Cepheid backs earnings guidance, raises 2008 revenue view

Biotechnology company Cepheid reaffirmed its full-year earnings outlook and modestly raised its revenue guidance Thursday.

The company expects a full-year loss between 18 cents and 21 cents per share, or a profit of 5 cents to 8 cents per share excluding items.

The company lifted its 2008 revenue guidance to a range of $183 million to $190 million from a previous outlook of $182 million to $189 million.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expect a loss of 22 cents per share on revenue of $187.2 million.

Shares of Cepheid rose $1.65, or 8.4 percent, to close at $21.22. In aftermarket activity, the stock added another 58 cents, or 2.7 percent, to $21.80. Shares have traded between $10.66 and $33.36 over the past year.