Varian ups market forecast

Other companies may be struggling to meet expectations for financial performance, but not Varian Medical Systems. On April 8, the company said its earnings for 2Q 2003 would rise 35% to 40% over the year-ago quarter. Previously, the company estimated 26% growth for the quarter. The better-than-expected earnings reflect a recovery much stronger than was anticipated in the x-ray products business, according to Varian. The company is also reporting continued strength in its oncology business. The strong quarter puts annual company earnings per diluted share for fiscal 2003 on track to grow by 29% to 31% over fiscal 2002 totals.