TECHNOLOGY - Nov. 3, 1998

Gemstar International Group Ltd. said fiscal second-quarter profit, before a charge for fending off a hostile takeover, rose 55%, beating analysts’ forecasts, on increased licensing of its VCR Plus and interactive TV software. The Pasadena-based company said profit for the quarter ended Sept. 30 was $16.2 million, or 29 cents a share. That compares with $10.4 million, or 21 cents, a year earlier and beats the 27-cent estimate. Revenue rose to $37 million from $27.7 million.