Also . . .

* Covad Communications Group Inc. reported an operating loss of $159.9 million, or 93 cents a share for its fiscal first quarter, far better than the $1.35-a-share loss analysts expected. The struggling seller of digital subscriber lines for fast Internet access said revenue more than tripled to $71.2 million from $20.8 million.

* Avnet Inc., a distributor of computer parts, said fiscal fourth-quarter sales will come in 25% to 30% lower than the $3.2 billion registered in the third quarter, worse than the drop of 15% to 20% it projected earlier. Per-share earnings will be break-even to a few cents, it said.

* A commercial court in Belgium rejected the restructuring plan of formerly highflying technology company Lernout & Hauspie Speech Products, saying it excelled in “wishful thinking.” The plan had been approved by creditors this month. The judge gave L&H; until Sept. 10 to submit a new plan.