Quarterly Sales, Costs Soar for Precious-Metals Firm

American Pacific Mint Inc., a precious-metals dealer in Woodland Hills, said it lost $29,712 in the third quarter that ended Sept. 30.

The loss compared with a year-earlier profit of $164,060, which occurred when American Pacific recorded $315,454 in one-time gains that offset a loss from its operations of $151,394.

In the latest quarter, the company’s revenue soared to $13.3 million from $1.92 million, but its operating costs likewise jumped to $13.3 million from $2.07 million. The increases reflected American Pacific’s purchase in May of Alaska Precious Metals, which has outlets in Anchorage and other Alaskan cities.

For the first nine months of 1989, American Pacific earned $15,720, compared with a $174,361 loss a year earlier. Its nine-month revenue rose to $25.9 million from $7.43 million.