DuPont (DD) has introduced a new range of HOWARU Protect probiotics that are clinically documented to keep natural immune defenses. The three formulations – HOWARU Protect Kids, HOWARU Protect Adult and HOWARU Protect Sport – are for children, adults and sports enthusiasts respectively.
HOWARU Protect formulations are clinically tested and proven to deliver the required immune support. HOWARU Protect products are available to dietary supplement, diary, food and beverage makers.
DuPont’s HOWARU Protect Kids helps to keep children healthy in the winter season by supporting their respiratory health immune avoid catching cold and flu. A research work published in Pediatrics also showed that HOWARU Protect Kids supported respiratory health with symptom duration shortened from 6.5 to 3.5 days, resulting in reduction of antibiotic use and number of sick days.
HOWARU Protect Adult probiotics helps to maintain healthy respiratory function in adults. According to the study published in Clinical Nutrition, HOWARU Protect Adult has reduced the risk of upper respiratory tract illness by 27% along with a delay of onset of respiratory tract illness.
HOWARU Protect Sport probiotics aids the physically active adults to remain healthy for optimal sports performance by increasing the level of physical activity,; extending duration of exercises,; improving training intensity and delaying the onset of respiratory infections.
DuPont’s probiotics business is growing fast as customers are increasingly benefiting from their products. DuPont is expected to gain significant position in the probiotics market as the global retail market for probiotics is estimated at $32 billion in 2013 and $45 billion in 2018.
As per the World Health Organization, probiotics are ‘live micro-organisms’ that confer digestive and immune health benefits to the in taker when consumed in adequate amounts.
DuPont posted its third-quarter 2013 results on Oct 22. The company’s adjusted earnings of 45 cents per share in the quarter beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4 cents. The adjusted earnings exclude one-time items including charges associated with customer claims related to the use of an herbicide and pension-related expenses.
Net sales for the reported quarter rose roughly 5% year over year to $7,735 million, but missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7,774 million. Including other income, total revenues were $7,805 million. The year-over-year increase was also backed by strength in the agricultural business that saw a double-digit rise in sales.
DuPont backed its full-year 2013 earnings outlook and continues to expect adjusted earnings per share of roughly $3.85. While DuPont sees overall growth in industrial market demand to remain subdued sequentially in the fourth quarter, it expects operating earnings to be considerably higher from the last year. Despite the weakness in its Performance Chemicals segment, the company is optimistic to deliver modest earnings growth for the full year.
DuPont currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Other companies in the chemical industry worth considering are Asahi Kasei Corp. (AHKSY), Methanex Corp. (MEOH) and PPG Industries (PPG). While both Asahi Kasei and Methanex carry a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), PPG Industries retains a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
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