Cantel Medical 4Q profit surges on face mask sales

Cantel Medical's 4Q profit rises 65 pct on sales of face masks, disinfectants amid swine flu

• On 3:24 pm EDT, Friday October 9, 2009

LITTLE FALLS, N.J. (AP) -- Infection-prevention products maker Cantel Medical Corp. said Friday its fiscal 2009 fourth-quarter profit grew 65 percent on higher sales of disinfectants, sterilants and face masks amid the swine flu outbreak.

Cantel reported net income of $4.3 million, or 26 cents per share, for the three months ended July 31, up from prior year profit of $2.6 million, or 16 cents per share. Revenue rose 4 percent to $66.8 million from $64.3 million.

The company said its results were boosted by improved sales of its face masks amid the outbreak of swine flu -- known as the H1N1 virus. The global swine flu epidemic first emerged in April, sickening more than 1 million Americans and killing about 500.

Cantel is one of the largest United States based manufacturers of FDA-cleared face masks.

For the full year, the company's profit increased 79 percent to $15.6 million, or 94 cents per share, from $8.7 million, or 53 cents per share, during fiscal 2008. Revenue rose to $260.1 million from $249.4 million.

Cantel shares fell 71 cents, or 4 percent, to $17.26 in afternoon trading. The stock has traded between $7.10 and $18.50 over the last 52 weeks.