Datron Earnings Drop 50% on Sales of $5.5 Million

Datron Systems reported 50% lower earnings of $271,000, or 10 cents a share, for its third quarter ended Dec. 31, on 10% lower sales of $5.5 million.

In the third quarter a year ago, Datron earned $541,000 on sales of $6.1 million.

Company president David A. Derby said the company had reduced profit margins because of start-up costs from some new government contracts.

For the nine months, Datron earned $940,000, or 35 cents a share, on sales of $15.7 million. A year ago it earned $1.1 million, or 42 cents, on sales of $14.3 million.

Based in Simi Valley, Datron makes defense electronics and communications equipment, including satellite communications terminals and tracking systems.

For detailed data and results of other companies, please see tables, Page 14.