TriQuint’s 4Q earnings top analysts’ estimates on surging sales of radio frequency chips

TriQuint 4Q profit exceeds analysts’ estimates

HILLSBORO, Ore. — TriQuint Semiconductor Inc.’s fourth-quarter profit edged past analysts’ estimates as sales of its radio frequency chips surged.

The company said Wednesday that it earned $17.5 million, or 11 cents per share, during the final three months of 2009. That compared to a loss of $34.3 million, or 23 cents per share, in the previous year.

Excluding costs for employee stock compensation and several other items, TriQuint said it would have earned 14 cents per share. That figure was a penny above the average earnings estimate among analyst surveyed by Thomson Reuters.

Revenue for the period surged 30 percent to $193 million, about $5 million above analyst projections.

TriQuint management predicted the company’s momentum will extend into the current quarter, with per-share earnings expected to range from 8 cents to 10 cents, excluding employee stock compensation costs and other items. Analysts had forecast earnings of 7 cents per share for the first three months of the year.

The company anticipates its first-quarter revenue will fall between $170 million and $175 million. Analysts had predicted revenue of about $169 million.

TriQuint shares gained 21 cents, or more than 3 percent, in Wednesday’s extended trading after finishing the regular session at $6.75, up 20 cents.