Blyth Inc. posted a fourth quarter net sales increase of 28%, reporting sales of $486.4 million versus sales of $380.5 million a year earlier.
Operating profit for the Greenwich, CT-based company declined 2% to $38.3 million from $39.0 million in the prior year period.
Net sales for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31 increased 17% to $1,505.6 million versus $1,288.6 million reported a year ago. Operating profit for the 12-month period was $153.1 million compared to $155.5 million a year earlier.
Fourth quarter net sales in the candles and home fragrance segment were $377.6 million, compared to $347.1 million in the prior year period. Operating income for this segment was $35.4 million, compared to $41.2 million in last year’s fourth quarter. Net sales in the ‘Creative Expressions’ businesses totaled $108.8 million versus $33.4 million one year ago, and operating profit was $2.9 million compared to operating losses of $2.2 million in the prior year period.
For the full year, net sales in the candles segment were $1,119.5 million, compared to $1,084.6 million in the prior year period. Operating income declined to $120.2 million from $129.3 million last year due. Net sales in the ‘Creative Expressions’ segment totaled $386.1 million versus $204.0 million one year ago, and operating income was $32.8 million compared to $26.3 million in the prior year period. Increases in this segment were primarily attributable to several acquisitions in fiscal 2004, including Miles Kimball and Walter Drake.
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