Micron Imaging Business Lost $31M in FY2008

Micron just published its FY2008 10-K form. Micron confirms that Aptina already operates as a separate entity: "We are exploring partnering arrangements with outside parties regarding the separation of our Aptina Imaging business to an independent entity in which we would retain a significant minority ownership interest. To that end, we began operating our Imaging business as a separate, wholly-owned, subsidiary in October 2008."

Some noteworthy numbers reported:

• Image sensor sales were $653M, $687M and $749M in 2008, 2007 and 2006 respectively.
• Imaging products represent 11%, 12% and 14% of Micron’s total net sales in 2008, 2007 and 2006 respectively.
• Imaging operation's gross margins were 28%, 34% and 43% in 2008, 2007 and 2006 respectively.
• Imaging R&D expenses were $144M, $158M and $82M in 2008, 2007 and 2006 respectively.
• Imaging business loss was $31M in FY2008, vs income $8M in 2007 and income $153M in 2006
• Aptina quarterly loss in Q4 2008 was $4M vs Q3'08 income $3M