The world's two largest wafer foundries will likely record revenue drops in February, touching bottom for the year, according to market watchers. However, both should start feeling a warming up of orders from March.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is estimated to generate revenues of NT$10-11 billion (US$287-315 million) in February, down from NT$12.4 billion recorded for January. The foundry's first-quarter revenues may slide to as low as NT$32-35 billion, according to market watchers.
However, TSMC will manage a sequential revenue growth in March, driven mostly by rush orders for flat panel and TV converter applications, the watchers indicated. The foundry is also expected to benefit from Altera's recently-revised guidance for the first quarter of 2009. The US programmable chipmaker has lifted its first-quarter revenue forecast thanks to China's 3G demand.
United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) will experience another sequential revenue decline to around NT$2.5 billion in February, the watchers estimated. For the first quarter, the foundry is expected to manage NT$9.5-10.5 billion.
Source: Companies and market watcher estimates, compiled by Digitimes, March 2009
Source: Companies and market watcher estimates, compiled by Digitimes, March 2009
Article translated by Jessie Shen
