Anadigics 4th-quarter loss narrowed from period that was burdened by charges

Anadigics 4Q loss narrowed, beat estimates

WARREN, N.J. — Anadigics Inc.’s fourth-quarter loss narrowed, mostly due to charges in the year-earlier period. It results surpassed analyst estimates.

The company on Thursday reported a loss of $8 million, or 13 cents a share, compared with a loss of $36.4 million, or 60 cents a share, a year earlier. The 2008 quarter included a $21.3 million in restructuring and impairment charges.

Anadigics, which provides products to the broadband wireless and wireline communications markets, had sales of $41.8 million in the latest quarter, compared with $45.2 million a year earlier. Selling and administrative expenses declined 17 percent to $6.8 million.

In the company’s adjusted results, its quarterly loss narrowed to $3.2 million, or 5 cents a share, from a loss of $4.9 million, or 8 cents a share. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters estimated a loss of 9 cents a share. Those estimates usually don’t include one-time items. Sales were estimated at $39.6 million.

Anadigics said it expects a first-quarter net loss of 9 cents a share to 10 cents a share, and an adjusted loss of 5 cents to 6 cents a share. Analysts expect a loss of 10 cents a share. Sales were projected at $41.8 million for the first quarter, compared with analysts forecast of $36.8 million.

Loss for the year widened to $57.1 million, or 92 cents a share, compared with a loss of $41.9 million, or 70 cents a share, in 2008. Sales fell 46 percent to $140.5 million from $258.2 million.

Anadigics shares rose 8 cents to $4.41 in the regular session before the earnings were released. After hours, the stock lost a penny.