Laser Precision / SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

Nature of business: Makes computerized instruments for testing fiber optic networks.

Total employees: 165 In Orange County: 5

Stock listing in The Times: On NASDAQ as “LaserPr” Ticker symbol: “LASR”

Friday’s stock close: $9.13 One-week change: Down $0.87

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Analyst review: “Laser Precision is the domestic leader in the fiber optic test equipment industry. It is an interesting company to watch because of recent decisions by telephone and cable television companies to expand into major fiber-optic networks. It has no long-term debt and a solid cash position. Its decision to divest itself of its unprofitable Analytical Division in 1991 was a good move. Since then it has focused only on fiber-optic testing equipment. A lot is happening in this field, but it is too soon to know how it will affect the company’s stock. Investors will want to see if several new products introduced in June will result in more growth.”

-Michael B. Gordon, analyst, Montgomery Securities, San Francisco

* SALES VS. PROFITS Chart amount in millions

Fiscal year ending Dec. 31 Dec. 31 Dec. 31 1ST qtr. 1ST qtr. 1990 1991 1992 1992 1993 Revenue $22.4 $25.8 $22.9 $4.5 $5.9

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Fiscal year ending Dec. 31 Dec. 31 Dec. 31 1ST qtr. 1ST qtr. 1990 1991 1992 1992 1993 Profit $(-.251) $1.7 $1.2 ($.126) $.017

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Corporate outlook: “Recent talk about building an ‘information superhighway’ makes this an exciting time, although we don’t know exactly when that will happen. In the meantime, telephone companies and cable television firms are already moving ahead with fiber optics. We plan to maintain our position on the domestic front while expanding internationally.”

--Gregory A. Miner, CFO

* RETURN ON INVESTMENT: 3-YEAR SUMMARY AND YEAR-TO-DATE:

Fiscal year ending Dec. 31 Dec. 31 Dec. 31 1ST qtr. 1990 1991 1992 1992 52-week high $4.63 $16.50 $16.13 $16.50 52-week low $2.38 $4.13 $4.00 $9.75 Book value per share $3.30 $3.90 $4.10 $4.00 Price per share $4.38 $11.63 $8.38 $9.75 Net earnings (loss) per share N/A $0.38 $0.26 N/A Price-to-earnings ratio N/A 30:1 32:1 N/A Average. return on N/A 9.4% 6.0% N/A investor equity

Fiscal year ending 1ST qtr. 1993 52-week high $8.63 52-week low $6.25 Book value per share $4.15 Price per share $7.75 Net earnings (loss) per share N/A Price-to-earnings ratio N/A Average. return on 0.3% investor equity

For more information call or write, Laser Precision: 32242 Paseo Adelanto, Suite A, San Juan Capistrano, Calif. 92675. (714) 489-2991

Source: Laser Precision; Bloomberg Business News. Researched by JANICE L. JONES / Los Angeles Times