Macronix International has raised its guidance for the fourth quarter of 2011, thanks to brisk sales of its ROM chips used in handheld games consoles.

Macronix expects its fourth-quarter gross margin to be 38-40%, higher than its originally-targeted 31-33%. Operating margin for the quarter has also been revised upward to 17-19% from the 10-12% estimated previously.

Along with higher margins, Macronix's revenues for the fourth quarter are now expected to reach NT$8.1-8.3 billion (US$268.8-275.4 million), up 25% sequentially, and NT$100-500 million higher than its October guidance of NT$7.8-8 billion.

In November, Macronix' revenues slid 9.1% on month to NT$3.01 billion. Compared to the same period of 2010, November sales showed a 77.9% rise, according to the company.

Macronix accumulated NT$25.755 billion in revenues from January through November, a slight 0.3% decrease from 2010.

Macronix reportedly supplies ROM chips for Nintendo's 3DS and Wii systems, which enjoyed impressive sales in the US during the Thanksgiving weekend.

Source:digitimes