Bell Microproducts' Shares Up 13 Percent After Better-Than-Expected Earnings

Bell Micro expects to report a profit of about 2 cents per share. A previous forecast had called for a loss of 3 cents to 4 cents per share.

Revenue is expected to be about $555 million, up 1 percent from $552 million in the year-ago quarter, which included about $25 million in sales from a one-time Microsoft licensing program. Previously, Bell Micro expected revenue of $517 million to $527 million.

Sales increased in North America, Europe and Latin America during the quarter, said Don Bell, president and CEO. "We experienced a significant rebound in demand in Europe from second-quarter levels," he said in a statement. "Sales grew in essentially all product categories. The quarter finished very strongly during September, resulting in our achieving sales records for both the month and quarter overall."

The distributor plans to release its full financial results on Oct. 29.

Shares were trading at $8.38 Thursday, up 88 cents per share.