The wafer manufacturers Globalwafers and Sumco have once again set records. The view remains good, but not everywhere. Because at least in some areas there will be a slight cooling, which is also underpinned by the Semi industry association with its outlook for the coming year.
Very good numbers in the summer quarter
Globalwafers already opened the series of quarterly figures for the wafer manufacturers last week. Compared to the previous year, almost 18 percent more sales could be reported there, but compared to the previous quarter the increase was just under three percent. At the same time, however, the margin and profits for the Taiwanese increased, so that new records were set everywhere in the end. A high demand in all areas means that there is not yet sufficient capacity in production for the demand of the market.
Globalwafers sales and profit (image: Globalwafers)The Japanese competitor Sumco also reported very good figures today. Sales increased significantly compared to the previous year, and profits went with it. However, Sumco is preparing for a somewhat more turbulent time, the outlook for the fourth quarter is flat at best, i.e. it is at a similar level.
Sumco sales and profit (image: Sumco)The outlook is becoming more cautious
Both manufacturers of the wafer blanks in sizes from 3 to 12 inches are going into the future with mixed prospects. Demand will remain high in many of the sub-areas addressed, while weakening in others. The 150 mm wafers in particular, i.e. the 6-inch discs, were recently identified as a weak point and are the fastest to drop in demand. Demand for 200 mm and 300 mm blanks, i.e. eight and twelve inch wafers, remains high.
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Sumco's view (Image: Sumco)
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Globalwafers Outlook 3 (Image: Globalwafers)
Globalwafers Outlook 2 (Image: Globalwafers)
Globalwafers view 1 (Image: Globalwafers)
Sumco also provides an updated outlook on its targeted growth. From the dashed line given as a target earlier this year, a clear downward correction can now be seen with the bold red line. However, growth remains the same, although a significant slowdown is evident for 2023 and the market will only pick up speed again from 2024.
Sumco's outlook until 2026 (Image: Sumco)Precisely these prospects are also underpinned by Semi as an industry association. Here, too, the market will stagnate in the coming year, after which things will pick up again.
Outlook according to Semi until 2026 (image: Semi)