Sales Rise at Tupperware—But Beauty Drops

Tupperware Brands Corporation posted first quarter 2017 operating results. Net sales rose 6% to $554.8 million. Emerging markets accounted for 66% of sales, the most significant contributions to the first quarter growth in local currency were in Brazil, China, Tupperware Mexico and Tupperware South Africa, partially offset by Indonesia.

For Tupperware North America, both Mexico and US and Canada leveraged strong fundamentals, growing segment sales up 10% in dollars and up 14% in local currency.

For Beauty North America, segment sales were down 19% in dollars and 13% in local currency. Beauticontrol sales were down 23%, mainly in connection with a smaller sales force.

For the full year, sales are expected to be down low-single digits in dollars (down 1 to 3% in local currency) in Europe, about even in dollars and in local currency in Asia Pacific, up high single digits in dollars (up 8 to 10%) in Tupperware North America, down low double digits in dollars (down 10 to 11%) in Beauty North America and to increase in South America by mid to high twenties in dollars (18 to 20%).
 
Rick Goings, Chairman and CEO, commented, “Local currency sales grew 6% in the first quarter, beating the high-end of our sales guidance by 3 points, driven by 9% growth in our emerging market businesses, most significantly in Brazil, China, Tupperware Mexico and Tupperware South Africa. Adjusted earnings per share was 7 cents above the high-end of our range, including a 2 cent benefit from foreign exchange rates versus our February guidance.”

Goings continued, “Solid execution of direct selling fundamentals, along with innovative digital strategies across the portfolio, allowed more of our businesses to leverage our strong aspirational brand and provide an earnings opportunity that builds confidence in the 3.2 million women of our global sales force. With double digit sales force size advantages and the wind at our backs in several key businesses, we expect the momentum to continue in 2017, and have raised our sales and earnings per share outlooks accordingly.”