Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. of Topeka, Kan., recently reported that its revenue for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31 reached an all-time record of $573.2 million, an increase of 13.5 percent from the year-ago period. Unit volume increased 4 percent, pricing increased 11.5 percent and foreign exchange was negative 2 percent. Prescription Diet j/d Canine contributed to sales in the U.S. veterinary channel. New products contributing to sales in the U.S. specialty channel include Science Diet Nature’s Best Canine and Feline and the relaunch of Science Diet Puppy and Kitten foods with improved formulas, including higher levels of antioxidants. New pet food products contributing to international sales include Science Plan Nature’s Best Canine and Feline, Prescription Diet w/d Canine and Prescription Diet r/d Canine. Year to date, Hill’s reported revenue of $2.1 billion, compared to revenue of $1.9 billion in the year-ago period. Overall, Hill’s parent company Colgate-Palmolive Co., reported net income of $497 million on revenue of $3.7 billion for its fourth quarter, compared to net income of $414.9 million on revenue of $3.6 billion in the year-ago period. Year to date, the company reported net income of $2 billion on revenue of $15.3 billion, compared to net income of $1.7 billion on revenue of $13.8 billion in the year-ago period. The Procter & Gamble Co.’s pet care division, which also includes snacks, recently reported that its revenue declined 1 percent to $0.8 billion for its second quarter ended Dec. 31. Pet care volume, including the Iams products, was down mid-single-digits behind anticipated consumption declines in response to price increases which drove net sales up low-single-digits. The division reported that net income declined 6 percent to $63 million for the quarter, primarily due to lower net sales and a commodity cost-driven decline in gross margin, partially offset by lower SG&A (selling, general and administrative) expenses as percentage of net sales. Year to date, the division reported that revenue increased 4 percent to $1.6 billion. Net income was flat at $118 million. Overall, Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble reported net income of $5 billion on revenue of $20.4 billion for its second quarter, compared to net income of $3.3 billion on revenue of $21 billion in the year-ago period. Year to date, the company reported net income of $8.4 billion on revenue of $42 billion, compared to net income of $6.3 billion on revenue of $40.8 billion in the year-ago period. <HOME>
