Cantel Medical's fiscal 2010 second-quarter net income up 29%

CANTEL MEDICAL CORP. (NYSE: CMN) reported a 29% increase in net income to $4,876,000, or $0.29 per diluted share, on a 6.7% increase in sales to $66,587,000 for the second quarter ended January 31, 2010. This compares with net income of $3,774,000, or $0.23 per diluted share, on sales of $62,420,000 for the second quarter ended January 31, 2009. For the six months ended January 31, 2010, the Company reported a 55% increase in net income to $11,044,000, or $0.65 per diluted share, on an 8.5% increase in sales to $137,582,000. This compares with net income of $7,107,000, or $0.43 per diluted share, on sales of $126,826,000 for the six months ended January 31, 2009.

Andrew Krakauer, Cantel's President and CEO, stated, "We are very pleased to have delivered another strong quarter of sales and earnings growth. These positive results confirm the continued success of our sales and marketing investments and various initiatives to improve operating margins. Cantel continued to benefit from growth of higher margin consumables and service revenue."

Krakauer added, "While all of our businesses performed well, operating income in our Healthcare Disposables, Endoscope Reprocessing and Water Purification and Filtration units was substantially ahead of last year, aided by strong sales of consumables, including disinfectants, sterilants and face masks. Cantel's overall good performance was further supported by the realization of price increases and reduced interest expenses. On an additional favorable note, we also substantially increased sales of capital equipment worldwide in our Endoscope Reprocessing segment. The Healthcare Disposables business had higher than normal sales of face masks in the early part of the quarter as we filled orders generated during the novel H1N1 flu outbreak."  

The Company further reported that its balance sheet at January 31, 2010 included current assets of $90,018,000, including cash of $18,131,000, a current ratio of 1.7:1, debt of $30,500,000 and stockholders' equity of $199,900,000.  Krakauer stated, "The Company has a strong balance sheet and continues to generate significant cash. We have reduced our net debt position during the first half of fiscal year 2010 by 38% to $12,369,000. EBITDAS for the quarter was $11,890,000."