Mentor quarterly profit falls as costs rise

NEW YORK, May 15 (Reuters) - Mentor Corp (MNT.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) reported lower quarterly profit on Thursday as increased sales of silicone breast implants were offset by higher costs.

The company, based in Santa Barbara, California, posted a net profit of $19.8 million, or 53 cents per share, for its fiscal fourth quarter compared with a profit of $25.9 million, or 54 cents per share, a year ago.

Excluding items, Mentor earned 30 cents per share from continuing operations. Analysts on average expected 29 cents per share, according to Reuters Estimates. (Reporting by Bill Berkrot)