Fisher reports strong '05 results

Fisher Scientific International Inc. finished a strong year with a strong quarter. In both cases, the company doubled its profit from the previous year, the company announced at the close of markets on Tuesday.

The Hampton-based company also projects revenue growth from 8 to 10 percent in 2006, with earnings per share expected to climb by more than a third to the $4.05-to-$4.20 range.

The laboratory equipment maker — helped by acquisitions, increased sales of its scientific research and health-care products — posted a net income of $117.2 million in the fourth quarter compared to $51 million the same quarter last year.

That boosts profit in 2005 to $389.1 million, or $3.05 per diluted share, compared with $166.4 million, or $1.80 per diluted share in 2004.

The company’s stock jumped by $3.49 a share, or 5.28 percent, to climb to $69.60 on Wednesday. – BOB SANDERS