New Line Costs Lower Printronix Profit

Printronix Inc., a manufacturer of computer printers, said start-up costs related to a new product line helped drive profit lower for the fiscal year.

Net income for the year ended March 29 fell 6% to $6.8 million, or $1.23 a share, from $7.2 million, or $1.33 a share, for the prior year. Sales rose 9% to $159.3 million from $146.6 million.

Net income for the fourth quarter declined 43% to $1.3 million, or 24 cents a share, from $2.3 million, or 43 cents a share, for the like period last year. Sales were down 2% to $40.4 million from $41.2 million.