Carl, here's a weird one (boldface my emphasis):
Compiled by CBS MarketWatch
TOKYO (CBS.MW) -- Micron Technology Inc. (MU: news, msgs) of the U.S. and Infineon Technologies AG of Germany plan to enter the Japanese semiconductor market. Through mass production of DRAM chips the companies hope to undersell rivals in a market they've thus far neglected. The chip makers will sign long-term DRAM contracts to supply heavy users such as NEC Corp.(NIPNY: news, msgs) and Fujitsu and may begin supply as early as next month. With Micron's and Infineon's entry, the foreign share of Japan's DRAM market would likely rise to 50 percent. Neither company has disclosed a sales plan for Japan, but they are expected to aim for combined annual sales of around 50 billion yen ($456 million).
- Nihon Keizai Shimbun.
cbs.marketwatch.com
Micron Technology, Infineon to Sell DRAM Chips in Japan, Nikkei Says
By Tak Kumakura
Tokyo, Sept. 7 (Bloomberg) -- Micron Technology Inc., the
biggest U.S. semiconductor maker, and Germany's Infineon
Technologies AG will separately begin to sell dynamic random-
access memory chips in Japan, the Nihon Keizai newspaper said,
without citing sources. The two companies will begin selling
computer chips to NEC Corp., Fujitsu Ltd. and others next month
at the earliest. Micron and Infineon hope to gain a Japanese
market share of 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively, the
report said.
Fujitsu, Japan's fourth-largest computer chipmaker, said
last month its chip business made money in July for the first
time in more than two years because of rising demand for more
profitable chips used in portable phones and digital electronics.
(Nihon Keizai, 9/7, front page)(www.nikkei.co.jp)
quote.bloomberg.com
Now they're "the biggest U.S. semiconductor maker"?
And they've "neglected" Japan despite a minority stake in their Kobe Steel JV which various publications have projected to be on track to eventually be the largest Japanese DRAM manufacturer?
And also, they've "neglected" Japan and have yet to sell a single DRAM chip in Japan (that's what "begin to sell dynamic random-
access memory chips in Japan" implies) despite having a sales office in Tokyo?
Micron Technology Japan, K.K.
4-30, Shiba-Koen 3-chome
32 Mori Building 8F
Minato-ku
Tokyo, Japan 105-0011
Tel: 81-3-3436-5666
Fax: 81-3-3436-1444
micron.com
What happened to the NEC/Hitachi partnership? The way NEC/Hitachi plan to achieve 20% global share is now to buy from MU and/or Infineon?
If whoever sourced the rumor wanted to assure MU breaking through resistance, I'd say they'll get their wish.
If everything alleged in the piece is true, it's a huge positive.
But does this make sense?
Good trading,
Tom |
