Procter & Gamble (P&G) has reported net sales of $20.9 billion for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2011 (end-June 30), up 10% from net sales of $18.9 billion in the same quarter a year ago.
Net earnings for the quarter were $2.5 billion, up from net earnings of $2.2 billion for the fourth quarter of 2010.
The company's healthcare unit, which includes its oral care products, accounted for $2.9 billion in net sales for the quarter, up 12% over net sales for the fourth quarter a year ago. Sales growth was spurred by Oral-B toothpaste expansions in Brazil, Belgium, and Holland in the Netherlands; Crest 3D White and Pro-Health Clinical in North America; and toothbrush initiatives in Asia, the company noted.
"The Crest 3D White regimen continues to be a key contributor to the growth, increasing to nearly 9% of the U.S. oral care market," said Teri List, senior vice president and treasurer of Procter & Gamble, in an earnings call on August 5. "Western Europe volume was flat with softness in manual toothbrushes, offsetting growth from our Oral-B toothpaste expansion market. While it's early, our U.K. Oral-B toothpaste launch is off to a strong start. In Brazil, Oral-B volume was up over 65%, and Asia volume was up led by India, where Oral-B toothbrush shipments increased nearly 30%."
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