DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX) today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2011, and provided its financial outlook for the first quarter and full-year 2012.
Baxter reported net income in the fourth quarter of $463 million, which advanced 9 percent from $423 million reported in the prior-year period. Earnings per diluted share of $0.82 compares to $0.72 per diluted share reported in the fourth quarter of 2010, reflecting an increase of 14 percent. The fourth quarter 2011 results included special after-tax charges of approximately $200 million (or $0.35 per diluted share) principally related to costs resulting from a business optimization initiative and certain asset impairments. After-tax special charges in the fourth quarter of 2010 totaled $227 million (or $0.39 per diluted share).
