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NEWS & VIEWS |
Taipei,
Sunday, November 22, 2009
09:32 (GMT+8)
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Subject: Bits + chips > Memory |
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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IC distributor Supreme enjoying outstanding performance in 4Q09 Nov 20, 17:00 Supreme Electronics has estimated its consolidated revenues will top NT$3 billion (US$92.68 million) in November and hit a 2009 year-high in the fourth quarter driven by demand for memory products. The company expects a bright outlook for memory products in the first quarter of 2010. Read more |
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KYEC sees 4Q09 sales grow on quarter; aborts plans to spin off memory testing unit Nov 20, 15:03 King Yuan Electronics Company (KYEC) has estimated revenues to grow by up to 5% sequentially in the fourth quarter of 2009, while maintaining a 60-65% utilization rate. The IC testing firm attributed the slight growth to a continued pickup in demand for graphics chips and niche memory. 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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Hynix announces 40nm 2Gb DDR3 Nov 20, 10:03 Hynix Semiconductor has announced Intel validation of 2Gb DDR3 DRAM chips using 40nm-class process technology. The chipmaker said it has begun mass producing the new chips, and expects the validation of RDIMMs to also be completed within before year's end. Read more |
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Taiwan market: Transcend offers 4GB USB flash drives with eSobi software Newswatch - Nov 19, 15:03 Transcend Information has teamed up with Internet information search and management firm eSobi to offer its 4GB JetFlash V33-series USB flash drives with eSobi software in the Taiwan market, according to the company. Read more |
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Kingston shipping 12GB DDR3 kits for Core i7 Nov 19, 11:55 Kingston Technology has announced 12GB triple-channel HyperX memory kits in support of Intel's LGA 1366 Core i7 systems. The DDR3 XMP-ready kit consists of six 2GB modules running at 1600MHz and 1.65V. Read more |
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Taiwan IC production value to shrink 8% in 2009, says TSIA Nov 18, 13:32 Taiwan's IC production value is estimated to reach NT$1.2238 trillion (US$38.43 billion) in 2009, down 8.1% on year, according to the Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association (TSIA). Overall IC production grew 23.2% sequentially to NT$368.8 billion in the third quarter, with the manufacturing (including foundry) sector up 25.6%. 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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MediaTek to ship GSM/GPRS single-chip solution in December Nov 18, 12:06 MediaTek is scheduled to volume produce its first GSM/GPRS single chips MT6253 in December, according to industry sources. The solution will target white-box handsets priced at less than 3,000 yuan (US$440). 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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Chip sales in 2010 to rebound to 2008 levels, says Gartner Nov 17, 14:03 Worldwide semiconductor revenues are on pace to total US$226 billion in 2009, an 11.4% decline from revenues of US$255 billion in 2008, according to the latest outlook by Gartner. The revised forecast shows a narrower drop compared to the firm's previous estimate of a 17.1% shrink. 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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Memory backend suppliers gearing up for DDR3 Nov 16, 12:10 With customers pushing the DDR3 generation, memory packaging and testing firms Powertech Technology (PTI), Formosa Advanced Technologies Company (FATC) and Walton Advanced Engineering all estimate DDR3 will contribute 90% to their overall DRAM shipments at the end of 2010, up from 40-50% at end-2009, according to company sources. 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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Memory IC backend firm Walton positive about 4Q09 Nov 13, 12:13 Walton Advanced Engineering has revised its fourth-quarter revenue guidance to sequential growth, compared to flat revenues that it initially estimated. The memory IC packaging and testing house also forecast revenues for the first quarter of 2010 to hold level, and average monthly revenues next year to top NT$550 million (US$17 million). Read more |
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ProMOS says partnership with Elpida not affected by TIMC fate Nov 13, 11:47 The uncertain fate of Taiwan Innovation Memory Company (TIMC, previously Taiwan Memory Company) has nothing to do with ProMOS Technologies' supply agreement with Elpida Memory, according to ProMOS chairman ML Chen. Read more |
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Apacer eyeing non-memory products for higher margin Nov 12, 16:49 Apacer Technology has placed stronger emphasis on more profitable digital peripherals that contribute higher gross margins, according to the company. The high-margin product line, which includes digital media players, wireless presenters and mice, currently accounts for around 22% of Apacer's total revenues. Read more |
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Niche memory IC orders and ASP recovered, says Etron chairman Nov 12, 16:20 The niche memory IC market has bottomed out with improving order volume as well as average selling prices (ASPs), said Etron Technology chairman Nicky Lu. Read more |
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SPIL to buy factory from PSC for NT$1.78 billion Nov 12, 14:48 Chip packaging and testing house Siliconware Precision Industries (SPIL) has announced it will spend NT$1.78 billion (US$54.94 million) buying a factory with production equipment from DRAM maker Powerchip Semiconductor Corporation (PSC) for capacity expansion. 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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Prices for microSD cards down as demand falls Nov 12, 11:00 Weakening demand has sent selling prices of microSD cards decreasing to levels 15-20% lower than chip vendors' quotations, with downstream device makers showing reluctance to source directly from NAND flash chipmakers, according to industry sources. 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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DDR3 prices to rise above DDR2 soon, say makers Nov 11, 10:28 With PC OEMs pushing the migration to DDR3, the next mainstream memory chip will soon be traded above the ASP for DDR2 chips in both spot and contract markets, according to sources at DRAM producers and module houses. Contract prices for mainstream 2GB modules soared more than expected during the first half of November amid strong demand in the PC market, the sources said. 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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Nanya Technology lands NT$18 billion in syndicated loans Nov 10, 15:21 Nanya Technology on November 9 signed on for a syndicated loan of NT$18 billion (US$554 million), with the fund earmarked for its process advancement, according to the company. The Taiwan-based DRAM producer is looking to migrate all of its 12-inch production (130,000 wafers per month) to 50nm process technology. 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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Top-20 chip suppliers 3Q09 revenues up 19% sequentially, says IC Insights Nov 9, 11:35 Global top-20 semiconductor companies, in total, registered a sales growth of 19% sequentially in the third quarter of 2009, according to IC Insights. This followed an on-quarter 19% increase in the second quarter. Read more |
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Transcend revenues down in October on weaker demand for NAND flash products Nov 9, 11:19 Memory module maker Transcend Information has reported revenues of NT$2.97 billion (US$91.78 million) for October 2009, down 18% compared with the previous month's NT$3.62 billion. The company said that customers had stocked up ahead of a week-long national holiday in China at the beginning of October, resulting in weaker demand particularly in the NAND flash segment. Read more |
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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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