Beckman Reports Gains in Income, Sales

Beckman Instruments Inc., provider of instrument systems, chemistries, software and supplies for use in laboratories, posted a 9% increase in net income on a 2% sales gain.

The company said it earned $20.8 million, or 72 cents a share, up from $19 million, or 65 cents a share, for the corresponding quarter of 1996. Sales rose to $270.6 million from $265.2 million.

Net income for the six-month period rose 11% to $36.4 million, or $1.26 a share, from $32.7 million, or $1.12 a share, a year ago. Sales were up 3% to $502.5 million from $490 million.

The company said that recent strengthening of the dollar had a significant negative impact on year-to-year sales growth. Half of Beckman’s revenue is generated outside the United States.