Crane Co. reported that third quarter 2012 earnings per diluted share from continuing operations on a generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) basis increased 12 percent to $.97 compared to $.87 in the third quarter of 2011. Third quarter 2012 results include $.02 per share of repositioning costs associated with previously announced actions initiated in the second quarter to improve the profitability of the company in 2013. Excluding repositioning costs, third quarter 2012 earnings per diluted share from continuing operations increased 14 percent to $.99 compared to $.87 in the third quarter of 2011.
Third quarter 2012 sales from continuing operations of $646 million were approximately equal to the third quarter of 2011, with a core sales increase of $13 million (2 percent), offset by unfavorable foreign currency translation of $14 million (-2 percent).
Third quarter 2012 operating profit from continuing operations on a GAAP basis (which includes the $1.4 million of repositioning costs) increased 8 percent to $86.6 million, compared to $80.3 million in the third quarter of 2011. Excluding repositioning costs, third quarter 2012 operating profit from continuing operations increased 10 percent to $87.9 million, and operating profit margin increased to 13.6 percent, compared to 12.4 percent in the third quarter of 2011.
"Crane reported record earnings per share in the third quarter, with strong execution across the organization, and I am particularly pleased with the margin improvement we achieved in our Fluid Handling segment," said Eric C. Fast, Crane Co. president and chief executive officer, in a prepared statement. "We are on track to complete our previously announced repositioning actions by year end, which will positively impact 2013 earnings. Given our cautious outlook on the global economy, we continue to drive productivity initiatives and a cost conscious culture across the company."
