HBSDaily

A widely watched measure of U.S. home prices showed average home prices increased significantly.

The S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices released Tuesday morning shows a 7.3% increase for the 10-City Composite and an 8.1% increase for the 20-City Composite in the 12 months ended in January 2013. 

Phoenix appears to be leading the charge, with a 23.2% year-over-year increase. 

Walmart recognized Central Garden & Pet Co. as the retailer's Outdoor Living Supplier of the Year. In addition, Central won the People Award for Walmart’s Home Division.

Walmart annually recognizes its top suppliers that demonstrate superior customer service. 

Wilmington, Ohio-based TimberTech unveiled an interactive online resource for homeowners and pros in search of deck answers. 

TimberTech is unveiling an interactive Q&A platform called “Straight Talk.” The new tool can be accessed at TimberTech.com/StraightTalk and answers deck questions from pros and consumers, the company said. 

Central Garden & Pet anticipated lower quarterly results, and it got them.

The Walnut Creek, Calif.-based marketer and producer of branded products for the lawn and garden and pet supplies markets reported net sales of $494.1 million in the third quarter ended June 29, down 7% from the same quarter last year.

Net income was $13.7 million, down from $22.7 million in the same quarter last year. 

Residential Building Products & Technology, the all-digital magazine covering the latest products, trends and technology for residential construction professionals, is now available as an iPad app.

With the heavy power requirements of commercial applications in mind, Briggs & Stratton has expanded its backup power solutions for its dealer network, which now total more than 60.

L&W Supply Corp. celebrated achieving the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star designation from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for the L&W Supply, Indianapolis Drywall Supply branch.

L&W is the distribution subsidiary of USG Corp.

Deerfield, Ill.-based Fortune Brands Home & Security, a home and security products company, posted 8% sales growth in the fourth quarter.