Texas Instruments' SVP: Semi Inventory Levels Fine, Entire Industry May Rebound Soon (ASX, SMI, TSM, UMC)

In a recent DigiTimes article, a Texas Instruments'(TXN) executive expressed his view that semiconductor inventory levels are not too high:

Despite some industry players expressing concern about escalating inventory levels in the semiconductor industry, Texas Instruments stresses that inventory is currently at a reasonable level and substantial demand is being observed, according to Gregg A Lowe, senior vice president of TXN’s analog unit.

"The entire semiconductor industry may rebound soon amid the observed strong demand," Lowe said. He noted that demand for low-priced 3C goods from emerging markets is strong while mature markets that are promptly meet lead-free requirements also see growing demand, he added.

The article also included this chart, compiled by Merrill Lynch, which appears to indicate that inventory levels are in the normal range.

Note: Merrill Lynch surveyed a total of 45 major OEMs, EMSs and electronics distribution firms and another 43 large semiconductor companies to estimate days of inventory.

Source: Merrill Lynch