Asustek Computer has reported net profits of NT$5.979 billion (US$187.75 million) for the third quarter of 2016, up 45% on quarter and 42% on year. The earnings translated into an EPS of NT$8 for the quarter, compared to NT$5.6 a quarter earlier and NT$5.7 a year earlier.

For the first three quarters of 2016, EPS stood at NT$19.2 compared to NT$16.9 of a year earlier.

Sales of branded products totaled NT$107.51 billion in the third quarter of 2016, up 14% sequentially but down 3% on year. Operating profits reached NT$4.28 billion, representing an operating margin of 4% and an increase of 14% from a quarter earlier.

Gross margin for the third quarter stood at 13.9%, meeting the company's guidance of 12-14%.

For the fourth quarter of 2016, branded product sales are expected to reach NT$105 billion, with sales of PC products growing 0-5%, mobile devices rallying 10-20%, and tablet sales remaining flat, according to company CEO Jerry Shen.

The company also projects an operating margin of 3.75-4.25% and a gross margin of 12-14% for the fourth quarter.