Cooper Reports Lower 4th-Quarter Earnings

The Cooper Companies Inc., Irvine-based maker of specialty health care products, reported that net income slipped 2% for the fourth quarter ended Oct. 31, while sales climbed 55%.

The company earned $15.2 million, or $1.01 a share, for the three months, down from $15.5 million, or $1.02 a share, a year ago. Sales rose to $40.6 million from $26.2 million. The company said the 1997 figure was restated to reflect Hospital Group of America as a discontinued operation.

For the year, net income increased 27%, to $39.8 million, or $2.61 a share, from $31.4 million, or $2.39 a share, for the prior fiscal year. Sales advanced 66% to $147.2 million from $88.8 million.