Hill''s Pet Nutrition

Innovative new products and veterinary endorsements continue to drive growth at Hill's Pet Nutrition. Unit volume grew 4.0% in second quarter 2004 on top of a very strong performance in the year ago period. Dollar sales rose 9.0% versus second quarter 2003, reflecting this volume growth, favorable foreign exchange of 3.0% and the effect of a domestic price increase. Dollar operating profit increased 9.0% after increased commercial investment.

New products driving growth in the U.S. specialty retail channel include Science Diet Advanced Protection and Science Diet Feline Hairball now available in wet form.

Internationally, solid volume growth was achieved by Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Russia, Korea, South Africa, Australia, Spain and Germany.

Sources:PETS International Magazine