Qualcomm moves up semiconductor ranks
2012 may have been a disappointing year for the semiconductor industry as a whole, but for Californian firm Qualcomm it was one of the most prosperous yet.
According to market research firm IHS, the company saw a revenue surge of nearly 30% last year, launching it into the No. 3 rank in the global semiconductor market, up from No.6 in 2011.
Qualcomm's share of the semiconductor market also grew to 4.3% in 2012, up from 3.3% in 2011.
"In two years, Qualcomm has risen from No. 9 to No. 3 in the semiconductor rankings," noted Dale Ford, senior director at IHS. "This is the strongest ascension through the top ranks by any semiconductor company in recent history.
"Qualcomm continues to capitalise on the robust growth of semiconductor sales to the strong market for wireless devices including smartphones and media tablets."
