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MEMC Electronic Materials (WFR)
When it comes to semiconductors, most people think of Intel or Texas Instruments. But those giants, which make computer chips for everything from cell phones to microwaves, would be nowhere without MEMC Electronic Materials. MEMC makes the fundamental building blocks, called wafers, on which these chips reside. And simply put, MEMC is on a tear. Over the past 12 months, its shares have nearly quadrupled from about $11.75 to more than $42 today. Earnings have surged from a 2002 loss to $338 million, while sales have climbed 63% during that period to $1.1 billion. The main driver has been MEMC's focus on innovation. MEMC holds more than 500 worldwide patents on silicon products and processes and has more than 350 worldwide patent applications on file. And management is always looking ahead: In April, MEMC announced an eight-year deal to supply solar wafers to Motech Industries worth at least $1.6 billion in revenue.
Company Info |
|
| 2005 Rank | NR |
| Market Value* ($ Millions) | 8,940.7 |
| Sales* ($ Millions) | 1,212.0 |
| Sales Growth (3-yr. avg. annual) |
19.2 % |
| Profits* ($ Millions) | 345.3 |
| Profit Growth (3-yr. avg. annual) | 70.3 % |
| Return on Inv. Capital (3-yr.) | 37.7 % |
| Share Price 12-Mo. Hi/Lo | 44/11 |
| Share Price As of 4/28/06 | 41 |
| Return on Equity | 39.9 % |
| P/E Ratio | 26 |
| No. of Employees | 5,500 |
| Industry | Semiconductor Equipment |
| CURRENT MARKET INFO | WFR > |
| COMPANY WEB SITE > | |
| Location | Saint Peters, Mo. |
| Phone | 636 474-5000 |
*Trailing 12 months
Stock price data as of 4/28/06
DATA: Standard & Poor's Compustat
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Company Snapshot
MEMC Electronic Materials produces wafers for the semiconductor industry worldwide. The company's product categories include prime polished, epitaxial, and test/monitor wafers. Its customers include semiconductor device manufacturers, including the major memory, microprocessor, and applications specific integrated circuit manufacturers, as well as foundries. MEMC Electronic Materials was formed in 1984 and has its headquarters in St. Peters, Mo.
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