COTY 3Q FY25 EARNINGS CALL May 6, 2025 CURRENT BACKDROP SUE NABI CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CHALLENGES FROM SLOWER CATEGORY TRENDS, ELEVATED PRESTIGE COMPARISONS AND RETAILER DESTOCKING, AND RECALIBRATED CB EQUATION COTY FOCUSED ON PROTECTING PROFITABILITY, CASH FLOW AND DELEVERAGING PATH COTY MORE STRONGLY POSITIONED TO WEATHER CURRENT TARIFF AND MACRO UNCERTAINTY 2 3 Q3 SALES -2.5% WITH LFL VOLUMES -3%, INCLUDING FRAGRANCES +1% -4.8% PRESTIGE CONSUMER BEAUTY WITH VOLUMES FLAT Notes: All figures refer to LFL ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP net income of $7,300,000 for Q1 2025, with diluted EPS of $0.43, while adjusted net income was $16,000,000, reflecting a 6% increase from the previous quarter [7][16][17] - Non-GAAP core diluted EPS decreased by 8% compared to the previous quarter [7][17] - The net interest margin reached 3.04%, a 47 basis point increase from the previous quarter, with core net interest margin expanding by 11 basis points to 2.68% [8][17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company successfully integrated Northway Financial, adding over 28,000 new customers and 100 new team members [5] - The company anticipates achieving 75% of its annual cost-saving goal of 35% of Northway's operating expenses during 2025 [6] - Noninterest income for Q1 2025 was $11,200,000, down 8% from the previous quarter, attributed to seasonal factors [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan portfolio totaled $4,900,000,000, with organic loan balances remaining flat during the first quarter [23][24] - Deposits amounted to $5,600,000,000, also flat, reflecting seasonal trends [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on deepening customer relationships and expanding its presence in New Hampshire and Maine [12][13] - The management team is committed to maintaining soundness, profitability, and growth as strategic pillars for sustainable long-term performance [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the overall health of the loan portfolio, with no material signs of credit deterioration observed [9][10] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on future Fed rate cuts, projecting a benefit of approximately $1.2 million from a 25 basis point rate cut [35] Other Important Information - The company has filed a shelf registration statement for capital planning purposes [25] - The integration of Northway Financial has been smooth, with strong employee retention and positive client feedback [54] Q&A Session Summary Question: Core margin expectations for the second quarter - Management expects core net interest margin to expand by an additional 2 to 5 basis points, targeting a range of 2.75% [31] Question: Purchase accounting accretion - Management indicated that the $5,000,000 of net accretion income feels like a solid midpoint for future expectations [32][34] Question: Loan growth outlook and Northway impact - Management confirmed that the low single-digit loan growth outlook does not factor in any runoff from Northway, as both companies share a strong credit culture [60][62] Question: Provisioning and reserve levels - Management acknowledged the potential for higher provisioning in response to macroeconomic uncertainties, with a focus on maintaining adequate reserves [63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.70 and total segment operating profit of $747 million for the quarter [5] - Trailing fourth quarter adjusted return on invested capital (ROIC) was 7% and cash flow from operations before working capital changes was $439 million [5][24] - Overall cash flow from operations decreased compared to the prior quarter due to lower total segment operating profit [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Carbohydrate Solutions segment operating profit was $240 million, down 3% year-over-year [20] - The Nutrition segment revenues were $1.8 billion, down 1% year-over-year, while operating profit increased by 13% to $95 million [22][23] - The Ag Services and Oilseeds segment operating profit was $412 million, down 52% compared to the prior year quarter [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Ag Services sub-segment operating profit was $159 million, down 31% due to lower North American origination export volumes [17] - Global trade results were lower compared to the same quarter last year, largely due to negative timing impacts [17] - Equity earnings from the company's investment in Wilmar were $72 million, down 52% compared to the prior year quarter [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on cost savings of $500 million to $750 million over the next three to five years, including workforce reductions and a review of third-party consulting spend [9] - Strategic decisions include the closure of the Cursea, South Carolina crush facility and the exit from domestic trading operations in China and Dubai [10] - The company is advancing automation and digitization across its global manufacturing network to improve reliability and efficiency [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the team's ability to navigate an uncertain external landscape while focusing on execution and cost management [12][31] - The company remains cautious about the second half outlook for crush margin improvement due to current domestic crush replacement margins being below expectations [26] - Management highlighted the importance of clarity on Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) to support strong U.S. demand for crop-based vegetable oils [34] Other Important Information - The company returned $247 million to shareholders in the form of dividends during the quarter [25] - The Decatur East facility is expected to be fully operational by the end of the second quarter, with an anticipated impact of $25 million per quarter for Nutrition once fully operational [99] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for RVO and its impact on 2025 outlook - Management indicated that strong RVOs are crucial for the biofuel outlook and expect margins to improve in the second half of the year [40][41] Question: Specific RVO numbers and positive outcomes for ADM - Management mentioned that the industry requires approximately €25 billion in biomass-based biodiesel and conventional biodiesel to support internal consumption and export markets [51][52] Question: Strength in RPO despite a weak environment - Management acknowledged that while RPO was better in the short run, overall expectations remain lower due to biodiesel margin pressures and increased refining capacity [58][59] Question: Trade flow shifts and impact of tariffs - Management noted that the impact of tariffs has not been significant in Q1, with most products exempt from export tariffs to Mexico and Canada [64][66] Question: Signs of rationalization in the soy crush industry - Management speculated that the industry may see plant shutdowns when demand is low, but emphasized the importance of clarity on RPO mandates for future capacity [73][74] Question: Commercialization of Argentine crops - Management expects Argentine farmers to become more regular in commercializing crops as they take advantage of government tax benefits before they expire [79] Question: Volume growth expectations for Starches and Sweeteners - Management reiterated guidance for slightly lower volumes than last year, with some weakness noted in specific markets [82][84] Question: Ethanol margins and performance - Management highlighted good risk management in ethanol operations, with expectations for margins to improve over the year [90] Question: Contribution from Decatur once fully operational - Management confirmed that the Decatur plant's impact will be felt in the second half of the year, with an expected contribution of $25 million per quarter [99]

Financial Performance - Net sales were $2.846 billion, a decrease of 4% year-over-year (YoY) from $2.975 billion in 1Q 2024[6] - EBITDA was $288 million, a decrease of 47% YoY from $546 million in 1Q 2024[6] - The company has a strong cash position of $2.5 billion in cash, equivalents, and investments[4, 5, 8] - Westlake repurchased $30 million of shares of WLK common stock, with over $400 million share repurchase authorization remaining[8] Segment Performance - Housing and Infrastructure Products (HIP) - HIP segment sales were $996 million, a decrease of 5% YoY from $1.044 billion in 1Q 2024[10] - HIP segment EBITDA was $203 million, a decrease of 23% YoY from $264 million in 1Q 2024[6, 10] - The company expects 2025 HIP revenue and EBITDA margin to be towards the low ends of the previously-communicated ranges of $4.4 – $4.6 billion and 20% – 22%[11, 14] Segment Performance - Performance and Essential Materials (PEM) - PEM segment sales were $1.850 billion, a decrease of 4% YoY from $1.931 billion in 1Q 2024[15] - PEM segment EBITDA was $73 million, a decrease of 71% YoY from $253 million in 1Q 2024[6, 15] - Higher YoY prices for North American feedstocks and energy reduced EBITDA by approximately $100 million[8, 16] - Planned turnarounds and unplanned outages impacted EBITDA by approximately $80 million[5, 8, 16] Cost Savings and Capital Spending - Westlake achieved approximately $40 million of cost savings in 1Q 2025 and is raising its 2025 cost savings target by $25 million to $150 – $175 million[5] - The company is reducing its 2025 capital spending target by 10% to $900 million to support cash flows[5, 19]

Core Insights - Ashland Inc. reported a mixed performance in Q2 FY2025, with sales of $479 million, a 17% decrease from $575 million in the prior year, primarily due to portfolio optimization initiatives [4][21][23] - The company revised its full-year fiscal 2025 outlook, anticipating flattish organic sales volume growth and adjusted EBITDA in the range of $400 million to $420 million [21][23] Financial Performance - Net income for Q2 was $31 million, down from $120 million in the prior year, resulting in diluted earnings per share of $0.63 compared to $2.40 [4][5] - Adjusted EBITDA was $108 million, a 14% decrease from $126 million in the prior year, primarily due to the impact of portfolio optimization and lower organic sales [5][10] - Cash flows from operating activities were $9 million, a decrease from $54 million in the prior-year quarter, with ongoing free cash flow totaling negative $6 million [7][32] Segment Performance - Life Sciences sales totaled $172 million, a 23% decrease year-over-year, primarily due to the divestiture of the Nutraceuticals segment [9][10] - Personal Care sales were $146 million, a 14% decrease, attributed to portfolio optimization and specific customer challenges [11][12] - Specialty Additives reported sales of $134 million, a 15% decrease, driven by portfolio optimization and competitive intensity in export markets [13][14] Cost Management and Optimization - The company has completed its portfolio optimization, which included the sale of Avoca and identified a $30 million cost reduction plan [3][4] - Ashland is focusing on accelerating cost savings from its $60 million manufacturing optimization plans, with early benefits evident in robust EBITDA margins above 30% in Life Sciences and Personal Care [3][4] Tariff and Trade Impact - Ashland is closely monitoring tariff policies and has estimated a tariff impact of $3 to $5 million for the second half of FY2025, increasing to $5 to $7 million annually after mitigation actions [19][20] - The company is implementing strategies to mitigate risks associated with tariffs and global trade policies while focusing on maintaining flexible operations [18][19] Market Outlook - The company anticipates a positive inflection in organic sales volumes in the second half of FY2025, led by Life Sciences, to offset declines experienced in the first half [21][24] - Ashland's strategic priorities include enhancing business mix and improving profitability in response to the evolving demand landscape [22][24]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter revenue of $1.14 billion, down 4.2% from the previous year, with adjusted EBITDA margins at 18.2% and adjusted earnings per share at $1.4, both lower than the prior year due to lower volumes and higher manufacturing costs [5][14][20] - Free cash flow increased compared to the prior year, ending the quarter with a solid balance sheet [6][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Engineered Bearings sales were $761 million, down 5.2% year-over-year, with organic sales down 2.8% due to lower demand in Europe and The Americas, partially offset by growth in Asia [22] - Industrial Motion sales were $380 million, down around 2% from last year, with organic sales declining 3.8% as lower demand was partially offset by higher pricing [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Asia Pacific, sales increased by 10%, driven by growth in renewable energy demand, while The Americas saw a decline of about 4% and EMEA experienced an 11% drop due to industrial softness in Western Europe [16][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining margins and generating strong cash flow during a soft industrial market, with a commitment to deliver $75 million in cost savings in 2025 [10][30] - A strategic review of the automotive OE business is underway, targeting more than half of this segment to improve margins by 2026 and 2027 [13][55] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that industrial market conditions are expected to remain challenging throughout the year, with a cautious view on market demand due to trade-related economic uncertainty [7][29] - The company is confident in its ability to mitigate the impact of tariffs and expects to fully offset the cost impact on a run rate basis by the end of the year [9][33] Other Important Information - The company is actively passing tariff costs into the market through repricing and expects a net direct impact from tariffs of around $25 million this year [9][32] - The CEO transition is ongoing, with a focus on maintaining strategic priorities and financial aspirations during this period [10][81] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance update on pricing and volume assumptions - Management indicated that pricing is expected to improve slightly due to tariffs, with a cautious outlook on volume changes, particularly in Industrial Motion [38] Question: Renewable energy trends, particularly in China - Management expressed positive surprise regarding renewable energy demand in Q1, expecting mid-single-digit growth for the full year [40][41] Question: Customer demand pull forward due to tariffs - Management stated there was no significant evidence of customers pulling forward demand in anticipation of tariffs [47][48] Question: Actions in the automotive OE business - The focus is on light vehicles and OEM, with plans to exit a significant portion of the automotive OE business to improve margins [50][55] Question: Pricing relative to competitors and supply chain positioning - Management noted that competitors are also raising prices, and the company's U.S. footprint is seen as advantageous in the current tariff environment [60][61] Question: Impact of tariffs on future earnings - Management confirmed that by the end of the year, the net impact of tariffs should be zero for 2026, with a year-over-year benefit expected [76] Question: Manufacturing footprint and facility status - The Fort Scott facility is not fully closed, and improvements in margins are expected as the company continues to manage its manufacturing footprint [87]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter sales of over $1,100,000,000, with organic revenue down approximately 3% year-over-year [6][17] - Adjusted EBITDA margins were 18.2%, and adjusted earnings per share were $1.4, both lower than the previous year due to reduced volumes and higher manufacturing costs [7][17] - Free cash flow increased compared to the prior year, contributing to a solid balance sheet [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Engineered Bearings sales were $761,000,000, down 5.2% from last year, with organic sales down 2.8% due to lower demand in Europe and The Americas [25][26] - Industrial Motion sales were $380,000,000, down around 2%, with organic sales declining 3.8% as lower demand was partially offset by higher pricing [28][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Asia Pacific, sales increased by 10%, driven by growth in renewable energy demand, particularly in China [19] - The Americas saw a decline of about 4%, with significant drops in the auto truck and off-highway sectors [19] - EMEA experienced an 11% decrease due to ongoing industrial softness in Western Europe [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining profitable growth and operational excellence while navigating a challenging industrial market [12][14] - A comprehensive review of the automotive OE business is underway, targeting a significant portion of this segment to enhance margins by 2026 and 2027 [15][61] - The company aims to deliver $75,000,000 in cost savings for 2025 to offset inflation in labor and other input costs [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that industrial market conditions are expected to remain challenging throughout the year, with no significant changes in demand observed [9][10] - The company is actively monitoring the tariff situation and plans to pass costs into the market through repricing [10][11] - There is confidence in the ability to mitigate the impact of tariffs and recover margins over time [11][38] Other Important Information - The company is committed to generating strong cash flow and enhancing profitability through disciplined capital allocation [14][15] - The transition in leadership is not expected to alter the strategic direction, with continuity in the management team [86][88] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance update regarding pricing and volume assumptions - Management indicated that pricing is expected to improve slightly due to tariffs, while volume is anticipated to decline, particularly in Industrial Motion [44][45] Question: Trends in renewable energy demand, especially in China - Management expressed positive surprise regarding renewable energy demand in Q1, expecting mid-single-digit growth for the full year [47][48] Question: Impact of tariffs on customer demand - Management stated there was no significant evidence of customers pulling forward demand due to tariffs [54][55] Question: Actions in the automotive OE business - The focus is on light vehicles and OEMs, with plans to exit a significant portion of the automotive OE business to improve margins [57][61] Question: Pricing strategies relative to competitors - Management noted that competitors are also raising prices, and the company is positioned to pass through costs effectively [66][68] Question: Future pricing expectations for raw materials - Management indicated that higher pricing for raw materials is likely to persist into 2026 due to limited capacity in the U.S. market [96][98]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted EBITDA of $30 million for Q1 2025, at the high end of guidance, driven by strong operational performance and increased production and sales volumes, primarily due to the Augusta acquisition [6][24] - Net sales increased by 46% to $378 million compared to Q1 2024, largely attributed to the Augusta acquisition [6][24] - The company incurred a consolidated net loss of approximately $6 million from continuing operations, equating to $0.36 per diluted share [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Augusta mill integration is progressing well, with targeted volume and cost synergies expected by the end of 2026 [7] - Fixed cost structure was reduced by eliminating over 200 positions, representing around 10% of total roles, aiming for $30 to $40 million in savings for 2025 [7][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industry shipments increased by 2% in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, with demand projected to grow by 3% to 5% in 2025 [8][9] - Industry utilization rates improved to 88% in Q1 2025 from 84% in Q1 2024, but remain below the cross-cycle average of 90% to 95% [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to strengthen its position as a premier independent supplier of paperboard packaging products, focusing on product development in compostable food service products, lightweight folding cartons, and alternative poly-free barrier technologies [13][14][15] - The company is exploring expansion into additional paperboard substrates, which make up approximately 50% of the paperboard market outside of SBS [15][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about medium to long-term industry prospects, expecting strong margins and cash flows through the cycle [34] - The company anticipates continued demand recovery, with internal utilization projected at around 85% and revenue expectations of approximately $1.5 to $1.6 billion for 2025 [29] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $11 million of its shares in Q1 2025, totaling about $15 million since the new $100 million share buyback authorization [7][26] - The company is targeting a reduction in SG&A as a percentage of sales to 6% to 7% by year-end 2025 [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the current status of FPB imports and exposure to tariffs? - Management noted that imports were up in 2024, with forecasts indicating a 5% decrease in imports and a 1% increase in exports for 2025 [38] Question: What are the criteria for evaluating M&A opportunities for expanding product offerings? - The company emphasized the need for strategic fit, quality assets, and a belief in the ability to win in the market [46] Question: What is the expected impact of cost savings in Q2 and the status of synergies from Augusta? - Management expects to see roughly double the amount of savings in Q2 compared to Q1, with a significant portion of the $40 million to $50 million in synergies from Augusta being volume synergies [50][51]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported consolidated sales of $14.1 billion in 2024, a decrease of 3% compared to the prior year, primarily due to lower fresh pork harvest levels and lower external grain sales [23] - Adjusted operating profit for 2024 was over $1 billion with an adjusted operating margin of 7.2%, compared to $258 million and 1.8% in 2023 [10][24] - Adjusted net income from continuing operations attributable to the company was $714 million in 2024, up from $132 million in the prior year, with adjusted EPS rising to $1.88 from $0.35 [24][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The packaged meats segment achieved an adjusted operating profit of $1.1 billion, a 6% increase year-over-year, with margins expanding by 70 basis points to 13.6% [26] - Fresh pork segment adjusted operating profit increased by 93% to $105 million, driven by cost savings and strong demand for U.S. pork [29] - The hog production segment reported an adjusted operating loss of $152 million, significantly improved from a loss of $756 million in 2023 [33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. value-added packaged meats market represents a $46 billion opportunity, with the company holding the number two branded market position by volume across 25 key categories [7][8] - The average sales price in the packaged meats segment increased by 3.1%, which offset a 2.5% decline in volume [26] - Fresh pork segment sales increased by 0.5% to $7.9 billion, with an average sales price increase of 5.4% [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue expanding packaged meats operating profit through product mix improvements, volume growth, and innovation [14][40] - A focus on reducing hog production to approximately 30% of the needs of the Fresh Pork segment is part of the strategy to lower exposure to commodity market risk [12][20] - The company is also exploring opportunistic mergers and acquisitions in North America to support growth [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver continued operating profit expansion in 2025, despite a cautious consumer spending environment and rising input costs [14][40] - The hog production segment is expected to return to profitability in 2025, with improvements in cost structures and market conditions [33][54] - Management highlighted the importance of operational efficiencies and cost savings initiatives to mitigate inflationary pressures [21][67] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, reinforcing its commitment to return value to shareholders [9][39] - The net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio improved to 0.8 times, down from 2.2 times at the end of 2023, indicating a strong balance sheet [14][37] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sales guidance for the year and volume relative to price expectations - Management indicated that top line growth is expected in the low to mid single-digit range, driven by modest volume growth and market appreciation [49] Question: Improvements in industry profitability for hog production - Management noted significant improvements in cost structures and a return to profitability in the hog production segment is anticipated for 2025 [51][54] Question: Volume drivers for packaged meats and fresh pork - Management highlighted the importance of brand positioning and product mix optimization as key drivers for growth in packaged meats [62] Question: Impact of global trade environment on customer behavior - Management acknowledged some minimal disruptions due to tariffs but emphasized their preparedness and flexibility in navigating these challenges [70][72] Question: Seasonal strength in hog production - Management confirmed that the first quarter is expected to perform significantly better than the previous year, despite traditional seasonality [81] Question: Hog supply and production expansion - Management indicated that the industry is currently balanced, with no immediate appetite for significant production expansion despite improved profitability [84][86] Question: Consumer behavior shifts and trade spending - Management observed some shifts in consumer behavior but emphasized their strong brand portfolio's ability to capture market share across different economic conditions [102][106]

Core Insights - The ACC announced the 2025 ACC Value Champions, recognizing eight corporate law departments and five external partners for their innovative approaches to enhancing legal efficiency and cost savings [1][2][4]. Group 1: ACC Value Champions - The 2025 ACC Value Champions include notable companies such as PepsiCo, FedEx, and UBS, showcasing a diverse range of sectors including food and beverage, technology, and logistics [1][4][7]. - These champions have implemented innovative strategies utilizing data, streamlined processes, and cutting-edge technologies to improve legal service delivery [2][3]. Group 2: Legal Innovation and Efficiency - The ACC Value Champions have developed creative solutions to address the challenges posed by evolving global regulations and resource constraints, leading to improved predictability and better outcomes for their organizations [2][3]. - The program has been recognizing legal innovation since 2012, highlighting the importance of optimizing resources and workflows within legal departments [4][6]. Group 3: Upcoming Recognition Event - The 2025 ACC Value Champions will be honored at the ACC Legal Ops Con on April 9 in Chicago, Illinois, an event focused on legal innovation and technology [5].