Sales & Earnings In Brief

Revlon: New Revlon color cosmetics introduced this year helped boost fiscal 2008 second-quarter sales 6% in U.S., compared with prior-year period, to $216.4 mil., Revlon reports July 31. However, U.S. mass retail share for firm's Revlon and Almay brands, women's hair color, antiperspirants and beauty tools all declined slightly during the quarter, according to ACNielsen figures cited by the company. Revlon color cosmetics gave strong performance in Latin America, Asia Pacific and European markets, driving international sales up 10.3% to $160 mil. In June, Revlon completed sale of Bozzano line of men's hair care and shaving products, along with other "non-core brands" sold in Brazil, to Hypermarcas S.A. for roughly $104 mil. Firm says it is evaluating most appropriate use of $94 mil. in net proceeds anticipated after taxes and transaction costs. Revlon's net sales in second quarter were $376.4 mil., up 7.8%. Company booked $696.8 mil. for first half of FY 2008, an increase of 2.8% versus the prior-year period. Brand recently signed Jennifer Connelly as its newest spokesmodel (1"The Rose Sheet," July 28, 2008, In Brief)...