Outlook roundup: Del Monte, Brown-Forman

Among the earnings projection stories for Thursday, June 5, from AP Financial News:

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ Del Monte Foods Co., which produces and distributes food and pet products, said Thursday it expects a fiscal 2009 profit to decline year-over-year due to rising energy and commodity costs.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) _ Liquor producer Brown-Forman Corp. on Thursday said it expects fiscal 2009 profit to grow between 5 percent and 12 percent from 2008, within range of analyst estimates.

GREENWICH, Conn. (AP) _ Blyth Inc., which makes candles and other household products, lowered its 2009 earnings guidance on Thursday to reflect additional one-time charges.

SAN CARLOS, Calif. (AP) _ Natus Medical Inc., a provider of medical devices for newborn care, said Thursday it lowered its 2008 full-year profit projection as a result of an acquisition and two stock offerings.

PLANO, Texas (AP) _ Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc., which spun off from Cadbury Schweppes last month, forecast 2008 sales growth on Thursday, but said higher fuel costs and one-time charges are expected to hurt earnings.

MELVILLE, N.Y. (AP) _ Arrow Electronics Inc. raised the low end of its second-quarter earnings forecast Thursday to a level that would meet analysts' estimates.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (AP) _ Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said it expects same-store sales, excluding fuel, to rise between 2 percent and 4 percent during its June reporting period on strength in its U.S. stores and a potential boost from stimulus checks.