Newport Corp.: The Irvine manufacturer of laser...

Newport Corp.: The Irvine manufacturer of laser equipment said net income for 1996 increased 21% to $4.7 million, or 53 cents a share, from $3.9 million, or 45 cents a share, for 1995. Sales were up 18% to $119.9 million from $102 million. For the fourth quarter, net income advanced 13% to $1.7 million, or 19 cents a share, from $1.5 million, or 17 cents a share, for the corresponding period last year. Sales rose 17% to $32.6 million from $27.9 million.