To: SirRealist who wrote (17757 ) 10/19/2000 1:15:03 AM From: figanin Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 24256 Yes TSM is the largest chip foundry. Earnings just out in Taiwan and getting hammered:biz.yahoo.com Thursday October 19, 12:37 am Eastern Time TSMC Q3 net beats forecast, shares slump TAIPEI, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) (NYSE:TSM - news), the world's largest dedicated microchip foundry, said on Thursday its third quarter profit surged 226.8 percent to T$20.058 billion (US$626.8 million) from a year ago as demand continued to surpass supply. Earnings per share for the quarter was at T$1.74, well above a Reuters poll of five analysts of T$1.48. The world's largest made-to-order chipmaker, in a statement after the close of trade on Thursday, said sales and net profit in the quarter both set record highs. TSMC's monthly capacity utilisation rate exceeded 100 percent throughout the third quarter of 2000. But shares of TSMC took a severe beating, tumbling by its daily seven percent downward limit to T$81.50 as fears over the global technology outlook grew and domestic confidence weakened. It was the most actively traded issue with 57.2 million shares changing hands. The price has fallen 52 percent from this year's high of T$171 in mid-February, though that was before it was diluted by a T$2.80-per-share dividend given in the form of a bonus issue. (US$ equals T$32) ----------------------------hoovers.com A silicon Godzilla, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is the world's largest semiconductor foundry, or contract manufacturer. In fact, TSMC and crosstown rival United Microelectronics together control nearly 60% of the foundry market. TSMC produces chips for such companies as Intel, Advanced Micro Devices, and Motorola. The company operates 11 fabs (chip factories), mostly in Taiwan's high-tech Hsin-chu area, and it owns 25% of Taiwan's Vanguard International Semiconductor and 68% of US-based joint venture WaferTech. In 2000, TSMC bought Taiwan's #3 foundry, Worldwide Semiconductor Manufacturing, and the rest of TSMC's 30%-owned joint venture with Acer. Philips Electronics owns more than 25% of TSMC.