Global net revenues of the semiconductor industry in the fourth quarter of 2009 amount to about $ 5.6mlrd, that is to be approximately 53.7% more than the same period last year, say analysts at iSuppli. Nevertheless, analysts are concerned that market conditions are not as rosy as it may seem. Fourth quarter 2008 marked the beginning of a sharp downturn in the semiconductor industry. Revenues for the quarter amounted to only $ 3.7mlrd, which is 32.3% or $ 1.7mlrd fewer results of the third quarter of 2008, ie $ 5.4mlrd.

Big growth of the semiconductor industry in the fourth quarter compared with last year is misleading ", ─ said Len Jelinek, director and principal analyst of semiconductor company iSuppli. ─ "The reality is that the fourth quarter, bringing only a small increase in income compared with the third quarter. In addition, producers observe slowing of orders, reflecting the uncertainty in the market." According to iSuppli, global semiconductor market revenue to grow at a relatively small 6% compared with the third quarter.

Manufacturers have reported weak sales growth in virtually all segments of computers and components, except for segment netbook, which is growing very steadily. Companies also noted a small increase in the consumer segment. iSuppli also reported a downward pressure on prices advanced technology semiconductor components, such as 65nm, as more manufacturers go into this market segment. Nevertheless, prices for older process technologies, such as 0.18mkm fairly stable. "In early 2009, when sales were low, the producers were willing to reduce prices on mature semiconductor processes to ensure their factories orders", ─ said Jelinek. ─ "However, after increasing sales at the end of this year, the company is no longer willing to compromise to price for mature technologies."

If we consider the results of individual producers, we can see that AMD has once again on the horse. Last year, the case from the manufacturer were not too good, AMD was suddenly on the 12-th place and was not included in the top ten largest manufacturers of semiconductor industry. This year, according to iSuppli, AMD has made ninth place. Well-known firm which is engaged in marketing research, made a preliminary rating of Top-20 manufacturers of semiconductor industry, income and results of last year.

AMD has not only manufacturer, moved to the table, but from the first ten positive growth compared to last year, can boast only company Samsung, which consistently ranks second.

According to expert’s iSuppli, the semiconductor market as a whole expects reduced earnings of 12.4% in comparison with 2008. No matter how bad it sounds, it's still better than the promised 20% decline predicted earlier this year. In addition, actual revenues fell only in the fourth quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009. iSuppli noted that semiconductor sales, rebounded smartly, rising more than 18% compared with the third and second quarters of this year. iSuppli believes that in the fourth quarter growth will be 5%.

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