LED manufacturers could face significant headwinds in 2011

NEW YORK, USA: As a whole, the semiconductor equipment and materials industry has posted significant gains in 2010. Revenues have surged thanks in part to mobile devices, tablet computers and even the emerging solar market.

Emerging markets are expected to play a critical role going forward as established markets are becoming saturated. Competition is fierce in emerging markets, however, making it challenging for investors to differentiate industry leaders from laggards.

The Bedford Report examines the outlook for companies in the semiconductor equipment and materials industry and provides research reports on Cree Inc. and Veeco Instruments Inc.

Several companies in the industry who specialize in LED products have suffered significant selloffs already this fall. When Citigroup downgraded Veeco earlier this month, it sent the LED sector into a whole new tailspin. Citigroup analyst, Timothy M. Arcuri's concern was that policy changes in China could lead to a significant falloff in orders next year.

Cree, meanwhile, has recovered nicely following a huge share price plunge in October. The selloff happened after the company issued poor guidance for the fourth quarter. Cree said it expects adjusted second-quarter earnings of 56 cents to 60 cents a share on revenue of $270 million to $280 million.