Waters first quarter sales rise 16% to $428 million

Waters Corporation (NYSE/WAT) reported first quarter 2011 sales of $428 million, an increase of 16%, from sales of $368 million in the first quarter of 2010. In the quarter, foreign currency translation added 2% to sales growth. On a GAAP basis, earnings per diluted share (E.P.S.) for the first quarter were $1.01, compared to $0.79 for the first quarter of 2010. On a non-GAAP basis, including the adjustments in the attached reconciliation, E.P.S. grew 28% to $1.04 from $0.81 in the prior year quarter.

“Our strong performance in the quarter is indicative of broad customer acceptance of our new system offerings, continuing expansion of our key Asian businesses and an overall healthier spending environment in our pharmaceutical end-markets.”

Commenting on the Company's performance, Douglas Berthiaume, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer said, "Our strong performance in the quarter is indicative of broad customer acceptance of our new system offerings, continuing expansion of our key Asian businesses and an overall healthier spending environment in our pharmaceutical end-markets."