Business Notes Investments

In the eyes of Wall Streeters, Ron Howard has made a successful transition from tyke to tycoon. Once the lovable little red-haired Opie on the Andy Griffith Show, Howard, 32, is now a film director and businessman whose movies Splash and Cocoon were commercial and critical smashes. Imagine Films Entertainment, the production company that he started this year with Partner Brian Grazer, 34, went public last week, selling 1.7 million units at $8 each. On the first day of the offering, the price surged to $18.25, and the stock closed out the week at $15.25. As Opie's friend Gomer Pyle might say, "Gawlee!"