Tupperware, the iconic kitchenware company known for its plastic containers and sales parties, has hit a significant rough patch.[0] Amidst swirling bankruptcy rumors, the company’s stock plummeted by a staggering 50% on Monday. The company’s unstable financial situation was highlighted in a regulatory filing, prompting doubts about its capability to sustain operations.[1] Even though Tupperware has attempted to improve its reputation, it is currently facing the possible ramifications of its financial difficulties.[1]
According to the filing, the New York Stock Exchange warned Tupperware’s stock could be delisted due to the company’s failure to file an annual report for 2022.[2] The report may be coming in the next 30 days, but the company offered “no assurance” it could meet the required deadlines.[3] In order to secure more funds, Tupperware is exploring the possibility of selling its property and then leasing it back.[4] The company is “exploring right-sizing efforts, monetization of fixed assets, cash management, and marketing and channel optimization, to preserve and delivery additional liquidity.”[5]
Tupperware is working with Moelis & Co. and Kirkland & Ellis to explore options for its nearly $700 million in long-term debt.[6] According to the company, measures are being taken to enhance its liquidity status, which involves engaging in talks with potential investors or financing associates.[6] The company is examining its real estate holdings to identify potential areas for consolidation and generate additional cash reserves.[7]
GlobalData retail analyst and managing director Neil Saunders said Tupperware was in a “precarious position” financially and blamed its woes on a “sharp decline in the number of sellers, a consumer pullback on home products” and its failure to connect with younger consumers.[8] Tupperware has been attempting to reposition itself to a younger audience, but its sales continue to slide.[9]
Tupperware experienced a sizzling run-up during the first year of the COVID pandemic, almost tripling in 2020 as the lockdown boosted kitchenware sales.[7] Since then, it has experienced difficult times.[7] The company declared a going-concern regarding its future and disclosed unsatisfactory earnings in November, which resulted in a drop in share prices.[7] The hiring of advisers by the renowned brand has added to the unease of investors.[7]
For many years, Tupperware has been a well-known brand in households due to its long-lasting and multipurpose plastic containers, which were first introduced in 1946.[1] In recent times, the organization has faced difficulties in shedding its traditional reputation and luring a youthful and eco-conscious customer base.[1] Despite CEO Miguel Fernandez’s efforts to modernize and rebrand Tupperware, the company has not yet seen the desired results.[1]
Investors have sued Tupperware for allegedly concealing significant problems in its financial disclosures.[10] The company’s shares plunged 50% after its securities filing, sinking to $1.22 a share. This year, its stock has decreased by 70%.[11]
Despite the challenges, Tupperware’s leadership remains optimistic. “Tupperware has embarked on a journey to turn around our operations, and today marks a critical step in addressing our capital and liquidity position,” said Fernandez.[12] “The company is doing everything in its power to mitigate the impacts of recent events, and we are taking immediate action to seek additional financing and address our financial position.[13]
0. “Tupperware warns it could go out of business soon” Orlando Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2023, https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-bz-tupperware-warns-of-going-out-of-business-20230410-l4s2zr4yt5gh7ojxv2tihd4n2q-story.html
1. “Tupperware Turmoil: Iconic Brand at RISK, Stock TANKS. Bankruptcy abounds!” iHeart, 10 Apr. 2023, https://washfm.iheart.com/featured/toby-knapp/content/2023-04-10-tupperware-turmoil-iconic-brand-at-risk-stock-tanks-bankruptcy-abounds/
2. “Tupperware stock plunges after warning it could go out of business” KABC-TV, 11 Apr. 2023, https://abc7.com/tupperware-stock-falls-business-news-operations/13112442/
3. “Iconic U.S. company Tupperware warns it may shut down” AL.com, 11 Apr. 2023, https://www.al.com/news/2023/04/iconic-us-company-tupperware-warns-it-may-shut-down.html
4. “The party might be over for Tupperware” Morning Brew, 10 Apr. 2023, https://www.morningbrew.com/daily/stories/2023/04/10/the-party-might-be-over-for-tupperware
5. “Tupperware in financial trouble; investors issue warning” Plastics News, 10 Apr. 2023, https://www.plasticsnews.com/news/tupperware-financial-trouble-investors-issue-warning
6. “Tupperware Slumps After Hiring Advisers to Address Concerns About Its Viability” Yahoo Finance, 10 Apr. 2023, https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tupperware-slumps-hiring-advisers-address-135955789.html
7. “Tupperware slumps after hiring advisers to address viability concerns” Detroit News, 10 Apr. 2023, https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2023/04/10/tupperware-slumps-after-hiring-advisers-to-address-viability-concerns/70101325007/
8. “Iconic 77-year-old brand on brink of collapse” news.com.au, 11 Apr. 2023, https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/tupperware-company-on-brink-of-collapse-shares-plunge-90/news-story/0032aeef97c3799086d6e970eadad45f
9. “Tupperware shares plunge as it warns of possible collapse” BBC, 11 Apr. 2023, https://www.bbc.com/news/business-65237293
10. “Tupperware’s future uncertain as company warns it could go out of business” WFTV Orlando, 11 Apr. 2023, https://www.wftv.com/news/local/tupperwares-future-uncertain-company-warns-it-could-go-out-business/3LRDZ4U5EVDLJKAD3S7EKWD67U
11. “Tupperware stock plummets after warning it may go out of business” CBS News, 10 Apr. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tupperware-stock-warning-out-of-business-going-concern/
12. “Tupperware: Iconic kitchen brand on brink of collapse” Yahoo Finance Australia, 11 Apr. 2023, https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/tupperware-iconic-kitchen-brand-on-brink-of-collapse-060825097.html
13. “Tupperware May Have a Short Shelf Life” The Motley Fool, 11 Apr. 2023, https://www.fool.com/investing/2023/04/10/tupperware-may-have-a-short-shelf-life/