The company forecast a profit equal to or slightly greater than the $2.65 per share it earned in 2008, with increased sales and streamlined operations counteracting recent strength in the dollar, which is hurting the Sigma-Aldrich's sales outside the U.S. Organic sales are expected to increase in the low-single digits from $2.2 billion last year.

In 2008, Sigma-Aldrich said sales to Canada, Latin American and the Asia Pacific region accounted for 22 percent of its revenue.

If exchange rates remain as they are, Sigma-Aldrich said that will cut its profit by 30 cents per share, and revenue by 7 percent. The company said it expects weaker demand from several key markets in 2009, but it said it will respond with new program launches, increased market share and new sales efforts.

According to Thomson Reuters, analysts expect a smaller profit of $2.62 per share and $2.23 billion in revenue, which suggests growth of a bit more than 1 percent.

The company also reported its fourth-quarter results Wednesday, with a larger profit than analysts expected, and less revenue. In morning trading, the stock rose 25 cents to $37.95.

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