NBTY fiscal 4Q profit rises

RONKONKOMA, N.Y.

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.