ST. LOUIS  -- LaBarge Inc. today announced net sales will be approximately $39.6 million, down 9.2% from $43.6 million a year ago.

For its fiscal 2006 first quarter, ended Oct. 2, net earnings are expected to be $0.12 to $0.13 per diluted share, compared with $0.15 per diluted share in the comparable period a year ago.

The results would be consistent with previous guidance. In its earlier guidance, the company forecast sales of $41 million to $42 million, and diluted earnings per share of $0.12 to $0.13.

Profit margins improved during the quarter. Sales fell below projections because of several customers rescheduling shipments.