TSMC cautiously optimistic about 2Q
Claire Sung, Taipei; Rodney Chan, DIGITIMES [Wednesday 30 April 2008]
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) remains cautiously optimistic about the second quarter, during which overall demand in the semiconductor market is expected to rise steadily, according to company CEO Rick Tsai.
Although days of inventory (DOI) at clients have increased, clients are now managing their inventory more efficiently and cautiously, and they are also making responding quickly to market conditions, said Tsai.
Demand for PC-related chips is growing slightly, while demand for handset chips remains flat, noted Tsai.
TSMC expects second-quarter revenues to rise 4-6% sequentially in terms of US dollars, but translated into Taiwan dollars the revenues will be flat compared to the first quarter because of the appreciation of the local currency.
Lora Ho, TSMC's VP and CFO, said the foundry expects 65nm processes to account for more than 20% of its revenues for 2008. TSMC has reported that 65nm totaled 15% of its wafer sales in the first quarter of 2008.
Industry observers commented that with its major clients, Qualcomm, Broadcom, Marvell and MediaTek gearing up their 65nm production, TSMC will enjoy explosive growth for the segment in the second half of the year.
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