Broderbund Sees Weak 2nd-Quarter Results

Broderbund Software Inc. said its second-quarter earnings will be 15 cents to 20 cents a share before acquisition-related charges, less than analysts had expected. The Novato-based maker of educational and other personal computer software said sales in the quarter ended Feb. 28 will be $41 million to $44 million. In the year-earlier quarter, Broderbund reported net income of $18.8 million, or 87 cents a share, on sales of $48 million. The company, whose products include Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego, said it was forced to reduce prices more than expected during the quarter. Analysts had expected the company to report per-share earnings of 32 cents. Shares lost 37.5 cents to close at $30.50 on Nasdaq.