Analysts accepted ASE's explanation that margins in the first and second quarter had been abnormally high, and that capacity expansion was higher in the third quarter. However, the unexpected fall also indicated momentum in the industry had slowed down.
"Perhaps the utilization rate has fallen a little," said Ken Chang, an analyst at China Securities Co. "The situation is not too serious, but a little disappointing."
Compared with the third quarter, Chang is now anticipating 8 percent sales growth in the fourth quarter, and a lowered earnings per share for the year of NT$2.32.
Before the release of the results, analysts had predicted an earnings per share of NT$2.59, according to Barra Global Estimates.
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