ASML is acquiring Cymer to accelerate development of next-generation lithography tools.
Ultratech's AP lithography systems compete with similar tools from competitors that have also adapted older lithography tools for use in advanced packaging.While laser thermal processing is gaining acceptance, Ultratech's tools must compete with an existing install base of RTP systems.Chipmakers
Competitors like Applied Materials and Hitachi have been trying for years to wrestle away KLA's leading market share in PDC.KLA is exposed to the highly volatile and deeply cyclical semiconductor industry.KLA must maintain its technological edge through constant innovation in emerging areas.
ATMI has opportunities for growth in its main business and in the emerging life sciences segment.
Lam faces major competition from Applied Materials and Tokyo Electron.The firm operates in the deeply cyclical semiconductor equipment industry.Lam has been unable to win any business from the world's largest chipmaker, Intel.Lam does the bulk of its business with a small number of large chipmakers
Veeco is in the midst of a cyclical downturn, but has good long-term growth opportunities.
The cyclical downturns in the semiconductor and solar industries have been hurting MEMC's business.The wafer industry is capital-intensive and often suffers from overcapacity at some point in each product cycle.MEMC must compete with a large number of foreign rivals. Some of these overseas rivals
Supply chain dynamics seem to be aligning nicely for Synopsys to grow its sales.
Teradyne operates in the competitive ATE industry against major firms, including Advantest and LTX-Credence.ATE demand is driven by the capital spending of the volatile semiconductor industry. Teradyne is prone to large losses during industry downturns.The ATE industry depends on a concentrated
Despite a near-term cyclical slowdown, Applied Materials remains a key chip equipment player.