STOCK WATCH
TETRA
Accountancy software developer Tetra floated on the London Stock Exchange for the first time on 27 November, offering 12.3 million shares at 160p each. The company hoped to raise #19.7 million before expenses but net cash was likely to be only #1.5 million. The majority of the money raised will be going to employees and original investors. The placing was underwritten by HSBC Investment bank. Friday's closing price was 173.5p. The company made profits of #2.8 million on turnover of #22.4 million last year.
EIDOS
Games developer Eidos' shares suffered a serious drop on 28 November of 25p to 655p after the developer reposted for last year and for the six months ended 30 September. Results showed a loss of #18.3 million, compared to a restated loss of #12.5 million for the same period last year. Turnover was #21.8 million.
YAMAICHI
Fears of a domino effect from the Far East continued to haunt the markets this week. The collapse of Japan's fourth largest broking house Yamaichi led to fears for the rest of the country's financial houses. The crisis continued to rumble on throughout the week, with accusations of insider dealing added to those of bad debt, corruption and a general weakness of the region's economy. Yamaichi may owe as much as $10 billion after the sale of its assets. The situation affected the US markets where traders refused to take long positions over the Thanksgiving holiday, fearing further instability of the Asian markets.
INTUIT
Intuit shares went up $3.56 to $30.875 on 27 November, after showing a loss of $12.7 million on turnover of $96 million. This compares to a loss of $28.3 million last year on turnover of $102.5 million.
DELL
Dell Computer shares fell $3 to $79 on 24 November, despite beating predictions for its third quarter results ended 30 September. The direct manufacturer posted turnover of $3.2 billion and profit of $248 million. It claimed its average margin per unit had not changed significantly over the year - in contrast to most vendors. It also claimed the internet site was a major contributor to increased revenue. Dell Europe made record revenues of $700 million. In the UK, revenue increased 28 per cent strengthened its position at number two, according to Dataquest.
NETWORK TECHNOLOGY
Network Technology reported pre-tax profits of #4.17 million and sales of #16.8 million for the year ended 30 September. This was a lower figure than expected, something which the company blamed on the strength of the pound and delayed orders.