Baxter International Inc. (BAX) reported net income attributable to the company of $572 million, an increase of 1% from $569 million in the fourth quarter of 2008. On an adjusted basis, excluding special items in both years, Baxter's net income was $628 million, grew 9% from $574 million in 2008.
Also, the company's earnings per share of $0.94 advanced 3% from $0.91 per share reported in the prior-year period. Adjusted earnings per share were $1.03 compared with $0.91 per share in the prior-year period. On average, 14 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected earnings per share of $1.03 for the quarter. Analysts' estimate typically excludes one-time items.
Baxter's global sales of $3.47 billion advanced 11% from the $3.13 billion reported in the same period last year. Eleven analysts estimated revenues of $3.39 billion for the quarter.
Looking ahead to the first quarter of 2010, the company sees earnings per share of $0.92 - $0.94, before any special items. Eleven analysts anticipate first-quarter 2010 earnings per share of $0.95.
For full-year 2010, the company expects earnings per share of $4.20 - $4.28, before any special item. Sixteen analysts expect 2010 earnings per share of $4.28. For the first quarter of 2010, Baxter anticipates sales growth, excluding the impact of foreign exchange, of about 5% - 7%.
Baxter expects 2010 sales, excluding the impact of foreign exchange, to grow 5% - 7%. Including the benefit of foreign exchange, Baxter expects 2010 reported sales growth to increase 7% - 9% based on current exchange rates.
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