New products lift Excel Technology

February 6--Laser systems manufacturer Excel Technology said fourth-quarter earnings jumped 73 percent on the introduction of new products.

The East Setauket-based company said profits were $4.4 million, or 36 cents per share, up from $2.5 million for the prior year. Profits for 2005 were up three percent to $15.2 million, including an $800,000 charge related to a lease dispute.

Excel said its fourth-quarter revenue of $36.4 million was up 16 percent from the year-before quarter. Its 2005 revenue of $137.7 million was its highest on record, the company said.

Fourth-quarter bookings topped $144 million, the company stated.