Moving with the times
Following all the upheaval and negative financial news of recent months, Acer is clearly determined to convince markets and investors that it's steadying the ship.
In an announcement today, Acer confirmed an unchanged dividend of NT$3.6 per share for 2011, and the approval of a reduction of the employee bonus by 40 percent for 2010. These announcements are designed to reassure shareholders and potential investors that their interests are being protected.
Acer also announced two additions to the board of directors - both of whom bring with them expertise that will help Acer manage the transition into the mobile device era, which is what has underpinned its recent traumas.
Dr F. C. Tseng is one of the co-founders of TSMC - the world's biggest semiconductor foundry. A big part of TSMC's business is making mobile SoCs, and Tseng's will bring with him a lot of knowledge about the mobile chip ecosystem and even an insight into how to develop one from scratch.
Sir Julian Horn-Smith is a former COO and board member of Vodafone, having being with the company since its formation in 1984 until 2006. He will, of course, bring insight into the mobile phone channels, which differ significantly from those for the PC, and be able to advise how to bring mobile devices to market.
And it certainly needs the help. At the same shareholder meeting Acer halved its forecast for tablet shipments this year, according to Reuters.
