Alpha Microsystems Rebounds : Revenue: The maker of business computers credits cost control and product expansion for its return to profitability after a record loss year.

SANTA ANA —  Alpha Microsystems, a maker of business computers, said cost controls and product expansion enabled it to return to profitability in its fiscal year ended Feb. 23--a dramatic turnaround from a record loss the previous year, the company said Thursday.

The company reported a modest profit of $304,000, equal to 10 cents per share, for the 1992 fiscal year, contrasted with a loss of $7.5 million, or $2.65 per share, a year earlier.

Revenue fell nearly 7% to $49.3 million from $52.8 million a year earlier. Douglas J. Tullio, chief executive, blamed the revenue decline on the downturn in the overall computer industry and the recession.

“We accomplished our goal of returning to profitability despite a slight drop in revenue that paralleled the downturn in the computer industry,” he said. “Our goal in the new fiscal year is to expand our revenues.”

For the fourth quarter, the company reported net income of $26,000, or 1 cent per share, contrasted with a loss of $3 million, or $1.06 a share per share, a year earlier. Revenue rose 2% to $12.3 million from $12.1 million.

Alpha Micro, which once made computers that ran on a proprietary system, has diversified. The company now sells computers and business applications software that operate on the Unix, Amos, Pick, and Business Basic software.

During the past year, the company expanded its service bureau, opened a subsidiary to sell computers for corporate networks, launched a series of new computers, signed marketing agreements with other computer manufacturers and increased its business in distributing computer hardware components to its network of 600 dealers.

Tullio said Alpha Micro has about 350 employees, compared to about 330 a year earlier. Most of the additions have come as the company trained more field service personnel and formed new operating divisions.

Tullio said the company is still interviewing candidates for a chief financial officer. David A. Young, former CFO, resigned last month for personal reasons.

Alpha Microsystems

In the fiscal year ended Feb. 23, Alpha Microsystems reported net income of $304,000 as revenue fell 7% to $49.3 million. The company attributed the revenue drop to the recession and computer industry slump.

Figures are in thousands, except per-share data.

4th Qtr 4th Qtr 12 Months 12 Months 1992 1991 1992 1991 Revenue $12,372 $12,083 $49,320 $52,802 Net income (loss) 26 (3,015) 304 (7,525) Per share (loss) 0.01 (1.06) 0.10 (2.65)

Source: Alpha Microsystems Inc.