Bough Lin, chairman of Siliconware Precision Industries (SPIL), has expressed caution about the semiconductor market prospects for the second half of 2015 due to low order visibility.

A pull-in of short lead-time orders could emerge in the fourth quarter when device manufacturers and retailers launch their holiday promotions, said Lin. Nevertheless, there remains uncertainty over end-market demand, Lin indicated.

The semiconductor market has grown at a slow pace due mainly to decelerating smartphone demand in emerging markets as well as weaker-than-expected sales of consumer electronics devices, Lin noted. Unfavorable economic conditions have further slowed consumer demand, Lin added.

Lin previously remarked that the semiconductor industry would hit bottom between June and July and chip demand should start picking up in August and grow through October.

SPIL expects to post revenues of between NT$18.6 billion (US$591 million) and NT$19.8 billion in the third quarter of 2015, representing a sequential decrease of 6.8-12.4%. Gross margin for the quarter is estimated at 22.5-24.5%, down from 27.2% in the prior quarter.

SPIL reported revenues of NT$21.24 billion for the second quarter of 2015, up 2.1% on quarter but down 3.1% on year. Net profits climbed 40.7% sequentially and 9.1% from a year ago to NT$3.68 billion, with EPS coming to NT$1.18.