Alberto-Culver sees improved oper net

CHICAGO, April 30 (Reuters) - Alberto-Culver Co. Inc. (ACV.N) should show improvement in pretax earnings from continuing operations this quarter, but net earnings face a very difficult comparison to last year, Chief Executive James Marino said during a conference call.

Marino also said Alberto-Culver is "very, very interested" in adding to its portfolio, especially in the skin care category. He declined to comment on any potential acquisitions.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2006, earnings got a boost from an exceptionally low tax rate due to a favorable resolution of certain tax audits, Marino said.

He did not give a specific earnings forecast, but analysts, on average, expect Alberto-Culver, known for Alberto VO5 shampoo and St. Ives lotion, to earn 24 cents per share during the current fiscal third quarter.

((Reporting by Jessica Wohl, editing by J.S. Benkoe; Reuters Messaging: jessica.wohl.reuters.com@reuters.net; +312-408-8132; e-mail: jessica.wohl@reuters.com)) Keywords: ALBERTO EARNS/OUTLOOK

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