Beckman’s Results Beat Expectations

Beckman Coulter Inc., Fullerton-based provider of instrument systems and products for laboratories, said net income for the third quarter surged 76% and surpassed analysts’ expectations.

Net income totaled $24.4 million, or 82 cents a share, up from $13.9 million, or 47 cents a share, a year ago. Analysts had estimated the earnings in the most recent quarter at 79 cents a share, according to a survey by First Call/Thompson Financial Corp.

Sales advanced 10% to $440.1 million, as business was particularly strong in Asia and North America, the company said.

Beckman Coulter is on track to meet its goals of 4% sales growth and earnings per share of $3.50 this year, said John P. Wareham, chairman, president and chief executive officer. He said earnings per share should increase 13% more next year as sales in the core business grow 4%, he said.

The stock gained $2.69 a share, or about 6%, closing at $45.75 on the New York Stock Exchange.