Fortune Brands Reaffirms 2009 Earnings Outlook

NEW YORK (AP) — Fortune Brands Inc., which sells consumer goods ranging from Moen faucets to Jim Beam bourbon, on Wednesday reaffirmed its full-year 2009 outlook.

The company continues to expect earnings of $2 to $2.30 per share. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect a profit of $2.24 per share.

"While consumers remain very cautious and the U.S. housing market remains challenged, we're encouraged by improvements in key economic measures, including consumer confidence and sales of new and existing homes," said CEO Bruce Carbonari in a statement accompanying a presentation at the JP Morgan Diversified Industries Conference.

The company is scheduled to report its third-quarter results on Oct. 23.

Shares rose $2.64, or 6.3 percent, to $44.31 during midday trading.