 1994, computer reseller Compaq Computer Corporation and AMD formed a long-term alliance under which Am486 microprocessors would power Compaq computers. A month later, AMD employees began moving into One AMD Place in Sunnyvale, the company's new headquarters, and Digital Equipment Corporation became the foundry for Am486 microprocessors. In March 1994, a federal court jury confirmed AMD's right to use Intel microcode in 287 math coprocessors, and the company celebrated its 25th anniversary with Rod Stewart in Sunnyvale and Bruce Hornsby in Austin.
OVERALL
Beta: 2.15
Market Cap (Mil.): $6,144.21
Shares Outstanding (Mil.): 686.50
Annual Dividend: --
Yield (%): --
FINANCIALS
AMD Industry Sector
P/E (TTM): 9.56 6.33 18.53
EPS (TTM): -19.58 -- --
ROI: 13.77 3.62 15.36
ROE: 61.51 3.89 16.82
Statistics:
Public Company
Incorporated: 1969
Employees: 13,000
Sales: $2.54 billion (1998)
Stock Exchanges: New York
Ticker Symbol: AMD
NAIC: 334413 Semiconductor & Related Device Manufacturing
Name Age Since Current Position
Claflin, Bruce 59 2011 Executive Independent Chairman of the Board
Seifert, Thomas 47 2011 Interim Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President
Wolin, Harry 2010 Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary
Bergman, Rick 47 2010 Senior Vice President, General Manager - Products Group
Ghilardi, Emilio 52 2009 Senior Vice President, Chief Sales Officer
Wolfe, Mike 52 2011 Chief Information Officer
Al Muhairi, Walid 36 2009 Director
Palmer, Robert 70 1999 Independent Director
Barnes, W. Michael 68 2003 Independent Director
Eberhart, H. Paulett 57 2004 Independent Director
Caldwell, John 61 2006 Independent Director
Conway, Craig 56 2009 Independent Director
Donofrio, Nicholas 65 2009 Independent Director
Chow, Henry 65 2011 Independent Director
Address:
One AMD Place
Sunnyvale, California 94088
U.S.A.
AMD is the second-largest global supplier of microprocessors based on the x86 architecture and also one of the largest supplier of graphics processing units. It also owns 8.6% of Spansion, a supplier of non-volatile flash memory.[2] In 2010, AMD ranked twelfth among semiconductor manufacturers in terms of revenue.
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD), incorporated on May 1, 1969, is a global semiconductor company. The Company primarily offers x86 microprocessors, for the commercial and consumer markets, embedded microprocessors for commercial, commercial client and consumer markets and chipsets for desktop and notebook personal computers (PCs), professional workstations and servers. It also offers graphics, video and multimedia products for desktop and notebook computers, including home media PCs, professional workstations and servers and technology for game consoles. As of December 25, 2010, the Company had two segments: Computing Solutions and Graphics. Computing Solutions segment includes microprocessors, chipsets and embedded processors and related revenue. The Graphics segment includes graphics, video and multimedia products and related revenue, as well as revenue received in connection with the development and sale of game console systems that incorporate its graphics technology.
Computing Solutions
The Company offers microprocessor products for servers, notebooks and desktop PCs and other consumer devices. It bases its microprocessors and chipsets on the x86 instruction set architecture and AMD’s Direct Connect Architecture, which connects an on-chip memory controller and input/output (I/O), channels directly to one or more microprocessor cores. The Company integrates two or more processor cores onto a single die, and each core has its own dedicated cache, which is memory that is located on the semiconductor die, permitting quicker access to frequently used data and instructions. Some of its microprocessors have additional levels of cache, such as second level cache (L2), and third level cache (L3). In March 2010, the Company launched Direct Connect Architecture 2.0 as part of the AMD Opteron 6000 Series platform. The Company designs its microprocessors to be compatible with operating system software, such as the Microsoft Windows family of operating systems, Linux, NetWare, Solaris and UNIX.
The Company’s microprocessors for server platforms consist primarily of multi-core AMD Opteron processors. In March 2010, the Company launched the AMD Opteron 6000 Series platform. The Company’s microprocessors for notebook PC platforms consist of the AMD Dual-Core Accelerated Processor E-350, AMD Dual-Core Accelerated Processor C-50, AMD Phenom II Dual-Core Mobile Processor, AMD Phenom II Quad-Core Mobile Processor, AMD Turion X2 Mobile Processor, AMD Turion II Mobile Processor, AMD Turion II Ultra Mobile Processor, AMD Turion Neo X2 Mobile Processor, AMD Athlon II processor, AMD Athlon Neo processor, AMD Athlon Neo X2 Dual-Core processor and the Mobile AMD Sempron processor. In May 2010, it launched two notebook platforms targeted at the mainstream market and the market for small and thin-and-light notebooks. In January 2011, it launched a low-power notebook platform in two APU variations: E-Series, and C-Series. Its low-powered platform with the E-Series Zacate APU is focused at mainstream notebooks, while its low-powered platform with the C-Series Ontario APU is focused at HD netbooks.
The Company’s microprocessors for desktop PC platforms consist primarily of the tiered product brands, such as AMD Phenom II, AMD Phenom, AMD Athlon II, AMD Athlon X2, AMD Athlon and AMD Sempron processors, which are based on AMD64 Technology. Processors marked under these brand names include single-, dual-, triple-, quad- and six- core versions. All AMD desktop microprocessors are based on AMD Direct Connect Architecture. AMD Phenom branded processors are designed for megatasking, or running multiple, multi-threaded applications at the same time. The Company designed the AMD Athlon processors for advanced multitasking on mainstream desktop PCs, and they are available with single or dual-core technology. The Company designed the AMD Athlon dual-core processors for users who run software applications, such as productivity applications, multimedia applications and basic content creation, simultaneously.
AMD’s embedded platforms include options from the AMD Opteron, AMD Athlon, AMD Turion, and AMD Sempron processor families; the AMD Embedded G-Series, which is the embedded version of its APUs; the AMD Radeon graphics processor family, and numerous AMD chipsets. These products are part of the AMD Longevity Program, which provides for an availability period of up to five years in some cases in order to support lengthy development and qualification cycles and long-term life of the system in the market. In April 2010, the Company announced two complete platforms for the embedded market, the compact ASB2 platform and the high-performance AM3 platform with graphics performance and I/O features. Its embedded platforms consist of chipset and graphics solutions along with high-performance central processing unit (CPU). In January 2011, the Company launched the AMD Embedded G-Series platform.
Graphics Products
The Company’s graphics products include three dimensional (3D) graphics and video and multimedia products developed for use in desktop and notebook PCs, including home media PCs, professional workstations and servers. With each of its graphics products, it provides drivers and supporting software packages that enable the use of these products under a variety of operating systems and applications. The Company’s latest generation of graphics products and related software offers full support for the Microsoft Windows 7 and Microsoft Windows Vista operating systems. In addition, its graphics products support Apple’s Mac OS X, as well as Linux-based applications.
The Company’s discrete graphics processing units (GPU) for desktop PCs include the AMD Radeon HD 6000 series, ATI Radeon HD 5000 series, ATI Radeon HD 4000 series and ATI Radeon HD 3000 series. In February 2010, it introduced the ATI Radeon HD 5830 with full support for DX 11 gaming, AMD Eyefinity technology and AMD Stream capabilities. In February 2010, it launched the ATI Radeon HD 5570 graphics card, targeting end-users seeking an energy efficient, low-profile DX 11 card for small form factor PCs, and the ATI Radeon HD 5450 graphics card designed to deliver enthusiast HD multimedia and game experience at a value price. In December 2010, it launched the AMD Radeon HD 6900 series graphics processors, providing gaming enthusiasts with AMD’s second-generation DX 11-capable architecture, AMD HD3D technology for 3D entertainment and AMD Eyefinity multi-display technology.
The Company’s discrete GPU’s for notebook PCs include: the AMD Radeon HD 6000M series, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5000 series and ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4000 series. In January 2010, the Company launched its ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5800 series for gaming enthusiasts, the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5700 and 5600 series for multimedia performance notebooks, and ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5400 series for value and ultra-thin notebooks. In September 2010, the Company launched the ATI Radeon HD 5870 and the ATI Radeon HD 5850. The ATI Radeon HD 5800 series of graphics cards is designed to expand PC users’ computing experience with AMD Eyefinity multi-display technology and accelerate their computing experience with AMD Accelerated Parallel Processing. In January 2011, the Company launched the AMD Radeon HD 6000M series graphics. The Company’s AMD FirePro family of professional graphics products consist of 3D and 2D multi-view graphics cards and GPUs that it designed for integration in notebook and desktop workstations, as well as business PCs. The Company designed its AMD FirePro 3D graphics cards for demanding applications, such as CAD and digital content creation. The Company’s AMD FirePro 2D Multi-View graphics cards and AMD FireMV 2D workstation cards are designed for financial and corporate environments.
The Company designed its AMD FireStream series of products to utilize the parallel stream processing power of the GPU for heavy floating-point computations and to meet the requirements of various industries, such as the high-performance computing and the scientific and financial sectors. In June 2010, it launched the ATI FireStream 9350 and 9370 GPU compute accelerators focused to handle high-performance computing, and cloud and enterprise scale deployments for commercial, scientific and academic research markets.
The Company competes with ARM Ltd., Intel Corporation, Nvidia Corporation and IBM.
Finding new ways to compete led to the concept of AMD's "Spheres of Influence." For the transforming AMD, those spheres were microprocessors compatible with IBM computers, networking and communication chips, programmable logic devices, and high-performance memories. In addition, the company's long survival depended on developing submicron process technology that would fill its manufacturing needs into the next century.
By its 25th anniversary, AMD had put to work every ounce of tenaciousness it had to achieve those goals, growing to be either number one or number two worldwide in every market it served, including the Microsoft Windows-compatible business. AMD became a preeminent supplier of flash, networking, telecommunications, and programmable logic chips as well.
In May 1989, the company established the office of the chief executive, consisting of the top three company executives. In March 1991, AMD introduced new versions of the Am386 microprocessor family, breaking the Intel monopoly. A mere seven months later, the company had shipped its millionth Am386. That year, Siemens sold off its interest in AMD.
In February of the following year, the company's five-year arbitration with Intel ended, with AMD awarded full rights to make and sell the entire Am386 family of microprocessors. Early in 1993, the first members of the Am486 microprocessor family were introduced, and AMD and Fujitsu established a joint venture to produce flash memories, a new technology in which memory chips retained information even after the power was turned off. In July the Austin facility broke ground on Fab 25. In January 1994, computer reseller Compaq Computer Corporation and AMD formed a long-term alliance under which Am486 microprocessors would power Compaq computers. A month later, AMD employees began moving into One AMD Place in Sunnyvale, the company's new headquarters, and Digital Equipment Corporation became the foundry for Am486 microprocessors. In March 1994, a federal court jury confirmed AMD's right to use Intel microcode in 287 math coprocessors, and the company celebrated its 25th anniversary with Rod Stewart in Sunnyvale and Bruce Hornsby in Austin.
OVERALL
Beta: 2.15
Market Cap (Mil.): $6,144.21
Shares Outstanding (Mil.): 686.50
Annual Dividend: --
Yield (%): --
FINANCIALS
AMD Industry Sector
P/E (TTM): 9.56 6.33 18.53
EPS (TTM): -19.58 -- --
ROI: 13.77 3.62 15.36
ROE: 61.51 3.89 16.82
Statistics:
Public Company
Incorporated: 1969
Employees: 13,000
Sales: $2.54 billion (1998)
Stock Exchanges: New York
Ticker Symbol: AMD
NAIC: 334413 Semiconductor & Related Device Manufacturing
Name Age Since Current Position
Claflin, Bruce 59 2011 Executive Independent Chairman of the Board
Seifert, Thomas 47 2011 Interim Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President
Wolin, Harry 2010 Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary
Bergman, Rick 47 2010 Senior Vice President, General Manager - Products Group
Ghilardi, Emilio 52 2009 Senior Vice President, Chief Sales Officer
Wolfe, Mike 52 2011 Chief Information Officer
Al Muhairi, Walid 36 2009 Director
Palmer, Robert 70 1999 Independent Director
Barnes, W. Michael 68 2003 Independent Director
Eberhart, H. Paulett 57 2004 Independent Director
Caldwell, John 61 2006 Independent Director
Conway, Craig 56 2009 Independent Director
Donofrio, Nicholas 65 2009 Independent Director
Chow, Henry 65 2011 Independent Director
Address:
One AMD Place
Sunnyvale, California 94088
U.S.A.