date:Aug 14, 2012
y lowerinterest expense stemming from the Company's refinancingactivities and lower debt levels. The tax rate for the secondquarter of 2012, excluding discrete items, would be approximately40%.
Net sales of $1.21 billion in the first six months of 2012were essentially even with net sales in the first six months of2011. Net sales in the company's North American retail businessesdecreased 1%.EBIT was $107 million in the first six months of 2012, aftergiving effect to $20 million in pre-tax charge