More good news for Cymer; (From Semiconductor News today)
"Presenting the forecast, semiconductor equipment analyst Sue Billat of Robertson, Stephens & Co. predicted that a strong second half will overcome the industry's downturn in the first six months. "Unlike other market analysts that are still forecasting lower equipment sales in 1997, I believe semiconductor manufacturers are once again acquiring new tools at a fast pace to remain competitive in the technology road map race," she said.
"The chip makers' strategy is to obsolete the production capacity of their rivals. Everyone is ramping up with 0.25-micron wafer lines as quickly as possible and the 0.18-micron generation is right behind," she added.
Billat said the device makers' buildup will pick up speed in 1998, with equipment sales jumping 19.7% over this year to $36.64 billion.
In a breakdown, Billat estimated the lithography market this year will rise to $6,44 billion, up from $5.54 billion in 1996. Lithography tool sales will jump 44% in 1998 to $9.28 billion, she said. " |
