Bottoms Up? Foundries Showing Gains
Published: 13 June 2005
by Mike Buetow
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.
The announcements are consistent with Advanced Forecasting Inc.'s January prediction that utilization rates would bottom in the June quarter and resume growth into the September period.In a statement, Rosa Luis, director of marketing and sales, said, “Q3 will be more robust than Q2. This forecast complements our forecasts for wafer sales and for IC Units shipments which also predicted a bottom in Q2.”
