The silicon cycle has been in a downtrend since late last year,

We have had to lower the price of some of our products, but the downward pressure on prices has weakened a little bit in the third quarter, compared to what we had expected beforehand.

The silicon cycle has been in a downtrend since late last year.

We are now at the end of the second year of an up cycle and there is despondency regarding the future, as the fourth quarter of 2000 was weak relative to the preceding quarter.

We need to remember this is just one year. We've had a drought cycle that's been going on for about six years now. It's going to take six above average or normal years to recover from that.

If you look at any six-year period, it's difficult to find one where you're in a down cycle the whole time. We have concerns [about chances for the contract to be rejected] based on feedback we're getting. Those concerns have been expressed to management.