Global semiconductor sales for 2016 was just 1.1% more than 2015, according to the European Semiconductor Industry Association. “We see effects such as foreign direct investment and a certain degree of relocation of production return to the US. Foo said the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) 2017 sales growth projection of 3.3% is mainly driven by expectations of better sales growth from the sensor and memory product categories. Maybank IB Research in its 2017 strategy note said the year will be interesting with the iPhone 8 expected to “pack a punch in specifications”. “Nonetheless, we remain ‘neutral’ on the sector as valuation is fair at market weighted 14.2 times 2017 price-earnings ratio for expected earnings growth of 30%.

Source: The Edge Markets February 10, 2017 00:33 UTC