The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAIN) is one of the best natural and organic food stocks to buy now. On February 17, Stephens adjusted the price target on The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAIN) to $1 from $2 while maintaining an Equal Weight rating on the shares. The rating update came after the company released its fiscal Q2 earnings, with the firm stating that it believes investors require clearer signs of distribution stabilization, sustained velocity improvement, and consistent top-line ex ...

Core Insights - Hain Celestial Group, Inc. reported a decline in both top and bottom lines for Q2 fiscal 2026, with net sales of $384.1 million, a 6.7% year-over-year decrease, although it surpassed consensus estimates [3][10] - The adjusted loss per share was 3 cents, down from adjusted earnings of 8 cents in the same quarter last year [3] - The stock price fell 19.5% due to significant volume declines, particularly in snacks and baby categories, and near-term margin pressures [1][10] Financial Performance - Adjusted gross profit decreased to $74.9 million from $94.3 million year-over-year, with the adjusted gross margin contracting 340 basis points to 19.5% [4] - SG&A expenses were reduced to $60.9 million, down 13.2% from $70.2 million in the prior-year quarter, reflecting lower employee-related expenses [5] - Adjusted EBITDA was $24.3 million, a 35.9% decline from $37.9 million in the prior-year quarter, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 6.3% [6] Segment Performance - North America segment net sales fell 13.7% year-over-year to $197.8 million, with organic net sales down 10.3% due to weakness in snacks and baby formula [7] - International segment net sales increased 2.3% year-over-year to $186.3 million, benefiting from foreign currency tailwinds, although organic net sales slipped 2.7% [10][11] - In the Snacks category, organic net sales plunged 19.9% year-over-year, while Baby & Kids sales fell 14.2% [13] Cash Flow and Debt Management - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $68 million and long-term debt of $0.4 million [16] - Net cash provided by operating activities was $37 million, up from $30.9 million in the prior-year period, with free cash flow inflow of $30 million compared to $24.5 million last year [16] Strategic Outlook - The company is not providing numeric guidance for fiscal 2026 due to uncertainties related to the strategic review and the divestiture of the North American Snacks business, expected to close in February [19] - Post-divestiture, the North American portfolio is anticipated to generate a gross margin above 30% and an EBITDA margin in the low-double digits [20] - Hain Celestial aims to strengthen its financial position through initiatives to stabilize sales, improve profitability, optimize cash flow, and reduce debt [22]

Core Viewpoint - The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (HAIN) has experienced a significant decline in share value, losing approximately 75% over the past year, with recent quarterly results contributing to further declines in share price [1] Company Performance - HAIN shares have been poor performers, losing about three-quarters of their value in the last year [1] - The company reported another weak quarter, which has led to a further decrease in share prices [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (HAIN) has experienced a significant decline in share value, losing approximately 75% over the past year, with recent quarterly results contributing to further declines in share price [1] Company Performance - HAIN shares have been poor performers, with a notable loss of about three quarters of their value in the last year [1] - The company reported another weak quarter, which has led to a further decrease in share prices [1]

Group 1 - The article discusses the importance of enabling Javascript and cookies in browsers to prevent access issues [1] - It highlights that users with ad-blockers may face restrictions when trying to access content [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Hain Celestial Group is undergoing a significant portfolio shift, highlighted by the sale of its North American snacks business for $115 million, aimed at improving financial flexibility and focusing on core categories such as tea, yogurt, and baby products [2][5]. Financial Performance - Fiscal Q2 results showed organic net sales down 7% year-over-year, with adjusted gross margin at 19.5%, a decline of approximately 340 basis points [4][9]. - Adjusted EBITDA was reported at $24 million, down from $38 million in the prior year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 6.3% [12]. - SG&A expenses fell 13% to $61 million, representing 15.9% of net sales compared to 17% a year earlier [10]. Strategic Actions - The company is in the "execution phase" of a strategic review, focusing on five key actions: streamlining the portfolio, accelerating brand renovation, implementing revenue growth management, driving productivity, and strengthening digital capabilities [7]. - Management plans to use proceeds from the snacks business sale to reduce debt and strengthen the balance sheet, with a goal of achieving $130 million to $150 million in benefits through fiscal 2027 [2][10]. Operational Improvements - Early operational improvements include better forecast accuracy, inventory reductions, and service levels above 96% [7]. - Days inventory outstanding improved by four days in North America, supporting cash flow [7]. Debt and Liquidity - The company reported free cash flow of $30 million, up 22% from the previous year, with net debt reduced to $637 million [15][16]. - Pro forma for the snacks transaction, leverage is expected to decline from 4.9x to approximately 4x, with net proceeds dedicated to debt repayment [3][17]. Segment Performance - North America organic net sales declined 10%, primarily due to lower snacks volume and baby formula, while beverage growth partially offset these declines [13]. - International organic net sales decreased by 3%, with adjusted EBITDA at $19 million, down 16% year-over-year [14]. Future Outlook - The company is not providing numeric fiscal 2026 operating guidance due to uncertainties but expects positive free cash flow and stronger performance in the second half of the fiscal year [18].

Core Insights - The company has executed a decisive step to focus on key categories and brands by agreeing to sell its North American snacks business to Snackrupters for $115 million, with proceeds aimed at reducing debt and strengthening financial position [1][5][29] - The strategic review aims to simplify the portfolio, enhance financial flexibility, and maximize shareholder value, with a focus on three flagship categories: tea, yogurt, and baby and kids [2][6][13] Financial Performance - North American snacks represented 22% of the company's net sales in fiscal 2025 and 38% of the North America segment's net sales, contributing negligible EBITDA over the last twelve months [5][19] - The adjusted gross margin for the second quarter was 19.5%, a decrease of approximately 340 basis points year over year, driven by cost inflation and lower volume mix [16] - Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $24 million, down from $38 million a year ago, reflecting lower gross margins partially offset by reduced SG&A expenses [19] Operational Improvements - The company has seen improvements in forecast accuracy, inventory management, and service levels, with North America achieving over 96% service levels in the quarter [10][11] - SG&A expenses decreased by 13% year over year to $61 million, representing 15.9% of net sales compared to 17% in the prior year [16][17] - The company is implementing a turnaround strategy centered on five key actions to win, including streamlining the portfolio and enhancing digital capabilities [8][32] Strategic Focus - The divestiture of the snacks business is seen as a pivotal moment, allowing the company to concentrate on higher-margin categories with expected gross margins above 30% and EBITDA margins in the low double digits [6][31] - The company plans to reinvest in remaining categories, leveraging freed-up resources from the divestiture to enhance innovation and marketing efforts [45][46] - The strategic review is expected to yield a multistage plan aimed at improving liquidity and leverage, with the divestiture being a significant first step [29][30] Market Outlook - The company anticipates strong cost management and productivity improvements in the second half of fiscal 2026, with expectations for positive free cash flow [32][33] - Innovations in the tea and yogurt segments are expected to drive growth, with the company focusing on areas where it holds a strong market position [56][63] - The company is committed to enhancing its financial position and operational health, aiming for sustainable, profitable growth and long-term shareholder value [34][35]

Core Viewpoint - Hain Celestial reported a quarterly loss of $0.03 per share, aligning with the Zacks Consensus Estimate, compared to earnings of $0.08 per share a year ago, indicating a decline in performance [1] Financial Performance - The company posted revenues of $384.12 million for the quarter ended December 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.30%, but down from $411.48 million year-over-year [2] - Hain Celestial has exceeded consensus revenue estimates two times in the last four quarters [2] Stock Performance - Hain Celestial shares have increased approximately 15% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500, which gained 1.3% [3] Future Outlook - The company's earnings outlook will be crucial for determining the sustainability of its stock price movement, with current consensus EPS estimates at $0.06 for the coming quarter and -$0.02 for the current fiscal year [4][7] - The estimate revisions trend for Hain Celestial was mixed ahead of the earnings release, resulting in a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market [6] Industry Context - The Food - Miscellaneous industry, to which Hain Celestial belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 29% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting potential challenges ahead [8] - The performance of Hain Celestial may also be influenced by the outlook for the industry as a whole [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an organic net sales decline of 7% year-over-year, driven by lower sales in both North America and international segments [15] - Adjusted gross margin decreased to 19.5%, a drop of approximately 340 basis points year-over-year, primarily due to cost inflation and lower volume mix [15][16] - Adjusted EBITDA was $24 million, down from $38 million a year ago, reflecting lower gross margins [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, organic net sales declined 10% year-over-year, primarily due to lower volume in snacks and baby formula, with adjusted gross margin at 20.8%, a decrease of 440 basis points [18][19] - The international segment saw a 3% decline in organic net sales, with adjusted gross margin at 18.1%, a 200 basis point decrease [19][20] - Snacks organic net sales were down 20% year-over-year, while the baby and kids segment saw a 14% decline [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American snacks represented 22% of the company's net sales in fiscal 2025 and 38% of the North America segment's net sales, with negligible EBITDA contribution over the last 12 months [8][12] - The core categories in North America, including tea, yogurt, and baby foods, showed stability and growth potential despite challenges in other areas [12][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is executing a strategic review aimed at simplifying its portfolio, enhancing financial flexibility, and maximizing shareholder value [5][9] - A definitive agreement was reached to sell the North American snacks business for $115 million, with proceeds intended to reduce debt and strengthen the financial position [6][7] - The focus will shift to three flagship categories: tea, yogurt, and baby and kids, while continuing to develop the meal prep platform [8][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the turnaround strategy, highlighting improvements in operational execution and cash flow [12][14] - The company anticipates stronger top and bottom-line performance in the second half of the year, driven by ongoing initiatives and innovation [27][29] - Management acknowledged near-term pressures but emphasized the importance of strategic actions to drive sustainable growth [12][14] Other Important Information - Free cash flow in the second quarter was $30 million, an increase of 22% compared to the previous year [22] - The company has reduced net debt by $32 million, bringing total net debt to $637 million [23][24] - The strategic review includes plans for further asset sales and operational improvements to enhance financial flexibility [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Details on the decision to divest the snacks portfolio - Management explained that the decision was part of a strategy to simplify the portfolio and focus on categories where the company has strengths, noting that snacks had become financially challenged [34][35] Question: Reallocation of innovations post-divestiture - Management confirmed plans to mitigate stranded costs of $20 million-$25 million and emphasized that freed resources would support innovation in remaining categories [41][42] Question: Cash generation from the snacks business - Management indicated that the snacks business was not a significant cash generator, and the divestiture would improve overall cash generation capabilities [45] Question: Future growth in the baby and kids business - Management expressed confidence in returning to growth in the baby and kids segment, particularly after cycling past challenges and launching new products [84][85]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an organic net sales decline of 7% year-over-year for the second quarter, driven by lower sales in both North America and international segments [15] - Adjusted gross margin decreased to 19.5%, a drop of approximately 340 basis points year-over-year, attributed to cost inflation and lower volume mix [15][16] - Adjusted EBITDA was $24 million, down from $38 million a year ago, reflecting lower gross margins [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, organic net sales declined 10% year-over-year, primarily due to lower volume in snacks and baby formula, while beverages showed growth [18] - The adjusted gross margin in North America was 20.8%, a decrease of 440 basis points compared to the prior year [18] - International organic net sales declined 3%, with adjusted gross margin at 18.1%, a 200 basis point decrease year-over-year [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American snacks represented 22% of the company's net sales in fiscal 2025, contributing negligible EBITDA over the last 12 months [8] - The core categories in North America, including tea, yogurt, and Baby & Kids, are expected to deliver stronger EBITDA margins in the low double digits [8][26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is executing a strategic review aimed at simplifying its portfolio, enhancing financial flexibility, and maximizing shareholder value [5][9] - The divestiture of the North American snacks business for $115 million is a decisive step to focus on key categories and brands [6][7] - The company aims to drive sustainable, profitable growth through five key actions: streamlining the portfolio, accelerating brand innovation, strategic revenue management, productivity improvements, and strengthening digital capabilities [10][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's direction, emphasizing the importance of operational health and cash delivery [29] - The company anticipates sequential improvement in both top and bottom-line performance in the second half of the fiscal year, driven by innovation and pricing actions [27][62] - Management highlighted the need to focus on demand fulfillment categories where the company has demonstrated consistent delivery [51] Other Important Information - Free cash flow in the second quarter was $30 million, an increase of 22% compared to the previous year [22] - The company has reduced net debt by $32 million, bringing total net debt to $637 million [23][24] - The strategic review includes plans for further asset sales and operational improvements to enhance financial flexibility [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Details on the decision to divest the snacks portfolio - Management explained that the decision was driven by the need to simplify the portfolio and focus on categories where the company can win, noting that snacks had become financially challenged [35][36] Question: Reallocation of innovations post-divestiture - Management confirmed that divesting snacks would free up resources for innovation in remaining categories, with plans to mitigate stranded costs within 6 to 12 months [41][42] Question: Cash generation from the snacks business - Management indicated that the snacks business was not a significant cash generator, and the divestiture would improve overall cash generation capabilities [45] Question: Future growth in Baby & Kids business - Management expressed confidence in returning to growth in the Baby & Kids segment, particularly after cycling past challenges and launching new products [85]