Optimus's zl. 11.7 million losses not a cause for concern

Poland's leading computer group Optimus has recorded a net loss of zl. 11.7 million, but analysts are not surprised, attributing the loss to its internet expansion-plans. In his letter to shareholders, Optimus's president also cited the substantial costs associated with the fluctuation of the dollar exchange-rate as a contributory factor. "What has happened is natural at this stage of development of an enterprise, and if Optimus continues to make sensible investments in the new economy, it can expect operating profits in about two years time," said ING BSK investment adviser Jacek Lichota. He added,"This is not a bad sign, because Optimus began investing in the internet earlier than its competitors and it is now well ahead of them." Optimus is not only the largest manufacturer of personal computers in Poland, it also owns one of the two most popular Polish Internet portals, onet.pl. (Parkiet, page 4) T.J.