ORANGE COUNTY EARNINGS

Meade Instruments Corp.: The Irvine designer and manufacturer of telescopes and accessories reported that net income for the fourth fiscal quarter rose to $459,000, or 6 cents a share, from $192,000, or 3 cents a share, for the comparable period a year ago. Sales for the quarter ended Feb. 28 increased 37% to $14.8 million from $10.8 million. Net income for the year reached a record $5.6 million, or 80 cents a share, 65% higher than the $3.4 million, or 52 cents a share, for the prior year. Sales were up 27% to $76.3 million from $59.9 million.