Heinz Reports 8.9% Rise in Quarterly Profit

H.J. Heinz Co. said profit from continuing operations rose 8.9% in its fiscal fourth quarter to $226.4 million, or 63 cents a share, on lower manufacturing costs and increased sales of ketchup and frozen foods. The year-ago results of $206.1 million, or 56 cents, were restated to exclude sales and profit from the Weight Watchers diet unit, sold in September. Sales rose 4.9% to $2.59 billion. The company has cut jobs and closed plants, using the savings to promote new products such as frozen meals and side dishes under the Boston Market brand. Shares of Pittsburgh-based Heinz closed up 88 cents at $40.44 on the NYSE.