FORTUNE’S Q3 EARNINGS.

As was widely expected, Fortune Brands reported a 59% drop in Q3 earnings with a stock that has risen almost 3 dollars a share. The decline resulted from the company’s one-time purchase of many spirit and wine brands, including Maker’s Mark bourbon, Sauza tequila and Courvoisier Cognac. Spirits and wine, led by Jim Beam bourbon, accounted for only 16% of sales but 30% of operating profit.