(By Arun - iStockAnalyst Writer) Here is a close look at the companies reporting earnings today and how they have performed. By and large we are yet to see any remarkable comeback from the markets as we await new policy implementation from a new government.
Aceto (NASDAQ:ACET) reported net sales for the first quarter were $93.8 million, an increase of 18.0% from $79.5 million in the year ago quarter. Net income increased 251.7% to $4.6 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, up from $1.3 million or $0.05 per diluted share in the 2008 quarter. Commenting on Aceto's various business segments, Mr. Schwartz (CEO, and President) said, "During the quarter, sales in our Health Sciences segment grew 21.3% from the 2008 comparable quarter, largely the result of increased sales from our foreign operations, particularly our European operations, an increase in sales of our nutritional products and an increase in sales in our domestic generic products group. The increase in domestic generic products can be attributed to increased volume of business for existing products. Sales in our Chemicals & Colorants business segment grew 19.2% compared to the 2008 comparable quarter, largely the result of increased domestic sales of pigment, dye and miscellaneous intermediates, as well as increased sales in our foreign operations. Sales in our Crop Protection segment decreased 23.2% from the 2008 comparable quarter, largely the result of decreased sales of our sprout inhibitor products, which are utilized on potato crops."
Aircastle (NYSE: AYR) reported third quarter total revenues of $144.5 million and net income of $23.6 million, or $0.30 per diluted share. Adjusted net income for the third quarter was $35.0 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, and excludes charges related to certain interest rate swap agreements and gains on aircraft sales. Third quarter total revenues of $144.5 million increased 37.2% over third quarter 2007. Lease rental revenue was up 39.8%, driven by growth in flight equipment held for lease. CFO Mike Inglese said, "The $207 million term financing facility we completed during the third quarter, combined with an executed sales agreement for one aircraft, means our entire fleet is financed until 2013.” As of September 30, 2008 Aircastle's aircraft portfolio consisted of 133 aircraft comprising a variety of passenger and freighter aircraft types that were leased to 58 lessees located in 33 countries.
Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA) reported Revenues of $845 million increased 11% over the as adjusted third quarter a year ago, primarily driven by 16% growth at International Networks and 6% growth at U.S. Networks. Third quarter net income from continuing operations of $94 million ($0.31 per share) increased $64 million versus the as adjusted results of $30 million ($0.11 per share) for the third quarter a year ago. Commerce, Education and Other revenue segmental revenue increased 29% to $45 million. This was primarily due to higher education revenues from the streaming of new products as well as sponsorship and licensing deals.