(RTTNews) - Diversified chemicals maker FMC Corp. (FMC: News ) said Wednesday after the markets closed that its third quarter profit nearly tripled from last year, helped by higher revenue and fewer restructuring and other charges.
The company's quarterly earnings per share also came in above analysts' expectations. At the same time, the company offered a fourth quarter earnings outlook range, the mid point of which is below analysts' current consensus estimate. The company also raised the lower end of its full year earnings outlook.
The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based company reported net income for the third quarter of $82.9 million or $1.13 per share, compared to $28.0 million or $0.38 per share for the year-ago quarter.
Income from continuing operations for the third quarter was $83.2 million or $1.14 per share, compared to $34.1 million or $0.46 per share in the prior year quarter.
The latest quarter results include restructuring and other income and charges of $0.6 million or $0.01 per share, compared to $37.3 million or $0.51 per share in the prior year quarter.
Excluding items, adjusted net income for the third quarter was $83.5 million or $1.14 per share, compared to $65.3 million or $0.89 per share in the third quarter of last year.
On average, 7 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to earn $1.11 per share for the third quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.
Revenue for the third quarter rose 8% to $772.5 million from $713.3 million in the same quarter last year. Five analysts had a consensus revenue estimate of $770.24 million for the third quarter.
Pierre Brondeau, FMC president, chief executive officer and chairman, said, "We delivered another strong quarter with double-digit earnings increases and significant margin expansion in all three operating segments."
Third quarter revenue in agricultural products rose 15% year-over-year to $308.9 million, driven by higher sales in all regions.
Specialty chemicals revenue for the quarter increased 5% to $202.2 million, due to the continued demand recovery in lithium primaries, higher volumes and selling prices in lithium specialties and volume growth in BioPolymer.
Revenue in industrial chemicals grew 3% to $262.4 million in the third quarter, as volume gains in soda ash, particularly in export markets, and in North American and European peroxygens markets were partially offset by lower selling prices.
Looking forward, the company forecast fourth quarter adjusted earnings of $0.95 to $1.05 per share. Analysts currently expect the company to earn $1.03 per share for the fourth quarter.
(RTTNews) - For the full year 2010, the company said it now expects adjusted earnings of $4.70 to $4.80 per share, compared to its prior guidance of $4.55 to $4.80 per share. Analysts currently expect the company to earn $4.76 per share for the full year 2010.
FMC shares, which have traded in a range of $49.53 to $71.68 over the past year, closed Wednesday's regular trading session at $69.33, down $1.52 or 2.15%.
Click here to receive FREE breaking news email alerts for FMC Corp. and others in your portfolio
by RTT Staff Writer
For comments and feedback: contact editorial@rttnews.com