Diet Supplements Boosted Natrol in 2004

Natrol Inc. landed in the black for 2004, logging net income of $1.9 million or $0.13 per share for the period, compared with a net loss of $1.5 million or $0.11 per share for the prior year. Sales at the Chatsworth-based maker of nutritional supplements increased 9.1 percent to $79.3 million, compared to $72.7 million in 2003. Natrol said its diet category performed especially well in 2004 as did such core items as Natrol Ester-C. The company also improved its distribution in club stores, which offset weaknesses in its raw material business and sports nutrition supplement category.