National Semiconductor Corp. reported a profit of...

National Semiconductor Corp. reported a profit of $14.7 million for the third quarter, contrasted with a loss of $25.6 million a year ago. Sales totaled $629.2 million, up 58%. The Santa Clara, Calif., designer and manufacturer of semiconductors said the turnaround was due to tax benefits, improvements in sales and operating performance of the semiconductor and information systems groups, and introduction of new products, including a high-speed programmable processor.