Gateway said first-quarter sales could fall 15 percent or more from fourth quarter levels. Historically, the company said it typically experiences a seasonal decline of 10 percent to 15 percent.

Gateway said strong demand from retailers for its computers in the fourth quarter could lead to a sharper-than-normal dropoff in sales in the seasonally slow first quarter.

The company said it expects 2005 earnings, before items, of 17 cents to 19 cents a share, on revenue of $4.0 billion to $4.25 billion.

On that basis, analysts expect a per-share profit of 17 cents, on average, within a range of 10 cents to 28 cents, on revenue of $4.08 billion, according to First Call.

By: DocMemory
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