Premier Laser Loses Despite Higher Sales

Premier Laser Systems Inc., Irvine manufacturer of medical lasers, fiber optic delivery systems and associated products for dental, ophthalmic and surgical applications, said it lost $6.7 million, or 43 cents a share, for the fourth quarter ended March 31, compared with a net loss of $24.5 million, or $2.15 a share, for the like period last year. Sales more than doubled to $3.7 million from $1.7 million.

An increase in eye-care product sales helped boost results in the recent fourth quarter, the company said.

For the year, the company posted a net loss of $29 million, or $1.86 a share, compared with a net loss for the prior year of $38.8 million, or $3.39 a share. Sales grew 41% to $14 million from $9.9 million.