Semiconductor Business News on CYMI..........
techweb.cmp.com
A service of Semiconductor Business News, CMP Media Inc.
Story posted at 8 a.m. EDT/5 a.m. PDT, 10/24/97
Cymer results surge; its laser capacity
expected to meet DUV stepper demand
SAN DIEGO--Cymer Inc. here has reported net income of $7.0 million on
revenues of $57.5 million for the third quarter, ended Sept. 30, compared to
a profit of $2.0 million and sales of $18.3 million in the same period last
year.
Sequentially, the third quarter revenues were 15% higher than Cymer's
$50.1 million in sales reported in the second quarter of this year. It's third
quarter net income was 21% higher than it was in the second quarter.
"Based on our Sept. 30, 1997 backlog and significant orders received since
the close of the third quarter, and on customer forecasts, we currently
expect continued sequential revenue growth for at least the next two
quarters," said Robert Akins, president and chief executive of Cymer, which
produces excimer laser illumination sources for deep-ultraviolet (DUV)
photolithography systems.
Akins said the company's factory expansion at its headquarters--coupled
with continued expansion at Seiko Instruments Inc., which is Cymer's
contract manufacturing partner in Japan--puts in place raw capacity to
produce more than 1,000 units per year and the spare parts to support
them.
"Ultimately the adoption of DUV lithography by the semiconductor industry
and the production rates of Cymer's direct customers will determine the rate
at which that capacity is brought online," Akins said. "In the meantime, the
company continues to work with its customers to better manage delivery
schedules going forward."
Last month, Cymer was in the headlines after reports of changes in shipment
schedules for its DUV systems. Both Cymer and customer Nikon Corp. of
Japan denied that there were any problems with Cymer's laser systems.
They also said Nikon was not having difficulties in meeting the demands of
chip makers (see Sept. 12 coverage).
Atkins added, "We believe we now have the manufacturing capacity to
produce enough excimer lasers to meet worldwide semiconductor industry
demand." |
