Results
Infineon sees "signs of a slowdown in several of its application segments" during Q1 FY2005. In automotive, continuing price pressure is expected, but no major market changes. For industrial devices a slightly weaker market is foreseen. Wireline communication device production and sales will experience pricing pressure and inventory correction, with the result of no growth in FQ1 2005.
Secure mobile solutions production is already slowing down with high inventories downstream, especially for Asian mobile phones. The significant slow down in new orders will lead to a significant reduction in the market in FQ1 2005. Infineon expects lower capacity utilisation and margin pressure to continue throughout CY2005.
The company's mainstay memory division is expected to experience a FQ1 2005 in line with seasonal demand, along with increased bit production from the company's Inotera joint venture and production alliances with foundries.
Aixtron reports Q3 2004 sales at EUR30.4mn, a 41% increase on Q3 2003's EUR21.5mn. Orders received in Q3 2004 amounted to EUR22.6mn. Net income came to EUR3.2mn compared with a net loss of EUR1.5mn in Q3 2003. The company forecasts its full-year sales at EUR125-130mn and net income at EUR3-4mn.
The Taiwan foundries reported October 2004 sales - TSMC at TWD22.970bn and UMC at TWD10.064bn. These represent increases of 13.1% and 31.3%, respectively.
