Dean Foods Co. reports that net sales for 2004 increased 18 percent to $10.8 billion, compared with $9.2 billion during 2003. Dallas-based Dean attributes the increase to growth in the company's branded business and the Horizon Organic, Kohler Mix Specialties and Ross-Swiss Dairies acquisitions, among other things. Net income for 2004 dropped 19.7 percent to $285.4 million ($1.78 per share), compared to $355.7 million ($2.27 per share) in 2003. In 2005, Dean forecasts that sales will top $10.6 billion. For the fourth quarter of 2004, Dean's net sales totaled $2.8 billion, an increase of 11 percent over its fourth quarter 2003. Net income for the fourth quarter grew 14 percent to $98.9 million ($0.64 per diluted share) compared to $86.5 million ($0.54 per share) in the same quarter of the previous year. The Dairy Group's net sales for the fourth quarter rose 7 percent to $2.2 billion, from $2.1 billion in its fourth quarter 2003.(Company report) .jpg)
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