STRATUS COMPUTER INC
10-Q, 1997-11-12
ELECTRONIC COMPUTERS
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                    Securities and Exchange Commission

                          Washington, D.C.  20549

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                 Form 10-Q


                QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

                  OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

     For the Quarter Ended September 28, 1997         Commission File
                                                     Number 0-12064

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          Stratus Computer, Inc.
          (Exact name of registrant as specified in its Charter)


        Massachusetts                No. 04-2697554
      (State of Incorporation)    (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


         55 Fairbanks Boulevard, Marlborough, Massachusetts  01752
              (Address of principal executive office)  (Zip)


                              (508)  460-2000
                  (Telephone number, including area code)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Indicate by check mark whether the registrant  (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d)  of the Securities
Exchange  Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter
period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has
been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes   x      No.

      Number of Common Shares outstanding at the latest practicable date,
November 4, 1997:  27,490,544




STRATUS COMPUTER, INC.
INDEX TO 10-Q


Part I    Financial information

Item 1    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

          Consolidated statements of income -
          three months and nine months ended September 28, 1997
          and September 29, 1996

          Consolidated balance sheets -
          September 28, 1997 and December 29, 1996

          Consolidated statements of cash flows -
          nine months ended September 28, 1997 and September 29, 1996

          Notes to consolidated financial statements


Item  2   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
          and Results of Operations



Part II   Other information


Item 1    Legal proceedings

Item 5    Other information

Item 6    Exhibits and reports on form 8-K
          Exhibit 10 - Material contracts



Signatures



PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


STRATUS COMPUTER, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)



                                Third Quarter Ended        Nine Months Ended
                                   September 28,              September 29,
                                1997          1996         1997        1996
                             ---------     ---------    ---------   ---------
Revenues:
  Product sales              $124,999      $101,618     $348,944    $282,256
  Service                      50,024        48,392      149,316     150,980
                             ---------     ---------    ---------   ---------
Total revenues                175,023       150,010      498,260     433,236

Costs and expenses:
  Product cost of sales        65,013        55,117      180,912     150,949
  Service expense              31,034        29,094       92,480      91,634
  Research and development
   expense                     24,189        19,439       65,833      59,310
  Selling, general, and
     administrative expense    33,813        33,726      102,161      98,436
  Restructuring charge              -             -            -       4,623
                             ---------     ---------    ---------   ---------
Total costs and expenses      154,049       137,376      441,386     404,952
                             ---------     ---------    ---------   ---------
Operating income               20,974        12,634       56,874      28,284

Other income                    3,718         1,520        9,073       5,149
                             ---------     ---------    ---------   ---------
Income before provision
  for income taxes             24,692        14,154       65,947      33,433

Provision for income taxes      5,432         3,397       14,508       7,638
                             ---------     ---------    ---------   ---------
Net income                   $ 19,260      $ 10,757     $ 51,439    $ 25,795
                             =========     =========    =========   =========
Net income per common share  $   0.77      $   0.45     $   2.10    $   1.09
                             =========     =========    =========   =========
Weighted average number of
  shares of common stock
  and common stock
  equivalents                  25,055        23,816       24,473      23,719
                             =========     =========    =========   =========






See accompanying notes.


STRATUS COMPUTER, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
                                               September 28,   December 29,
                                                   1997            1996
ASSETS                                           -------          -------
- -------                                        (Unaudited)          
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                    $   166,560     $  131,683
  Marketable securities                             81,080         43,187
  Accounts receivable, net                         132,293        175,061

  Inventories:
     Finished products                              42,560         35,921
     Work-in-process                                 3,133          1,542
     Parts and assemblies                           37,712         25,820
                                               -----------     ----------
 Total inventories                                  83,405         63,283

  Prepaid expenses                                  13,664         14,540
  Other current assets                              20,242         13,773
                                               -----------     ----------
Total current assets                               497,244        441,527

Property, plant, and equipment, at cost            399,972        355,097
Less:  accumulated depreciation                   (253,847)      (232,341)
                                               -----------     ----------
      Net property, plant, and equipment           146,125        122,756

Other assets                                        66,408         74,638
                                               -----------     ----------
      Total assets                             $   709,777     $  638,921
                                               ===========     ==========
LIAIBILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable                             $    27,868     $   30,357
  Accrued expenses:
     Payroll                                        23,567         17,422
     Other                                          33,783         34,204
  Income taxes payable                              25,656         13,564
  Short-term borrowings and obligations              1,626          2,667
  Deferred revenue                                  24,282         17,589
                                               -----------     ----------
      Total current liabilities                    136,782        115,803

Long-term obligations and deferrals                    750          3,634

Stockholders' equity:
  Common stock, $.01 par value, 150,000,000
     shares authorized , 27,478,703 and
     26,252,242 shares issued and outstanding,
     respectively                                      275            263
  Junior common stock, $.01 pre value, 500,000           -              -
     shares authorized
  Additional paid-in capital                       244,896        219,237
  Retained earnings                                442,863        391,424
  Cumulative translation adjustment                 (4,638)        (2,826)
                                               -----------     ----------
      Subtotal                                     683,396        608,098
  Less: shares in treasury, at cost, 3,600,000
     and 2,934,300,  shares respectively          (111,151)       (88,614)
                                               -----------     ----------
            Total stockholders equity              572,245        519,484
                                               -----------     ----------
     Total liabilities and stockholders'
       equity                                  $   709,777     $  638,921
                                               ===========    ===========

See accompanying notes.

STRATUS COMPUTER, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)

                                                        Nine Months Ended
                                                      Sept. 28,   Sept. 29,
                                                         1997        1996
                                                      ---------   ---------
Cash flows from operating activities:
     Net income                                       $ 51,439    $ 25,795

     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
     cash provided by operating activities:

     Depreciation and amortization                      59,781      48,801
     Restructuring charge                                    -       4,623

     Add (deduct) changes in working capital:
     Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable         42,768      (3,203)
     Increase in inventory                             (20,122)    (12,041)
     Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
      and accrued liabilities                            3,235     (17,484)
     Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable        12,092      (5,465)
     Increase in other working capital items                40       2,570
                                                      ---------   ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities              149,233      43,596

Cash flows from investing activities:
     Acquisition of property, plant and equipment      (59,479)    (39,112)
     Purchase of marketable securities                (123,255)    (22,047)
     Proceeds from sale and maturity of marketable
      securities                                        85,362      45,435
     Acquisition of other assets                       (18,030)    (20,704)
                                                      ---------   ---------
Net cash used in investing activities                 (115,402)    (36,428)

Cash flows from financing activities:

     Net proceeds from employee stock plans             25,671       5,648
     Acquisition of treasury stock                     (22,537)          -
     Reduction of long term debt                        (1,479)     (3,150)
                                                      ---------   ---------
Net cash provided by financing activities                1,655       2,498

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash                   (609)       (588)
                                                      ---------   ---------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents               34,877       9,078

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year         131,683      91,592

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period            $166,560    $100,670


See accompanying notes.

                          STRATUS COMPUTER, INC.

                NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                     September 28, 1997 and September 29, 1996

                                (Unaudited)
                   (In thousands, except share amounts)

1.     The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned.
The information herein should be read in conjunction with the annual report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 1996. It is management's
opinion that the accompanying statements reflect all adjustments  necessary
for a fair presentation of the results for this interim period and the
comparable periods presented.  The balance sheet at December 29, 1996 has
been derived from the audited financial statements at that date.

2.    The  preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.

3.    Primary earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of
shares of  common stock and common stock equivalents (stock options)
outstanding.  Fully diluted earnings per share has not been separately
presented as the amount does not differ significantly from primary earnings
per share.

4.    There were no non-cash investing and financing activities for the
first nine months of 1997 or 1996.  The Company made interest payments of
$178 and $568 and tax payments of $7,145 and $10,447 in the first nine
months of 1997 and 1996, respectively.

5.    During  the first quarter of 1997, the Company completed its current
stock repurchase program.  This program to purchase 1,200,000 shares of
Stratus common stock on the open market was authorized by the Company's
Board of Directors on October 22, 1996.

6.    In  February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement No. 128, Earnings Per Share, which is required to be adopted on
December 28, 1997.  At that time, the Company will be required to change the
method currently used to compute earnings per share and to restate all prior
periods.  Under the new requirements for calculating basic earnings per
share, the dilutive effect of stock options will be excluded.  The impact is
expected to result in an increase in basic earnings per share for the three
and nine months ended September 28, 1997 of $.04 and $.10 per share,
respectively, with a $.01 increase to both the third quarter and first nine
months of 1996.  The impact of Statement 128 on the calculation of diluted
earnings per share for these periods is not material.

7.    In the third quarter of 1997, the Company purchased the third building
and underlying land (all of which had been leased under an operating lease)
at its corporate headquarters site in Marlborough, Massachusetts  for
$21,631 in cash.

8.    During the second quarter of 1996, the Company restructured its software
business to improve operating results by aligning revenues with expenses,
and to focus on new strategic product offerings to be launched in the
following months.  The restructuring actions resulted in a charge of $4.6
million and included charges for workforce reductions and asset dispositions
related to the discontinuation of certain product programs.

STRATUS COMPUTER, INC.

Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
         Results of Operations.  (In thousands)


Revenues

     Revenues of $175,023 for the third quarter of 1997 increased 17% from
the corresponding period in 1996.  For the first nine months of 1997,
revenues were $498,260, an increase of 15% from the same 1996 period.

     The  Company's total product revenue increased 23% and 24% for the
third quarter and first nine months of 1997, respectively, compared to the
same prior year periods. Hardware product revenue grew 25% and 24%,
respectively, in the third quarter and first nine months of 1997 compared to
the same 1996 periods, with strong year over year growth in the
telecommunications market of 44% for the third quarter and 50% for the first
nine months.  As a percentage of total product revenue, sales in the
telecommunications market were 54% and 52% for the third quarter and first
nine months of 1997, respectively.  Application software license revenue
decreased 35% and increased 15% in the third quarter and first nine months
of 1997, respectively, compared with the corresponding prior year periods.
The decrease from third quarter 1996 was primarily due to a decline in U.S.
revenues, while the year over year increase was due to stronger sales in the
financial services and healthcare markets.

     Direct product revenues in the U.S. increased 20% for the third quarter
and 10% for the first nine months of 1997 from the same prior year periods
primarily due to strong sales in the financial services markets.
International direct product revenues decreased 24% from 1996's third
quarter with decreases in both the Europe and Asia-Pacific regions. For the
first nine months of 1997, international direct product revenues declined 9%
compared with the same period in 1996 due to lower revenues in Europe,
Canada, and Mexico.

     Product revenue from indirect channels increased 64% for the third
quarter and 68% for the first nine months of 1997 compared to the same prior
year periods.  Sales to NEC increased 53% and 75% for the third quarter and
first nine months, respectively, compared to the same 1996 periods, and
represented 34% and 33% of total product revenue in the respective 1997
periods.  Product revenue from other international distributors increased
104% and 54% in the third quarter and first nine months of 1997,
respectively, compared to the same 1996 periods with strong sales through
Olivetti and in the Asia-Pacific and Latin America regions. Sales to
Olivetti were primarily in the gaming and telecommunications markets.  As a
percentage of total product revenue, sales from other international
distributors was 13% for both the third quarter and first nine months of
1997.

     Total service revenue increased 3% for the third quarter and decreased
1% for the first nine months of 1997 from the same prior year periods.
Professional service revenues decreased 5% and 16% in the third quarter and
first nine months of 1997, respectively, compared to the same periods in
1996 primarily due to lower professional service revenue in the application
software business.  Maintenance revenues increased 5% in the third quarter
and 2% in the first nine months of 1997 compared with the corresponding
prior year periods.


Cost of Sales

     Total gross margin of 45% for the third quarter and first nine months
of 1997 increased one percentage point during both periods from the total
gross margin in the corresponding 1996 periods.

     Product gross margin of 48% for the third quarter and the first nine
months of 1997 increased two and one percentage point(s), respectively, from
the gross margin on product revenue achieved in the corresponding 1996
periods.  The product margin increase was primarily related to an increase
in average system configuration sizes, favorable product mix, and
manufacturing efficiencies gained as a result of increased volume.

     The gross margin on service revenue was 38% for the third quarter and
first nine months of 1997.  This compares to 40% and 39% for the third
quarter and first nine months, respectively, in 1996.  The decrease was
primarily due to the investments made in the core service business to
support new product introductions and lower professional service revenues.


Other Operating Expenses

     Total operating expenses for the third quarter and first nine months of
1997, excluding the 1996 restructuring charge, increased 9% and 6%,
respectively, from the corresponding 1996 periods, primarily due to
increased research and development expenses.  As a percentage of total
revenues, operating expenses, excluding the 1996 restructuring charge,
decreased to 33% for the third quarter and 34% for the first nine months of
1997 from 35% and 36% in the corresponding 1996 periods.

     Research and development expense increased 24% and 11%, respectively,
for the third quarter and first nine months of 1997 compared to the same
periods in 1996.  As a percentage of total revenues, research and
development expense increased one percentage point to 14% for the third
quarter and decreased one percentage point to 13% for the first nine months
of 1997 compared to the corresponding 1996 periods.  Throughout the
remainder of 1997, the Company will continue its long-standing commitment to
provide leading edge hardware and software products to the
telecommunications and reliable enterprise server marketplaces, particularly
in support of mission critical applications.  Research and development
efforts directed towards the Company's Continuum (R) and RADIO Cluster (TM)
product lines will be ongoing.  The Company will continue to enhance its
Continuum product line, leveraged by the successful incorporation of the
Hewlett-Packard (TM) industry leading PA-RISC microprocessor, HP-UX (TM),
FTX (TM), and VOS operating  system  technologies.  Within the Microsoft (R)
Windows NT (R) marketplace, the Company will continue to support the RADIO
Cluster which combines availability software from the Company's Isis
Distributed (TM) Systems division with industry-standard hardware,
networking components, and operating systems.

     Selling, general, and administrative expenses were essentially
unchanged in the third quarter and were up 4% for the first nine months
compared to the same 1996 periods.   In the third quarter, selling, general,
and administrative expenses were 19% of net revenues down from 22% in 1996.
For the first nine months, selling, general, and administration expenses
were 21% of net revenues compared to 23% in 1996. The Company's strategy is
to continue to focus the sales and marketing organizations on strategic
opportunities within targeted vertical industries, expand indirect sales
channels, and improve selling efficiencies.  In addition, the Company will
continue to focus on effective cost management.

     During the second quarter of 1996, the Company restructured its
software business to improve operating results by aligning revenues with
expenses, and to focus on new strategic product offerings to be launched in
the following months.  The restructuring actions resulted in a charge of
$4.6 million and included charges for workforce reductions and asset
dispositions related to the discontinuation of certain product programs.


Other Income and Expense

     Other income increased $2,198 and $3,924 for the third quarter and
first nine months of 1997, respectively, compared to the same prior year
periods.  This was primarily due to an increase in interest income earned on
higher levels of invested cash, and a decrease in interest expense resulting
from lower levels of long-term debt.

     The effective tax rate in the third quarter and the first nine months
of 1997 of 22% decreased from 23% for the full year 1996. The tax rate for
the third quarter decreased two percentage points from the corresponding
1996 period. The reduction was due to a change in the mix of taxable income
in the Company's international subsidiaries.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

     At September 28, 1997, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of
$166,560, an increase of $34,877 from the balance at the beginning of the
year. This was primarily due to collection of accounts receivable and
proceeds from employee stock plans, partially offset by purchases of
marketable securities, the stock repurchase program completed in the first
quarter, capital expenditures, and inventory purchases.

     In the third quarter of 1997, the Company purchased the third building
and underlying land (all of which had been leased under an operating lease)
at its corporate headquarters site in Marlborough, Massachusetts  for
$21,631 in cash.

     On January 3, 1997, the Company canceled its $50 million Multi-currency
Revolving  Credit Agreement because management believes it is no longer
needed.  There were never any borrowings against this Agreement.

     At  September 28, 1997, the Company had $1,626 in outstanding debt
related to the Isis(TM) acquisition.

     Certain subsidiaries have entered into credit arrangements with local
banks, principally  Overdraft Agreements, for the purpose of short-term
liquidity management.  There were no outstanding borrowings under these
agreements at September 28, 1997.

     The ratio of current assets to current liabilities for the Company as
of September 28, 1997 was 3.6 to 1.  Based upon its current cash position,
and expected cash flow from operating activities, supplemented by ongoing
stock issuance from the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and stock option plans,
management believes that the Company's capital resources are sufficient to
meet its financial requirements for the foreseeable future.

     The Company plans to invest approximately $90 million in capital
improvements and software technologies in 1997.


Outlook and Factors That May Affect Future Results

     Future operating results of the Company will be dependent, in part,
upon its ability to continue to execute its strategy for growth in its two
principal business areas: 1) the telecommunications and reliable enterprise
server markets with focus on the core product line of Continuum fault
tolerant computer systems, and 2) the application software markets addressed
by the Company's S2 (TM) and TCAM (TM) subsidiaries.  The Company will align
its product strategies to meet the industry-specific requirements of
targeted growth markets.

     The Company will continue to invest in its core business by developing
and introducing products which will expand the breadth of the Continuum
product family.  In addition, the Company plans to continue to support
customer needs for its distributed computing products.  The development and
delivery of telecommunications middleware, application software and
professional services will be targeted towards those market segments where
computer availability is a critical need.

     Forward looking statements made within this report speak only as of
the date made.  The Company cautions readers to recognize that actual
results could differ materially from historical results and/or those
suggested, as a result of the following factors:

     The Company's future operating results are dependent upon the timing
and market acceptance of new and enhanced product introductions.  The
transition of customers from existing to new products in a rapidly changing
technological environment, as well as unexpected delays and/or cancellations
in customer purchases of existing products in anticipation of new products,
are inherent risks in this process.

     The Company historically ships a large percentage of its revenues
towards the end of each quarter, making revenue forecasting unpredictable.
In addition, product volumes and product and service mixes comprising the
forecast are dependent upon customers' changing demands and needs.  As the
Company increases its product and service offerings, the process of planning
and forecasting revenue becomes increasingly difficult.  Each of these
factors may subject the Company to fluctuations in revenues and earnings.

     A substantial portion of the Company's product manufacturing and many
suppliers are located outside the United States.  In conjunction with the
forecast process discussed above, the Company must adjust operations to satisfy
production requirements as the need for demand changes.  Production capacity is
dependent upon the ability of the Company's suppliers to provide components on
time and at reasonable prices.  Supply constraints, foreign currency exchange
rate fluctuations, foreign country political and economic changes, as well as
changes in export and trade regulations could adversely impact the Company's
operations.

     In addition to its direct channels, the Company continues to expand its
indirect distribution channels through resellers and distributors.  In the third
quarter and first nine months of 1997, one reseller, NEC, represented 24% and
23%, respectively, of total Company sales.  The financial condition of, and
ongoing business relationship with NEC and such other resellers and distributors
is important to the Company's financial success.  As such, any decrease or
weakening in the financial health, business relationship, and/or historical
performance of such resellers and distributors could have a material and adverse
impact on the Company's operations and financial condition.  Fluctuations in
channel mix may be significant and can have a significant impact on gross
margins as a percentage of revenue and therefore on earnings per share.  The
turmoil in the Far East may cause some of the Company's customers to defer
acquisitions of computer-based solutions.

     As the technology marketplace continues to evolve in anticipating our
customers' changing needs, the industry continues to experience competitive
pressures on price and gross margins.  Downward pressures on price and gross
margins and unexpected revenue and margin trends may cause the Company to change
its operations and as such, may adversely impact the Company's financial
results.

     As the Company continues to execute its growth strategy discussed above,
there can be no assurance that adjustments to the Company's operations will not
be required as a result of future revenue and margin trends.  Such operational
adjustments may result in variations in the Company's operating results; which,
along with changes in revenue and earnings estimates by investment analysts,
company product and/or service announcements, and general market and economic
conditions in the technology industry may cause the Company's stock price to
fluctuate and may adversely affect the Company's stock price in the future.

     Stratus, the Stratus logo, and Continuum are registered trademarks, and
RADIO Cluster, Isis, Isis Distributed, and FTX are trademarks of Stratus
Computer, Inc.  S2 is a trademark of S2 Systems, Inc.  TCAM is a  trademark of
TCAM Systems, Inc.  Hewlett-Packard and HP-UX are trademarks of the Hewlett-
Packard Company.  Xylogics and Gradient Technologies are registered trademarks
of the respective companies.  Microsoft and Windows NT are registered trademarks
of  Microsoft  Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.


                        PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

     The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims, including claims of
patent infringement and other matters, which arose in connection with the
acquisition of businesses.  Management believes that the outcome of those
matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
condition or results of operations.

Item 5.  Other Information

     On August 1, 1997, Robert E. Donahue resigned from his position as Chief
Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Vice President of Finance and Administration.

     On August 25, 1997, Maurice L. Castonguay was appointed as Chief Financial
Officer, Treasurer, and Vice President of Finance and Administration.  Mr.
Castonguay previously served as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial
Officer at Gradient Technologies, Inc. from March, 1996 to August, 1997. He also
served as Chief Financial Officer of Xylogics, Inc. from September, 1990 to
March, 1996.
     
     On October 27, 1997, Roderick K. Randall was appointed as Vice President of
Worldwide Marketing.  Mr. Randall previously served as Vice President of
Strategic Market Development at Madge Networks, Inc. from  May, 1996 to
September, 1997, when the company he co-founded in 1987, Teleos Communication,
Inc. was acquired by Madge Networks, Inc. in 1996.
     
     On October 27, 1997, Edward J. Mezzanotte was appointed as Vice President
and General Manager, Software Business Group.  Mr. Mezzanotte previously served
as Vice President and General Manager of the Company's Isis Distributed Systems
Division.
     

Item 6.  Exhibits and reports on Form 8-K

No reports on Form 8-K have been filed during the third quarter ended September
28, 1997.


Exhibit 10 - Material Contracts

October 23, 1997



Mr. Roderick K. Randall



Dear Roderick:

On  behalf of Stratus Computer, Inc. ("Stratus") it is my pleasure to offer  you
the position of Vice President of Marketing, reporting to me.  In this position,
as an Officer of the Company, you will be subject to the requirements of Section
16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

You  will  be  paid in accordance with Stratus' Executive Variable  Compensation
Program which is composed of the following elements:

           Base  Salary  of  $9038  bi-weekly, which is equivalent  to  $235,000
      annually.

           Variable compensation component at a rate of 48% of your base  salary
      as  listed  above under Stratus' current Variable Compensation  Plan  ("VC
      Plan").   This  equates to $115,000 annually at 100%  attainment  of  your
      goals.   The  annual variable compensation is based on your attainment  of
      certain  individual  goals  in combination with  the  Company  meeting  or
      exceeding  designated  financial performance goals,  as  approved  by  the
      Board  of  Directors and the Compensation Committee. The terms of  the  VC
      Plan  will  be discussed with you after having been set by the  Board  and
      the  Compensation Committee at the beginning of each fiscal year.   Should
      your  start date be during the fourth quarter 1997, you will be  paid  the
      pro rata portion of your variable compensation for that portion of the  Q4
      performance period for 1997.

           Guaranteed variable compensation for the first twelve (12) months  of
      your  employment,  at  the  annual rate of  $115,000.   Your  1998  annual
      variable  compensation shall be paid to you on a pro-rata basis for  those
      months remaining in 1998 following the end of your guaranteed twelve  (12)
      month period, in accordance with the terms of the VC Plan.

           Your  total  compensation at 100% attainment  of  goals  is  $350,000
      annually.   You  will also be eligible for the overachievement  rates,  if
      applicable, as outlined in the VC Plan documents.

           You  will  have  the  option to purchase 100,000  shares  of  Stratus
      common  stock under the Company's 1983 Employee Stock Option  Plan  and/or
      the  1997  Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan ("Plans").  The purchase  price
      for  these options will be the closing price of the stock as stated on the
      NYSE  on October 28, 1997 or, in the event your employment commences after
      October  28,  1997,  the date that you commence employment.   All  options
      will  vest  over a four (4) year period and have a ten (10) year  exercise
      period as provided in the Plans.

           Participation in such Stratus executive officer and employee  benefit
      programs as shall be in effect from time to time.

           Regarding  your  relocation from New Jersey  to  the  Marlboro  area,
      within  thirty (30) days of your employment start date, you will  be  paid
      $135,000  as  a  complete  Relocation  Sum.   This  Sum  shall  cover  all
      relocation  expenses from New Jersey to Massachusetts  including  but  not
      limited  to  the  broker's  fee for the sale  of  your  New  Jersey  home,
      transfer  taxes and/or fees on the sale of your New Jersey  home  and  the
      purchase  of  your  Massachusetts home, temporary  living  expenses  while
      searching  for  a Massachusetts home, travel expenses between  New  Jersey
      and  Massachusetts, personal property moving expenses  and  closing  costs
      and  other expenses associated with the purchase of a Massachusetts  home.
      This Relocation Sum shall be the total amount of money paid to you by  the
      Company  for any and all relocation related costs and expenses  regardless
      of  the  actual sums you incur.  Under current IRS regulations, you should
      be  aware  that  all  monies paid by the Company in connection  with  your
      relocation  as  appropriate,  must by  law,  be  included  in  your  gross
      earnings  and will be subject to applicable taxes.  Should your employment
      with  the Company end within twelve (12) months of your date of hire,  you
      agree  to promptly repay the Company the entire amount of $135,000.    Any
      questions  on this Agreement and/or your relocation should be  coordinated
      through John Young.

     Additionally,  to  assist  you  with the purchase  of  your  new  principal
      residence  in Massachusetts, the Company shall grant you a nontransferable
      demand  loan in the amount of $300,000, which shall be secured  by  having
      you  grant the Company a second priority secured lien on the property  you
      purchase or build as your principal residence in the Marlboro area.   This
      loan  shall  be forgiven over a four (4) year period, whereby  twenty-five
      percent  (25%)  of  the  entire loan amount shall be  forgiven  upon  each
      annual  anniversary of your employment start date, so long as you continue
      to  be employed by the Company at that time.  Should your employment  with
      the  Company  end prior to forgiveness in full of the loan, you  agree  to
      promptly  repay the Company any outstanding portion of the loan which  has
      not  been forgiven. To eliminate any interest on the loan, we will require
      that  you certify to the Company in writing that you are entitled  to  and
      will  itemize  deductions for each year the loan is  outstanding  and  the
      loan  proceeds  will be used only to purchase the new principal  residence
      in  Massachusetts.  Upon acceptance of this offer letter,  a  formal  loan
      agreement will be presented to you for your signature.


Due  to the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986, you will be required  to
verify your identity and employment eligibility by completing the I-9 Employment
Eligibility Form and supplying Stratus with the required documents on your  fist
day  of  employment.  Your acceptance of this offer of employment is  contingent
upon  compliance with the Immigration Act of 1986.  Failure to complete the  I-9
form or provide original documentation may result in termination of employment.

You  will be required to sign Stratus' Standard Employee Proprietary Information
Agreement  covering  inventions,  concepts and protection  of  confidential  and
proprietary information.  A copy of this agreement is attached for your review.

Roderick,  I  am  excited about the prospect of having an individual  with  your
background and experience on the Executive Management Team at Stratus.  I  would
like  your official start date to be on or before October 28, 1997, if possible.
If  this  letter sets forth the terms of the offer we have negotiated with  you,
kindly  indicate  your  acceptance in the space provided  and  send  one  signed
original back to me or John Young, Vice President, Human Resources, or to Eileen
Casal, Vice President and General Counsel, on my behalf.

Welcome aboard.

Very truly yours,                  I accept the position of Vice President of
                                   Marketing commencing on or before
                                   October 28, 1997 in accordance with
                                   the terms hereof.


- -----------------------            ----------------------------------
Bruce I. Sachs                     Roderick K. Randall
President
Chief Executive Officer            ----------------------------------
                                   Date

                                   ----------------------------------
                                   Start Date















SIGNATURES




         Pursuant  to  the requirements of the Securities Exchange  Act  of
1934,  the  registrant has duly caused this report  to  be  signed  on  its
behalf by the undersigned duly authorized.



                                           STRATUS COMPUTER, INC.
                                             (Registrant)




Date: November 13, 1997
                                    _____________________________________
                                    Maurice L. Castonguay
                                   
                                    Vice President, Finance and Administration,
                                    Chief
                                    Financial Officer and Treasurer, hereunto
                                    duly authorized
                                   







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