REUTERS/Mark Makela Acquire Licensing RightsNov 3 (Reuters) - Church & Dwight (CHD.N) lifted its annual net sales forecast for a third time this year on Friday, boosted by high prices as well as strong demand for its household and personal care products. Consumer goods companies have been bumping up product prices to offset spiraling raw material and labor costs as well as the impact of a stronger dollar, although investors have raised concerns that higher prices might dent demand. Last week, toothpaste maker Colgate-Palmolive (CL.N) raised its annual sales and profit forecasts again, while Kleenex tissue maker Kimberly-Clark (KMB.N) has also hiked its full-year profit expectations for a third time. "We are maintaining our full-year EPS outlook, with higher revenue and gross profits being offset by higher marketing and selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) dollars," CEO Matthew Farrell said in a statement. For the reported quarter, Church & Dwight's marketing expenses rose by 19%, with the company projecting a "significant increase" in marketing spending in the current-quarter amid strong momentum.

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Persons: Mark Makela, Clark, Dwight, Matthew Farrell, Granth, Saumyadeb Organizations: REUTERS, & Dwight, Colgate, Palmolive, Thomson Locations: Dover , Delaware U.S, Kimberly, Bengaluru