Hines Horticulture’s Loss Slims; Sales Rise

Irvine-based nursery plant grower Hines Horticulture Inc. said sales rose and its losses narrowed in its fiscal first quarter.

The seller of shrubs and bedding plants to Home Depot Inc. and other retailers also said its business had been largely unaffected by sudden oak death, a pathogen discovered recently that sparked a boycott of California-grown plants by several states.

Chief Executive Rob Ferguson said Hines was relying on its 11 facilities outside of California to supply customers.

In the quarter ended March 31, Hines posted a loss of $1.1 million, or 5 cents a share, versus a loss of $1.3 million, or 6 cents, a year earlier. Sales rose 2% to $60.4 million.

Hines shares fell 12 cents to $4.38 on Nasdaq.

Jerry Hirsch