PHOENIX -- Suntron Corp. today reported net sales of $115.8 million and a net loss of $1.3 million for its fourth quarter ended Dec. 31.

For the year, the EMS maker posted a net loss of $4.5 million on net sales of $475.4 million.

For the quarter net sales were up 47% increase from last year on higher demand for semiconductor capital equipment, aerospace and defense, industrial and medical gear. The net loss was $1.3 million, vs. a net loss of $6.1 million.

For the year, the net loss was $4.5 million, vs. a net loss of $34.3 million in 2003. The operating loss improved to $400,000 from $5.5 million a year ago. Sequentially, fourth-quarter net sales decreased 10%, due to lower demand for semiconductor tools.

For the year, net sales rose 52% over 2003. The fiscal year operating loss was $300,000, vs. an operating loss of $31.9 million in 2003.

Last quarter, Suntron lost Applied Materials, a principal customer, to alternative suppliers manufacturers. the companies are in an ongoing dispute over Applied Materials' contractual obligations for excess and obsolete materials.

Suntron expects that  net sales to Applied Materials of $2 million for the first quarter 2005, down from $26.4 million sequentially.

The company guided for quarterly net sales of $80 million to $85 million, down 15% to 20% from the first quarter of 2004 and 25% to 30% sequentially, due to sluggish semiconductor equipment demand and the loss of Applied Materials as a customer.