Warner Chilcott raises profit outlook on lower expenses

NEW YORK - Drug maker Warner Chilcott Ltd. raised its full-year profit outlook Friday, citing lower expenses and a lower expected tax rate.

The company now expects profit between $1.30 and $1.35 per share, up from prior guidance of $1.25 to $1.30 per share. Warner Chilcott reaffirmed revenue guidance of $935 million to $945 million.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expect profit of $1.29 per share on revenue of $942.1 million.

The company said it expects lower costs because of a decrease in estimated advertising and promotional expenses. The tax rate is now expected to range from 5.5 percent to 6.5 percent.

The company focuses on women's health care products and dermatology products.

Shares of Warner Chilcott fell 90 cents, or 5.1 percent, to $16.61 in morning trading. The stock has traded between $15.30 and $20.02 over the last 52 weeks.

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