Chipmakers Grappling With ‘Dynamic Forecast Changes,’ Says Amkor CEO

Semiconductor supplier Amkor Technology experienced strong Q2 demand in its communications and consumer “end markets,” driving 31% revenue growth year over year, said CEO Giel Rutten on a Monday investors call. Though global smartphone unit shipments are expected to decline in 2020, Amkor had first-half growth in its 4G products, plus “a steady ramp” of its 5G components, including its RF, front-end, modem, sensor and artificial intelligence products, he said. Computing grew 13% sequentially and year over year, exceeding expectations in “all applications,” including PCs and laptops, he said. “While the semiconductor supply chain has responded very well to the coronavirus challenges, we are still dealing with an environment of dynamic forecast changes as customers try to balance limited visibility with inventory levels."