Despite Intel's recent product introductions and business streamlining operations, IC Insights is forecasting an 11 percent decline in semiconductor revenues at Intel in 2006 compared to 2005 actual financial results.

This is in stark contrast to the revenue gains expected at AMD for 2006, which the market research firm expects to see revenues climb 35 percent compared to actual financial results for 2005.

Although Intel's decline is significant, being the largest amongst the Top 15 semiconductor companies, it will not affect its number one ranking position. Indeed the top five companies (Intel, Samsung, TI, Toshiba & STM) all retain their same rankings from 2005, though IC Insights pointed out that positions 4 & 5 are ‘still up for grabs.'

AMD's revenue growth, which is the second highest to Qimonda (43 percent) has propelled the company to number 13 in the IC Insights rankings, up from 16 in 2005.

Excluding Intel, the average growth rate for the other ranked companies is expected to reach 14 percent in 2006, almost double the overall semiconductor industry growth levels forecasted for the year.