For the years ended December 31, |  |
1998 | |
1997 | |
1996 |
|
| Net Sales | $ | 4,435,615 | $ | 4,302,236 | $ | 3,989,308 |
|
| Costs and Expenses: | | | | | | |
Cost of sales | | 2,625,057 | | 2,488,896 | | 2,302,089 |
Selling, marketing and administrative | | 1,167,895 | | 1,183,130 | | 1,124,087 |
Loss on disposal of businesses | | —
| | —
| | 35,352
|
Total costs and expenses
| | 3,792,952
| | 3,672,026
| | 3,461,528
|
|
| Income before Interest and Income Taxes | | 642,663 | | 630,210 | | 527,780 |
Interest expense, net | | 85,657
| | 76,255
| | 48,043
|
|
| Income before Income Taxes | | 557,006 | | 553,955 | | 479,737 |
Provision for income taxes | | 216,118
| | 217,704
| | 206,551
|
|
| Net Income | $ | 340,888
| $ | 336,251
| $ | 273,186
|
|
| Net Income Per Share — Basic | $ | 2.38
| $ | 2.25
| $ | 1.77
|
| Net Income Per Share — Diluted | $ | 2.34
| $ | 2.23
| $ | 1.75
|
|
| Cash Dividends Paid Per Share: | | | | | | |
Common Stock | $ | .920 | $ | .840 | $ | .760 |
Class B Common Stock | | .835 | | .760 | | .685 |
|
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. |
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