Sigma-Aldrich Q4 Results Beat Estimates - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - Sigma-Aldrich Corp. (SIAL) Thursday announced an increase in fourth quarter net income to $133 million from $131 million last year. Earnings per share edged up to $1.11 from $1.08 in the prior year. Adjusted earnings per share was $1.14, compared to $1.02 a year ago. On average, 11 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to earn $1.09 per share. Analysts figures usually exclude special items.

Total sales for the quarter rose 3 percent to $705 million from $684 million last year. Analysts were looking for $694.62 million.

Earlier, German drug maker Merck KGaA (MKGAY.PK) has agreed to buy Sigma-Aldrich for $140 per share in cash, in a transaction valued at $17.0 billion or 13.1 billion euros.

The company said its Board approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.23, payable March 13, 2015 to shareholders on record February 27.