The SST Editorial Staff recaps SEMI’s recent Industry Strategy Symposium (ISS), and the Strategic Materials Conference (SMC) that followed, with this special report series available only on our website.

Analyst warns of “stealth inflation,” debt growth
One analyst presented a somber view of the world financial system and cautioned assembled executives about a shake-out he believes is inevitable. By Bob Haavind

A recession may be coming, but not to worry, ISS hears
The “R” word is spiking in the media, and even in blogs, speakers told concerned execs. But 2008 is far from 2001, they were reassured by Nariman Behravesh, chief economist and EVP for Global Insights, a forecasting firm with some 350 economists. By Bob Haavind

ISS panelists: Growth for 2008, “collision course” leads to stronger industry
Analysts in a midday panel discussion generally agreed that chip sales will stay in positive territory in 2008, after scraping out of 2007 with slim single-digit growth. One analyst cautioned we’re on a “collision course” that could make things temporarily rocky for equipment suppliers, but will help strengthen the chip industry long term. By James Montgomery

Wall Street wary of equipment stocks, but there are some bright spots
An insightful analysis of what chipmakers need to do to thrive in a period of “profitless prosperity” by Steve Newberry, president and CEO of Lam Research, set the stage for a spirited Wall Street panel. By Bob Haavind

Solid growth, clean financials, and alternate markets key to stock evaluations
What makes a process tool or material stock attractive to investors? Will private funds take over some equipment companies? How will the chip industry deal with exponentially rising design costs? By Bob Haavind

SMC highlights PV, LED, packaging materials
SMC showed amazing perspective on new electronic materials markets of gigantic scales like photovoltaics, high-efficiency lighting, and 3D and WLP packages. By Ed Korczynski