Delta Systems Reports Identical Numbers for 2001

Bentonville’s Delta Systems Inc. started 2001 virtually the same way it started 2000. On May 3, the automation control systems software maker and distributor reported nearly identical numbers for the period ended March 31 compared with last year’s first quarter.

Delta, traded publicly on the Canadian Venture Exchange, had $1.5 million in revenue for both quarters but saw its gross profit margin dip from 41.1 percent in 2000’s first frame to 32.1 percent in 2001. The company attributed the better start last year to “significant unusual adjustments” that were made in its accounting.

Expenses were down slightly year-over-year, 15 percent from $1.3 million in 2000’s first quarter to $1.1 million this go-around. But Delta’s net loss was slightly higher, $691,967 compared with $690,338 a year ago.

About $132,000 was generated during 2001’s first quarter by software licensing subsidiary Delta Software Inc. The remainder is attributable to services performed by its subsidiary, Delta Automation Solutions Inc.

The company’s report said the testing phase for its fulfillment automation system has been completed. Delta moved into the commercial development phase by launching the marketing of its system at February’s 2001 PROMAT trade show in Chicago.

Gerry Hurlow, Delta’s Chairman & CEO, said that marks the last of the company’s major building projects.

“During the remainder of 2001,” Hurlow said, “Delta will focus on building its sales organization and increasing its order bookings, order backlog and revenue.”