Alberto Culver Co.’s second-quarter profits fell 3.3% to $28.1 million, as sales dropped 1.4% to $344.3 million. Gross margin fell to 50.3% of sales from 53.3% a year ago. “Our business continues to be sound, with great brands, an experienced and focused leadership team and a strong balance sheet that allows us to invest both behind our equities and our infrastructure,” said V. James Marino, president and chief executive officer, on the company earnings call. “Our long-term strategy of growth...