DRAMeXchange reports 3Q08 NAND Flash ASP declines 30%

Samsung took the first position in 3Q and continues to be the market leader. Samsung’s revenue reached US$1.138 billion and enjoyed the market share with 41.1%. Toshiba announced US$799 million revenue with 28.9% market share. Hynix ranked third place with US$397 million revenue and 14.4% market share. Micron and Intel took fourth and fifth place with market share of 7.8% and 5.6% respectively.

Taipei, November 4, 2008 --- According to DRAMeXchange, global branded NAND Flash makers announced total revenue US$2,766 billion for 3Q08, down from the previous quarter’s US$3,111 billion. Branded NAND Flash suppliers suffered from pessimistic sales, because global economy slump continued to deflate demand for consumer electronic products. Meanwhile, weak consumer confidence in major markets also had negative impact to demand recovering. NAND Flash industry has severe challenges in falling average selling price (ASP) and revenue. Oversupply situation has worsened due to market’s weak demand. The industry bit shipment increased 25%, but the ASP dropped around 30% if compared with the previous quarter.

Figure 1: 3Q08 Sales Ranking of Branded NAND Flash Makers

* Average Exchange Rate in 3Q08: 1 US dollar at 107.6 Japanese Yen and 1064.5 Korean Won.
* Source: DRAMeXchange. Oct, 2008

Samsung’s shipment increased more than 25% in 3Q08. However, due to global economic slowdown, seasonal demand didn’t emerge as previously expected. Weak demand has dragged NAND Flash ASP down for more than 30%.

Toshiba was also affected by weak demand in the consumer electronic market. The ASP continued to fall despite rising shipment. The company’s revenue reached US$799 million in 3Q with 28.9% market share. Toshiba still ranks second in the market with 2.1% increasing market share..

Hynix’s 3Q ASP dropped 23%. Shipment also shrank 14% as the company’s 8-inch fab cut production. All these contributed to 3Q’s lower revenue. Hynix’s announced revenue at US$397 million in 3Q, down nearly 20%. The company still ranks third, but the market share slightly fell 1.5%.

Micron and Intel have also faced severe situation due to ASP drop. Micron’s shipment increased 10%, but ASP dropped 20%. Currently, Micron focuses on improving processing and yield rate for 34nm NAND Flash products. Micron and Intel’s market share are 7.8% and 5.6% for 3Q respectively which are roughly the same as the previous quarter.