Helen of Troy Q2
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
Sea Breeze and Brut brands generated double-digit sales growth in the quarter, company announces during Oct. 11 earnings call. However, personal care net revenues declined 14.8% to $100.9 mil., due to "pressures to lower prices, additional competition on selected items and additional costs associated with trade promotions," firm says. Division may rebound next year with the launch of Sea Breeze Naturals, a line that will be targeted to older customers rather than the brand's traditionally younger audience, Helen of Troy notes. Company adds that sales of Brut in Mexico have been "very positive" since launching new products in the region (1"The Rose Sheet" April 25, 2005, p. 9). Second quarter net sales declined 7.7% to $130.4 mil., while net earnings fell 49.9% to $9.5 mil., impacted by challenging economic conditions and weak performance by personal care segment, firm says. Fiscal 2006 (ending Feb. 28) sales are expected to be in the range of $575 mil.-$590 mil., versus previous guidance of $615 mil.-$640 mil, according to Helen of Troy...