Procter shifts focus for new growth

Article Excerpt

Procter & Gamble recently completed a major transformation that saw it shed about two-thirds of its brands. That has let it focus on a much smaller portfolio of products, most of which are market leaders. The company also continues to enjoy the benefits of its multi-year cost-cutting plan. Those savings have freed up cash for new acquisitions, including the consumer healthcare business of Germany’s Merck KGaA. Higher earnings from that purchase alone should give Procter more room for dividend increases and share buybacks. PROCTER & GAMBLE CO. $89 (New York symbol PG; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 2.6 billion; Market cap: $231.4 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 3.3; Dividend yield: 3.2%; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; www.pg.com) is one of the world’s largest makers of household and personal-care goods. It began operating in the U.S. in 1837 and now sells its products in over 180 countries. Overseas markets account for 56% of its total sales. The company has five main business lines: fabric and home-care products…