Focus on Entertainment Stocks : Spotlight: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co.

The release of “Jurassic Park” affects several divisions of Matsushita. The picture is being distributed by its Universal/MCA unit, but there will also be tie-ins with Universal theme parks and products such as Panasonic. Matsushita, whose chairman is Masaharu Matsushita, is one of Japan’s largest electronics manufacturers. It marks its 75th year facing a global recessionary climate and an uncertain Japanese economy. Net income was down 71% from last year at $331 million.

Major Properties

* Brand Names: Panasonic, JVC, National, Technics, Quasar, Victor

* Entertainment divisions: MCA Inc. which includes Universal Pictures, Universal Studios, MCA Music Group

* Film Properties: “Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story,” “Scent of a Woman” and “Jurassic Park”

Financial Data

* Market capitalization: $23.8 billion

* Cash: $10.6 million

* Long-term debt: $13.4 million

* 1993 revenue: $60.8 billion

* 1993 profit: $331 million

* Earnings per share: $0.16

* Dividend: $0.11