Conexant Exceeds Guidance for First Quarter of Fiscal 2010

Conexant Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNXT) today announced that financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 exceeded guidance provided at the beginning of the quarter. In addition, the company said that it delivered core gross margins of 61 percent of revenues, core operating margins of approximately 22 percent of revenues, and core earnings of $0.17 per share. Both margin rates were the highest in company history.

First Fiscal Quarter Financial Results

Conexant presents financial results based on Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) as well as select non-GAAP financial measures intended to reflect its core results of operations. The company believes these core financial measures provide investors with additional insight into its underlying operating results.

Cree Brings the LED Lighting Revolution Home

Cree, Inc. (Nasdaq: CREE), a market leader in LED lighting, announces the demonstration of a new 6-inch LED downlight designed for the residential market. The Cree CR6 LED downlight is being shown this week at the 2010 International Builder’s Show in Las Vegas.

“By delivering the beautiful warm light created by Cree TrueWhite^™ technology in an affordable, energy-efficient LED residential fixture, we’re providing consumers with an alternative to energy wasting incandescents and the poor color-rendering of compact fluorescent bulbs,” said Neal Hunter, President of Cree LED Lighting. “There is no residential LED downlight on the market today that can come close to matching the value and performance of the CR6. This product builds on the success of the award-winning LR6, which has shipped more than 350,000 units to date.”

Amtech Announces $59 Million in Total Orders for the December Quarter

Amtech Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASYS), a global supplier of production and automation systems and related supplies for the manufacture of solar cells, semiconductors, and silicon wafers, today announced that orders booked for its fiscal 2010 first quarter ended December 31, 2009 totaled approximately $59 million. This total includes both solar and semiconductor orders including the large solar order from an existing customer announced on December 18, 2009. A significant portion of these orders are expected to ship within fiscal 2010.

J.S. Whang, President and Chief Executive Officer of Amtech, commented, “We are extremely pleased with the substantial increase in orders from our large and growing solar customer base and we remain confident in the long-term growth opportunities in the solar market for our products.”

Cirrus Logic Announces Preliminary Q3 Revenue Increases 49 Percent Year Over Year to $65 Million

Cirrus Logic Inc. (Nasdaq: CRUS) today announced that the company expects net revenue for the third fiscal quarter, which ended on Dec. 26, 2009, to be up 49 percent year over year, and up 17 percent sequentially to approximately $65 million, an increase from the previous guidance of $58 million to $62 million. The increase over forecasted revenue was driven by stronger than anticipated demand for a broad range of audio products, as well as modest improvement in demand for energy products.

The company expects gross margin to be approximately 54 percent. Combined R&D and SG&A expenses are expected to be approximately $24.3 million and include an estimated $1.8 million in share-based compensation and amortization of acquisition-related intangible expenses, as well as $400,000 in favorable facilities related credits.