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In 2008, Sigma-Aldrich turned in another strong performance, achieving record sales and earnings in a challenging economic climate. And the story for Sigma-Aldrich remains promising. Our financial strength, breadth of capabilities, and market and geographic diversity should help us successfully navigate through the current economic climate and position us for continued long-term growth. We set a new sales record with $2.2 billion in sales, and our diluted earnings per share also reached a new high, increasing 13% to $2.65. We fully intend to continue taking advantage of our strengths and add new initiatives to enhance our positions in the global life science and high technology markets.

Scientists worldwide depend upon Sigma-Aldrich’s reputation to provide high quality products and unsurpassed service. The products and services we offer along with the commitment of our 7,900 employees help scientists in their quest to improve the quality of life. We provide products to support scientific research to understand and fight diseases. Our fine chemicals business helps customers accelerate the development and manufacture of new pharmaceuticals and products for a variety of high tech applications. With highly motivated employees, a diverse portfolio of 100,000 chemical and biochemical products and 30,000 laboratory equipment items, our approach is to continue creating differentiation through innovation to accelerate customer success, and thus our own success, and then share that with investors.

Financial Results

Sigma-Aldrich’s strong performance continued in 2008, extending our record to 34 consecutive years of continuous growth in sales and earnings per share for our chemical business. Delivering improved returns for our shareholders is a fundamental objective, even in these financially turbulent times. Once again in 2008, each of our four customer-centric business units and all geographic regions contributed to sales growth. Sales increased by 7.9%, with Research Biotech leading the group with a reported gain of 10.0%, followed by Research Specialties at 9.4%, Research Essentials at 7.7% and SAFC at 5.2%. Each geographic region posted a sales gain, led by double digit growth in faster growing international markets. Sales in CAPLA (Canada, Asia Pacific and Latin America) countries grew at 11.9%, while Europe and the U.S posted growth rates of 8.6% and 5.4%, respectively.

Our return on equity of 22.8% exceeded our long-term goal of 20% for the sixth consecutive year. The Company’s financial position remained strong, with a debt to capital ratio of 34.6% at December 31, 2008. Operating cash flow again exceeded $400 million.