Meridian Bioscience Inc. reported unaudited earnings results for the first quarter ended December 31, 2011. For the quarter, the company's net sales were $40.3 million compared with $37.3 million a year ago. Operating income was $9.8 million compared with $9.1 million a year ago. Net earnings were $6.6 million or $0.16 per diluted share compared with $6.0 million or $0.15 per diluted share a year ago. Income before income taxes was $10.1 million compared with $9.3 million a year ago. Diluted earnings per share excluding effect of plant consolidation costs were $0.17 compared with $0.15 a year ago. On a non-GAAP basis, earnings were $6.9 million, excluding the effect of costs associated with the consolidation of its Saco, Maine operations into its Tennessee facility. The board of directors declared the regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.19 per share for the first quarter ended December 31, 2011. The dividend is of record February 3, 2012 and payable on February 17, 2012. For the year ending September 30, 2012, the company reaffirmed its guidance of per share diluted earnings between $0.85 and $0.89 (excluding plant consolidation costs of $0.01-$0.02) on net sales of $183 million to $192 million.