Q2 results reveal healthy inventory positions for major chip suppliers

EL SEGUNDO, USA: Most major global semiconductor suppliers that have reported second-quarter results are currently holding lean levels of chip inventory, putting them in a strong competitive position as demand begins to recover, according to iSuppli Corp.

Of 15 companies that have reported second-quarter results, 11 indicated that their Days of Inventory (DOI) during the period were at a lower level compared to their average level for the past three years. Eight of the companies reported inventories lower than the average by double-digit percentages.

“The latest results from semiconductor suppliers validate iSuppli’s assertion that inventories have been reduced to appropriate levels, down from previously excessive positions,” said Carlo Ciriello, financial analyst for iSuppli.

“Inventory levels are lean—but appropriate—given current revenue levels. With fab utilization so low, semiconductor suppliers can ramp up production to build inventories to meet increased demand, should it be necessary.”

With inventories having been excessive in recent times, companies with DOI of 10 percent or more less than their trailing three-year average are in optimal competitive positions, having adjusted for the new supply and demand equation brought by the dramatically smaller end markets.

With annual chip demand expected to peak in the third quarter to be followed by a decline sequentially in the fourth quarter, the present quarter represents the best—and possibly last chance—for managers to cut inventories in order to meet new equilibrium levels.

The figure presents second-quarter DOI for 15 semiconductor suppliers that have reported results for the period compared to their respective trailing three-year DOI averages.

iSuppli: Average Days of Inventory Compared to Three-Year Average for Semiconductor Suppliers Reporting Second-Quarter ResultsSource: iSuppli

No second-half snap-back for inventories
The world’s leading chip supplier, Intel Corp., in the second quarter held DOI 19 percent below its three-year average.

Other companies running notably lean inventories included Texas Instruments Inc. at negative 10 percent, Qualcomm Inc. at minus 25 percent, Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) at minus 25 percent, Micron Technology Inc. at negative 23 percent, NXP at minus 19 percent and Xilinx Inc. at negative 19 percent.

Significantly, companies reporting second-quarter results indicated that there is no major inventory build in the offing.

Intel described its current levels as being “in very good shape,” while Qualcomm has said the inventory contraction “has now stabilized.” AMD said it is “pleased with our current inventory position.”

“Many semiconductor suppliers are anxious about expected demand levels in the fourth quarter, following the conclusion of the peak third-quarter buying season,” Ciriello said. “Because of this concern, they are being cautious about rebuilding inventories beyond what future demand can justify.”