Getting a Little Stale at Wrigley?

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Wm. Wrigley Jr. (NYSE: WWY) reported on Monday that earnings rose almost 17%, to $0.62 a share (excluding charges to restructure its supply chain). But all is not as rosy as it appears, so investors should make sure they're testing all the flavors.

While sales increased 14%, to $1.38 billion, foreign currency translation accounted for about one-third of the growth. Essentially, the weak dollar helped boost sales when translating foreign currencies back into dollars for financial reporting. This has nothing to do with stellar operations, but is merely an accounting gain. Still, volumes increased 8% worldwide.

Meanwhile, sales in North America rose just 3%. Volumes, however, declined 1% due to an increase in prices. The company's Altoids brand, purchased in 2005 from Kraft (NYSE: KFT), continues to struggle, with most of the products showing a decline. The performance of its Extra brand of gum was also weak. Clearly, Wrigley has its work cut out. Competition, always difficult, may have become more intense with the Stride brand, made by Cadbury Schweppes (NYSE: CSG). Its flavor lasts longer (it's never-ending, according to commercials).

Wrigley has tempered expectations for the rest of the year. It expects full-year earnings to grow 9% to 11%; still respectable, but a far cry from this quarter. The company has begun shipping its new "5" brand of sugarless gum. The official launch is August, but look for margins to get squeezed as Wrigley spends more on marketing.

There is nothing wrong with 10% annual growth. But this is definitely a slowdown from the first half, and, with a trailing P/E of 29, Wrigley is priced for higher growth. Despite a decent 2% dividend yield, investors may find the stock a little much to chew on right now.

For related Foolishness:

• Wrigley Wows Wall Street
• Wrigley Wraps Up a Sweet Year
• Quick Take: Cadbury's Sweet Tooth

Wrigley and Kraft are both Motley Fool Income Investor recommendations. Learn how to harness the power of dividends by taking a free 30-day trial to this market-beating newsletter.

Fool contributor Larry Rothman is happy to receive feedback, and promises to read it when not being wrestled by his three children. He doesn't have any positions in the companies mentioned.