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: Return to Sender who wrote (10831)	8/5/2003 12:52:59 PM
From: Return to Sender	Respond to of 95916

Gas and pump supplier sees no chip making upturn Semiconductor Business News 08/05/2003, 10:57 AM ET siliconstrategies.com LONDON -- BOC Group, parent company to semiconductor industry gas and chemicals supplier BOC Edwards, said that there is no indication of an imminent upturn in semiconductor manufacturing investment as it announced its financial results for the third quarter of its fiscal year. BOC Edwards achieved an operating profit of £4.6 million on sales of £171.8 million in the company's third fiscal quarter to June 30. Sales were similar to the previous quarter's, but 3 percent lower than a year ago reflecting reduced sales volumes of semiconductor equipment and industrial vacuum systems. Sales of bulk gases and electronic materials improved and expanding production of flat panel displays generated demand for specific pumping systems. Sales of both electronic gases and equipment were better in Japan in the third quarter but equipment sales were lower than a year ago in most other markets, the company said. Despite an improvement in bulk gas and electronic material sales, the pattern of equipment order intake has yet to provide any indication of an imminent upturn in semiconductor investment, the company said.