AmerisourceBergen reaffirms view

AmerisourceBergen Corp. said it is reaffirming its previously announced fiscal year 2009 guidance at its investor day meeting today in New York City.

The Valley Forge pharmaceutical services company expects diluted earnings per share for fiscal year 2009 of $3.08 to $3.25, an increase of 7 percent to 12 percent over the $2.89 from continuing operations in fiscal year 2008.

Also unchanged are expectations of total revenue growth of 1 percent to 3 percent; operating margin expansion in the low- to mid-single digit basis point range; and free cash flow in the range of $460 million to $535 million, which includes capital expenditures in the $140 million range.

The company also expects to spend about $350 million to repurchase shares.

Company shares were priced at $32.18, up $1.99 (6.59 percent) in morning trading on the New York Stock Exchange.