What: Shares of container specialist Tupperware Brands Corporation (TUP -4.49%) were down 14.5% at 11:50 a.m. EST on Wednesday after its quarterly results and outlook missed Wall Street expectations.
So what: Tupperware shares have slumped in recent months on concerns over its exposure to weakening foreign currencies, and today's Q1 results -- EPS of $1.35 missed estimates by $0.03 on a top-line decline of 12.9% -- coupled with downbeat guidance only reinforce those worries. While Tupperware's sales force grew 5% year over year, and North American segment sales increased a solid 16% in local currency, Tupperware's heavy overseas exposure -- more than 70% of its business is generated from outside the U.S. -- suggests more near-term headwinds ahead.
Now what: For 2016, management now sees EPS of $4.07-$4.16 -- well below the consensus estimate of $4.53 -- on a year-over-year sales decline of about 5%. "Given today's environment, we're making some defensive moves to allow us to perform financially and to play better offense in implementing our growth strategies," said Chairman and CEO Rick Goings. "We remain confident the strong fundamentals of our business model coupled with these actions will set a path to success for our 3.1 million global sales force, our associates and for delivery of value to our shareholders." With the stock now off about 40% from its 52-week highs, and boasting a 5%-plus dividend yield, Tupperware's seemingly short-term currency woes might be providing patient Fools with a solid long-term income opportunity.
