Brooks boosts 4Q revenue forecast on strong demand

Brooks raises 4Q revenue forecast, says growing worldwide demand should also boost 1Q revenue

• On 9:30 am EDT, Friday October 16, 2009

CHELMSFORD, Mass. (AP) -- Brooks Automation Inc., a chip equipment manufacturer, on Friday raised its revenue forecast for its fiscal fourth quarter on greater-than-expected demand and sees the gains continuing into its first quarter.

The Chelmsford, Mass.-based company said it now expects to report revenue of $64 million for the quarter ended Sept. 30, up 45 percent from its third quarter. It previously expected an increase of at least 25 percent.

Robert J. Lepofsky, president and CEO, said demand "gained momentum as the quarter progressed" and said the upturn in business continues worldwide.

The company expects to post another 45 percent sequential revenue growth for its first quarter ending Dec. 31, which would take it to $92.8 million.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters were expecting revenue of $56.1 million in the fourth quarter and $61.7 million in the first quarter.