BE Semiconductor forecasts increase in Q1 sales with investment boost

On Friday, BE Semiconductor (BESI), which designs and manufactures semiconductor equipment, forecast revenue growth of around 15% in the January-March period compared with the final quarter of 2021, as the Dutch firm expects to benefit from leading chipmakers’ plans to boost investments.

BESI posted revenue of 171.7 million euros ($195.15 million) in the fourth quarter, down 17.6% from the quarter ended September but in line with its guidance.

The company reported orders of 202.6 million euros in the last three months of the year, beating its own estimate of around 180-190 million euros.

The chipmakers customers include chipmakers like Infineon, STMicroelectronics and Micron Technology.

“BESI achieved strong full-year results despite global supply chain disruptions, ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions and flooding at one of its production facilities, which affected the fourth-quarter results,” Chief Executive Officer Richard Blickman said in a statement.

The Amsterdam-listed company said it plans to increase its dividend by more than 95% to 3.33 euros per share.

CT Bureau