The loss compared with a 1989 fourth-quarter profit of $67.6-million.

It reported an 8.8 percent rise in fourth-quarter profits but said this year would be difficult.

It also warned that fourth-quarter profits would be lower than expected.

This week, the top oil companies are reporting fourth-quarter profits nearly double those of 1989.

The company expects fourth-quarter profits to represent 60 percent of the entire year within the next few years.

The next day, the company announced that its fourth-quarter profit had more than doubled.

At the current exchange rate, the fourth-quarter net profit would equal $1 billion.

The stock has risen partly because of the company's strong fourth-quarter profits.

Drug issues advanced on recent announcements of strong fourth-quarter profits.

Texas Instruments will take a special charge of $55 million against fourth-quarter profits and eliminate 1,500 jobs.