Sigma-Aldrich reports 18.5% gain in 3Q 2008 diluted EPS and reaffirms full year 2008 diluted EPS forecast; 3Q 2008 sales increase 7.4%; buyback authorization increased by 10 M shares. [10 tables in original article].

Sigma-Aldrich reports 3Q and nine months ended Sep 2008 results. Sales increased 7.4% to $540.6 M for 3Q 2008. Diluted EPS increased 18.5% to $0.64 for 3Q 2008, the best quarterly gain in 2008. Increasing reported and adjusted sales in CAPLA (Canada, Asia Pacific and Latin America) markets by 8.8% and 6.8% in 3Q 2008, with a 3Q 2008 revenue contribution from these markets at 20% of sales, consistent with the level achieved for all of 2007. Reported quarterly sales in focus markets of India and Brazil increased by 1% and 42%, with organic growth, exclusive of currency impacts, of 10% and 23%. Sales in China were impacted by government-imposed operating restrictions related to …