SonoSite Inc. of Bothell reported $1.3 million, or 8 cents per share, in net income for the second quarter, reversing a $2.1 million loss in the same period last year. The maker of handheld ultrasound devices said revenue grew 18 percent to $39.5 million for the quarter, with U.S. sales alone growing by 19 percent.
Sleep Train buys Sleep Country
Mattress maker Simmons Co. will sell Kent-based Sleep Country USA, its chain of 55 stores in Washington and Oregon, to The Sleep Train Inc., of California. After the $55 million deal closes, Sleep County’s management will stay in place, said Charlie Eitel, Simmons’ chief executive.
Martha Stewart gets big dividend
Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. announced a 50-cent-a-share special dividend Wednesday, in what appears to be a windfall for its founder. Stewart’s ownership means she’ll get about $14.5 million of the $26.1 million payout.
Boeing delivers 2,000th 737 jet
The Boeing Co. on Wednesday delivered its 2,000th next-generation 737. The milestone jet went to Southwest Airlines, which also took the first 737-700 in 1997. The plane is the company’s best seller. Boeing has sold more than 3,300 of the single-aisle planes, which replaced earlier 737 models. So far this year, the company has taken orders for 399 more next-generation 737s.
Senate panel OKs biotech job training
The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has approved $750,000 destined to provide local biotechnology job training. The money, requested by Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., would support a Snohomish County Workforce Development Council project to provide companies with incentives to retrain local workers for positions in biotech research and manufacturing facilities. The money still needs House and Senate approval.
Oil prices climb; gas supplies shrink
Oil prices finished slightly higher on Wednesday, with no letup in the Israeli-Hezbollah fighting and after U.S. government data showed a large drop in gasoline supplies. Summer gasoline demand in the U.S. is almost 2 percent higher than last year despite $3-a-gallon pump prices, according to Department of Energy data.
From Herald staff and news services
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