Gartner Says Worldwide Semiconductor Sales on Pace to Total $338 Billion in 2014, a 7.2 Percent Increase From 2013

STAMFORD, Conn., October 2, 2014 -- Worldwide semiconductor revenue is on pace to reach $338 billion in 2014, a 7.2 percent increase from 2013, and up from the previous quarter's forecast of 6.7 percent growth, according to Gartner, Inc.

"Semiconductor revenue set an all-time record in the third quarter of 2014, fueled by a strong electronics build for the holiday season," said Jon Erensen, research director of Gartner. "Get ready for a flood of new product introductions, ranging from simple low-cost tablets to high-end ultramobiles and smartphones. Demand for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus has been robust, but there is concern for other types of devices planned for the holidays."

While some products may not sell through during the holiday season, Gartner remains bullish on 2014 consumer demand and forecasts 2014 unit production of smartphones and ultramobiles to increase 27.0 percent and 18.9 percent, respectively. The semiconductor market is expected to grow 5.8 percent in 2015, with high inventories in the first quarter of 2015 emerging as the largest concern.

DRAM leads all semiconductors in 2014 with revenue growth of 26.3 percent and is expected to reach an all-time revenue high of $44.1 billion for the year. DRAM continues its boom-and-bust cycle due to big supply and demand swings. Gartner predicts the next big memory oversupply downturn will hit in 2016, causing DRAM revenue to plummet 25.5 percent, weakening overall 2016 semiconductor growth to just 1.0 percent.

About Gartner

Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT) is the world's leading information technology research and advisory company. We deliver the technology-related insight necessary for our clients to make the right decisions, every day. From CIOs and senior IT leaders in corporations and government agencies, to business leaders in high-tech and telecom enterprises and professional services firms, to technology investors, we are the valuable partner to clients in over 9,000 distinct enterprises worldwide. Through the resources of Gartner Research, Gartner Executive Programs, Gartner Consulting and Gartner Events, Gartner works with every client to research, analyze and interpret the business of IT within the context of their individual role. Founded in 1979, Gartner is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, USA, and has 6,400 associates, including more than 1,480 research analysts and consultants, and clients in 85 countries. For more information, visit www.gartner.com.