Hsin-Chu, Taiwan, December 9, 2002– Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (“TSMC†or “the Companyâ€) (TAIEX: 2330, NYSE: TSM) today announced that net sales for November 2002 totaled NT$14,582 million, while revenues from January to November 2002 were NT$149,620 million.
TSMC Spokesperson Mr. Harvey Chang noted that due to sustained seasonal demand, unit sales for November 2002 decreased only slightly compared to October 2002. As a result, net sales for November 2002 registered a 4.3% decrease relative to October 2002 and a 31.9% increase on a year-over-year basis. The Company's sales revenues from January through November 2002 increased 31.1% over the corresponding period of 2001.
Mr. Chang also stated that due to the recent pick-up in PC demand and increased demand for communication products for seasonal sales, the Company’s wafer shipment for the fourth quarter of 2002 would approximately equal those of the third quarter of 2002. The Company’s utilization rate for the fourth quarter of 2002 is expected to be close to 60 percent. In addition, the average selling price (ASP) for the fourth quarter of 2002 is expected to rise slightly compared to the third quarter of 2002.
| Net Sales | 2002(1) | 2001 | Growth |
| November | 14,582 | 11,059 | 31.9% |
| January through November | 149,620 | 114,155 | 31.1% |
(1): Year 2002 figures have not been audited.