For the nine-month period, diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $3.67 included the aforementioned tax benefit of 8 cents and the second quarter charge of 11 cents relating to a pending antitrust class action settlement. Excluding these specified items, diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the nine-month period in fiscal year 2009 were $3.70, representing an increase of 12% over diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $3.31 from the prior-year period. Reported diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the nine-month period ending June 30, 2009 included a 23-cents gain from our hedging program.
Fiscal 2009 Outlook for Full Year
The company revised its guidance for full fiscal year 2009 reported diluted earnings per share from continuing operations to approximately 11 to 12 % over diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $4.42 for the full fiscal year 2008.
