As the industry moves into the fourth quarter, semiconductor manufacturers are finalizing their capital spending plans. Memory spending remains high as the demand for Flash and DRAM remains solid. At this time spending for 2006 is on track to be the second highest year in the history of the industry; however, with the recent increase in inventories, is softness in capital expenditures far behind? This raises concern for the strength of the market in 2007. Other concerns are: Is spending over heating in 2006? What adjustments will take place as a result of the inventory bubble? And what is the outlook for 2007?
Topics Discussed Gartner analysts discussed with participants the following topics:
What is the macro environment for the semiconductor industry?
What is the latest outlook for semiconductor applications and device?
What is the supply and demand picture in semiconductors?
What is the latest forecast for the industry?s manufacturing services?
What is the latest forecast for the capital equipment and spending?
