Elizabeth Arden cuts fiscal 2009 profit outlook

NEW YORK - Beauty products company Elizabeth Arden Inc. on Thursday lowered its fiscal full-year profit outlook because of a stronger dollar and softening consumer spending.

Elizabeth Arden forecast earnings between $1.50 and $1.75 per share for the full year, excluding an 8-cent unfavorable impact from foreign currency.

That's down from prior expectations of earnings between $1.65 and $1.85 for the year.

Elizabeth Arden expects sales to increase by 6.5 percent to 8.5 percent for the full fiscal year, implying revenue between $1.22 billion and $1.24 billion based on year-ago sales of $1.14 billion.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters expect earnings, on average, of $1.75 per share and sales of $1.29 billion.

Elizabeth Arden's outlook excludes expenses tied to its Liz Claiborne license agreement and restructuring charges.

Separately, Elizabeth Arden posted a fiscal first-quarter loss because of big charges tied to a licensing agreement for Liz Claiborne fragrance brands.

Shares declined 3 cents to $15.70.

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