As a major supplier to all the major semi cap equip companies, MKSI provides a very good leading indicator of industry health.
-tqw

10-5-09--Press Release
"MKS Instruments today announced that third quarter revenues will exceed the high end of its guidance. Revenue could increase approximately 34% sequentially, ranging from $105 million to $107 million, and surpassing the Company's high end guidance of $92 million.

Chip unit sales are increasing, semiconductor front end equipment utilization rates are now above 95%, and a number of our Semiconductor OEM customers have increased their third quarter revenue guidance."