Palo Alto, Calif.-based Varian Associates reported that...

Palo Alto, Calif.-based Varian Associates reported that its first-quarter operating performance improved to slightly better than break-even from a fourth-quarter loss that included unusual charges and an unspecified amount for year-end adjustments. Included in the income items benefiting first-quarter 1987 after-tax results were a royalty agreement advance settlement of $4.4 million associated with a former interest in SYVA, a Syntex subsidiary, and a $1.2-million gain from the sale of Semicon Associates, a small electron device operation.