TECHNOLOGY giant Motorola, still battling the downturn in its key semiconductor business, early yesterday reported earnings of $325 million (£210 million), lower than last year butt beating analysts' estimates.

Motorola, which employs more than 1,500 people in Dublin and Cork, said its earnings, equivalent to 53 cents a share, came on sales of $6.6 billion and included gains from the sale of an investment and favourable patent settlements. In the first quarter of 1996, Motorola earned $384 million, or 63 cents a share, on sales of $7 billion.

The company said the gains accounted for less than 10 per cent of pre-tax profits, and analysts estimated that, excluding the gains, Motorola earned at least 48 cents a share. Market analysts had predicted Motorola would earn 45 cents a share.