Broderbund Software Earnings Fall 44%

Broderbund Software Inc. said its fiscal first-quarter earnings were off 44%, as sales of its entertainment software fell 13% for the period ended Nov. 30. The company reported net income of $8.9 million, or 42 cents a share, down from $15.9 million, or 73 cents, for the year-ago quarter. Sales fell to $61.5 million from $71 million. The Novato-based company had been expected to report per-share earnings of 41 cents. Broderbund said sales of entertainment products, including its Myst game, fell below year-ago levels. A new version of Myst is due out this fiscal year. Sales of productivity and education products increased, however. The company has begun new marketing programs. Its shares fell 12.5 cents to close at $31.625 on Nasdaq.