Content about Financial ratios

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble announced on Thursday a decrease in both first-quarter net sales and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, as core earnings per share rose 5%.

For the July-September period, net sales totaled $20.7 billion, a decrease of 4% compared with the year-ago period — including a negative 6% impact from foreign exchange.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble announced on Friday that fourth-quarter earnings rose nearly 45%, due to gains from the sale of its snacks business, as sales slipped 1%.

Net sales for the April to June quarter totaled $20.2 billion, a decrease of 1%. Organic sales rose 3% due to price increases, partially offset by geographic mix.

CINCINNATI — Despite recording an increase in total and identical-store sales during fourth quarter 2011, Kroger reported a net loss due to costs associated with consolidating its pension plan for union workers.

The grocer, whose banners include Kroger, Ralphs and Food 4 Less, said the loss of of $306.9 million, or 54 cents per share, compared with a profit of $278.8 million in the year-ago period.

Total sales in the quarter rose 7.7% to $21.4 billion. Excluding fuel, sales rose 5%. Same-store sales increased 4.9% (excluding fuel).

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble delivered “strong” first-quarter sales growth, kicking off a “good start to the fiscal year” as net sales climbed 9% and organic sales grew 4%, the company announced on Thursday.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fred's net income increased 16% to $9.5 million, or 24 cents per diluted share, compared with net income of $8.2 million, or 21 cents per diluted share in the year-earlier period.

The retailer said that total sales rose 3% to $484.4 million from $471.6 million for the same period last year. For comps, Fred's reported a 1% rise on top of a 2.2% increase for the first quarter last year.

Fred's gross profit for first quarter 2011 increased 1% to $137.9 million from $136.9 million in the prior-year period.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble announced on Thursday that second-quarter sales rose 2% as the company works to expand market shares in more parts of the world.

Net sales for the quarter rose 2% to $21.3 billion, driven by 6% volume growth, which was offset partially by unfavorable foreign exchange and mix impacts. Organic sales grew 3%.

Net earnings dropped 28% to $3.3 billion, or $1.11 per diluted share, compared with $4.7 billion, or $1.49 per diluted share, in the year-ago period. Net earnings from continuing operations totaled $1.11 per share, up 10%.

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General reported that its third-quarter net income was $128 million, or a diluted earnings per share of 37 cents.

Excluding a net loss of $8 million ($5 million after income taxes) relating to the early repayment of certain long-term obligations, net income for the 2010 third quarter was $133 million, or a diluted EPS of 39 cents, a 76% increase over net income of $76 million, or 24 cents per diluted share, in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.

VALLEY FORGE, Pa. Earnings per share for AmerisourceBergen rose nearly 14% during the fourth quarter ended Sept. 30, thanks to key growth in two sectors, the pharmaceutical services company said.

Diluted earnings per share were 50 cents for the quarter, a 13.6% increase compared with the year-ago period. Revenue also increased to a record $19.7 billion, a 5.3% gain for the company.