Ultrasound sales turn up for Acuson

Acuson last week downplayedan improvement in its ultrasound sales and net income for thefirst quarter of 1994 (end April 2). However, the results weregood news for the vendor and an ultrasound industry battered bydeclining U.S. purchasing.

Net sales for the first quarter rose 12% from $82.3 millionin 1993 to $92.8 million this year. Net income shot up a strong31% from $5 million in the first quarter of last year to $6.6million in the same period this year.

"Our first quarter financial results may not be indicativeof the results for the entire year," said Samuel H. Maslak,president and CEO. "Market uncertainties regarding the purchaseof hospital medical equipment will persist for an indeterminateperiod, due to ongoing worldwide medical cost containment pressuresand concern about the potential impacts of U.S. health-care reform."

Acuson may be right in downplaying a possible market upturn.Ultrasound competitor ATL saw revenue drop 6% for the same three-monthperiod, from $81.4 million in 1993 to $75.9 million this year.

"We expect the difficult market conditions in the U.S.to continue for the near term," said Dennis C. Fill, chairmanand CEO.