Molecular Biosystems : SAN DIEGO
Nature of business: Develops and manufactures medical diagnostic solutions used in ultrasound and MRI. Total employees: 200 In San Diego County: 200 Stock listing in The Times: On NYSE “MolBio” Ticker symbol: “MB” Friday’s stock close: $22.25 One-week change: Up $0.89 Analyst review: “We are returning Molecular Biosystems to a ‘buy’ rating. We believe the stock is now poised for a rebound due to a number of upcoming positive events, most notably the approval of its newest product, Albunex. It is the first contrast imaging agent developed for use in ultrasound and is expected to be highly useful in diagnosing heart disease. An impressive line of other imaging agents are in the pipeline which will drive home the reality that it is much more than a one-product-one-application company. As Albunex and other products are commercialized, this should quickly lift it into the realm of profitability. “ --Peter Drake, analyst, Vector Securities International, Deerfield, Ill. Dollar amounts in millions
1990 1991 1992 1991 1992 Revenue 16.7 10.6 10.7 8.1 3.1 Profit 4.2 -.225 -.557 .503 -9.2
Corporate outlook: “Our major focus has been on developing Albunex, the world’s first ultrasound contrast imaging agent. But now that it is on the verge of FDA approval, we are shifting our sights to developing additional technologies that will allow us to grow and diversify. Much of our earnings and resources will continue to flow into research and development.” --Dr. Kenneth J. Widder, CEO RETURN ON INVESTMENT: 3-YEAR SUMMARY AND YEAR-TO-DATE
Fiscal year ending Mar. 31 Mar. 31 Mar. 31 3 quarters 1990 1991 1992 1991 1992 52-week high $26.25 $24.62 $40.88 $24.16 $39.25 52-week low $15.75 $13.16 $22.25 $13.16 $22.25 Book value per share $ 3.44 $3.62 $6.89 $6.38 $7.68 Price per share $18.75 $23.38 $27.75 $16.13 $34.75 Net earnings (loss) per share $0.43 ($0.02) ($0.05) $0.04 ($0.79) Price-to-earnings ratio 44:1 N/A N/A 403:1* N/A Average return on investor equity 12.6% N/A N/A 0.7% N/A
* Revenues are from external R&D; funding. Earnings comparisons may fluctuate and are not a good indicator of performance. For information, write Molecular Biosystems: 10030 Barnes Canyon Road, San Diego, Calif. 92121. (619) 452-0681 Researched by JANICE L. JONES / Los Angeles Times
