Barringer Laboratories Inc. announces fourth quarter 1996 and 1996 year-end results.

GOLDEN, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 26, 1997--Barringer Laboratories Inc. (NASDAQ:BALB) announced today its results for the fourth quarter, and for the year ended Dec. 31, 1996.

Sales for the fourth quarter were $2,161,000, compared to $1,802,000 for the corresponding quarter last year, an increase of $359,000 (19.9%). For the fourth quarter, 1996, the company had income of $250,000, as compared to income of $144,000 in the fourth quarter of 1995, an increase of $106,000 (73.6%).

For the year ended Dec. 31, 1996, sales were $7,251,000, compared to $6,758,000 for the year of 1995, an increase of $493,000 (7.3%). For the year of 1996 net income was $710,000, as compared to net income of $557,000 for 1995, an increase of $153,000 (27.5%) over 1995.

In commenting on the results, Robert H. Walker, Barringer Laboratories Inc.'s chief executive officer, said: "The increase in 1996 sales over 1995 sales was attributed to significant increases in the Mineral Division's U.S. and Mexico sales. The increase in 1996 Net Income over 1995 Net Income was due to higher sales, production efficiencies in the Mineral Division, and fixed costs allocated over a larger sales base. Sales for the first quarter of 1997 are anticipated to be consistent with first quarter 1996 sales.

Barringer Laboratories Inc. provides environmental analytical services for waste management, hydrocarbon, nuclear, and mining industries and assay/geochemical testing services for the mining industries.

The following comparative table depicts the results for the fourth quarter and the years ended Dec. 31, 1996, and 1995. -0-

                    Barringer Laboratories Inc.
           Condensed Consolidated Results of Operations
                           (Unaudited)


                        Three Months Ended     Twelve Months Ended
                             Dec. 31,               Dec. 31,
                         1996        1995        1996        1995

Net Sales              $2,161,000  $1,802,000  $7,251,000  $6,758,000
Net Income             $  250,000  $  144,000  $  710,000  $  557,000
Net Income Per Share Data:
  Primary              $      .15  $      .07  $      .43  $      .25
Weighted Average Common
  Shares Outstanding    1,582,943   2,172,620   1,634,653   2,267,335

CONTACT: Barringer Laboratories Inc., Golden

Robert Walker or Charles Ramsay, 303/277-1687