MKS Instruments Inc. has introduced Microvision 2 and e-Vision 2, web-enabled residual gas analyzers for greater stability and reliability in e-diagnostic, process monitoring and general vacuum trouble-shooting applications. The enhanced technology allows for web-based access to faster data acquisition with a wider dynamic range of measurement. Microvision 2 and e-Vision 2 build on the strong performance and reputation of the Microvision Plus, e-Vision and Vision 1000 product lines. The enhanced electronics platform uses robust proprietary technology for data acquisition, and has industry standard technology for communication and control, providing for increased flexibility in process applications. These systems capture a greater number of process excursions due to improved I/O capacities, higher data quality and enhanced speed and accuracy. This in turn enables more accurate alarm decisions with fewer false positives. Ethernet connectivity enables users to access the data from anywhere on the TCP-IP network, providing a more cost-effective, flexible and functional solution to wide-scale multi-RGA installations.

MKS Instruments Inc. announced unaudited consolidated financial results for the third quarter and first nine months ended September 30, 2009. For the quarter, sales were $106.3 million, down 33%% from $157.4 million in the third quarter of 2008. Net loss was $4.0 million, or $0.08 per basic share, compared to net income of $6.8 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2008. The third quarter 2009 net loss includes the effect of a lower effective income tax benefit for 2009. Non-GAAP net earnings, which exclude amortization of acquired intangible assets and special items, totaled $1.6 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $9.2 million, or $0.19 per basic share, in the second quarter of 2009 and net income of $8.9 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2008. The increase in revenue primarily reflects the higher levels of sales at semiconductor OEM and device customers and is consistent with recent announcements by industry research firms that chip unit sales and semiconductor front end equipment utilization rates are increasing. Income from operations was $1.9 million compared to $7.98 million for the same period a year ago. Income before income taxes was $2.2 million compared to $9.8 million for the same period a year ago. For the nine months, the company reported loss from operations of $260.9 million, loss before income taxes of $259.4 million, net loss of $227.6 million or $4.56 per diluted share on the net sales of $262.1 million compared to income from operations of $48.7 million, income before income taxes of $53 million, net income of $36.4 million or $0.71 per diluted share on the net sales of $521.8 million for the same period a year ago. Non-GAAP net loss was $18.7 million or $0.37 per share against the Non-GAAP net earnings of $40 million or $0.78 per share for the same period a year ago. The company anticipates that business in the fourth quarter of 2009 will continue to show improvements. The company estimate that fourth quarter sales could range from $120 million to $135 million. At these volumes, GAAP net income could range from $0.06 to $0.19 per share on approximately 51 million shares outstanding. Non-GAAP net earnings could range from $0.04 to $0.11 per share.

MKS Instruments Inc. revised earnings guidance for the third quarter of 2009. The company expects third quarter revenue could increase approximately 34% sequentially, ranging from $105 million to $107 million, and surpassing the company's high end guidance of $92 million. The company expects to return to profitability on a non-GAAP basis and could see non-GAAP net income of approximately $0.02 to $0.04 per diluted share, compared to its original guidance of a net loss of $0.18 to $0.07 per basic share. GAAP net loss in the third quarter, which includes the effect of a lower effective income tax benefit, could be approximately $0.14 to $0.11 per basic share.