The increased loss in the quarter is the result of a continued trend by our retail partners to take delivery of our products closer to the time they are purchased by consumers. Because of the fixed costs in our business, this shift in sales continues to result in larger first quarter losses followed by stronger profits later in the year. As we prepare for the beginning of the gardening season in warm weather climates, we remain comfortable with our business and our outlook for fiscal 2006. |
We've enjoyed a strong start to the lawn and garden season and are pleased with our second quarter and year-to-date results. Even as retailers remain focused on managing their inventory levels, it is encouraging that our retail partners continue to support our brands. Their support allowed us to meet our internal projections for the quarter, and we are confident about our full-year outlook. |