Technology Companies: Compaq Computer Corp. said its...

Technology Companies: Compaq Computer Corp. said its second-quarter profit plunged 81% due to a depressed market for PCs and increased price-cutting in the industry. Earnings at the Houston-based firm totaled $20.3 million on revenue of $717.8 million, down 17%. Earnings per share totaled 23 cents, compared to $1.18 a share last year. Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft Corp. said strong demand for its Windows and MS-DOS software boosted fourth-quarter earnings to $138.4 million, up 73%. Revenue rose 56% to $527 million. Earnings per share totaled 73 cents, up from 43 cents a year ago. For the year, profit climbed 66% to $463 million, or $2.47 a share, from $279 million, or $1.56 a share. Earnings per share for 1991 reflect a 3-for-2 stock split in June.

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