Dr Pepper Snapple Q4 Net Profit Slips - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - Non-alcoholic beverage maker Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. (DPS) posted lower fourth-quarter 2013 net income of $156 million, or $0.78 per share, versus last year's $170 million, or $0.81 per share. On the other hand, core earnings amounted to $0.97 per share in the latest period. On average, 15 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected earnings per share of $0.85 for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude one-time items.

For the quarter, reported net sales slid 1% year-on-year to $1.46 billion, from $1.48 billion, whereas 11 analysts estimated revenues of $1.47 billion. Sales volume declines of 4% and less favorable trade adjustments were partially offset by favorable mix and price, the company added.

Looking ahead, the firm expects full-year reported net sales to be flat to up 1% and core earnings per share to be in the $3.38 - $3.46 range. Eighteen analysts project earnings per share of $3.27 in 2014.

In addition, Dr Pepper Snapple expects capital spending to be around 3% of net sales, and plans buyback of $375 million - $400 million of its common stock.