SigmaTel
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SigmaTel (SGTL) is an electronics company located in Austin, TX, which designs mixed audio signal processors, and controller chips for multifunction peripherals. Its line of audio chips is found in all new Dell laptops, several new Dell desktops, the iPod Shuffle, the Sony Vaio notebook, and numerous other audio playback devices.
At one point, SigmaTel chips were found in over 70% of all MP3 devices sold on the market. However, Sigmatel has apparently lost its last iPod socket earlier this year when it was not found in the iPod Shuffle. PortalPlayer was their largest competitor, but were bought by Nvidia (NVDA) after PortalPlayer's chips lost their socket in the iPod. SigmaTel was voted "Best Place to Work in Austin 2005" by the Austin Chronicle.
In July 2005, SigmaTel acquired the rights on different software technologies sold by Digital Networks North America (owner of Rio Audio). This allows SigmaTel to sell ready to use software to equipment manufacturers to drive its current and next generation chips.
Sigmatel recently won a legal battle with Action's Semiconductors (ACTS) over patent infringment alleged against Action. Prospects for enforcement in some markets is still dubious especially in Actions home market, China.
The company also recently won a spot in Samsung televisions. Samsung will soon start shipping the company's SGTV5800 Audio solution, which can be used in analog, digital and hybrid televisions.
July, 2006 Integrated Device Technology acquired PC and Notebook Audio Product Lines from SigmaTel.
Sigmatel's equity has traded as low as $100 million dollars below book value. Sigmatel's balance sheet has $229 Mil. in stockholder equity and $94 Mil. in goodwill and intangible assets (mainly patents).
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