UPDATE 1-Fortune Brands second-quarter profit falls 41 pct

NEW YORK, July 25 (Reuters) – Fortune Brands Inc ,the maker of Jim Beam bourbon, Moen faucets and Simonton windows, reported a 41 percent drop in quarterly profit on Friday, hurt by the U.S. housing slump and weak consumer sentiment. Net profit this second quarter is only $136 with 88 cents, last second quarter for the same second report, Fortune Brands booked $232 million with $1.48 per share. The results include a $60 million charge for items such as a write-down of the company’s door business due to the housing slowdown.

Excluding special items, earnings were $1.25 per share, beating the analysts’ average forecast of $1.20, according to Reuters Estimates. Fortune also affirmed its full-year earnings outlook, raised its dividend 5 percent and said it bought back a 10 percent stake in its spirits business owned by Sweden’s Vin & Sprit [VSG.UL] for $464 million.

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