Wall Street, analysts Praise ESI's year.(Brief Article)

Electro Scientific Industries Inc. dazzled Wall Street with a record-setting fiscal year that drove the local company's stock up $7.88 in one day for a close of $55.50 the day after earnings were announced.

Although the stock price has dropped a bit since the July 11 earnings announcement, the enthusiasm of ESI management and Wall Street analysts remains undimmed.

"It's hard not to be pleased," said ESI chief executive Don VanLuvanee.

The maker of electronics manufacturing equipment reported fiscal 2000 revenue of $317 million and net income of nearly $41 million, or $1.49 per share. In fiscal 1999, ESI reported revenue of $206 million and net …