Chip Makers Hit By Economic Downturn, Forecast Reduced
Semiconductor revenues are now expected to climb by just 1.2 percent this year and remain essentially flat over 2010, according to a new report released by IHS.
The number is down from a previous 2.9 percent estimate.
"Although the forecast of 1.2 percent revenue growth in 2011 is just barely positive, an expansion of any magnitude is significant from the standpoint of market psychology," said Dale Ford, senior vice president, electronics market intelligence for IHS. "Given the worsening economic environment and growing pessimism in the electronics supply chain, many market forecasters had projected third-quarter revenues would decline, and pull down the results for the full year of 2011. Even the prospect of marginal growth casts a much more optimistic light on the market performance for the year."
IHS noted that the global semiconductor market gained in Q3 despite "major economic headwinds," which may have saved the industry from overall negative growth for the current year. IHS estimates that Q3 chip sales increased by about 3.5 percent to $78.7 billion year over year. For Q4, IHS expects a 2.0 percent decline to $77.1 billion. 2011 sales are expected to come in at $308.5 billion, up from $304.7 billion in 2010.
According to the market research firm, "many major semiconductor suppliers are projecting fourth-quarter revenue declines that average in the high single digits, "but there are some notable exceptions that have indicated solid growth," which include Intel, Samsung, Renesas, Qualcomm and AMD.
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Douglas Perry was a freelance writer for Tom's Hardware covering semiconductors, storage technology, quantum computing, and processor power delivery. He has authored several books and is currently an editor for The Oregonian/OregonLive.
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dxwarlock Am i reading it wrong? or is this an old article..its speaking of predictions of remaining flat for 2010 and forecasting overall growth for 2011, the year we are almost done with..Reply -
pale paladin I think they have non english speaking Ewoks doing the editing for this website now. Get your crap together Tomshardware.Reply -
cookoy They're revising the 2011 forecasted annual growth down to 1.2% over 2010 instead of previous 2.9% estimate due to the economic downturn.Reply -
yzfr1guy I truly can't believe the lack of quality publishing at Toms, such a shame. If there is a content reviewer they should be fired Donald Trump style!Reply
I've been a Toms follower since it's birth and the quality has gone to poo with it's content and it's over use of in your face advertising. But like most companies, the owners only give a damn about themselves putting greed for money as priority number one. I'm guessing the associates putting the content on here are low wage or even interns working for nothing....