Alberto-Culver Co., whose brands range from St. Ives shampoo to Mrs. Dash seasoning, said Thursday that fourth-quarter profit rose 23%, helped by higher sales and a reduction in charges and interest expense. Alberto-Culver Company, based in Melrose Park, Ill., said earnings for the most recent quarter rose to $59 million (63 cents/share) from $48 million (52 cents) a year earlier. Excluding items such as a non-cash charge for converting shares to one class of stock, earnings would have been 66...