- The Philadelphia Semi Index (SOXX +3.9%) has risen to its highest levels since mid-August on a day the Nasdaq is posting a 2.3% gain.
- Likely helping out: Microchip (NASDAQ:MCHP +8.4%), still often seen as an industry bellwether (though its commentary accompanying last fall's warning sparked criticism), has adjusted its FQ2 (calendar Q3) revenue and EPS guidance to $545M-$563M ($554M midpoint) and $0.60-$0.66 from a prior $$532M-$569M ($550.5M midpoint) and $0.58-$0.66. The outlook comes after many chipmakers (Microchip included) offered below-consensus calendar Q3 guidance amid an inventory correction, weak PC demand, and slowing Chinese smartphone growth.
- Microchip's core ops are said to be tracking in-line with prior expectations, and recently-acquired Micrel's above expectations. The 8.6M shares issued in the Micrel deal have been repurchased.
- Also: Various Taiwanese chipmakers and supply chain firms have reported August sales. Chip packaging/testing firms ASE (ASX +5.9%) and Siliconware (SPIL +4.1%) respectively reported sales were up 5.8% and 5.7% M/M, and up 9.5% and down 4.2% Y/Y.
- Big gainers include Microchip peers NXP (NXPI +6.8%), Freescale (FSL +5.8%), Silicon Labs (SLAB +4.4%), and Cypress (CY +4.4%). Others include Avago (AVGO +5.8%), Xilinx (XLNX +5.7%), Cavium (CAVM +5.5%), Analog Devices (ADI +6.3%), Synaptics (SYNA +5.4%), Linear (LLTC +4.6%), Cirrus Logic (CRUS +4.7%), IDT (IDTI +4.6%), Sigma Designs (OTC:SIGM +4.9%), and chip equipment maker Axcelis (ACLS +8%).
- SanDisk, ON Semi, and Silicon Motion are benefiting from upgrades/bullish coverage. Apple holds its iPhone event at 1PM ET tomorrow.
- Chip ETFs: SMH, XSD, PSI, SOXL, USD, SOXS, SSG