Freescale CEO: 'IoT Isn't Just Buzz'

Big bet on connected devices, accident-free cars

Junko Yoshida
10/29/2014 04:18 PM EDT

MADISON, Wis. — Coming after the solid third quarter results that produced higher operating margins and improving cash flow, Freescale Semiconductor's CEO Gregg Lowe had every reason to be chipper and lively when EE Times caught up with him on the phone on Tuesday, October 28.

Freescale, during the first three quarters of 2014, increased its overall revenues by 14%. "In that same time period, each of our five businesses has grown at double-digit rates compared to the first three quarters of 2013," Lowe said during an earnings call. "Microcontrollers are up 19%, Digital Networking is up 23%, Auto Microcontrollers are up 15%, Analog and Sensors is up 11%, and RF is up 52%." The company's revenues were $1.21 billion, 2% ahead of quarter two and 12% above the third quarter of last year.

The storied semiconductor company, once described as an "intensive care" patient, appears to have re-discovered its groove -- steadily, if not spectacularly.

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