Sigma-Aldrich Reports 9.2-Percent Increase in Q4 Revenues

NEW YORK, Feb. 9 (GenomeWeb News) - Sigma-Aldrich yesterday reported net sales of $352 million in the fourth quarter of 2004, up 9.2 percent from $322 million in the same period in 2003.

The increase was bolstered by a 4.8-percent currency gain, Sigma said, as well as contributions from Ultrafine and Tetrionics, which Sigma acquired in Q2 of 2004. Approximately one-half of Sigma's sales are in currencies other than dollars, and its revenues reflect benefits from exchange rates.

Revenues in Sigma's biotechnology unit spiked to $76.2 million in Q4 2004 from $72.6 million in Q4 2003.

Sigma recorded a gross profit of $187.4 million last quarter, up from $168.9 million in the year-ago period. Sigma's R&D expenses remained steady between Q4 2004 and 2003 at $11.1 million.

The St. Louis-based firm reported $169.2 million in cash and cash equivalents as of Dec. 31, 2004.