Chiron’s Net Soars as Sales Jump

Chiron Corp. said fourth-quarter profit jumped 50% on demand for drugs and blood tests.

Net income climbed to $67.1 million, or 35 cents a share, from $44.8 million, or 23 cents, in the same quarter of 2001. Revenue climbed 12% to $356.3 million as sales increased in all product lines, including medicines for cancer, multiple sclerosis and cystic fibrosis.

Shares of Chiron fell 26 cents to $37.97 on Nasdaq after the earnings were announced.