Hill-Rom reports 25 percent fourth-quarter profits rise

Hill-Rom's fourth-quarter revenues have grown nine percent year-on-year.

Adjusted diluted earnings per share, meanwhile, reached $0.72, compared with $0.67 in the previous year – an increase of seven percent.

The firm's domestic revenue climbed by 12 percent to $309 million (191.4 million pounds), while international takings increased by two percent to $122 million once the impact of foreign currency was taken into account.

John Greisch, president and chief executive of the firm, said: "We completed the year with strong revenue performance."

However, he added: "As we look forward to fiscal year 2012, we anticipate an increasingly challenging economic and healthcare environment."

Despite his trepidation, Mr Greisch said the company remains committed to growing both revenue and earnings in the long term.

Earlier this month, Hill-Rom announced that it will be broadcasting a live management presentation to attendees of the Credit Suisse 2011 Healthcare Conference in Phoenix, Arizona on November 9th. The event will also be broadcast over the internet.