Reuben Mark Operating Quotations

We are pleased that our strong top-line momentum continued this quarter across all operating divisions and on top of the outstanding growth achieved in the year ago period. We are especially encouraged that global pricing was positive for the first time in two years, despite difficult cost and competitive environments.

Every operating division achieved strong volume growth and increased operating profits both absolutely and as a percent to sales, ... It is especially encouraging to see dollar operating profits rise strongly even in Latin America and Europe despite currency pressures.

Operating profits will be up nicely. We expect another good quarter, with unit volume up in every operating division, solid upward movement in gross profit margin and a worldwide increase in advertising support.

All operating and financial ratios by which we measure profitability and momentum improved versus the year-ago quarter,