The next generation iPhone 8 line is expected to be released by Apple in the back half of 2017. Liberum analyst Janardan Menon said ST's latest results reflect demand from automakers and phones such as the Apple iPhone 7, including "time of flight" proximity sensors that also measure ranges between a phone camera and objects in its view. "This is likely to be a new product in the iPhone 8, in addition to on-going shipments of the time-of-flight sensor," Menon advised clients. Chief financial officer Carlo Ferro said it was a one-off increase rather than a permanently higher level of plant investment. Revenue should rise 12.5% in the first quarter compared to the first period a year ago, it said.

Source: The Star January 27, 2017 04:25 UTC