Expectations of Top Semiconductor Foundries Are In Line with Advanced Forecasting’s Fab Capacity Utilization Forecast

Saratoga, California – June 13, 2005 – Recent statements by top foundries TSMC and UMC, predicting that their utilization rates would increase from 80% to 90% and 60% to 80%, respectively, in the second half of 2005 due to an increase in orders, confirm Advanced Forecasting’s Fab Capacity Utilization Forecast prediction of January 2005 that utilization rates would reach a bottom in Q2-05 and resume growth into Q3-05.

“The Fab Capacity Utilization turning-points forecast has a strong historical track record, including predicting the peak in capacity utilization in Q3-04 and the ensuing decline into the first half of 2005,” said Rosa Luis, Director of Marketing and Sales for Advanced Forecasting, a quantitative-based forecasting house. “Q3-05 will be more robust than Q2-05. This forecast complements our forecasts for wafer sales and for IC Units shipments which also predicted a bottom in Q2-05.”

Advanced Forecasting will publicly discuss the techniques employed in its monthly forecasts for Fab Capacity Utilization and Wafer Sales at its 17^th annual forecast seminar during Semicon West 2005 (Monday, July 11, 2005). Additional forecasts for IC Revenues, IC Units, Semiconductor Equipment, and Materials will be disclosed. For information on this seminar please visit: http://www.adv-forecast.com/Forecast%20Seminar.htm

Known for its unique non-survey-based methodology (devoid of input from the industry, e.g., TSMC, UMC) facilitating accurate view of changes in direction, the forecasting firm will describe how to identify and predict the peaks and valleys in a company’s products/divisions’ sales, as well as how to evaluate a forecast and implement it into the decision-making process from the corporate level to the product line level.

Founded in 1987, Advanced Forecasting is a leader in forecasting demand for semiconductors, semiconductor equipment, and materials industries. Its unique features are using purely quantitative input and never retroactively modifying its forecasts. Advanced Forecasting provides the industry’s most accurate forecasts and has acquired a user base of more than 400 companies worldwide.

Contact:

Rosa Luis

Director of Marketing and Sales

Advanced Forecasting

rosal@adv-forecast.com

Toll Free: 1.888.658.3227

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