Is the US Consumer Getting Stretched? Earnings Will Offer Fresh Clues

Consumers are stretched, choosing essential spending over discretionary items, Helen of Troy (HELE) executives said Tuesday in an indicator that other consumer-focused companies may report their own pressures this earnings season. 

“The macro environment and the health of consumers and retailers has worsened,” said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Noel Geoffroy on an earnings conference call with Wall Street analysts Tuesday. “Consumers are even more financially stretched and are even further prioritizing essentials over discretionary items.”

The news comes ahead of other high-profile earnings reports set for release this week, including announcements from PepsiCo (PEP), ConAgra (CAG), and Delta Air Lines (DAL), that should offer further views into how consumer spending is holding up. U.S. retail sales growth for May came in slightly below economists’ expectations. 

Helen of Troy Shares Plunge After Earnings

Shares of Helen of Troy, known for the OXO, Revlon, Vicks, and Osprey brands, among others, were recently down almost 28%. The company earlier Tuesday missed the Street’s estimates for its fiscal first-quarter profit and revenue and cut its outlook, a report that offered early potential clues regarding the health of the U.S. consumer as the latest earnings season unfolds. 

Executives cited an “unexpected” slowdown in its outdoor category, hitting sales of packs and accessories; pressure on the beauty category, especially beauty tools under $100; and a downtrend in some discretionary household items, including dry food storage, according to a transcript of the conference call provided by AlphaSense. 

Shares of beauty products maker Estee Lauder (EL) were recently off 2%. The company, which is scheduled to report its next set of quarterly results on Aug. 19, in May lowered its earnings guidance, citing macroeconomic pressures.