SARATOGA, CA – Advanced Forecasting Inc., a research firm that claims to have correctly forecast 90% of the turning points in IC sales since 1987, said it would not modify its November forecast for IC revenues despite the strong first quarter performance.

The remarks ran counter to the SIA's recent decision to up its 2005 forecast. Last week, the trade group raised its forecast to a 6% gain.

IC revenues worldwide fell 1.5% sequentially in April and are projected to oscillate throughout the rest of 2005, resulting in an annual growth rate near zero, the firm said in a statement. IC unit sales rose 0.85% sequentially in April and are expected to continue the increase into the third quarter, AFI said.  

“Sales of IC units were robust in March, surpassing its March 2004 level of 8.5 billion units, following a seasonal minimum point in February,” said Dr. Moshe Handelsman, president. “Therefore, extrapolation of this event that leads to modifications in forecasts is unwarranted. April’s increase dampened the celebration since sales ended at 8.7 billion, 1.5% below  April 2004.” 

AFI's forecast that IC units would peak in mid-2004, decline in Q1 2005, and increase in Q2, said Rosa Luis, director of marketing and sales. "Actual shipments in both units and dollars are behaving exactly in line with what our models predicted.”   

SARATOGA, CA – Recent statements by top foundries TSMC and UMC predicting utilization rates would increase in the second half are consistent with a leading research firm's forecast of a better second half.

TSMC said its capacity utilization would rise to 90% from 80% while UMC forecasts a 20 point hike, to 80%, respectively. The jumps are due to increases in orders.

Read more ...

LAGUNA, PHILIPPINES -- A pair of Asia-based EMS firms with numerous facilities in the Philippines and China plan to merge in a deal worth SGD201 million (US$120.5 million).

Under the proposed terms, Integrated Microelectronics Inc. will acquire all 376.2 million outstanding shares of Speedy-Tech Electronics Ltd.

The deal is expected to close in the December quarter.

Read more ...

TORONTO - Adeptron Technologies, an EMS provider traded on the Toronto stock exchange, announced today the selection of an investment banking firm to help raise up to C$4 million in gross proceeds for the company.

Madison Grant Fund of Toronto and First Associates Investments Inc. will act as as selling agents to raise capital for the proposed financing, through the sale of certain Madison Grant fund units.

Adeptron intends to use the proceeds of the financing to redeem or refinance outstanding notes payable and for working capital purposes to pursue ongoing strategic growth opportunities.

Read more ...