Procter Sharpens Its Product Portfolio

Article Excerpt

THE PROCTER & GAMBLE CO. $71 (New York symbol PG; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 3.1 billion; Market cap: $220.1 billion; WSSF Rating: Above average) is one of the world’s largest makers of household and personal care products. Over 20 of its 300 brands have annual sales of over $1 billion, including Crest (toothpaste), Tide (detergent), Head & Shoulders (shampoo) and Pampers (diapers). The company is making good progress integrating its 2005 acquisition of The Gillette Co. The restructuring should eventually let Procter realize over $1 billion in annual cost savings. That will help it cope with rising raw material, packaging and fuel prices. The Gillette purchase added several top-selling brands to Procter’s portfolio, including Gillette razors and Oral-B oral care products. Procter will probably sell some slower growing household brands, like Duracell batteries and Folgers coffee, to focus on its more profitable health and beauty operations. Selling these businesses could generate around $5 billion, which would help Procter pay for…