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NEWS & VIEWS |
Taipei,
Monday, November 9, 2009
10:12 (GMT+8)
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Subject: Bits + chips > Memory |
Buyers shift attention to DDR3 in spot market, says inSpectrum Nov 6, 16:35 With the DRAM market continuing to experience tight DDR2 supply in the contract market, buyers in the spot market have shifted their attention to DDR3 this week (November 3-6), resulting in a big price jump, according to inSpectrum. Read more |
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A-Data revenues hit 31-month high in October 2009 Nov 6, 15:00 A-Data Technology has reported revenues of NT$4.365 billion (US$134.21 million) for October 2009, the highest since March 2007. The figures showed revenue growth of 6.9% on month and 96.8% on year, which the memory module house attributed to increased demand from the PC sector and continued strong demand for handset-use microSD cards. Read more |
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Nanya to raise NT$16 billion Nov 6, 12:24 Nanya Technology on November 5 announced its board of directors has approved plans to raise an estimated NT$16 billion (US$491.94 million) by issuing 800 million new shares. The DRAM maker also said it is planning secure syndicated loans for an additional NT$18 billion later in November. Read more |
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PSC receives eTT DRAM orders from system makers Nov 6, 11:52 Powerchip Semiconductor (PSC), which mainly supplies effectively tested (eTT) DRAM chips to module customers, has recently landed orders from Taiwan- and US-based system vendors, according to industry sources in Taiwan. With supply in the contract market tightening recently, some PC OEMs are looking to spot market suppliers to meet demand. Read more |
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DRAM makers shift focus away from expanding capacity, says iSuppli Nov 6, 11:41 After engaging in a massive capital spending program during the middle of the decade, the worldwide DRAM industry now has sufficient manufacturing capacity to last through 2012, causing suppliers to cease expenditure on expanding production for the next few years, according to iSuppli. Read more |
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Elpida and ProMOS ink partnership on DRAM Nov 6, 10:28 Elpida Memory and ProMOS Technologies announced on November 6 the signing of a DRAM foundry agreement. Read more |
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Elpida swings to operating profit in Jul-Sep 2009 Nov 5, 17:04 Elpida Memory has announced net sales for the second quarter of its fiscal 2009 (ended September 30, 2009) rose 32.1% sequentially to 95.9 billion yen (US$1.06 billion), with operating income returning to the black. The Japan-based memory producer generated an operating profit of 800 million yen in the July-September quarter, compared to losses of 42.3 billion yen in the prior quarter and a loss of 24.5 billion yen a year ago. Read more |
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DDR2 spot prices to hit US$3, says DRAMeXchange Nov 5, 13:55 Spot prices for DDR2 1Gb chips are likely to reach US$3 as supply remains tight throughout November, DRAMeXchange forecast in its latest report. Read more |
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Elpida licensing deal with TIMC remains firm, says TIMC designated head Nov 5, 11:36 John Hsuan, who has been tapped to set up Taiwan Innovative Memory Company (TIMC), has reiterated that the licensing terms in an agreement reached with technology partner Elpida Memory remains unchanged. TIMC will be allowed to permanently use Elpida's patented IP without additional charges after acquiring a 10% stake in the Japan-based memory chip company. Read more |
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Samsung and Micron expand in 3Q09 NAND flash market, says DRAMeXchange Nov 4, 13:57 Only Samsung Electronics and Micron Technology among the world's major NAND flash producers saw their market shares increase on quarter in the third quarter of 2009, according to a recent DRAMeXchange report. Samsung retained its top-spot position with a 38.5% share, while Micron moved up to number three and managed to expand its share to 9.4%. Read more |
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DRAM contract prices to rise by double-digits in November, says Nanya Nov 4, 11:06 Contract quotes for DRAM chips may continue to grow by a double-digit percentage in November, according to Pai Pei-Lin, vice president and spokesperson of Nanya Technology. Pai said he does not see a downward correction in the short term, as demand from PC OEMs remains strong. Read more |
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DRAM maker PSC revenues up 63% in October Nov 3, 16:35 Powerchip Semiconductor (PSC) has reported revenues of NT$4.239 billion (US$131 million) for October 2009, the highest since August 2008. The figure also showed a 63% growth from NT$2.603 billion a year ago, ending a 15-month streak of on-year revenue drops. Read more |
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Elpida takes director-seat majority following Rexchip shuffle Nov 3, 15:47 Taiwan-based DRAM maker Rexchip Electronics has recently reshuffled its board of directors with Elpida Memory occupying six seats and Powerchip Semiconductor (PSC) four, according to industry sources in Taiwan. Although PSC chairman Frank Huang remains chairman of Rexchip, there may a large change in Rexchip's board after re-election which is scheduled in May 2010, the sources pointed out. Read more |
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US$2.50 reasonable for DRAM, says Kingston Technology Far East Nov 3, 14:54 US$2.50 is a healthy price level for both DRAM makers and PC ODM/OEM makers, according to Kingston Technology Far East chairman DK Tsai, who also heads packaging and testing firm Powertech Technology (PTI). Tsai pointed out that DRAM production costs are US$2.20-2.30 based on 70nm processes, US$1.80-2 on 60nm and about US$1.50 on 50nm, implying DRAM makers can profit from US$2.50 price levels. Read more |
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DRAM module makers post outstanding 3Q09 profits Nov 2, 15:59 Taiwan memory module makers A-data Technology, Transcend Information and Power Quotient International (PQI) all saw significant profit growth in the third quarter of 2009. Read more |
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Taiwan DRAM makers see losses narrow in 3Q09; expected to break even in 4Q09 Nov 2, 15:00 Taiwan-based DRAM makers saw losses narrow in third-quarter 2009 with combined losses at Powerchip Semiconductor Corporation (PSC), ProMOS Technologies, Nanya Technology and Inotera Memories totaling NT$17.5 billion (US$537.57 million). The companies are expected to reach breakeven in the fourth quarter as DRAM pricing grows stronger, according to market watchers. Read more |
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Macronix net profits more than double in 3Q09 Oct 30, 15:51 Mask ROM and NOR flash maker Macronix International Company (MXIC) saw its net profits increase 131% sequentially to NT$2.27 billion (US$69.63 million) in third-quarter 2009, according to the company. The earnings translated into an EPS of NT$0.7 for the quarter. Read more |
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Winbond posts narrower 3Q09 loss, ups 2009 capex Oct 28, 14:50 Winbond Electronics has announced net sales for the third quarter of 2009 totaled NT$5.69 billion (US$175 million), up 36% from the previous quarter's NT$4.2 billion. Net losses for the quarter narrowed to NT$983 million, compared to a loss of NT$2.75 billion in the second quarter. Read more |
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SDRAM maker Zentel 3Q09 profits up significantly Oct 28, 14:34 Niche memory IC designer Zentel Electronics has announced net profits of NT$120 million (US$3.7 million) for the third quarter, compared to profits of NT$48 million in the prior quarter and NT$30 million in third-quarter 2008. The third-quarter profits represent a company quarterly record. Read more |
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PTI raises 2009 capex; chairman bullish on 2010 memory market Oct 28, 14:22 Memory packaging and testing house Powertech Technology (PTI) has raised its capex for 2009 to NT$7 billion (US$216 million) on optimism about the recent market rebound, according to company chairman DK Tsai. PTI in July increased its 2009 capex from NT$3 billion to NT$5 billion. Read more |
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DRAM backend supplier FATC nears full utilization Oct 27, 16:41 Formosa Advanced Technologies (FATC), a Taiwan-based memory packaging and testing service provider, has seen its capacity reach almost full utilization thanks to increased demand for DRAM and niche memory chips, according to market watchers. FATC is a major backend supplier for Nanya Technology and Inotera Memories. Read more |
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UMC invests in DRAMeXchange Newswatch - Oct 27, 15:32 DRAMeXchange Technology has announced that United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) through a venture capital subsidiary has taken a 10% stake in the company. The memory price tracker has drawn investment from A-Data Technology and Powerchip Semiconductor Corporation (PSC). Read more |
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DRAM spot price stable; NAND flash weakens, says inSpectrum Oct 23, 17:10 DRAM spot prices were mostly stagnant this week (October 19-23) as buyers became hesitant upon seeing a stronger-than-expected pricing trend. NAND flash spot pricing continued posting a mild drop because of cheaper quotes for Intel chips, according to inSpectrum. Read more |
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DRAM contract prices up in 2H October, says DRAMeXchange Oct 23, 16:56 Contract prices for both 1Gb DDR2 and 1Gb DDR3 chips continued to rally in the second half of October 2009, with the former topping US$2, according to data from DRAMeXchange. The average price of 1Gb DDR2 chips edged up by 15.7% to US$2.06, surpassing 1Gb DDR3 at US$1.94. Read more |
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DRAM recovery to continue into 2010, says iSuppli Oct 23, 10:24 The DRAM industry in the second and third quarters of 2009 posted the strongest sequential growth in revenue and pricing seen in at least five years, indicating that the recent market rebound is real and is likely to continue into 2010, according to iSuppli. Read more |
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Hynix returns to profit in 3Q09 Oct 23, 10:23 Hynix Semiconductor swung to profits in the quarter ended September 30, 2009, following seven consecutive quarterly losses. The memory chipmaker attributed its return to the black to growing sales performance and a focus on profitable products. Read more |
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Taiwan jobless rate edges down in September Oct 22, 16:51 Taiwan's unemployment rate slid from the record high of 6.13% in August 2009 to 6.04% in September, ending a four-month streak of consecutive increases in the jobless rate, according to statistics published by the government's Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS). The jobless rate still remained high at 6.04%, compared to 4.27% a year ago. Read more |
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Toshiba increases market share on Fujitsu hard drive takeover Newswatch - Oct 22, 16:31 Toshiba is estimated to have grabbed a 13.2% share of the global hard disk drive (HDD) market following its takeover of Fujitsu's hard drive operations, according to industry sources. Read more |
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DRAM contract prices continuing rally through 4Q09; shortage expected in 2010, says Nanya VP Oct 22, 11:25 Contract quotes for DRAM chips will continue to rise in November, according to Pai Pei-Lin, vice president and spokesperson of Nanya Technology. Pai also foresees a shortage of memory chips in 2010, as PC replacement demand will outpace capacity expansion. Read more |
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Nanya and Inotera 2010 capex to rise Oct 22, 10:41 Nanya Technology and Inotera Memories plan to increase their capex for 2010 to accelerate their process advancement, according to the companies. Both Taiwan-based DRAM makers have reported significantly narrower losses for the third quarter of 2009. Read more |
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Nanya losses narrow significantly in 3Q09 Oct 21, 16:30 DRAM maker Nanya Technology saw revenues grow 42% sequentially in the third quarter of 2009, with operating losses almost halved from the prior quarter. Net losses for the quarter also showed 41% improvement on quarter, thanks to higher ASPs, according to the company. Read more |
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IC distributor Zenitron expects memory cards to sustain growth for 4Q09 Oct 21, 14:58 Taiwan-based Zenitron, a major distributor for SanDisk NAND flash products, expects revenues from memory cards used in handsets and digital still cameras (DSCs) to drive growth for the fourth quarter of 2009, according to company CEO Jason Chen. Read more |
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PSC stands chance of turning a profit in 4Q09, says chairman Oct 21, 14:52 DRAM maker Powerchip Semiconductor Corporation (PSC) is likely to return to profit in the fourth quarter of 2009, if DRAM prices remain above US$2, according to company chairman Frank Huang. PSC's chip production costs using its 65nm process now averages US$1.60. Read more |
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Transcend lands distribution rights for Samsung memory cards Oct 21, 12:03 Transcend Information has announced it has obtained rights from Samsung Electronics to distribute Samsung-brand memory cards in the Taiwan market. Transcend has also secured sole memory card distribution rights from Samsung for other markets in Asia, Australia and Russia. Read more |
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PSC seeks government funding for new NAND flash company Oct 21, 11:28 Taiwan-based DRAM maker Powerchip Semiconductor Corporation (PSC) has developed its in-house NAND flash technology portfolio, and has submitted an application for government funding of NT$4.5 billion (US$140 million) to set up a new NAND flash company, according to company chairman Frank Huang. Read more |
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Taiwan government confirms TIMC and PSC submitted applications for aid Stockwatch - Oct 21, 10:16 In addition to Taiwan Innovation Memory Company (TIMC, previously called Taiwan Memory Company), Powerchip Semiconductor Corporation (PSC) has also submitted a restructuring plan to apply for financial aid from the government, according to the Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) under Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA). Read more |
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Samsung launches memory card brand in Taiwan Oct 20, 15:42 Samsung Electronics has announced its premium Samsung memory cards for sale in Taiwan starting from October 2009. The new "Plus" memory cards, which comply with the Secure Digital class 6 ratings for performance, are available in SD, microSD and Compact Flash (CF) formats in 4GB and 8GB densities, plus a 16GB density SDHC card. Read more |
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Nanya and Inotera may not apply for government funding Oct 20, 15:04 Taiwan-based Nanya Technology and its joint venture with Micron Technology, Inotera Memories, may be forced to withdraw their application for government funding following the sudden decision of Winbond Electronics to not partner with the Nanya camp, according to company sources. Read more |
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Micron 34nm MLC NAND for enterprise storage Oct 20, 10:04 Micron Technology has announced a new line of NAND products - both multi-level cell (MLC) and single-level cell (SLC) - designed specifically for enterprise applications. By leveraging its 34nm NAND process, the new MLC NAND device achieves 30,000 write cycles - a 6x increase in endurance when compared to standard MLC NAND, according to the company. The 34nm SLC NAND device also achieves 300,000 write cycles - a 3x increase in endurance when compared to standard SLC NAND. Read more |
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Memory IC distributors see strong 3Q09 profits Oct 19, 16:24 Taiwan-based memory IC distributors Supreme Electronics, Coasia Microelectronics and Techmosa International all saw profits grow significantly in the third quarter due to seasonal demand and healthy product prices, according to market sources. Read more |
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Taiwan science parks see revenue drops narrower in July and August 2009 Oct 19, 16:22 Taiwan's government-run science parks – Hsinchu Science Park (HSP), Southern Taiwan Science Park (STSP) and Central Taiwan Science Park (CTSP) – continued to see revenues drop on year during January-August 2009, but the negative growth showed some improvement in July and August, according to the National Science Council (NSC). Read more |
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Phison cuts into RIM supply chain, says paper Newswatch - Oct 19, 11:43 NAND flash controller IC designer Phison Electronics is shipping solutions for secure memory cards in small volume, according to a Chinese-language Economic Daily News (EDN) report. Partnering with Giesecke & Devrient (G&D), Phison has entered the supply chain for RIM's BlackBerry smartphones. Read more |
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Taiwan government urges DRAM makers to apply for funding as deadline draws near Oct 16, 17:07 Officials from the Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) under Taiwan's Economics Ministry have issued a statement urging the local DRAM makers to actively support the development of Taiwan's home-grown DRAM IP and key technologies, expecting more applicants for government funding by the October 20 deadline. Read more |
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DRAM suppliers hike prices, says inSpectrum Oct 16, 16:40 The strong price upside for DRAM in the spot market continued in this week (October 12-16), following price hikes by some vendors and module makers, according to inSpectrum. But NAND flash spot pricing weakened. Read more |
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Elpida sees operating profit in fiscal 2Q09 Oct 16, 16:18 Elpida Memory has announced preliminary results indicating that consolidated revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 rose 32% sequentially to 96 billion yen (US$2.97 billion), while operating income for the fiscal second quarter of 2009 turned slightly into the black. The estimated operating profit represents a return to profitability following losses over the previous six quarters. Read more |
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3S lands flash card controller orders from Kingston Oct 16, 14:05 Solid State System (3S) has secured orders for memory card controllers from Kingston Technology, expecting the new orders to be its major growth driver in 2010, according to the company. Read more |
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Inotera and Nanya announce machinery purchases Stockwatch - Oct 15, 12:18 DRAM makers Inotera Memories and Nanya Technology have recently spent NT$8.28 billion (US$257 million) and NT$1.26 billion, respectively, on new equipment, according to company filings with the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE). Read more |
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PSC mulls buying back Rexchip shares from Elpida, say sources Oct 15, 11:42 Taiwan-based DRAM maker Powerchip Semiconductor Corporation (PSC) is mulling the possibility of buying back a portion of the Rexchip Electronics shares it has sold to Japan-based Elpida Memory, according to industry sources. Read more |
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Elpida acquires more Rexchip shares from PSC Oct 15, 10:47 Elpida Memory on October 14 announced that it has acquired a larger shareholding in Rexchip Electronics in order to strengthen the management of the consolidated subsidiary's operations. Based on the acquisition Elpida now holds 64% of Rexchip shares. Read more |
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Kingston APAC sales hit high in September Oct 14, 12:05 Kingston Technology saw revenues from the Asia-Pacific market score an historic high in September 2009, thanks to a rally in chip prices and improved demand, according to Scott Chen, the company's vice president for APAC business. Sales from its NAND flash product line grew significantly. Read more |
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Notes and corrections |
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A November 2 report incorrectly stated Transcend Information reported net profits of NT$114 million for the third quarter of 2009. The correct figure is NT$1.14 billion. |
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