Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

Brooks Automation (Nasdaq: BRKS) shares rose 16% on a steady ride higher today, after Intel said it would increase capital spending.

So what: Some of the $9 billion Intel plans to spend in 2011 should find its way into Brooks Automation's pockets, and investors are bidding the stock up as a result. The effect of the move is spreading across the semiconductor equipment industry, with Nanometrics and Cymer among other stocks moving higher.

Now what: With a price-to-earnings ratio below 13, Brooks looks like an even better value if Intel's spending helps it increase sales. This is nothing but bullish news for Brooks, and I think the stock should move higher as sales begin to pick up. Buying on a day the stock popped isn't really my style, but if shares pull back next week, investors could consider that a buying opportunity.

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