Hill-Rom highlights growth trends in 2013 first quarter report

Hill-Rom has published its financial report for the first quarter of its 2013 business year, during which it experienced a year-on-year revenue increase.

The medical technology firm's revenue total for the three months ending on December 31st 2012 came to $428 million (270.39 million pounds), up by 12 percent on the corresponding period 12 months prior, thanks largely to a rise in sales outside the US.

Of the company's business divisions, the surgical/respiratory care segment saw the most significant year-on-year gains, with the acquisition of Aspen Surgical driving an 84 percent improvement in revenues.

Hill-Rom also updated its full-year adjusted earnings per share guidance to between $2.01 and $2.11, reflecting the reinstatement of the research and development tax credit in the US.

John Greisch, president and chief executive officer of Hill-Rom, said: "We are pleased with improved operating cash flow in this challenging environment and we are committed to a continuing focus on operational efficiencies to drive sustainable long-term margin improvement."

This comes after the firm declared a first-quarter dividend of $0.125 per share last month, which was paid out on December 28th 2012.