Compaq Computer Corp.: The Houston computer maker...

Compaq Computer Corp.: The Houston computer maker said third-quarter profit jumped 51% to $87 million on sales of $683 million, up 36%. The income includes a non-recurring, pretax gain of $13.7 million on an increase in the carrying value of its investment in Conner Peripherals Inc. and a $7.6-million gain on the sale of 1 million Conner shares. The company also cited strength in its international sales, which accounted for 43% of the quarter’s sales and increased 74% over last year.