Silicon Systems’ stock began trading on the...

Silicon Systems’ stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday, making the Tustin company only the second Orange County-based computer firm to be listed on the Big Board. Silicon Systems stock has been publicly traded on the over-the-counter market since 1981. Carmelo J. Santoro, chairman, president and chief executive, said the Big Board listing “should give greater visibility to our company, broaden our access to international capital markets and result in a more diversified shareholder base. We also believe it will provide additional stability and a better long-term environment for our existing shareholders.” Silicon Systems, a manufacturer of custom computer chips, reported record earnings of $8.6 million for the first nine months of its current fiscal year, a fivefold increase over a year ago. Revenue was $85.5 million, a 48% increase over the year-earlier period. The other Orange County computer company traded on the Big Board is MAI Basic Four of Tustin.