Sigma-Aldrich Corp.'s (SIAL) first-quarter earnings rose 19%,
beating analysts' estimates, as the chemicals supplier's margins
improved.
The company also raised its full-year earnings forecast by 15
cents to a range between $3.60 and $3.75 a share, excluding
restructuring and other special charges.
Sigma-Aldrich supplies chemicals for high-tech scientific
research. The chemical industry has seen sharply increased demand
after slumping in early 2009. But comparisons are now getting
tougher as many have posted improved results the past several
periods.
The company reported a profit of $119 million, or 97 cents a
share, up from $100 million, or 81 cents a share, a year earlier.
Revenue jumped 10% to $632 million. Analysts polled by Thomson
Reuters had most recently forecast earnings of 89 cents on revenue
of $603 million.
Gross margin rose to 53.2% from 53%.
Shares closed Monday at $76.27 and were inactive premarket.
-By Melodie Warner, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2283;
melodie.warner@dowjones.com
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