Xilinx, a top designer of programmable microchips which employs 340 people in Dublin, has posted increased fourth-quarter profits compared with last year.

It also forecast that chip sales outside the battered communications market would drive current-quarter revenues past Wall Street expectations.

Xilinx shares rose to $26.34 in after-market trade on Thursday up 81 cents on the Nasdaq stock exchange.

The US company said its fiscal fourth-quarter net profit rose to $49.4 million (€45.3 million) from $34.3 million a year ago.

Revenue rose to $305.5 million from $273.5 million a year earlier and from $282.7 million in the prior quarter.

The company said it expected first-quarter revenues of up to 5 per cent above fourth-quarter levels on improving demand. - (Reuters)