Special Devices Posts 31% Rise in Net Income

Special Devices Inc. reported a 31% jump in its first-quarter net income on a 2% rise in sales.

The Newhall-based company said that its net income was $1.36 million in the quarter that ended Jan. 28, compared to net income of $1.04 million in the same period a year ago.

First-quarter sales rose to $22.5 million, up from $22.2 million a year earlier.

The company makes devices that trigger automobile air bags, as well as devices that are used in weapons systems and space vehicles.

But in recent years, Special Devices has made a graceful shift to commercial markets as its defense business has slowed down.

In the latest quarter, the company said that its automotive sales rose 24% to $17.8 million compared to a year ago, while its aerospace revenues slumped 40% to $4.7 million.