Spirits maker Beam has reported net sales of $595.5m for the second quarter of 2012, up 4%, compared to the same period previous year.

On a comparable basis, which includes foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestitures, net sales were up by 5% for the second quarter of 2012.

For the latest quarter, income from continuing operations was $101.3m, or $0.63 per diluted share, against $62.4m, or $0.40 per share, for the second quarter of 2011.

Reported operating income was up 5% to $125.7m and operating income before charges or gains was up 9% to $151.6m for the second quarter of 2012.

Beam president and chief executive officer Matt Shattock said the company’s positive results were driven by its major brands such as Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and Skinnygirl and from the sales of new products.

"Sales in North America were particularly strong, while the top line in our EMEA and APSA regions in the quarter was adversely impacted by the timing of sales," Shattock added.

"We’re now targeting diluted earnings per share before charges/gains to grow at a low-double-digit rate, up from our previous target range of high-single digits.

"Given the strength we’ve seen in the first half, we now expect our market will grow value in 2012 slightly above our previous estimate of 3%.

"Our expectation reflects uncertainty in international economies that is being offset by strength in our heartland U.S. spirits market."