Helen of Troy
HELE
#7122
Rank
$0.54 B
Marketcap
$23.62
Share price
-0.84%
Change (1 day)
-21.37%
Change (1 year)

Helen of Troy - 10-Q quarterly report FY


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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the quarterly period ended August 31, 2001


OR


[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from .................. to ......................


Commission file number 0-23312


HELEN OF TROY LIMITED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Bermuda 74-2692550
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

One Helen of Troy Plaza
El Paso, TX 79912
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (915) 225-8000

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]

As of October 9, 2001 there were 28,079,006 shares of Common Stock,
$.10 Par Value, outstanding.


1
HELEN OF TROY LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX


<Table>
<Caption>
Page No.
<S> <C>
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 Consolidated Condensed Balance
Sheets as of August 31, 2001 (unaudited) and
February 28, 2001...........................................................3

Consolidated Condensed Statements
of Income (unaudited) for the Three Months and Six Months
Ended August 31, 2001 and August 31, 2000...................................5

Consolidated Condensed Statements
of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the Six Months
Ended August 31, 2001 and August 31, 2000...................................6

Notes to Consolidated Condensed
Financial Statements........................................................8

Item 2 Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.................................................................12

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders...........................16


Item 6 Exhibits and reports on Form 8-K..............................................17

SIGNATURES.....................................................................................18
</Table>


2
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

HELEN OF TROY LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except shares)

<Table>
<Caption>
August 31, February 28,
2001 2001
---------- ------------
(unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
Assets

Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 11,264 $ 25,937
Marketable securities, at market value 173 1,956
Receivables, principally trade, less allowance
of $5,217 at August 31, 2001 and
$4,081 at February 28, 2001 74,682 64,310
Inventories 149,490 118,544
Prepaid expenses 5,488 2,516
Deferred income tax benefits 8,603 7,118
---------- ----------
Total current assets 249,700 220,381

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
of $10,486 at August 31, 2001 and $9,133 at
February 28, 2001 46,932 47,763

Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of $7,154 at
August 31, 2001 and $6,096 at February 28, 2001 41,750 42,808

License agreements, at cost less accumulated amortization
of $11,354 at August 31, 2001 and $10,676 at
February 28, 2001 7,166 7,844

Other assets, net of accumulated amortization 17,743 18,385
---------- ----------
$ 363,291 $ 337,181
========== ==========
</Table>


(Continued)


3
HELEN OF TROY LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except shares)

<Table>
<Caption>
August 31, February 28,
2001 2001
---------- ------------
(unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks $ 10,000 $ 10,000
Accounts payable, principally trade 23,392 21,003
Accrued expenses:
Advertising and promotional 6,581 5,101
Other 13,320 8,343
Income taxes payable 22,888 18,125
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities 76,181 62,572

Long-term debt 55,000 55,000
---------- ----------

Total liabilities 131,181 117,572

Stockholders' equity:
Cumulative preferred stock, non-voting, $1.00 par value
Authorized 2,000,000 shares; none issued -- --
Common stock, $.10 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares;
28,079,006 and 28,065,526 shares issued and outstanding at
August 31, 2001 and February 28, 2001, respectively 2,806 2,806
Additional paid-in capital 52,543 52,206
Retained earnings 179,879 169,503
Minority interest in deficit of acquired subsidiary (3,118) (4,906)
---------- ----------
Total stockholders' equity 232,110 219,609

Commitments and contingencies
---------- ----------
$ 363,291 $ 337,181
========== ==========
</Table>

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.


4
HELEN OF TROY LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except shares and earnings per share)

<Table>
<Caption>
Three months ended Six months ended
August 31, August 31,
2001 2000 2001 2000
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $ 113,482 $ 88,233 $ 205,557 $ 164,344
Cost of sales 57,086 54,416 106,490 100,598
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
56,396 33,817 99,067 63,746

Selling, general and administrative
expenses 45,465 29,493 80,866 55,788
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Operating income 10,931 4,324 18,201 7,958

Other income (expense):
Interest expense (1,111) (1,038) (2,170) (2,020)

Other income (net) 390 332 575 629
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total other income (expense) (721) (706) (1,595) (1,391)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------

Earnings before income taxes 10,210 3,618 16,606 6,567
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current 4,374 (384) 6,197 16
Deferred (1,467) (256) (1,485) 471
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net earnings $ 7,303 $ 3,746 $ 11,894 $ 6,080
============ ============ ============ ============
Earnings per share:
Basic $ .26 $ .13 $ .42 $ .21
Diluted .25 .13 .41 .21

Weighted average number of common
and common equivalent shares
used in computing earnings
per share:
Basic 28,071,848 28,479,321 28,066,743 28,598,401
Diluted 29,337,253 28,793,026 28,938,065 28,955,461
</Table>

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.


5
HELEN OF TROY LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited, in thousands)

<Table>
<Caption>
Six months ended August 31,
2001 2000
---------- ----------

<S> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings $ 11,894 $ 6,080
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash used
by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 4,308 4,063
Provision for doubtful receivables 562 67
Deferred taxes, net (1,485) 471
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities 1,614 286
Realized gain - trading securities (584) (17)
Unrealized loss (gain) - trading securities 753 (42)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (10,934) (19,611)
Inventory (30,946) (7,162)
Prepaid expenses (2,972) 39
Accounts payable 2,389 (721)
Accrued expenses 6,457 2,119
Income taxes payable 4,763 (929)
---------- ----------
Net cash used by operating activities (14,181) (15,357)

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital and license expenditures (516) (2,663)
Other assets (583) (5,543)
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired -- (2,205)
---------- ----------
Net cash used by investing activities (1,099) (10,411)
</Table>

(Continued)


6
HELEN OF TROY LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited, in thousands)

<Table>
<Caption>
Six months ended August 31,
2001 2000
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash flows from financing activities:
Common stock repurchases $ -- $ (2,640)
Capital contribution to Tactica International,
Inc. subsidiary from minority shareholders $ 600 $ --
Exercise of stock options 7 139
---------- ----------
Net cash provided (used) by financing
activities 607 (2,501)
---------- ----------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (14,673) (28,269)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 25,937 34,265
---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 11,264 $ 5,996
========== ==========
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Interest paid $ 2,132 $ 2,020
Income taxes paid, net of refunds 835 830
</Table>

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.


7
HELEN OF TROY LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
August 31, 2001


Note 1 - In the opinion of the Company, the accompanying consolidated
condensed financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of
only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly its
financial position as of August 31, 2001 and February 28, 2001 and
the results of its operations for the three-month and six-month
periods ended August 31, 2001 and 2000. While the Company believes
that the disclosures presented are adequate to make the information
not misleading, these statements should be read in conjunction with
the financial statements and the notes included in the Company's
latest annual report on Form 10-K.

Certain reclassifications were made to information for the three
months and six months ended August 31, 2000 in order to conform to
the presentation for the three months and six months ended August 31,
2001.

Note 2 - The Company is involved in various claims and legal actions arising
in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes that the
ultimate disposition of such claims and legal actions will not have a
material adverse effect on the financial position, results of
operations, or cash flows of the Company.

Note 3 - Basic earnings per share is computed based upon the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted
earnings per share is computed based upon the weighted average number
of common shares plus the effects of dilutive securities. The number
of dilutive securities was 1,265,405 and 313,705 for the three months
ended August 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively, and 871,322 and 357,060
for the six months ended August 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. All
dilutive securities for the six months ended August 31, 2001
consisted of dilutive stock options issued under the Company's stock
option plans. Options to purchase common stock that were outstanding
but not included in the computation of earnings per share because the
exercise prices of such options were greater than the average market
prices of the Company's common stock totaled 3,184,162 at August 31,
2001 and 4,091,762 at August 31, 2000.

Note 4 - On September 29, 1999, the Company's Board of Directors approved a
resolution authorizing the Company to purchase, in open market or
private transactions, up to 3,000,000 shares of its common stock over
a period extending to September 29, 2002. As of August 31, 2001, the
Company had repurchased 1,342,341 of its shares under this resolution
at a total cost of $8,699,000. The Company did not purchase any of
its shares during the six months ended August 31, 2001.


8
Note 5 -   The following table contains segment information as of and for the
three month and six month period ended August 31, 2001 and August 31,
2000.

THREE MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2001 AND 2000
(in thousands)

<Table>
<Caption>
North Corporate/
AUGUST 31, 2001 American International Tactica Other Total
----------------------- -------- ------------- -------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $ 75,173 $ 5,676 $ 32,633 $ -- $113,482
Operating income (loss) 9,350 (1,007) 3,926 (1,338) 10,931
Capital/license
expenditures 257 8 46 -- 311
Depreciation and
amortization 1,465 618 13 49 2,145
</Table>

<Table>
<Caption>
AUGUST 31, 2000
-----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $ 78,461 $ 4,377 $ 5,395 $ -- $88,233
Operating income (loss) 8,844 (600) (2,480) (1,440) 4,324
Capital/license
expenditures 1,989 76 239 -- 2,304
Depreciation and
amortization 1,508 632 15 30 2,185
</Table>

SIX MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2001 AND 2001
(in thousands)

<Table>
<Caption>
North Corporate/
AUGUST 31, 2001 American International Tactica Other Total
----------------------- -------- ------------- -------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $144,409 $ 9,725 $ 51,423 $ -- $205,557
Operating income (loss) 15,745 (2,340) 6,515 (1,719) 18,201
Capital/license
expenditures 431 8 77 -- 516
Depreciation and
amortization 3,472 720 25 91 4,308
</Table>

<Table>
<Caption>
AUGUST 31, 2000
-----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $146,665 $ 8,439 $ 9,240 $ -- $164,344
Operating income (loss) 14,040 (1,229) (3,115) (1,738) 7,958
Capital/license
expenditures 2,102 167 239 155 2,663
Depreciation and
amortization 3,222 721 25 95 4,063
</Table>


9
Identifiable assets at August 31, 2001 and February 28, 2001 were as
follows:

<Table>
<Caption>
(in thousands)

North Corporate/
American International Tactica Other Total
-------- ------------- -------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
August 31, 2001 $293,497 $ 24,414 $ 28,030 $ 17,350 $363,291

February 28, 2001 273,068 24,331 19,943 19,839 337,181
</Table>

The North American segment sells hair care appliances, other personal
care appliances, including massagers and spa products, hairbrushes,
combs, and utility and decorative hair accessories in the United
States, Canada, and Mexico. The International segment sells the same
types of products outside North America. Tactica sells a variety of
personal care and other consumer products directly to consumers and
to retailers.

Operating profit for each operating segment is computed based on net
sales, less cost of goods sold, less any selling, general and
administrative SG&A expenses associated with the segment. The SG&A
expense totals used to compute each segment's operating profit are
comprised of SG&A expenses directly associated with those segments,
plus corporate overhead expenses that are allocable to operating
segments. Other items of income and expense, including income taxes,
are not allocated to operating segments.

Note 6 - The Inland Revenue Department (the "IRD") in Hong Kong assessed tax
on certain profits of the Company's foreign subsidiaries for the
fiscal years 1990 through 1997. Hong Kong tax law allows for the
taxation of profits earned from activities conducted in Hong Kong.
The Company is vigorously defending its position that it conducted
the activities that produced the profits in question outside of Hong
Kong. The Company also asserts that it has complied with all
applicable reporting and tax payment obligations. If the IRD's
position were to prevail, the resulting tax liability could range
from $5,600,000 to $31,428,000 (U.S.) for the period from fiscal 1990
through the second quarter of fiscal 2002. In connection with the
IRD's assertion, the Company had purchased $5,750,000 (U.S.) in tax
reserve certificates in Hong Kong. Tax reserve certificates represent
the prepayment by a taxpayer of potential tax liabilities. The
amounts paid for tax reserve certificates are refundable in the event
that the value of the tax reserve certificates exceeds the ultimate
tax liability. These certificates are denominated in Hong Kong
currency and are subject to risks associated with foreign currency
fluctuations. Although the ultimate resolution of the IRD's claims


10
cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that adequate
provision has been made in the financial statements for settlement of
the IRD's claims.

Note 7 - Helen of Troy's consolidated results of operations include 100
percent of the net earnings and losses of Tactica International, Inc.
("Tactica"), a subsidiary in which Helen of Troy owns a 55 percent
interest. At the time of Helen of Troy's acquisition of this
interest, Tactica reported an accumulated net deficit. Because the
minority interest portion of that deficit was recorded as a reduction
in Helen of Troy's stockholders' equity, rather than as an asset,
Helen of Troy will include 100 percent of Tactica's net earnings and
losses in its consolidated income statement until Tactica's
accumulated deficit is eliminated. At August 31, 2001, Tactica's
accumulated deficit remaining to be eliminated is approximately
$6,900,000.


11
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations

Results of Operations

Quarter ended August 31, 2001

Net sales for the quarter ended August 31, 2001 increased $25,249,000, or 28.6
percent, to $113,482,000, compared to $88,233,000 for the quarter ended August
31, 2000. The sales increase is largely attributable to growth in the Tactica
operating segment. Tactica continues to achieve sales increases in both the
direct response and retail markets with its Epil-Stop hair removal products and
other products. The Company also attained sales growth in its International
operating segment during the quarter. The International segment's sales
increase was attributable to an increased presence in Latin America as well as
increased sales in the U.K., Germany and France. Second quarter fiscal 2002
North American operating segment sales decreased 4.4 percent, compared to the
same period last year, due to softness in the retail distribution channel
resulting primarily from a weaker U.S. economy. The Company did achieve percent
sales growth in the professional distribution channel within the North American
segment due to the strong performance of products such as the ION hair dryer and
hair straighteners.

Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased to 49.7 percent in the second
three months of fiscal 2002 versus 38.2 percent in the second three months of
fiscal 2001. Tactica contributed significantly to the gross profit increase, as
its sales increased to $33,704,000 during the second quarter of fiscal 2002
versus $5,395,000 for the second quarter of fiscal 2001 .Tactica's sales produce
higher gross margins than the Company's other operating segments, consequently,
the increase in sales by Tactica, relative to the other operating segments, has
produced higher consolidated gross margins. Exclusive of Tactica's earnings,
the Company achieved a 39.1 percent gross profit margin in the second quarter of
fiscal 2002 as compared to a 36.4 percent gross profit margin in the second
quarter of fiscal 2001.

Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") as a percentage of sales
increased to 40.1 percent of sales for the quarter ended August 31, 2001,
compared to 33.5 percent during the quarter ended August 31, 2000. The increase
was due primarily to expenses associated with Tactica national media advertising
campaigns. Tactica typically operates at higher gross profit margins than Helen
of Troy's other operating segments, but also has higher operating expenses
because of the high level of television and print advertising inherent in
Tactica's business model. Exclusive of Tactica, Helen of Troy's other operating
segments achieved slight decreases in SG&A, as a percentage of net sales, from
33.5 percent during the second quarter of last fiscal year to 30.5 percent,
during the second quarter of this fiscal year.

Interest expense for the quarter ended August 31, 2001 totaled $1,111,000, an
increase of $73,000, compared to interest expense of $1,038,000 for the quarter
ended August 31, 2000. This increase was due to the Company's increased
borrowing under its primary line of credit.

Income tax expense was 28.5 percent of earnings before income taxes for the
second quarter of fiscal 2002, compared to a tax benefit of 3.5 percent of
earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2001. The increase is due to the fact
that Tactica, which has a 43.5 percent tax rate, generated income for the second
quarter of fiscal 2002, compared to a loss for the same period a year earlier.
Exclusive of Tactica, the Company has a 19.8 percent effective tax rate for the
second quarter of fiscal of 2002.


12
Six months ended August 31, 2001

Net sales for the six months ended August 31, 2001 (the first half of fiscal
2002) increased $41,213,000, or 25.1 percent, to $205,557,000, compared to
$164,344,000 for the six months ended August 31, 2000 (the first half of fiscal
2001). As was the case for the second quarter of fiscal 2002, the sales increase
is largely attributable to growth in the Tactica operating segment. Consistent
with the second quarter, the Company attained sales growth in its International
operating segment during the first half attributable to an increased presence in
Latin America as well as increased sales in the U.K., Germany and France. The
Company's North American operating segment sales were 1.5 percent lower for the
first six months of fiscal 2002, compared to the same period a year earlier. A
weaker U.S. economy in the retail distribution channel primarily contributed to
this decrease. The Company did achieve a professional distribution channel
within the north American segment. The events of and related to the September 11
tragedies in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania, combined with
continuing softness in the U.S. economy could negatively affect the Company's
second half sales.

Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased to 48.2 percent in the first
half of fiscal 2002 versus 38.8 percent in the first half of fiscal 2001.
Consistent with the second quarter of Physical 2002, Tactica contributed
significantly to the first half gross profit increase. Tactica's sales increased
from $9,200,000 to $51,400,000 during the first half of fiscal 2002 versus the
first half of fiscal 2001 and were at higher gross margins than the Company's
sales in other segments. Exclusive of Tactica's earnings, the Company achieved a
39.1 percent gross profit margin in the first six months of fiscal 2002 as
compared to a 37.1 percent gross profit margin in the first six months of fiscal
2001.

Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") as a percentage of sales
increased to 39.3 percent of sales for the six months ended August 31, 2001,
compared to 34.0 percent during the six months ended August 31, 2000. The
increase in the first half of Physical 2002 was due primarily to expenses
associated with Tactica national media advertising campaigns. Tactica's SG&A
expense as a percentage to sales are comparatively greater than the Company's
other operating segments due to the high level of television and print
advertising inherent in Tactica's business model. Exclusive of Tactica, Helen of
Troy's other operating segments incurred modest increases in SG&A as a
percentage of sales, from 30.1 percent to 31.6 percent, during the first six
months of this fiscal versus the same period last year.

Interest expense for the six months ended August 31, 2001 totaled $2,170,000, an
increase of $150,000, compared to interest expense of $2,020,000 for the six
months ended August 31, 2000. This increase was due to the Company's increased
borrowing under its primary line of credit.

Income tax expense was 28.4 percent of earnings before income taxes for the
first six months of fiscal 2002, compared to 7.4 percent for the first six
months of fiscal 2001. The increase is due to the fact that Tactica, which has a
43.5 percent effective tax rate, generated income for the first half of fiscal
2002, compared to a loss for the same period a year earlier. Exclusive of
Tactica, the company has a 19.9 percent effective rate for the 6 months ending
August 31, 2002.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company's working capital and current ratio were $173,519,000 and 3.3 to 1,
respectively at August 31, 2001, compared to working capital of $157,809,000 and
a current ratio of 3.5 to 1 at February 28, 2001.

Cash decreased from $25,937,000 at February 28, 2001 to $11,204,000 at August
31, 2001. The Company's operating activities used cash of $14,181,000 due mainly
to increased inventory and receivable levels. The Company increased its
inventory levels in order to position itself for the holiday selling season.


13
The Company maintains a revolving credit loan with a bank to facilitate
short-term borrowings and the issuance of letters of credit. This line of credit
allows for borrowings totaling $25,000,000 and charges interest at the LIBOR
rate plus a percentage that varies based the Company's debt to the Company's
earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA). Of the
$25,000,000 commitment, $10,000,000 may be loaned at the discretion of the
lender. The revolving credit agreement provides that the Company must satisfy
requirements concerning its minimum net worth, total debt to consolidated total
capitalization ratio, debt to EBITDA ratio and its fixed charge coverage
ratio. At August 31, 2001, the interest rate charged under the line of credit
ranged from 5.19 percent to 5.21 percent. This revolving credit loan allows for
the issuance of letters of credit up to $7,000,000. Any outstanding letters of
credit reduce the revolving credit loan on a dollar-for-dollar basis. As of
August 31, 2001, borrowings totaled $10,000,000 and there were no outstanding
letters of credit under this facility.

The Company has an additional line of credit with a different lender,
specifically for the issuance of letters of credit. That line of credit charges
interest at the bank's prime rate plus two percent, allows up to $4,000,000 in
letters of credit to be outstanding at any one time and expires November 9,
2001. As of August 31, 2001, there were no borrowings and there were $2,100,000
in letters of credit under this facility.

The Company believes that cash flows from operations and available financing
sources will continue to provide sufficient capital resources to fund the
Company's ongoing liquidity needs for the foreseeable future.

Accounting for Tactica International, Inc.

Helen of Troy's consolidated results of operations include 100 percent of the
net earnings and losses Tactica International, Inc. ("Tactica"), a subsidiary in
which Helen of Troy owns a 55 percent interest. At the time of Helen of Troy's
acquisition of this interest, Tactica had an accumulated net deficit. Because
the minority interest portion of that deficit was recorded as a reduction in
Helen of Troy's stockholders' equity, rather than as an asset, Helen of Troy
will include 100 percent of Tactica's net earnings and losses in its
consolidated income statement until Tactica's accumulated deficit is eliminated.
At August 31, 2001, Tactica's accumulated deficit remaining to be eliminated is
approximately $6,900,000. If this deficit is eliminated, the Company's
subsequent consolidated results of operation will include 55 percent rather than
100 percent of Tactica's net earnings or losses.

Information relating to forward-looking statements

This report, some of the Company's press releases and some of the Company's
comments to the news media, contain certain forward-looking statements that are
based on management's current expectations with respect to future events or
financial performance. A number of risks or uncertainties could cause actual
results to differ materially from historical or anticipated results. Generally,
the words "anticipates," "believes," "expects" and other similar words identify
forward-looking statements. The Company cautions readers not to place undue
reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject
to risks that could cause such statements to differ materially from actual
results. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those
anticipated include: (1) general industry conditions and competition, (2)
credit risks, (3) the Company's material reliance on individual customers or
small numbers of customers, (4) the Company's material reliance on certain
trademarks, (5) risks associated with inventory, including potential
obsolescence, (6) risks associated with new products and new product lines, (7)
risks associated with operating in foreign jurisdictions, (8) worldwide and
domestic economic conditions, (9) political conditions and events in the
United States and abroad, (10) the impact of current and future laws and
regulations, (11) the domestic and foreign tax rates to which the Company is
subject, (12) uninsured losses, (13) reliance on computer systems, (14)
management's reliance on the representations of third parties, (15) risks
associated with new business ventures and acquisitions, (16) risks associated
with investments in equity securities, (17) the Company's ability to access the
capital markets and equity markets and (18) the risks described from time to
time in the Company's reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission,
including this report.


14
New Accounting Guidance

In April 2001, the FASB's Emerging Issues Tasks force ("EITF") reached
consensus on EITF Issue 00-25 ("EITF 00-25"), "Vendor Income Statement
Characterization of Consideration from a Vendor to a Retailer." EITF 00-25
requires vendors who offer certain allowances to customers to characterize
those allowances as reductions of net sales, rather than as selling, general,
and administrative expenses. EITF 00-25 is applicable for fiscal quarters
beginning after December 15, 2001 and requires restatement of prior periods if
possible. Had the Company applied EITF 00-25 to its second quarter fiscal 2002
and 2001 results, net sales and selling, general, and administrative expense
would have decreased by $791,000 in fiscal 2002 and $661,000 in fiscal 2001.


15
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

The Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held August 28, 2001 in El
Paso, Texas. At that meeting, the shareholders voted on the following proposals:

o Proposal 1. Election of Directors;
o Proposal 2. To consider an amendment to the Helen of Troy Limited 1998
Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan to increase the
number of shares of the Company's common stock available
under such plan.

A description of the foregoing matters is contained in the Company's Proxy
Statement dated July 13, 2001, relating to the 2001 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders.

With respect to Proposal 1, the Directors received the following votes:

<Table>
<Caption>
Against or
For Withheld
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Gerald J. Rubin 22,209,623 241,601
Daniel C. Montano 19,889,111 2,562,113
Byron H. Rubin 22,342,728 103,496
Stanlee N. Rubin 22,202,678 249,146
Gary B. Abromovitz 22,352,920 98,304
Christopher L. Carameros 22,358,172 93,052
</Table>

Proposal 2 received the following votes:

Proposal 2
----------

<Table>
<Caption>
Broker
For Against Abstentions Non-Votes
--------- --------- ------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
9,879,122 5,741,871 346,290 6,483,941
</Table>


16
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) Exhibits

10.21 Loan Agreement

10.22 Revolving Credit Loan Note

10.23 Second Amendment to Loan Agreement

10.24 Third Amendment to Loan Agreement

10.25 Fourth Amendment to Loan Agreement

10.26 Fifth Amendment to Loan Agreement



17
SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


HELEN OF TROY LIMITED
(Registrant)



Date October 12, 2001 /s/ Gerald J. Rubin
---------------------- --------------------------------
Gerald J. Rubin
Chairman of the Board, Chief
Executive Officer and President
(Principal Executive Officer)


Date October 12, 2001 /s/ Russell G. Gibson
---------------------- --------------------------------
Russell G. Gibson
Senior Vice-President, Finance,
and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)



18
Exhibit Index
-------------

10.21 Loan Agreement

10.22 Revolving Credit Loan Note

10.23 Second Amendment to Loan Agreement

10.24 Third Amendment to Loan Agreement

10.25 Fourth Amendment to Loan Agreement

10.26 Fifth Amendment to Loan Agreement



19