newsbytes@clarinet.com (02/04/90)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1990 FEB 03 (NB) -- Financial reports on technology companies this week include: [] COMMODORE INTERNATIONAL reported earnings of $11.3 million for its second quarter ended 31 December, 1990 - significantly down on the $38.2 million generated in the same period last year. In the calendar year to 31 December, 1990, Commodore generated $47.8 million in profits on sales of $549.2 million. Irving Gould, Commodore's chairman said, "Lower earnings are attributed to higher expenses, lower sales and unfavorable currency adjustments." Commenting on the company results, Dan Scott, president of the Scott Consulting Group, told Newsbytes: "Commodore has been riding too long on the 64 bandwagon and has not made any major changes to improve the company's long term prospects. The Amiga has not become the system of choice, having remained in the hands of hobbyists and musicians. I think that Commodore will have to enter the business market to remain competitive in the future." [] COMPUTER FACTORY reported net income of $2 million for its first quarter ended 31 December, 1989. Net sales for the period increased by 23 per cent to $126.073 million. The profits are almost 50 per cent down on the $3.978 million generated during the same period last year. Computer Factory sells and services business computer systems and associated products. [] SIEMENS doubled its personal computer sales in 1989 with more than 74,900 systems sold, of which 70 per cent were sold in West Germany. Siemens hopes to exceed 100,000 system sales in 1990. Nixdorf sales are not included in these figures, although industry estimates place them in the region of more than 10,000. [] SULCUS COMPUTER is in the process of completing a $4 million secondary offering through Commonwealth Associates. The company is offering 1 million units consisting of common shares and class A warrants. Sulcus designs and manufactures systems for the legal and real estate title professions. [] MIPS COMPUTER earned $2.3 million during its fourth quarter ended 31 December, 1989. For the same period revenues stood at $31.742 million compared with $15.663 million in 1988, an increase of 50 per cent. Over the full year to 31 December, 1989, MIPS' revenues were $101.862 million - up 50 per cent on the previous year's figures. MIPS manufactures systems with RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) microprocessors running under Unix. [] APPLE COMPUTER declared a dividend of 11 cents per share for its first quarter ended 31 December, 1989. On 18 January, 1990, Apple announced earnings of $124.8 million on sales of $1,490 million for its first quarter. Apple has also announced changes in its internal management structure with Mike Spindler now responsible for the US, along with the company's European and Pacific Rim subsidiaries. Previously these areas reported directly to John Sculley, Apple chairman and CEO. Spindler's promotion has given rise to industry rumours that Sculley is being readied for retirement in the not too distant future. [] COMPAQ COMPUTER reported earnings of $333 million on revenues of $2,900 million for the full year to 31 December, 1989. Net income increased by 31 per cent compared to $6.27 on a diluted share value. During the year, Compaq's european and international sales grew by 62 per cent, exceeding $1,000 million for the first time ever. Compaq is currently stalking IBM in sales terms in the european computer market-place. [] DIGICON announced a reorganisation plan as part of its ongoing Chapter 11 proceedings. In addition, a group of investors has offered the company $11 million in order to help the company improve its earnings ratio. [] SILICON GENERAL reported earnings of $268,000 in its second quarter ending 31 December, 1989. Second quarter revenues from the company's semiconductor business amounted to $8.9 million, compared with $9.6 million for the same period last year. Second quarter earnings, meanwhile, stood at $268,000 - a drop of 50 per cent on the same period last year. Silicon General designs and manufactures linear bipolar integrated circuits for communications products. [] SOUTHLAND COMMUNICATIONS reported a loss of $1.43 million in its full year ended 31 December, 1989. For the same period the company reported a 50 per cent increase in revenues to $6.031 million. Southland Communications operates a national paging business. (Peter Vekinis/19900203)