Brooks Automation sees Q1 sales far above expectation

Brooks Automation (Nasdaq: BRKS) said Friday it expects first quarter results of 23 to 25 cents a share, blasting past First Call's expectation of 6 cents a share.

Shares in the company, which makes hardware and software for semiconductor, data storage, and flat panel display manufacturing, closed at 43 1/8 Thursday.

Revenue will be just above $50 million, which is greater than the $40 million to $42 million previously expected. Brooks sees strong module and system shipments to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and better than expected results in its Infab subsidiary. The company also mentioned a "significant new software customer" as another reason for improved expectations.

Brooks also said it is pleased with the assimilation of recent purchases.

On January 10, Brooks completed its acquisition of AutoSimulations Inc. and Auto-Soft Corporation from Daifuku America Corporation. The companies will improve Brooks' offerings to chip manufacturers, the company said. Brooks paid $57 million in cash and stock for the deal.>