HELE Q3 Earnings Meet Estimates, Home & Outdoor Sales Decline Y/Y

Core Insights - Helen of Troy Limited (HELE) reported mixed third-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with net sales exceeding estimates while earnings matched expectations, both showing year-over-year declines [1][3][10] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share were $1.71, a 36% decline from $2.67 in the prior year due to lower adjusted operating income and increased interest expenses, partially offset by reduced income tax expenses [3][10] - Net sales reached $512.8 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $505 million, but decreased by 3.4% from $530.7 million in the previous year, driven by a 10.8% drop in organic business sales [4][10] - International sales fell 8.1% to $119.6 million, influenced by changing market dynamics in China [5] Segment Performance - Home & Outdoor segment net sales declined 6.7% to $229.6 million due to competitive pressures and lower retailer replenishment, although offset by strong demand for travel and lifestyle packs [8] - Beauty & Wellness segment net sales decreased 0.5% to $283.2 million, primarily due to a 13.9% drop in organic business sales, which was partially mitigated by contributions from the Olive & June acquisition [9] Margin and Cost Analysis - Consolidated gross profit margin contracted by 200 basis points to 46.9%, impacted by higher tariffs and inventory obsolescence, though partially offset by lower commodity costs [6] - The SG&A ratio increased by 160 basis points to 35.6%, driven by higher compensation expenses and increased freight costs [7] Outlook - The company revised its fiscal 2026 consolidated net sales revenue outlook to between $1.76 billion and $1.77 billion, reflecting expectations of continued consumer spending softness and macroeconomic uncertainty [12][13] - Projected GAAP loss per share is now expected to be between $35.57 and $36.07, with adjusted EPS ranging from $3.25 to $3.75, down from previous estimates [14] - Management anticipates ongoing pressures from a promotional retail environment and consumer trade-down behavior, alongside margin pressures from tariffs and unfavorable product mix [15]