Energizer Holdings reports surge in personal care sales

ST. LOUIS Energizer Holdings announced on Monday that wet shave and infant care fueled personal care sales during the second quarter.

In personal care, net sales for the quarter on a constant currency basis were up $11.9 million, or 2%, during the quarter. Including the impact of unfavorable currency translation, net sales were $463.3 million, down $13.5 million, versus $476.8 million in the year-ago period.

Wet shave net sales increased 7% because of growth in disposables and the launch of Quattro for Women Trimmer. The gains were partially offset by lower sales of men's systems as the prior-year quarter included the launch of Quattro Trimmer razors; additionally, this year?s quarter includes higher promotional spending against the Quattro men's franchise.

Infant care sales rose 8% thanks to growth in Diaper Genie Elite, disposable bottles and new soothing products.

However, feminine care and skin care sales partially offset the gains in wet shave and infant care. Feminine care sales slipped 3% as lower sales of Gentle Glide, due to increased competitive activity, were only partially offset by continued strong sales growth of Sport. Skin care sales decreased 6% due primarily to an unfavorable prior season sun care returns adjustment of $3 million in 2009 as compared with an equally favorable adjustment in the same period last year.

Segment profit for the quarter was $100.9 million, up $3.7 million, compared with $97.2 million in the year-ago period.