Martin Lawrence Posts Annual Sales Jump of 78%

Martin Lawrence Limited Editions Inc. reported net income for its first quarter ended March 31 of $153,000, or 4 cents a share, up 81% from the same period in 1985. Sales were up 78% from last year, to $2.1 million.

Martin Lawrence, a Van Nuys-based publisher of limited edition graphics, including silk screens and lithographs, distributes its products to art galleries and operates a chain of retail outlets.

The company attributed its improved performance largely to sales from four of its galleries that were not open in the first quarter of last year.