HAMBURG, Germany, Nov. 11 -- Rofin-Sinar Technologies Inc. has reported net sales of $35.9 million for its fourth fiscal quarter, an increase of 17.6 percent over the comparable period in 1998. These record sales included almost $2 million shifted from the previous quarter due to delays in shipments to certain customers. Gross profit totaled $12.7 million, or 35.3 percent of sales, compared with 1998's fourth-quarter profit of $11.1 million, or 36.5 percent of sales. The company reported net income for the quarter of $1.7 million, which represented 4.8 percent of net sales; diluted earnings per share came to 15 cents, based on 11.5 million outstanding common shares.
Rofin-Sinar reported $12 million in sales of laser marking products, an increase of 23 percent over the $9.7 million recorded in the fourth quarter of the prior fiscal year. Sales of laser products for use in cutting and welding applications reflected an increase of 15.1 percent, rising to $23.9 million. Sales in Europe and Asia increased 30.2 percent from the comparable period last year, while North American sales decreased 13.7 percent.