What does the Lattice rejection mean for chip M&A?

What does the Lattice rejection mean for chip M&A?
by Robert Maire on 09-18-2017 at 12:00 pm

Although the rejection of the Lattice deal was expected, it none the less has an impact on a number of dynamics in the chip industry and further M&A and consolidation. Freezing out China removes a “catalyst” in the market which help bid up values and add fear to both potential targets or those left out. Cross border… Read More


Can the iPhone rollout lift the industry?

Can the iPhone rollout lift the industry?
by Robert Maire on 09-07-2017 at 12:00 pm

We are in the midst of a number of cross currents buffeting the industry. The Korea risk seems to have escalated again and our government has thrown fuel on the fire by threatening trade agreements at the most inopportune timing possible. However we are also a week away from the roll out of one of the most anticipated Iphones ever which… Read More


Samsung Sloppy Sailor Spending Spree!

Samsung Sloppy Sailor Spending Spree!
by Robert Maire on 07-31-2017 at 12:00 pm

Last week, TEL (which is the Japanese equivalent to AMAT & LRCX) reported a June quarter which saw revenues drop to 236B Yen from March’s 261B Yen and saw earnings drop from March’s 47B Yen to June’s 41B Yen, a respective 9.3% decrease and a 12.8% decrease in earnings.

We don’t think this is attributable… Read More


Semicap Thoughts: ASML AMAT INTEL SAMSUNG TSMC MICRON

Semicap Thoughts: ASML AMAT INTEL SAMSUNG TSMC MICRON
by Robert Maire on 07-27-2017 at 12:00 pm

ASML reported results in line and slightly ahead of expectations which helped push ASML and the other semicap stocks back to their original valuations prior to the two step pull back that lasted about a month. We are now back to relatively high, record valuations not seen or ever seen previously (at least for a long time) by many companies.… Read More


Intel Alternative Facts!

Intel Alternative Facts!
by Robert Maire on 02-09-2017 at 12:00 pm

Brian Krzanich, CEO of Intel, announced a $7B investment in Fab 42 in Arizona in the oval office, next to Trump as evidence of a positive reaction to Trump’s new policies.

Alternative fact;
Paul Otellini, then Intel’s CEO, made a similar promise about Fab 42 in the company of Obama in 2011, during a visit to Hillsboro,… Read More


The post election Semicap bubble just burst in one day

The post election Semicap bubble just burst in one day
by Robert Maire on 12-04-2016 at 12:00 pm

Back to a more normal reality… Market gets”De-Fanged”… Where to from here? The “Icarus” Effect… Much of the market, and especially Tech & “FANG” (Facebook, Amazon, Netflix & Google) stocks gave back most all of their post election day gains in one session.Read More


AMAT LRCX and EUV Economics

AMAT LRCX and EUV Economics
by Robert Maire on 11-23-2016 at 7:00 am

Lam & Applied talked about “sustainable” growth Both expect share gains & growth in a flattish market. We examine the “new, lower, cyclicality”. Although Applied and Lam are fierce competitors , coming at things from different directions, they sounded awfully similar last week.
Read More


LRCX AMAT KLAC Update

LRCX AMAT KLAC Update
by Robert Maire on 11-20-2016 at 12:00 pm

Applied & Lam will be talking over the next 2 days, investors should/will focus on future growth, AMAT after display uptick & LRCX post the KLAM fail.

It’s no secret that most of the upside surprise in Applied’s recent reports were due to unusually large display orders from an industry even more cyclical than… Read More


EUV transition comes into focus

EUV transition comes into focus
by Robert Maire on 11-04-2016 at 12:00 pm

We attended ASML’s analyst day in New York on Halloween. We were very impressed with the quality, content and clarity of the presentations and thought it was one of the best strategic positioning presentations we have seen in the semi industry. We also had an opportunity to meet with several members of senior management afterRead More


Foundry is Majority of KLAC Business!

Foundry is Majority of KLAC Business!
by Robert Maire on 10-23-2016 at 8:00 pm

As we had projected, with KLA having the highest exposure to foundry/logic of any tool company, they are seeing the most near term strength as foundries (read that as TSMC) spend big for 10NM and 7NM. In addition the first tools you buy are yield management/metrology tools which KLA is the king of.

KLA put up numbers well above estimates….GeneratingRead More