Beckman’s Annual Income Up Sharply

FULLERTON — Beckman Instruments Inc. posted strong gains in net income and sales for the year.

The manufacturer of laboratory instruments reported net income of $74.7 million, or $2.58 a share, for 1996. That compares with net income of $48.9 million, or $1.70 a share, which included a restructuring charge of $17.2 million. Sales grew 11% to $1 billion from $930.1 million.

Fourth-quarter net income increased to $23.3 million, or 81 cents a share, from $10.9 million, or 38 cents a share, for the comparable quarter in 1995. Sales rose 8% to $285 million from $264.6 million.