Beam Reaffirms 2012 Earnings Target

Beam Inc.

today reaffirmed its earnings target for 2012. In remarks prepared for delivery today at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Consumer & Retail Conference, Matt Shattock, president and chief executive officer of Beam, said: “We're pleased that the marketplace momentum we discussed a month ago is continuing, driven partly by sustained share gains for our industry-leading bourbon portfolio and strong initial reception for our latest innovations. Our encouraging start to the year reinforces our confidence in our target to grow diluted EPS before charges/gains at a high-single-digit rate in 2012.” The company's earnings growth goal compares to adjusted pro forma diluted EPS of $2.12 in 2011. At the conference, Shattock will also update investors on the company's growth strategy, including global expansion in the growing bourbon category, development of the company's Power Brands in emerging markets, and stewardship of capital.