Macronix International's fourth-quarter revenues are set to rise about 20% sequentially, thanks to a ramp-up in orders for mask ROM memory.

Macronix has forecast revenues for the fourth quarter of 2011 will be between NT$7.8 billion (US$259 million) and NT$8 billion, up 19-22% from NT$6.55 billion in the third quarter. Growth will be driven by strong orders for ROM products used in handheld games consoles, according to company chairman Miin Wu.

However, sales of its NOR flash will likely go through another weak quarter, with prices continuing to come under downward pressure, said Wu. Prices for NOR chips have fallen by 40% cumulatively so far in 2011, Wu added.

But demand for NOR flash used in mobile phones remains brisk. Wu indicated. Macronix saw the proportion of handset-use NOR products climb to 22% of company revenues in the third quarter, Wu said.

Macronix' third-quarter revenues grew 4% sequentially, in line with its guidance. NOR flash products accounted for 62% of company revenues in the quarter followed by ROM chips with 30%.

Macronix' flash sales slid 5% sequentially in the third quarter, with unit shipments dropping 7%. Meanwhile, sales of its ROM products rose 52% on quarter with unit shipments up 32%.

Macronix reported net profits of NT$359 million for the third quarter of 2011, down from profits of NT$515 million in the second quarter and NT$2.76 billion a year ago. EPS for the third quarter came to NT$0.11.