Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (AMEX: BIO) (AMEX: BIOb), a multinational manufacturer and distributor of life science research products and clinical diagnostics, announced financial results today for the first quarter ended March 31, 2006. First-quarter revenues from continuing operations were $308.3 million, up 3.0% compared to the $299.2 million reported for the first quarter of 2005. On a currency-neutral basis, revenues increased 8.3% compared to the first quarter of 2005. This sales increase was the result of organic growth across a broad array of product areas. For the quarter, income from continuing operations was $31.2 million compared to $29.5 million in the same period last year. At 56.9%, first-quarter gross margin from continuing operations was markedly higher than the 55.6% reported for the first quarter of 2005. The higher margin was due to a combination of improved efficiencies and certain non-recurring items.
