Beckman Instruments Sees Growth in Profit
- Share via
FULLERTON — Beckman Instruments Inc., a maker and worldwide distributor of automated systems and laboratory and diagnostic supplies, said Monday that it earned $10.3 million, or 36 cents a share, for the first quarter.
The profit was more than double the net income of $4.7 million, or 17 cents a share, for last year’s first three months. Quarterly sales rose to $205 million this year from $198.6 million.
The Fullerton company’s earnings were dampened by a special charge of $3.1 million, or 7 cents a share, taken to cover the costs of its ongoing restructuring program.
Sluggish sales in the company’s Western European markets hurt first-quarter growth, said Jay Steffenhagen, a Beckman spokesman.
The company felt the effects of declining reimbursements for health care by European governments and lower investment in research activities by Beckman’s laboratory customers, he said.
Inside the business of entertainment
The Wide Shot brings you news, analysis and insights on everything from streaming wars to production — and what it all means for the future.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
