Financial Briefs

By VARIETY STAFF

Graff Pay-Per-View Inc. lost more than a half-million dollars in the third quarter, largely on expansion costs. For the quarter, Graff lost $ 530,280, or 9 cents a share, compared to earnings of $ 351,719, or 7 cents a share, in the like period a year ago.

Revenue was $ 4.9 million, up from $ 3.4 million.

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Expectations of continued strong earnings growth and new-product development are seen as the main factors behind the 4% rise in the share price of Marvel Entertainment Group Inc. Moreover, analysts say the gains in the stock price are being fueled by a wave of post-split retail investor interest, the impact of which is being exacerbated by the relatively small amount of float, or outstanding stock available to the public.

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First Boston analyst Mary Kukowski raised Time Warner Inc. to "strong buy" from "hold." In a research summary, Kukowski said she thinks the stock will see increasing rates of growth and return in the near future.