Amgen's fourth quarter 2009 earnings slightly below consensus analyst's expectations

USA-based Amgen, the world's largest biotechnology company - which has been impacted by slowing sales of its lead drug Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) for the treatment of anemia, posted adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.05 for the fourth quarter of 2009, a decrease of 1%year-on-year. Analysts on average expected EPS $1.12, according to Thomson Reuters. Adjusted net income fell 5% to $1.06 billion in the fourth quarter.

For the full year 2009, adjusted EPS was $4.91, up 8% and adjusted net income rose 3% to $5.01 billion versus $4,885 million in 2008, a 3 percent increase. Total revenue increased 2% during the quarter to $3,809 million and was up also 2% to $14.64 billion for the year.

The Thousand Oaks, California-based company -the first of the US majors to report 2009 results - said it expects 2010 revenue between $15.1 billion and $15.5 billion and earnings of $5.05 to $5.25 per share, excluding items. Wall Street analysts projected 2010 revenue of $15.31 billion, and earnings of $5.13 per share.