Alberto-Culver Co. said Monday it earned a higher fiscal first-quarter profit as demand for Tresemme and Nexxus beauty-care products rose despite economic weakness that has crimped demand for consumer spending.
Earnings rose 2 percent to $31.7 million, or 32 cents per share, from $30.9 million, or 31 cents per share, last year.
Results in the most recent quarter include 9 cents per share in tax expenses, compared with a penny per share a year ago. Results in the year-ago period also include 3 cents per share in restructuring expenses.
Sales rose 3 percent to $352.8 million from $343.2 million, helped by growth in Tresemme and Nexxus products.
Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters predicted earnings of 34 cents and sales of $350.3 million.
During the quarter, Alberto-Culver said gross profit margin declined because of higher raw material costs.
Looking ahead, the company expects to make higher investments in advertising and marketing in coming quarters.
