By
The maker of Crest toothpaste, Braun shavers, Tide laundry detergent and other major consumer brands reported net income of $2.9 billion in the January-March period, a gain of 11 percent from a year ago.
Net sales rose 5.0 percent to $20.2 billion as market share increased in all geographic regions, the company said in a statement.
Earnings per share were 96 cents, a rise of 16 percent from the year-ago period that was driven by a reduction in the effective tax rate and a drop in shares outstanding, the Cincinnati, Ohio-based firm said.