Energizer Holdings Inc. (ENR) reported fourth-quarter net income of $37.1 million or $0.53 per share compared to $99.1 million or $1.67 per share last year.
On average, 12 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report profit of $1.16 per share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.
Net sales were $1.079 billion compared to $1.123 billion a year ago. Analysts expected revenue of $1.06 billion for the quarter.
Fiscal 2009 net income decreased to $297.8 million or $4.72 per share from $329.3 million or $5.59 per share a year ago. Net sales decreased to $4.0 billion from $4.3 billion a year ago.
The company believes low double digit growth in net earnings excluding unusual items is possible in fiscal 2010. The company said such a result would deliver low single digit earnings per share growth as higher average shares outstanding of approximately 70.8 million are expected to reduce earnings per share by $0.30-$0.40, net of benefits from the shave preparation acquisition and lower interest expense.
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