Premier Laser Narrows Losses, Sales Rise 6%

Premier Laser Systems Inc., Irvine manufacturer of medical and dental lasers, said it narrowed its losses in the second fiscal quarter as sales increased 6%. The company posted a loss of $5.5 million, or 38 cents a share, for the three months ended Sept. 30, compared with a loss of $12 million, or $1.11 a share, for the like period last year. The results a year ago included a charge of $11.3 million related to the company’s acquisition of EyeSys Technologies Inc. Sales rose to $3.3 million from $3.1 million. The company said it incurred higher expenses from accounting fees related to re-audited financial statements, legal fees from shareholder lawsuits, and developing a direct sales force. The company’s stock closed Friday at $3.72 a share, off 28 cents.