Cree, Inc. today announced increased revenue and earnings targets for its fiscal fourth quarter ending June 28, 2009. Cree now targets revenue in a range of $143 million to $150 million with GAAP earnings of $0.07 to $0.09 per diluted share and non-GAAP earnings of $0.15 to $0.17 per diluted share, based on an estimated 89 million diluted weighted average shares. Targeted non-GAAP earnings exclude expenses related to the amortization of acquired intangibles of $0.03 per diluted share, and stock-based compensation expense of $0.05 per diluted share.

Cree Inc.

The targeted revenue range is higher than previously announced primarily due to stronger LED component bookings for lighting-related applications, as well as higher LED chip bookings for notebook backlighting.

Gross margin for the quarter is targeted to be at the higher end of previously targeted levels.

Operating expenses are targeted to be approximately $46 million.

“We are pleased with the strong booking trends for Q4,” stated Chuck Swoboda, Cree chairman and CEO. “We also remain optimistic about the growth potential for LED lighting in fiscal 2010, although there is some near term execution risk as we ramp up production to meet these higher targets.”

About Cree, Inc.
Cree is leading the LED lighting revolution and setting the stage to obsolete the incandescent light bulb through the use of energy-efficient, environmentally friendly LED lighting. Cree is a market-leading innovator of lighting-class LEDs, LED lighting solutions, and semiconductor solutions for wireless and power applications.