US cereal maker Kellogg has reported lower fourth-quarter earnings but said its quarterly and full-year earnings exceeded its forecasts as the company focused on innovation and brand building.


The company said net earnings in the fourth quarter of 2004 were US$186.4m, or 45 cents per share, compared to $188.0m, or 46 cents per share, in the fourth quarter of 2003. Kellogg said this decline was anticipated and resulted primarily from a higher tax rate. Fourth-quarter net sales rose 12% to $2.4bn.


Net earnings for the full year 2004 were $890.6m, or $2.14 per share, compared to $787.1m, or $1.92 per share, in 2003. Full-year net sales rose 9% to $9.6bn.


“2004 was another excellent year for our company,” said Jim Jenness, Kellogg’s chairman and chief executive officer-designate. “We remained focused on innovation and brand building, we added excitement to our categories, and we improved mix. Importantly, we did all this while making significant investment in our future growth.”


Kellogg also reaffirmed its earnings forecast range for 2005 of $2.28 to $2.32 per share.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.