Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : Semi Equipment Analysis -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Sam who wrote (5713)	9/28/2002 11:21:35 PM
From: Zeev Hed	Respond to of 95574

The big difference between the four you mentioned and the four I mentioned is that all four have not managed to stay profitable during the recent turmoil, and have added appreciably to their debt load (wisely, since they did it when the "window was still open), the four I mentioned managed to stay in the black despite the drastic reduction in sales. Granted, on the average, the four you mentioned are selling at half the P/S that the four I mentioned do, but they will continue to sell at half the leader's P?s until they show sign of return to profitability. Since I fear that the next cycle in semi-equip bounce will not get us to sales level of 2000, some of these may not generate enough cash in the next upcycle to survive another downturn in the industry, which I think could start sometime late in 2004. I play BRKS, from time to time, but I do not think it is an "investment" grade company, TER might do somewhat better in the group you mentioned. I would still go with those that have proven they can manage their business during a down turn. Mind you, I have not followed TER, LTXX and ASYT for some time, so maybe my perception is "tainted". Zeev