Cree Inc. (Durham, NC),a semiconductor manufacturer, has reported amassing $95.9 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2005, a 45% increase versus the first quarter of last year, which garnered $66.2 million. The company also disclosed that gross profit represented 56% of the company’s revenue, which represented an increase from 43% last year and signified a company best. Moreover, operating income catapaulted from $12 million to $34.9 million.

Contact: (919) 313-5300; www.cree.com.