EARNINGS ROUNDUP / AMGEN

Amgen Inc.’s profit grew 15% in the fourth quarter, mostly as a result of lower expenses, the company said Monday.

Amgen’s profit rose to $961 million, or 91 cents per share, compared with $835 million, or 76 cents, a year earlier. Revenue was essentially unchanged at $3.75 billion, as sales rose for its anti-infection drug Neulasta and rheumatoid arthritis treatment Enbrel while sales of its anemia drugs declined further.

Excluding one-time costs, Amgen said it earned $1.12 billion in the quarter, or $1.06 per share, up from $1.09 billion, or $1 per share, a year earlier. One-time items included $60 million in restructuring costs in the year-earlier period.

Analysts expected profit of $1.07 per share on $3.79 billion in revenue, according to Thomson Reuters. Estimates usually exclude one-time items.

The Thousand Oaks company said it trimmed both sales and research and development costs.

For the year, Amgen posted an adjusted profit of $4.55 per share on $15 billion in revenue. Its 2009 profit forecast was in line with analyst expectations, but its revenue estimate fell short.

In aftermarket trading, Amgen shares fell $1.34 to $53.07. Shares finished the regular session at $54.41.