Himax beats 2Q24 expectations with strong automotive DDI growth, faces 3Q headwinds amid Chinese market slump

Taiwanese display driver IC (DDI) leader Himax Technologies reported a robust second quarter, driven by strong demand for automotive DDI. However, the company is adopting a cautious outlook for the third quarter due to market uncertainties, projecting a 12-17% sequential revenue decline, against the traditional peak-season trend.

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ODMs issue bonds to finance costly AI servers

While AI server orders can provide a big boost, they aren’t easy to fulfill. Even Quanta, which holds more than NT$140 billion (approx. US$4.32 billion) in liquidity, is considering issuing bonds to raise capital for the high cost of materials for AI servers and support for multi-location production. This will be the first time in 14 years that Quanta is issuing bonds to raise funds.

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China fab tool industry poised to make significant strides, says AMEC CEO

Advanced Micro-fabrication Equipment (AMEC), a China-based semiconductor equipment manufacturer, has emerged as a formidable competitor to Applied Materials, Lam Research, and other big international rivals. Although China is still far from meeting worldwide standards in the field of semiconductor equipment, AMEC founder and CEO Gerald Yin believes that China can reach internationally technologically advanced levels within the next five to ten years.

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TSMC targets CoWoS expansion with potential purchase of Innolux plant

At the close of 2023, Innolux shuttered its 5.5-generation LCD panel facility. Reports suggest that potential buyers for this plant include Micron and TSMC. Recently, TSMC has reportedly offered NT$20 billion (US$617 million) for the acquisition, which could substantially enhance Innolux’s non-operating income. Neither TSMC nor Micron has commented on the speculation.

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