Unit Instruments Posts Quarterly Loss

Unit Instruments Inc., which makes parts for semiconductor manufacturing equipment, said it lost $496,000, or 12 cents a share, for the fiscal fourth quarter, compared with a net loss of $900,000, or 21 cents a share, for the fourth fiscal quarter of 1997. Sales for the quarter ended May 31 declined 2% to $9.4 million from $9.6 million.

For the year, the company posted a net loss of $4.6 million, or $1.08 a share, which included a $4.9-million restructuring charge. The company lost $4.3 million, or 99 cents a share, in the previous year, including a restructuring charge of $558,000 from severance and facility closures. Sales rose 21% to $52.2 million from $43.3 million.

Yorba Linda-based Unit Instruments has signed an agreement to be acquired by U.S. Filter Corp. On Thursday, the water treatment company cut its purchase price for Unit, a move prompted by the weak semiconductor market.