Revenues at Nanya Technology registered a 28% sequential increase in January 2012 while Inotera Memories' grew 0.2% on month. Powerchip Technology, however, saw its January sales decrease about 22% on quarter due to falling shipments.
Nanya reported January revenues rose 28% sequentially to NT$2.57 billion (US$87.3 million), thanks to inventory replenishment by its system clients. But compared to a year ago, Nanya's sales for January 2012 showed a 25% decline caused by lower product ASPs as a result of a weakening in demand.
Nanya focuses more on promoting its own-brand products in the contract market. Late January contract quotes for both 2GB and 4GB DDR3 modules fell to average US$9.25 and US$17.25, respectively, compared to more than US$15 and US$30 during the same period of 2011.
However, industry sources believe that DRAM contract prices are set to recover after stabilizing seen in January. Nanya is expected to benefit from the anticipated price rally.
Inotera, a DRAM-manufacturing joint venture between Nanya and US-based Micron Technology, posted revenues of NT$2.82 billion for January 2012, up 0.3% on month but down about 12% on year.
Inotera's transition to 30nm process technology in 2012 will boost its shipments of 4Gb DDR3 chips with lower production costs. The company expects to convert 30% of its total wafer start capacity to the newer node process by mid-2012.
Powerchip indicated that shipments of its commodity DRAM shrank significantly in January affected by its planned production cutback. Consequently, revenues for the month went down to NT$1.62 billion. The output control was aimed to reduce its cash outflow, the company added.
Powerchip revealed the company has entered trial production of 4Gb chips using 30nm process technology, with mass production scheduled for the second quarter. The ramp-up will help improve company cost structure, Powerchip noted.
In addition, Powerchip reiterated its focus on non-commodity DRAM product segments including its foundry business. Monthly capacity for Powerchip's foundry services is approaching 60,000 12-inch wafer starts, the company said.