STOCK WATCH

Siemens

Siemens shares have fallen five per cent to DM113.30 after the electrical engineering giant warned that profits would not meet its forecast this year. Net income rose 10 per cent to DM1.19 billion in the first half of this year, but the company warned the Asian crisis and weaker chip prices will mean it would not meet its DM3 billion net income target.

Cadcentre

Shares in Cadcentre, the supplier of computer-aided design software, plummeted from 405p to 265p on 22 April after a trading statement indicated that profits for the year ended 31 March will be below market expectations. However, they are predicted to be ahead of the #1.77 million reported last year.

ICM Computer Group

ICM Computer Group Plc is seeking a listing on the London Stock Exchange.

The IT services and systems reseller said the funds raised for the company will be used to finance future acquisitions. In the eight months ended 28 February, ICM made a pre-tax profit on continuing operations of #2.14 million.

Microsoft

Microsoft admitted sales growth will slow over the next few quarters after reporting the third quarter profit for the period ended 31 March.

Revenue was up from $3.2 billion in the same quarter last year to $3.8 billion - an increase of 18 per cent. Net income for the third quarter rose 28 per cent to $1.33 billion.