Helen of Troy (NASDAQ:HELE), the designer and marketer of brands including OXO, Hydro Flask, and Osprey, reported a challenging fourth quarter for fiscal 2026, marked by significant non-cash charges and persistent macroeconomic pressure.
The El Paso-based company posted consolidated net sales of $470 million, a decline from the $485.9 million reported in the same period last year, as softer consumer spending in discretionary categories weighed on volumes.
The company’s bottom line was heavily impacted by non-cash asset impairment charges, which contributed to a GAAP diluted loss per share of $2.41, compared to earnings of $2.22 a year ago.
On an adjusted basis, which excludes the impact of these impairments and other non-recurring items, diluted EPS stood at $0.83.
Gross profit margin contracted to 44.6%, primarily due to the unfavorable impact of higher tariffs and a more promotional retail environment.
Despite the earnings contraction, Helen of Troy demonstrated significant strength in liquidity management.
Net cash provided by operating activities surged to $111.3 million for the quarter, compared to $35 million in the prior-year period.