NBTY Income Rises in Quarter

NBTY Inc. reported net income of $76 million for the first quarter, a surge over net income of $13 million in the prior year.

Management attributed this in part to greater operational efficiency and smaller foreign exchange losses in the quarter.

The direct marketer and retailer reported net sales of $751 million for the quarter ended Dec. 31, a 14% increase over $661 million the last year.

"We are pleased to report record results for the quarter. Our significant increase in revenue and profitability reflect NBTY's ongoing initiatives to improve operations, control costs and expand our premiere position as the leading nutritional supplement company,” said CEO Scott Rudolph, in a statement.