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Technology Stocks : Semi Equipment Analysis -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Donald Wennerstrom who wrote (29248)	3/10/2006 11:40:03 AM
From: Donald Wennerstrom	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 95936

Strong analog-chip sales boost National Semi profit Friday Mar 10 2006 11:30:32 EST Mar 10, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News - Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News via COMTEX) -- National Semiconductor said Thursday that third-quarter earnings beat analysts' expectations thanks to broad growth in its analog-chip businesses. The Santa Clara chip maker earned $130.1 million, or 37 cents a share, in its fiscal third quarter ended Nov. 27. That's up 68 percent from $77.4 million, or 21 cents a share, a year earlier. Revenue rose 22 percent to $547.7 million from $449.2 million a year earlier. Analysts had expected the company to report earnings per share of 32 cents and revenue of $537 million, according to Thomson Financial. National Semiconductor makes chips and other components used in mobile phones, computers, flat-panel display screens and high-definition televisions. Chief Executive Brian Halla said the company saw strong sales of components used to regulate power in cell phones, laptops and other mobile devices. It also saw growth in parts that convert data from one form to another as well as amplifier chips. Halla said the company is growing faster than the overall market because it is gaining market share. The stock market reacted negatively to rising inventory at the company, but Halla said inventory rose in part because the company was planning to move production from one factory to another. It also built some reserves of raw materials. "We raised inventory in the quarter, and that word was like yelling 'fire' in a crowded theater," he said. Halla expects revenue to rise 2 percent to 4 percent in the current quarter compared with the third quarter. Shares of National Semiconductor fell 85 cents, or 3 percent, to $27.18.