Newell Rubbermaid posts loss on higher sales

ATLANTA — Newell Rubbermaid reported that core sales grew across its business for the quarter, while profits fell from $52 million to $13.2 million. At the same time, adjusted profit matched analyst expectations. The company’s core sales metric excludes acquisitions, divestitures, and foreign currency movements. Newell reached a $15.4 billion agreement last month to purchase Jarden Corp., which manufactures Rawlings baseball gloves and Mr. Coffee machines. In the fall, Newell moved to acquire Elmer’s Products and to divest itself of its window treatment business.