Consumer Products: American Brands Inc., based in...

Consumer Products: American Brands Inc., based in Old Greenwich, Conn., said second-quarter income rose 15% from a year ago to a record $182 million; revenue remained flat at $2.9 billion. The figures were influenced favorably by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates but negatively by tax increases on its alcohol and tobacco products. Colgate-Palmolive Co. said its second-quarter earnings jumped 14% to a record $93.3 million. Revenue rose 4% to $1.5 billion, also a record. The New York-based company said sales in the United States, the Far East and in its Hill’s Pet Products unit were especially strong. Gillette Co., the Boston safety razor giant, said second-quarter net income rose 24% to $101.8 million, while revenue increased 6% to $1.09 billion. The firm attributed the gains to higher international sales.