H J Heinz has recorded a net loss per share of 25 US cents (€0.24) in the fourth quarter, which ended on April 28th, 1999, compared with earnings per share of 49 US cents in the same quarter the previous year. This decline was attributed to restructuring costs. If excluded, diluted earnings per share showed a 13.2 per cent rise to 60 US cents.

Sales grew from $9.2 billion to $9.3 billion in the full year. Pre-tax profit fell from $1.25 billion to $835 million.