Statement of Consolidated Earnings of the Company April 23, 2001   Three Months Ended March 31   2001 2000 Net sales $561,623,000 503,291,000 Cost of sales 228,395,000 214,966,000 Gross profit 333,228,000 288,325,000 Selling and general administrative 217,731,000 184,132,000 Operating income 115,497,000 104,193,000 Investment income 4,089,000 3,732,000 Other (expense)/income (191,000) 1,005,000 Earnings before income taxes 119,395,000 108,930,000 Income taxes 37,865,000 34,325,000 Net earnings $81,530,000 =========== $74,605,000 =========== Net earnings per average share of common stock (basic and diluted)a $0.36 =========== 0.33 =========== Average number of shares outstanding for the periodb 225,549,541 =========== 228,495,590 =========== This interim report is unaudited. a- Per share calculations based on the average number of shares outstanding for the period. b- Net earnings per average share and average number of shares outstanding for the period are reflected on a post-split basis pursuant to the Company's 2-for-1 stock split for shareholders of record on February 6, 2001. << Back