Of the 102 largest publicly traded companies...

Of the 102 largest publicly traded companies in Orange County, 26 gained value Thursday, 26 lost and 50 remained unchanged for the day. The following chart shows the five biggest percentage winners and losers.

Thurs. Percent Company Price Change GAINERS Viratek Inc. $4.75 +11.8 Trimedyne Inc. 3.88 +3.5 AST Research 27.13 +3.4 Furon Co. 11.88 +3.3 Newport Pharmaceuticals 4.13 +3.3 LOSERS ReadiCare 7.25 -5.0 Commtron 5.50 -4.4 ICN Pharmaceuticals 6.50 -3.7 Helionetics 3.50 -3.6 National Education 7.63 -3.2

Source: Newport Securities