Interestingly, he didn't feel that memory makers would necessarily place orders, predominantly in the first half of the year, with the company. That may be due to its customer base, rather than the general trend expected. IM Flash Technologies will be spending $4 billion this year and I expect it will be difficult for the hole to burn in IMFT's pocket quickly enough to see that CapEx front-half-year-loaded!

However, Hill noted that Novellus had experienced some tool shipment push-outs in the last quarter, but unlike Lam Research's push-outs that where from certain memory customers, he noted that it came from the logic sector, under questioning.

Though Intel Corp. may be shuffling tool delivery dates, I have the sneaking suspicion that the specific push-outs Novellus is experiencing is due to Texas Instruments re-evaluating the timing or complete lack of need to open RFAB in Richardson, Texas this year!