Physicians Formula reports net loss in Q4

AZUSA, Calif. Physicians Formula Holdings posted a net loss during the fourth quarter, as consumer spending slowed and retailers tightened inventory control. The beauty company expects the challenging retail environment to continue in 2009.

Net sales for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2008 were $28.2 million, compared with net sales of $33.9 million in the year-ago period.

Net loss for the quarter was $24.5 million, or a loss of $1.80 per diluted share, compared with net income of $4.9 million, or a gain of 33 cents per diluted share, in the year-ago period. Excluding non-cash goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges, adjusted net income per diluted common share for fourth quarter 2008 was 13 cents.

Net sales for the full year 2008 were $114 million, up 2.2% compared with net sales of $111.5 million for 2007. Net loss for 2008 totaled $19.8 million, or a loss of $1.41 per diluted share, compared with a gain in the year-ago period of $8.7 million, or 60 cents per share. Excluding non-cash goodwill and intangible impairment charges, adjusted net income per diluted common share was 47 cents for 2008.

“Our 2009 strategic initiatives, including new product offerings, our new communication, promotional and merchandising platforms, were designed to raise the profile of our brand, to continue to push the boundaries of innovation and to improve the shopping experience,” stated Ingrid Jackel, chairwoman, CEO of Physicians Formula. “However, during the first quarter of the year, retailers continue to operate under unprecedented tight inventory control programs and, in addition, we are experiencing smaller pipeline orders compared to last year?s larger pipelines from space gains. We expect 2009 will continue to be a very challenging retail environment for our industry.”