Draft of October 21, 2003 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) October 21, 2003 TOOTSIE ROLL INDUSTRIES, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) VIRGINIA 1-1361 22-1318955 State or other jurisdiction (Commission File No.) (IRS Employer Of incorporation) Identification Number) 7401 South Cicero Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60629 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (773) 838-3400. (Former name or former address, if changed since last report) N/A ITEM 9. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION. On October 21, 2003, Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc., a Virginia corporation, issued a press release announcing earnings for the quarter ended September 27, 2003, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this report. ITEM 7. EXHIBITS Exhibits 99 Press Release, dated October 21, 2003 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. TOOTSIE ROLL INDUSTRIES, INC. Date: October 21, 2003 By:_/s/ G. Howard Ember, Jr._ Name: G. Howard Ember, Jr. Title: V.P./Finance EXHIBIT INDEX The following exhibit is filed herewith: Exhibit No. 99 Press Release, dated October 21, 2003. Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. 7401 South Cicero Avenue Chicago, IL 60629 Phone 773/838-3400 Fax 773/838-3534 Press Release STOCK TRADED: NYSE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TICKER SYMBOL: TR Tuesday, October 21, 2003 CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - October 21, 2003 - Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. reported third quarter and nine month 2003 sales and earnings. Third quarter 2003 sales were $147,201,000 compared to $146,298,000 in the third quarter 2002, an increase of 1%. Nine month 2003 sales were $300,496,000 compared to $302,420,000 in the prior year corresponding period, a decrease of 1%. Melvin J. Gordon, Chairman, said, "Successful marketing and promotional programs in the third quarter, including programs relating to the pre-Halloween selling period, contributed to the increase in third quarter sales. However, the increase in third quarter sales did not overcome the sales decline in the first half which was adversely affected by the sluggish economy, a difficult retail environment, and lower sales in Mexico and Canada." Third quarter 2003 net earnings were $26,945,000 compared to third quarter 2002 net earnings of $26,616,000. Nine month 2003 net earnings were $50,171,000 compared to nine month 2002 net earnings of $51,704,000. Third quarter 2003 net earnings per share were $.52 compared to $.50 per share in the third quarter 2002, an increase of $.02 per share or 4%. Nine month 2003 net earnings per share were $.97 compared to $.97 per share in the comparative prior year period. Mr. Gordon said, "Third quarter earnings were aided by higher sales and cost control programs. Although selective sales price increases contributed to the third quarter sales increase, increased trade promotions and sales discounts, which are reported as a reduction in net sales, mitigated some of the benefits of such price increases. Nine month net earnings were adversely affected by lower reported net sales and higher costs for major ingredients." TOOTSIE ROLL INDUSTRIES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS FOR THE 13 WEEKS AND 39 WEEKS ENDED SEPT 27, 2003 & SEPT 28, 2002 THIRD QUARTER ENDED 2003 2002 Net Sales $147,201,000 $146,298,000 Net Earnings $ 26,945,000 $ 26,616,000 * Earnings Per Share $ .52 $ .50 *Average Shares Outstanding 51,662,000 53,074,000 NINE MONTHS ENDED 2003 2002 Net Sales $300,496,000 $302,420,000 Net Earnings $ 50,171,000 $ 51,704,000 * Earnings Per Share $ .97 $ .97 * Average shares outstanding 51,939,000 53,166,000 * Based on average shares outstanding adjusted for 3% stock dividends distributed April 16, 2003 and April 17, 2002.