By Gregg Krupa, Globe Staff

BULL PROFILES CMG Information Services, Inc. BKC Semiconductors, Inc. The Learning Co. Infinium Software, Inc. Keane Inc. MAIN STORY Bulls and Bears

or BKC Semiconductors of Lawrence, high end has meant a higher stock price.

In the middle of 1996, the manufacturer of a wide range of semiconductor diodes for signal switching, voltage conversion, and surge suppression in electronic circuits made a calculated decision to reposition toward high-performance, high-cost products for satellites and underwater fiber-optic cables.

''Our two major areas for customers are under water and in the atmosphere,'' said James R. Shiring, president and chief executive. ''With that shift, principally, we improved revenue, profits, and earnings per share.''

Shiring said the change in the emphasis of BKC's product line emphasis from high-volume, lower-priced products for industrial applications also helped move the company away from foreign producers, with whom the company could not compete profitably.

Not only did the stock price increase by more than 300 percent in the 12 months ended March 31, but jumped from 100 to 140 since 1996.

''It's nice that our only manufacturing is done here in Lawrence, and we have been able to expand the work force,'' Shiring said.

But this could be BKC's last year as a Globe 100 bull. Microsemi Corp. of Santa Ana, Calif., is expected to make good on its agreement to buy BKC for about $11.7 million in cash later this year, paying about $9.17 per share.