03.07.2001
VIA groomed for leadership in DDR chipset

• Salomon Smith Barney's (SSB) latest research report asserts that Hewlett-Packard (HP, US) is expected to introduce a new notebook (NB) model using VIA's (2388 'Wei Sheng') low voltage and low priced CPU. VIA contends the deal is not yet finalized, and is still in discussion with NB makers HP and IBM.

• The report predicts a drastic pick-up in double data rate (DDR) chipset demand, boosting VIA's revenue coffers. SSB forecasts 2001 EPS to grow 2% and 2002 EPS 14%.

• Although VIA has been busy bagging orders from the four top computer brands in China and may be able to win more orders from certain international PC / NB makers, the effect on total revenue will be minimal. We believe VIA is well positioned for the coming uptrend in DDR, and that it will become a leader in the DDR chipset market. VIA has recently teamed up with Nanya Technology (2408 'Nan Ya') and Micron (US) on DDR.

AngelLo@Primasia.com +886-[0]2-2547-8865