Helen of Troy 3rd-Quarter Profit Flat

Profit for the quarter ended Nov. 30 edged up less than 1 percent to $22.8 million, or 73 cents per share, from $22.8 million, or 72 cents per share in the prior-year quarter. Current-quarter results include a 16-cent per share impairment charge and a 7-cent per share gain on the sale of land.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial predicted net income of 70 cents per share.

Revenue fell nearly 2 percent to $210.3 million from $213.4 million a year ago, while analysts expected sales of $220.1 million.

The company's houseware sales grew 19 percent to $47.4 million, but personal-care sales fell 6 percent to $163 million.

"Our personal-care segment is facing a challenging sales environment, which we anticipate will continue through at least the first half of this calendar year," said Gerald J. Rubin, chairman, chief executive and president, in a statement.

Due to the quarterly results and weak environment, the company cut earnings and sales guidance for the year.