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NEWS & VIEWS |
Taipei,
Sunday, November 22, 2009
13:12 (GMT+8)
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DRAM spot pricing weakens on stock dumping, says inSpectrum Nov 20, 17:15 Soft pricing for both DRAM and NAND flash continued into this week (November 16-20), as some traders started dumping inventory into the channel, according to inSpectrum. Read more |
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Elpida opens DRAM testing lab in Munich Nov 20, 12:30 Elpida Memory has held a ceremony in Munich, Germany to officially open its test laboratory for DRAM chips at its Munich Design Center, which began operations in May 2009 as a GDDR development facility. Read more |
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DRAM prices likely to drop in December, say module makers Nov 18, 12:24 Some DRAM module makers in Taiwan are forecasting a price correction to reflect seasonal demand in December, and have expressed caution about the near-term chip pricing. Read more |
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DRAM production costs to drop significantly in 2010, say Taiwan makers Nov 17, 14:17 With more DRAM producers progressing to next-generation production process, the competition in die shrink will cause an overall reduction in DRAM production costs in 2010, according to sources at Taiwan-based DRAM makers. Read more |
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MOEA to resubmit DRAM funding bid, says paper Newswatch - Nov 16, 15:38 With a committee of Taiwan lawmakers having rejected a funding bid for the government's plan to restructure the island's DRAM sector, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has said it plans to resubmit the proposal and expects it to pass the legislative body for a vote later in November, according to a report from Taiwan's state-run Central News Agency (CNA). Read more |
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MicroSD card inventory clearing hurts NAND flash spot pricing, says inSpectrum Nov 13, 17:04 The DRAM and NAND flash spot markets were weak this week (November 9-13), said inSpectrum. The downhill price trend for NAND flash continued as some vendors were aggressive in clearing their microSD card inventories. For DRAM, pricing followed seasonal patterns, as industry players thought chip prices were already too high. Read more |
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ChipMOS expects 4Q09 revenues to stay flat or drop slightly on quarter Nov 12, 12:17 Packaging and testing house ChipMOS Technologies has said revenues for the fourth quarter of 2009 may remain flat or drop by single-digits compared to the third quarter. Demand for LCD driver IC services looks weaker during the quarter, though services for DRAM and mixed-signal ICs stay strong, according to the company. Read more |
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Taiwan legislature rejects DRAM fund bid Nov 12, 11:40 The Taiwan government efforts to overhaul the island's memory chip industry have suffered a setback after the legislature on Wednesday (November 11) rejected a proposal to inject funds from the National Development Fund into Taiwan Innovative Memory Company (TIMC). Read more |
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TIMC eligible for government funds, says official Newswatch - Nov 11, 15:04 The application submitted by Taiwan Innovation Memory Company (TIMC, previously Taiwan Memory Company) for government funding has been granted initial approval, according to Taiwan's vice economic minister Hwang Jung-chiou. However, Hwang did not confirm whether or not the application of Powerchip Semiconductor Corporation (PSC) has also been approved. Read more |
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Elpida, Winbond ink deal for GDDR foundry service Nov 11, 11:50 Elpida Memory today (November 11) announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for DRAM foundry services with Taiwan-based Winbond Electronics. The agreement pertains to Winbond's supply of GDDR3 and GDDR5 graphic DRAMs for the Japan-based memory producer. Read more |
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DRAM contract prices surge in 1H November, says inSpectrum Nov 10, 16:03 Amid a severe shortage of DDR2, DRAM contract prices rose a record-high rate in the first half of November, inSpectrum observed. In light of a slower-than-expected migration to DDR3, the momentum is expected to be sustained, the firm expected. Read more |
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Winbond and Macronix post mixed results in October 2009 Nov 10, 13:51 Winbond Electronics, which is switching its business focus from commodity DRAM to niche DRAM and NOR flash, has announced revenues for October 2009 grew 12.2% on month to NT$2.12 billion (US$65.64 million). Meanwhile, mask ROM and NOR flash maker Macronix International Company (MXIC) saw revenues for the month slide 19.3% sequentially to NT$2.7 billion. Read more |
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Samsung, Hynix continue to expand DRAM presence, says DRAMeXchange Nov 9, 15:08 Global DRAM revenues increased 40.7% on quarter to US$5.719 billion in the third quarter of 2009, according to DRAMeXchange. Samsung Electronics' and Hynix Semiconductor's combined share expanded to 55.1% in the quarter, compared to 53.1% in the prior quarter. 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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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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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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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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DRAM spot pricing continues going up on tightening supply concerns, says inSpectrum Oct 30, 17:11 Amid concerns about tightening DDR2 supply, DRAM spot pricing continued going up this week (October 26-30). NAND flash pricing, on the other hand, continued trending downward on weakened demand, according to inSpectrum. 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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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Taiwan DRAM makers stepping up output to cash in on DDR2 price hikes Oct 13, 14:37 As 1Gb DDR2 prices have been rising toward US$2.50, Taiwan-based DRAM makers have immediately hiked their production in an attempt to turn their operations profitable, according to industry sources in Taiwan. Inotera Memories, Powerchip Semiconductor Corporation (PSC) and ProMOS Technologies have scaled up DDR2 production significantly at 300mm (12-inch) fabs, seeking to start generating monthly profits. Read more |
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Winbond 3Q09 revenues up 12% on year Oct 12, 12:14 Winbond Electronics, which is exiting the commodity DRAM business, has announced revenues for September 2009 grew 12.8% on year to NT$1.89 billion (US$58.6 million). Its revenues for the third quarter amounted to NT$5.69 billion, representing growth of 35.5% sequentially and 12.4% on year. Read more |
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Bullish outlook further drives DRAM spot pricing, says inSpectrum Oct 9, 17:10 Backed by a broad consensus that DDR2 supply is in short supply, the recent holidays in China have further sent traders sourcing more chips to prepare for potential post-holiday rise in demand, resulting in a sustained rally in average selling price (ASP), according to inSpectrum. Read more |
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IC material distributor Niching to see high sales in 4Q09 on DRAM and flash demand Oct 9, 12:33 Material supplier Niching Industrial's fourth-quarter revenues are likely to top NT$300 million (US$9.33 million), holding level with the third quarter, on strong demand for DRAM and flash related products, according to market sources. Its 2009 revenues are expected to surpass NT$1.2 billion, a less than 10% decline from its 2008 revenues, the sources added. Read more |
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Taiwan market: Samsung to launch own-brand memory cards soon Oct 8, 12:01 Samsung Electronics will begin to market own-brand memory cards in the Taiwan market at the end of October with Transcend Information handling back-end packaging and distribution, according to industry sources in Taiwan. Samsung and Transcend are expected to make some announcement on October 20. Read more |
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Elpida readies 40nm 2Gb DDR3 SDRAM Oct 8, 10:55 Elpida Memory has announced that it had completed development of a 40nm 2-gigabit (2Gb) DDR3 SDRAM, with sample shipments slated for November and mass production expected to begin before the end of 2009. Read more |
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A-Data and Transcend 3Q09 sales up on year Oct 7, 15:43 A-Data Technology and Transcend Information saw their revenues for the third quarter of 2009 return to an on-year growth track. Both companies saw September sales hit a high for the year. Read more |
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Niche memory IC designer Zentel sees 3Q09 sales up 41% on quarter Oct 6, 15:06 Zentel Electronics saw revenues hit a record at NT$419 million (US$15.23 million) in September, up 12.9% on month, helping lift the third-quarter revenues by 41.2% sequentially, according to company data. Read more |
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Taiwan Memory on track to tap niche market; commodity DRAM not a focus, says Hsuan Oct 6, 14:41 John Hsuan, who has been tapped to set up Taiwan Memory Company (TMC), has said the TMC project has been implemented as scheduled and will not be interrupted by recent complaints over its partnership with Elpida Memory. TMC will enter the niche memory sector with support from ProMOS Technology, said Hsuan, adding that commodity DRAM will not be its target. Read more |
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| 577 news tagged DRAM (1/12) | |
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