Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. (RAH) posted third-quarter net earnings of $29.8 million or $0.53 per share versus $28.3 million or $0.50 per share a year ago.
Ralcorp's results include the effects of acquisitions completed during fiscal 2012, including the North American private-brand refrigerated dough business of Sara Lee Corp. (SLE), Pastificio Annoni S.p.A., Petri Baking Products, Inc., and Gelit S.r.l.
Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations rose to $0.60 from $0.51 in the same quarter last year. On average, 11 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report earnings of $0.63 per share. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.
Net sales grew to $1.03 billion from $927.8 million in the prior-year quarter. Analysts expected revenues of $1.03 billion.
Net Sales grew as a result of acquisitions completed during fiscal 2012, primarily Refrigerated Dough and Petri, as well as higher net pricing in all segments in response to rising commodity costs.
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