Heinz Reports Double-Digit EPS Growth To $0.90 From Continuing Operations; Reaffirms Previously Announced Fiscal 2013 Full-Year Sales And Profit Outlook

Marketing increased 13.4% on a constant currency basis (10.0% increase on a reported basis), reflecting a significant increase in the U.S. and continued support in Emerging Markets.

SG&A expenses (which excludes marketing) of $502 million increased 0.3% to 17.8% of sales, and increased 2.3% excluding charges for productivity initiatives in Fiscal 2012, reflecting strategic investments to drive growth primarily in Emerging Markets and global systems.

Operating income of $392 million grew 9.4%. Excluding charges for productivity initiatives in Fiscal 2012, operating income declined 1.0% due to a 1.5% unfavorable impact from foreign exchange.

Heinz benefited from a previously projected low tax rate for the quarter. The effective tax rate was 9.6% compared to 18.1% a year ago or 19.6% excluding charges for productivity initiatives in Fiscal 2012. The Company expects a full-year tax rate of around 20%.

Net income from continuing operations of $290 million grew 22.3%, or 10.4% excluding charges for productivity initiatives in Fiscal 2012.

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.90 grew 23.3%, or 11.1% excluding charges for productivity initiatives in Fiscal 2012. EPS was unfavorably impacted by $0.02 from foreign currency translation and translation hedges.

On a constant currency, continuing operations basis, sales grew 2.9% and excluding charges for productivity initiatives in Fiscal 2012, operating income increased 0.5% and EPS rose 13.6%. Total Company net income, including discontinued operations, was $289 million and EPS grew to $0.90.

Fiscal 2013 Outlook

“Heinz remains on track to deliver our previously announced sales and profit outlook for Fiscal 2013,” Mr. Johnson said.

For the full year, Heinz expects:

• At least 4.0% organic sales growth;
• Constant currency EPS growth of 5-8% on a continuing operations basis and excluding charges for productivity initiatives in Fiscal 2012; and
• Strong operating free cash flow of $1 billion plus.

The Heinz Board of Directors on November 14 approved the continuation of the Company's share repurchase program by authorizing the multi-year repurchase of up to 15,000,000 additional shares.

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