TB and thread, FYI from TechWeb CMP Net
TSMC Profits Slip
(10/30/97; 12:15 p.m. EST)
By Mark LaPedus, Semiconductor Business News
Citing the ongoing price erosion in the IC wafer foundry business, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. reported a net profit of $148.5 million for the third quarter, ended Sept. 30, a 2.5 percent drop compared to the same period last year.
But, sales at Hsinchu, Taiwan-based TSMC jumped 18 percent to a record $378.6 million in the quarter, compared with last year.
For the first nine months of this year, TSMC's net profit fell 30 percent from the prior year to $362.5 million. Sales for the period were $925.6 million, an 8.3 percent drop compared with the third quarter last year.
A TSMC spokesman said demand remains strong for its foundry services despite falling margins.
TSMC's archrival in the foundry business, Hsinchu-based United Microelectronics, reported a net profit of $200.6 million in the the first nine months of this year, a 2.8 percent drop compared with the same period in 1996. Sales were $595.6 million for the first nine months, an 11.6 percent increase over last year.
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Also European Investment in Chip Manufacturing and 300mm Equipment.
techweb.com
Looks like the Europeans are expecting to grow the semi business.
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