Spectrum beats expectations in Q3

MIDDLETON, Wis. — Spectrum Brands reported that earnings fell 42% on higher expenses stemming from the consumer-products company’ recent acquisitions and other one-time items during the third quarter. The company reported a profit of $44.9 million, down from $78 million a year earlier. Excluding acquisition-related expenses and other items, per-share earnings rose to $1.42 from $1.30. Revenue increased nearly 11% to $1.25 billion. Excluding currency fluctuations and acquisitions, sales grew 3.7%. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected per-share profit of $1.41 and revenue of $1.25 billion.