Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. reported third quarter 2012 earnings per share (EPS) of $0.84 compared to $0.71 in the prior year period. Excluding $18 million of unrealized commodity mark-to-market gains in the current year and $11 million of unrealized commodity mark-to-market losses in the prior year period, Core EPS were $0.79 compared to $0.74 in the prior year. Year-to-date, the company reported earnings of $2.15 per diluted share compared to $1.97 per diluted share in the prior year period. Excluding certain items affecting comparability and an unrealized commodity mark-to-market gain in the current year and a $16 million unrealized commodity mark-to-market loss in the prior year period, Core EPS were $2.10 compared to $2.02 in the prior year period.
For the quarter, reported net sales were flat. Shipment volumes were down 3 percent. Product and package price/mix was up 4 percent, while volume mix shift across the segments lowered net sales by 1 percent. Reported segment operating profit (SOP) increased 3 percent, or $10 million, as the contributions from favorable price/mix were partially offset by lower volumes and a $9 million increase in marketing investments. Foreign currency reduced net sales by less than 1 percent in the quarter and lowered SOP by 1 percentage point. Reported income from operations for the quarter was $308 million, including $18 million of unrealized commodity mark-to-market gains. Reported income from operations was $261 million in the prior year period, including $11 million of unrealized commodity mark-to-market losses.
Year-to-date, reported net sales increased 2 percent. Reported income from operations was $800 million, including $18 million of unrealized commodity mark-to-market gains compared to $753 million in the prior year period, including $16 million of unrealized commodity mark-to-market losses. Reported net income was $459 million compared to $440 million in the prior year period.
DPS President and CEO Larry Young said, in a prepared statement: "We continue to operate in an uncertain economic and cautious consumer environment. I am proud of the team’s commitment to execute our focused strategy of driving profitable volume through disciplined pricing and continued investment in our brands to drive relevance and awareness with our consumers. Rapid continuous improvement (RCI) is gaining momentum across the organization and is delivering improvements in operating profitability and cash flow, resulting in returns for our shareholders."
