Asus swings to profit in Q3

Oct. 28, 2009 (China Knowledge) - Taiwan-based Asustek Computer Inc, a leading provider of computers, communications products and consumer electronics, returned to profit in the third quarter of this year after recording losses for the past three consecutive quarters, sources reported.

The firm on Monday posted a net profit of nearly NT$6.5 billion for the latest quarter, a net profit higher than the NT$2.97 billion analysts predicted. Earnings per share were NT$1.5 during the period, whereas those of its market counterpart, Acer, were NT$1.28.

However, the firm's operating revenue fell more than 14% from a year earlier to NT$67.1 billion due to a decrease in the prices of PCs, especially netbooks.

The company's return to profitability indicates that its strategy of separating its Asus-brand products from its OEM business has been successful. The firm has also successfully adjusted its business structure and cut costs.

Although Asus did not release a forecast on fourth quarter business performance, the firm's CEO Jerry Shen last week told reporters that Asus notebook PC sales are expected to account for more than 30% of total sales in the market.

Microsoft last Thursday launched Windows 7, which will help the PC market further recover. PC giants such as Dell and Lenovo have said the release of the new OS will positively impact the PC industry.