Office furniture maker Herman Miller reports that it posted a profit in its fiscal third quarter as new orders rose from the same period a year earlier, though revenue fell.

"After five consecutive quarters of declines, it’s a pleasure to report positive growth in orders compared to the prior year. While overall industry conditions remain challenging, this serves as a measurable signal that business conditions have stopped deteriorating," Chief Executive Brian Walker said.

Orders were up 3.8% from a year earlier, but the backlog dropped 6.4% The company said it earned $8.3 million in the period that ended Feb. 27, compared with a loss of $5.2 million in the period a year earlier. Its revenue fell 7 percent to $329.6 million, from $354.4 million. But new orders amounted to $290 million, up 3.8 percent.