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Technology Stocks : Atmel - the trend is about to change -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: tech101 who wrote (13203)	11/6/2003 1:22:22 PM
From: tech101	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 13565

Semico's index confirms strong rebound in ICs By Mark LaPedus Silicon Strategies 11/05/2003, 4:00 PM ET PHOENIX -- In what demonstrates that the IC industry is heading towards a strong rebound in the second half of 2003, Semico Research Corp. today (November 5, 2003) said its Inflection Point Indicator (IPI) continued to make steady gains in September. Semico's IPI hit 17.8 percent in September, up 5.1 percent from 12.7 percent in August, according to the Phoenix-based research firm. The Semico IPI is a proprietary algorithm that compiles numerous industry data points into a unique index number. It predicts the strength and direction of the semiconductor industry six to eight months in advance. The latest results reinforce Semico's long-standing prediction of a strong industry rebound in the second half of 2003. The firm believes that 17-to-19 percent growth for the IC industry is becoming increasing plausible for 2003. The IPI index number from the first quarter of 2003 pointed to strong third quarter growth, even though market conditions at that time were very weak. The most recent figures from the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics reports of a strong third quarter are an indication of the IPI's prediction (see October 30 story). Semico is also encouraged that the IPI has registered a positive index for the last seven consecutive months. The increasing strength of the IPI combined with low inventories, strong economic data, aging PCs, cell phone and infrastructure, rising fab utilization rates produces an environment for a robust 2004. "Assuming that semiconductor manufacturers do not fall back in a price war, unit demand will result in a revenue growth for fourth quarter 2003 topping every forecaster's prediction except Semico's," said Jim Feldhan, president of Semico. "When compared with historical results, the 2003 IPI results are strikingly similar to those from 1999 which proceeded the industry's best year in 2000."