Optimism for Semiconductors in 2010 (NASDAQ:INTC),(NYSE:TXN),(NASDAQ:AMAT)

A report recently released by the Semiconductor Industry Association may help lift share prices of Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC), Texas Instruments Incorporated (NYSE:TXN) and Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT).  The report indicates worldwide semiconductor sales soared 47% in January year-over-year to $22.5B as sales increased 0.3% over December, which is not the normal decrease experienced after the holidays.

The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) today reported that worldwide semiconductor sales in January were $22.5 billion, an increase of 0.3 percent from December sales of $22.4 billion. Sales increased by 47.2 percent from January 2009 when sales were $15.3 billion.  All monthly sales numbers represent a three-month moving average.
 
“Worldwide semiconductor sales in January increased significantly compared to one year ago, reflecting today’s improving business environment for the industry,” said SIA President George Scalise. “January and February of 2009 were the low point of the industry downturn as the semiconductor industry and electronics manufacturers quickly responded to the global economic recession.
 
“We are currently seeing strength across a range of demand drivers for semiconductors, including personal computers, cell phones, automobiles, and industrial applications,” Scalise continued.
 
“If the current trends continue, there is upside potential for 2010 growth above our November forecast of $242.1 billion, but a growing global economy driven by consumer purchasing will be key to sustaining these trends,” Scalise concluded.

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