Compaq Posts 70% Profits Rise

Compaq Computer Corp., citing strong sales gains in overseas markets, today reported a 70% surge in profits for the fourth quarter.

The maker of personal and business computers said it earned $134.8 million, or $1.50 a share, in the quarter, up from $79.1 million or 92 cents in the year-ago period. Sales totaled $1 billion, compared to $788.1 million.

For all of 1990, Compaq said it earned $454.9 million on sales of $3.60 billion, up from $333.3 million in 1989, when revenues were $2.88 billion.