Area public companies have up, down quarter.

Area public companies have up, down quarter

Losers outnumbered gainers among the Portland area's 43 public companies during 1988's third quarter as measured by percentage changes in per-share stock price.

Of the 43 companies, ranging from wood products giant Louisiana-Pacific Corp. to small yogurt companies, 25 saw their per-share prices drop since June 30, while 12 companies experienced increases and six stood pat.

Several of the Portland area's best known public companies lost in the stock market over the last three months, although few were among the worst performers.

Most surprising among the companies whose stock prices declined was Mentor Graphics Corp. of Beaverton. The fast-growing high technology company saw its stock decline 21.4 percent between June 30 and Sept. 30, from $35 per share to $27.50. While not enough to be included among the worst five performers, Mentor Graphics did have the area's sixth worst decline in per share stock price.

Analysts said the company was doing well financially, but the ever-fickle high technology market was again experiencing a downturn.

Louisiana Pacific's stock price dropped 11.5 percent, from $33.50 per share June 30 to $29.54 per share …