| For the years ended December 31, |  | 1997 | | 1996 | | 1995 |
|
| Net Sales | $ | 4,302,236
| $ | 3,989,308
| $ | 3,690,667
|
|
| Costs and Expenses: | | | | | | |
| Cost of sales | | 2,488,896 | | 2,302,089 | | 2,126,274 |
| Selling, marketing and administrative | | 1,183,130 | | 1,124,087 | | 1,053,758 |
| Restructuring (credit) | | — | | — | | (151) |
| Loss on disposal of businesses | | —
| | 35,352
| | —
|
Total costs and expenses | | 3,672,026
| | 3,461,528
| | 3,179,881
|
| Income before Interest and Income Taxes | | 630,210 | | 527,780 | | 510,786 |
| Interest expense, net | | 76,255
| | 48,043
| | 44,833
|
|
| Income before Income Taxes | | 553,955 | | 479,737 | | 465,953 |
| Provision for income taxes | | 217,704
| | 206,551
| | 184,034
|
|
| Net Income | $ | 336,251
| $ | 273,186
| $ | 281,919
|
|
| Net Income Per Share—Basic | $ | 2.25
| $ | 1.77
| $ | 1.70
|
| Net Income Per Share—Diluted | $ | 2.23
| $ | 1.75
| $ | 1.69
|
|
| Cash Dividends Paid Per Share: | | | | | | |
| Common Stock | $ | .840 | $ | .760 | $ | .685 |
| Class B Common Stock | | .760 | | .685 | | .620 |
The Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis are included as an appendix to the corporation's Proxy Statement or can be obtained separately through the Investor Relations contact listed on page 39. |
