Microchip Technology, a provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, has provided financial guidance for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 ending March 31, 2009. The company expects 8 to 12% dip in its net sales from the third quarter of fiscal 2009 ended December 31, 2008.

Earnings per diluted share on a GAAP basis are expected to be approximately 9 to 11 cents, excluding acquisition related expenses and gains or losses on trading securities. Earnings per diluted share on a non-GAAP basis, excluding the effect of share-based compensation, acquisition related expenses, and gains or losses on trading securities, are expected to be approximately 13 to 15 cents.

During its earnings conference call on January 29, 2009, Microchip did not provide any financial guidance for the quarter ending March 31, 2009, but disclosed its internal plan for the quarter was for net sales of $173 million, or down approximately 10% from the third quarter of fiscal 2009.

The company said it is not able to provide a reconciliation of its GAAP and non-GAAP guidance for the March 31, 2009 quarter at this time but will include such reconciliation and related information as part of its earnings announcement.