Whittaker Sales Improve; Profits Drop for Quarter

Whittaker Corp., based in Simi Valley, had improved sales but lower profits in its fiscal third quarter compared to the same period last year.

In the three months ended July 31, Whittaker had net income of $1.7 million, or 18 cents a share, on sales of $44.3 million.

This compared with a net profit of $2.9 million, or 31 cents a share, on sales of $33.1 million a year earlier.

Thomas A. Brancati, president and chief executive, said the increased revenues reflect a rise in communications business. “We expect next year’s operating profit will grow along with revenues,” he added.

In the nine months ended July 31, Whittaker reported profit of $3.6 million, or 38 cents a share, on sales of $102.7 million.

In the same period a year earlier, net income was $6.5 million, or 69 cents a share, on sales of $87.7 million. The company took a $3.2-million charge in this year’s second quarter because of a write-off for research and development in connection with an acquisition.