I want to know something?
They are in all of them. They just make machines used to make semicouductors.
Their big problem is when a company like say Intel specs a process its done with one machine
(or tools as they are called in the industry).
Applied materials is the 500 lb gorilla in plasma etch tools. Once a process is defined
the only plasma etchers that will be used are
AMAT etchers and only one model of AMAT etchers. Tegal's problem is a "foot in the door" kind of thing. The goal is to get qualified on a R and D process. If you can achieve that your in. Tegal has one more shot
when the next upswing in the market occurs.
Their tools are much less expensive and are
more focused at the corser etch processes.
Right now the stock is a good buy IMHO.
If they begin to cut into AMAT's market share
a buyout would almost be a certainty.