TORONTO -- Celestica this afternoon said third-quarter sales were down 8% to $1.99 billion, year-over-year. The GAAP loss for the quarter ended Sept. 30 was $19.6 million, including charges, versus $24.4 million last year.
Operating margins were 2.3%, up from 1.8% a year ago

The comany guided for Q4 revenue of $1.9 billion to $2.1 billion, and adjusted net earnings of $0.10 to $0.18.
The GAAP loss includes restructuring charges of $40.9 million and a $6.8 million charge for an option exchange program; both were previously announced.

For the quarter, adjusted net earnings were $27.1 million, up from$25.3 million last year.

Third-quarter revenues were in line with company guidance in July of $1.9 billin to $2.2 billion.

Steve Delaney, chief executive, said in a press statement, "This quarter's results reflect the continued weakness we had previously highlighted from our largest communications and information technology end-market."

"Though our outlook for the December quarter is more moderate than what we would typically expect, I am very pleased with our new program wins, the customers we have added and the opportunities ahead of us. We expect these wins to improve our end-market diversification and to translate into revenue growth in 2006."