Intel to see seasonal growth in Q4 after weak Q3
By Mark LaPedus
Silicon Strategies
10/04/2004, 8:56 PM ET
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Intel Corp. is projected to rebound and experience "normal" seasonal patterns in the fourth quarter after a dismal third period, according to an analyst.
Disappointing chip demand, coupled by an inability to stimulate the market with price cuts, caused Intel to reduce its quarterly estimates last month. As reported, Intel (Santa Clara, Calif.) expects third-quarter revenue to fall between $8.3-to-$8.6 billion, lower than the previous guidance for revenue from $8.6-to-$9.2 billion (see Sept. 2 story).
Michael McConnell, an analyst with investment banking firm Pacific Crest Securities Inc. (Portland), in a report said it is unlikely that Intel would meet his Q3 estimates, which calls for Intel to earn $0.27 a share on sales of $8.45 billion.
"While checks at motherboard makers have indicated a nice seasonal unit rebound in September, Q3 unit sales still tracked below normal seasonality of 20 percent to 25 percent sequentially, with notebooks and distributor forecasts also below plan," he said.
On the positive front, Intel's inventories have dropped at Asian distributors, creating some momentum for the company in Q4. Asian board and PC houses see normal Q4 seasonality, with units and sales up 8-to-10 percent, according to the analyst. For Q4, Intel is projected to rebound and earn $0.31 on sales of $9.12 billion, he said. |
