Merge eFilm sales leap in 1Q

Adoption of Fusion Server and eFilm Workstation contributed to Merge Technologies' 87% increase in net income during the first fiscal quarter of 2003. The image management company recorded net income of $1.32 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2003, compared with $704,000 in the same period a year earlier. Net sales were up 35% to $6.12 million compared with $4.54 million in 1Q 2002. The results reflect success in targeting small and medium-sized hospitals and imaging centers while leveraging the company's installed base of the historical Merge eFilm product lines, said company president and CEO Richard Linden. The company affirmed guidance for 2003 revenues in the range of $27 million to $28 million with year-over-year growth of 30% to 35%.