Church and Dwight reports strong third quarter of 2013

Church and Dwight has announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2013, during which it achieved a reported net sales total of $804.8 million (501.97 million pounds).

This represented a year-on-year increase of 11 percent, thanks largely to the acquisition of the Avid gummy vitamin business last month, while its earnings per share increased 15.2 percent.

Market share for seven of its nine power brands increased during the quarter, despite weak category consumption in the US, while a number of new product offerings were successfully introduced, including a new line of Trojan lubricants.

Its new products have received strong distribution support from retailers and will continue to be supported by an increased advertising budget.

James Craigie, chairman and chief executive officer at Church and Dwight, said: "Based on our confidence in our planned new product innovations supported by increased marketing spending, we expect organic growth to be at the top end of our historical three to four percent range."

This comes after the firm's board of directors declared its 451st regular quarterly dividend last week.