Semico’s chip index reaches new high
Mark LaPedus
EE Times
(10/18/2005 3:06 PM EDT)
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Amid some stability in chip inventories and average selling prices (ASPs), Semico Research Corp.’s Inflection Point Indicator (IPI) hit 16.0 in August, a new high for the year.
The IPI has shown increasing strength, rising from a low of 14.2 in April to a high of 16.0 in August. The August IPI is a slight improvement of 0.3 percent over July’s level of 15.9.
Semico (Phoenix, Ariz.) developed the IPI to assist in forecasting semiconductor revenues approximately two quarters in advance. The research firm continues to forecast that worldwide semiconductor revenues will increase by 18.3 percent in 2006, reaching $262.1 billion.
“The current upward trend points to the February-May 2006 timeframe,” according to Semico. “We are optimistic heading into 2006. The August IPI is the highest on record, and coupled with four consecutive months of growth, 2006 will indeed be a robust year.”
Aggregate semiconductor ASPs are on the upswing, improving from $0.458 in July to $0.508 in August, an increase of 10.9 percent, according to the firm.
Inventories are now under control, contributing to a positive 2005 and 2006 outlook. “Inventory levels for electronic computers are down 26.7 percent from a year ago, and inventories for non-defense communications and electronic components decreased 7.2 percent and 18.0 percent year-over-year, respectively,” it added.
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