NBTY fiscal 4Q profit rises

Nutritional supplement maker NBTY reports improved 4th-qtr profit, partly on cost controls

• On 5:34 pm EST, Monday November 9, 2009

RONKONKOMA, N.Y. (AP) -- Nutritional supplement maker NBTY Inc. said Monday its profit for the fiscal fourth quarter soared on increased sales and cost controls. The results also were boosted by a one-time benefit from a previously terminated information technology program.

The Ronkonkoma, N.Y.-based company said net income rose to $63.3 million, or $1 per share in the fourth quarter from $17.6 million, or 28 cents per share in the same period a year ago.

The results included $7 million, or 7 cents per share, for the terminated IT program. Excluding that, profit would have been 93 cents.

Sales rose to $674 million from $601 million.

For the fiscal year, the company reported net income fell to $145.7 million, or $2.30 per share, compared with $153.2 million, or $2.33 per share in 2008. Sales increased to $2.58 billion from $2.18 billion a year ago.

Shares rose 85 cents, or 2 percent, to close at $40.38. In aftermarket trading, they fell 39 cents.