Heinz Reports Double-Digit EPS Growth and Reaffirms Previously Announced Fiscal 2013 Outlook

Reported sales increased 0.5% to $2.83 billion, with unfavorable foreign currency impacting sales by 2.4%. Net pricing increased 1.9% and volume grew 1.4%. Divestitures reduced total sales by 0.4%.

21 Nov 2012 --- Heinz Company reported solid second-quarter results, with growth of 11.1% in earnings per share from continuing operations (excluding charges for productivity initiatives in Fiscal 2012). The results were fueled by dynamic growth in Emerging Markets, continued growth in Global Ketchup and the Company's Top 15 Brands, and a favorable tax rate. This enabled Heinz to significantly increase investment in marketing and global capabilities to drive future growth.

“Heinz delivered solid results while making significant investments in our businesses and brands to drive growth,” said Chairman, President and CEO William R. Johnson. “Notably, Heinz delivered its 30th consecutive quarter of organic sales growth, led by our trio of growth engines: Emerging Markets, Global Ketchup and the Company's Top 15 Brands.”

Second-Quarter Results - Continuing Operations

In the second quarter ended October 28, 2012, reported sales increased 0.5% to $2.83 billion, with unfavorable foreign currency impacting sales by 2.4%. Net pricing increased 1.9% and volume grew 1.4%. Divestitures reduced total sales by 0.4%.

Heinz delivered organic sales growth of 3.3%, led by Emerging Markets, which posted organic sales growth of 13.2% for the quarter (10.3% reported). Organic sales growth was again impacted by prior-year decisions to exit T.G.I. Friday's frozen meals and downsize the Long Fong frozen business in China. Emerging Markets represented 23% of total Company sales.

The Company's Top 15 Brands achieved organic sales growth of 4.6% (1.7% reported), led by Heinz, Quero, ABC, Classico, Golden Circle, Master and Ore-Ida brands. Global Ketchup delivered organic sales growth of 5.0% (3.8% on a reported basis), driven by strong performance in the U.S., Brazil and Russia.

Gross profit of $1.01 billion grew 4.7% and gross margin increased 140 basis points to 35.8%. Excluding charges for productivity initiatives in Fiscal 2012, gross profit increased 1.8% and gross margin increased 40 basis points, despite a $22 million unfavorable impact from foreign exchange and higher commodity costs.

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.