Market researcher International Data Corp. said worldwide
semiconductor revenue rose more than 3.7% in 2011 to $301 billion,
but missed the firm's prior guidance, due in part to China's slow
down in the second half of the year and floods in Thailand.
IDC in July projected a modest rise to $303 billion as
persistent high unemployment in the U.S. and fear of high inflation
in China, India and Brazil weakened the sector.
But the firm on Monday raised its forecast for 2012
semiconductor revenue growth to between 6% to 7% from its prior 5%
growth estimate, saying it expects the current semiconductor cycle
to bottom out in the second quarter of 2012 and fab utilization
rates will pick up and accelerate in the second half of this
year.
IDC said Intel Corp. (INTC) remained the overall market leader
with total 2011 semiconductor revenue of $51.8 billion. Samsung
Electronics Co. Ltd. (SSNHY, 005930.SE) was the No. 2 vendor
overall with semiconductor revenue of $29 billion last year.
-By Melodie Warner, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2283; melodie.warner@dowjones.com