National Semiconductor Beats Profit Estimates

National Semiconductor Corp. reported operating profit of $99.8 million, or 51 cents a share, for its fiscal third quarter, well above the 45 cents analysts were expecting. The company lost $27.2 million, or 16 cents, in the year-ago quarter. Sales grew 10% to $548.9 million, with a big boost from sales of chips for cellular phones and other wireless devices. The company returned to profitability in the second quarter after six money-losing periods, and its stock is up sevenfold this year as it has shifted focus to chips for communications devices. The shares closed off $3.50 at $79 on the NYSE.

Other earnings, excluding one-time gains or charges unless noted:

* CMGI Inc. posted a loss of $187.8 million, or 74 cents a share, in its fiscal second quarter, contrasted with a profit of $13 million, or 6 cents a share, a year ago, as acquisition and stock-based compensation costs surged. Revenue nearly quadrupled to $153.5 million from $39 million.

* Kroger Co.’s earnings rose 18% in its fiscal fourth quarter to $331 million, or 39 cents a share, a penny higher than estimates, on lower costs as it integrated Fred Meyer Inc. into its business. The nation’s largest supermarket company, whose chains also include Ralphs, said sales were nearly flat at $11.24 billion, but adjusting for the change in its fiscal year, sales were up 6.8%.

* Lands’ End Inc.’s fiscal fourth-quarter profit fell 13% to $28.3 million, or 92 cents a share, well below analyst expectations of $1.09 a share. The catalog retailer’s sales tumbled 17% to $449.6 million, but online sales more than doubled.