ASM International to be profitable in 2007

Dutch semiconductor equipment ASM International N.V. made net profits of Euros 13.1 million ($16 million) in the third quarter, down from Euros 17.4 million in the second quarter, on sales of Euros 213.4 million, down 9 percent sequentially. According to ASMI said second half front-end sales are expected to be comparable to that of the first half and added that full-year earnings before interest, tax, amortisation and depreciation (EBITDA) were expected to be "double digit". According to EEtimes, ASMI earlier this year said that it decided not to break up the semiconductor-equipment provider but agreed to allow the splitting up of the company to go to a shareholder vote. This is due to be voted on during an EGM on November 27.