Cantel Medical Reports 72% Increase in Net Income on Record Sales - EPS of $0.20 vs. $0.12 for Quarter Ended Octobe...( LITTLE FALLS N.J. Dec. 5 /- CANTEL M...),Health

LITTLE FALLS, N.J., Dec. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CANTEL MEDICAL CORP. (NYSE: CMN) reported net income of $3,333,000, or $0.20 per diluted share, on a 7% increase in sales to $64,406,000 for the first quarter ended October 31, 2008, inclusive of $0.02 of expenses related to the relocation of our Dutch manufacturing operations to the United States. This compares with net income of $1,939,000, or $0.12 per diluted share, on sales of $60,005,000 for the first quarter ended October 31, 2007, inclusive of $0.01 of expenses attributable to acquisitions and severance costs related to reducing manufacturing operations in Holland.

Andrew Krakauer, Cantel's President, stated "We are very pleased to have delivered by far our strongest quarterly performance of the past few years. These superior results attest to the success of our sales and marketing investments and various programs to improve operating margins. Cantel had solid sales growth in all reporting segments except for an expected decline in low margin dialysate concentrate shipments in our Dialysis segment. During the quarter, we achieved almost 13% revenue growth exclusive of Dialysis."

Krakauer added, "While all businesses performed well, our Endoscope Reprocessing and Water Purification and Filtration units were significantly ahead of last year, aided by strong sales of higher margin consumables including disinfectants, sterilants and filters. We also benefited from our active cost reduction and margin improvement programs, the implementation of price increases and reduced interest expenses."

Krakauer continued, "Despite economic uncertainties, we remain focused on our strategies to grow and improve performance. We believe our leadership positions in several infection prevention and control markets, coupled with the fact that over 70% of our sale
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