Summary: Fujitsu UK, a major technology company, is facing a scandal known as the “Horizon Scandal,” involving its computer system used by the UK Post Office. The scandal has caused significant financial and personal damage, leading to discussions of compensation for Fujitsu and potential loss of future contracts. As a result, Fujitsu’s share price has dropped from its all-time high reached in December. The amount of compensation and the impact on future contracts remains uncertain.
Positive and Negative Trends in the Semiconductor Industry
The semiconductor industry has experienced both positive and negative trends in various sectors. In terms of revenues, Nanya reported a 31.73% year-on-year increase, while UMC experienced a 18.9% year-on-year decrease. Samsung’s sales were flat, but its operating profit increased by 16% quarter-on-quarter. Additionally, a collaboration called Quintaurius has been launched in Germany, involving tech companies such as Bosch, Infineon, Nordic, NXP, and Qualcomm. On the other hand, Intel has received a new ASML High-NA EUV tool, which has generated excitement for a photo opportunity.
TSMC Revenues and Growth Outlook for 2024
TSMC, a leading semiconductor company, reported Q4 2023 revenues of NT$625,529, translating to $19.55 billion, a 13% increase quarter-on-quarter and a 2% decrease year-on-year. However, its full-year 2023 revenues amounted to NT$2,161.74 billion, down 4.5% year-on-year. Despite a projected 5-10% Q1 2024 revenue decline, TSMC expects to see a growth range of 5-10% year-on-year for the full year. Investors are closely watching TSMC’s upcoming results announcement on January 18th.
Mobileye Faces Disappointing Results and Inventory Issues
Mobileye, a technology company specializing in autonomous driving solutions, surprised the market with a significant guide down to their results. The stock price reacted poorly due to the magnitude of the guide. Mobileye cited excess inventory as a major issue, signaling that their customers have accumulated too much inventory.
Taiwan PC Industry Performance and CES Event
The Taiwan PC industry has experienced a recent decline, with companies like Acer and Nanya Tech being the top losers. However, Dell stands out as a top performer. The ongoing CES event provides an opportunity for companies to showcase their latest products and innovations. TSMC, a key player in the industry, will be reporting its results later this month, which will be closely monitored by investors.
Advancements in Quantum Technology and Collaboration with Quanmatic
The use of quantum technology is expected to significantly enhance electrical die sorting (EDS) performance in the semiconductor industry. Through a collaboration with Quanmatic, full-scale implementation is expected in April, leading to long-term growth driven by power semiconductors and increased efficiency. This could result in margin expansion for companies involved in this field.
Hon Hai’s Revenue Drop and Buying Opportunity
Hon Hai, a technology company, reported lower than usual revenue figures for December. However, the company’s MIH EV consortium is showcasing solutions at CES 2024 and expects significant customer deliveries for its ‘n7’ EV in Taiwan. Despite the revenue drop, Hon Hai’s stock is trading at attractive valuations, making it a buying opportunity for investors.
Recovering Semiconductor Cycle and Investment Opportunity in Ferrotec
Ferrotec, a semiconductor company, has experienced a drop in its share price but shows potential for recovery. With sales and operations expected to improve in the second half of the fiscal year, especially in power semiconductor substrates, Ferrotec presents an investment opportunity. The company is expanding its capacity in Japan, China, and Malaysia, and has not reported significant damage from the Noto Peninsula earthquake.
The source of the article is from the blog zaman.co.at