Core Insights - Edgewell Personal Care Company reported a solid start to fiscal Q1 2026, with performance exceeding expectations for organic net sales, adjusted EPS, and adjusted EBITDA [1][2] - The company successfully completed the divestiture of its Feminine Care business for $340 million, which is expected to enhance portfolio focus and strengthen the balance sheet [1][2] - The full-year outlook for continuing operations remains consistent with prior expectations, despite the divestiture [2] Financial Performance - Net sales for Q1 2026 were $422.8 million, a 1.9% increase year-over-year, with organic net sales decreasing by 0.5% [4][5] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $0.03, down from $0.07 in the prior year, while GAAP diluted EPS was $(0.63), compared to $(0.21) in the previous year [5][15] - Gross profit was $161.0 million, with a gross margin of 38.1%, reflecting a decrease of 350 basis points from the prior year [7] Segment Performance - The Wet Shave segment saw a net sales decrease of $3.2 million, or 1.1%, with organic net sales down 3.9% [19] - The Sun and Skin Care segment experienced a net sales increase of $10.9 million, or 9.0%, driven by a 19.5% growth in Sun Care [20] Cost Management - Advertising and sales promotion expenses were $45.6 million, or 10.8% of net sales, a slight decrease from the prior year [8] - Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $102.4 million, or 24.2% of net sales, primarily due to higher personnel costs [9] Cash Flow and Capital Allocation - Net cash used for operating activities was $125.9 million for the quarter, compared to $115.6 million in the prior year [16] - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per common share, payable on April 8, 2026 [17] Full Year Outlook - The company expects net sales to increase by approximately 0.5% to 3.5%, with organic net sales projected to range from a 1.0% decrease to a 2% increase [21] - Adjusted EBITDA is anticipated to be in the range of $245 to $265 million, reflecting a reduction due to the divestiture of the Feminine Care business [21]

We came across a bearish thesis on The Walt Disney Company on Accrued Interest’s Substack by Simeon McMillan. In this article, we will summarize the bears’ thesis on DIS. The Walt Disney Company's share was trading at $109.56 as of January 28th. DIS’s trailing and forward P/E were 16.15 and 16.81 respectively according to Yahoo Finance. The Walt Disney Company operates as an entertainment company in Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. DIS is positioned to underperform the S&P 500 in 2026, primarily d ...

Core Viewpoint - SM Energy Company has successfully completed its all-stock merger with Civitas Resources, enhancing its position as a top 10 independent oil-focused producer in the U.S. [1][3] Group 1: Merger Details - The merger was approved by stockholders of both SM Energy and Civitas at special meetings on January 27, 2026 [1] - The combined company will continue to trade under the ticker symbol "SM" and retain the name SM Energy Company [1] Group 2: Leadership Changes - Beth McDonald has been appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer and joined the Board of Directors [2] - Blake McKenna has been appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer [2] - The Board of Directors has been expanded to 11 members, with six from SM Energy and five from Civitas [2] Group 3: Strategic Goals - The company aims to achieve annual synergies of $200 to $300 million and plans to execute a divestiture target of at least $1.0 billion over the next year [3] - These initiatives are expected to strengthen the balance sheet, accelerate capital returns to stockholders, and enhance equity value [3] Group 4: Upcoming Financial Reporting - SM Energy plans to report its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results and 2026 outlook after market close on February 25, 2026 [4] - A conference call is scheduled for February 26, 2026, to discuss these results [4][6]

Announces divestiture plan for Hawthorne Unveils new multi-year share repurchase program to commence in late 2026 MARYSVILLE, Ohio, Jan. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE: SMG), the leading marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products in North America, today reported results for the first quarter ended December 27, 2025. The Company also announced that it is in advanced discussions for the sale of its Hawthorne subsidiary to Vireo Growth, Inc., with an anticipated c ...

Core Insights - WD-40 Company reported a net sales increase of 1 percent to $154.4 million for the first fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2025, compared to the prior year [7] - The company remains optimistic about a strong rebound in sales, particularly in the second quarter, driven by various upcoming initiatives [3][4] Financial Performance - Maintenance product sales reached $148.9 million, a 2 percent increase year-over-year [7] - Gross margin improved to 56.2 percent, up from 54.8 percent in the same quarter last year, reflecting operational efficiency [7] - Selling, general, and administrative expenses rose by 10 percent to $55.3 million [7] - Operating income decreased by 7 percent to $23.3 million, while net income fell by 8 percent to $17.5 million [7] Sales by Segment - The Americas segment accounted for 47 percent of total net sales, with a 4 percent increase driven by higher sales of WD-40 Multi-Use Product [12] - EIMEA segment represented 38 percent of total net sales, with a 2 percent increase primarily due to a 27 percent rise in WD-40 Specialist sales [12] - Asia-Pacific segment, representing 15 percent of total net sales, saw a 10 percent decline, mainly due to a 12 percent drop in WD-40 Multi-Use Product sales [12] Product Group Performance - WD-40 Multi-Use Product sales decreased by 1 percent to $117.8 million, while WD-40 Specialist sales increased by 18 percent to $22.5 million [11] - Other maintenance products saw a 2 percent increase in sales, totaling $8.6 million [13] Dividend and Share Repurchase - The board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.02 per share, an increase of over 8 percent from the previous quarter [16] - A share repurchase plan of $50 million was approved, with $21.8 million remaining available as of November 30, 2025 [17] Guidance and Future Outlook - The company reaffirmed its fiscal year 2026 guidance, expecting net sales growth between 5 and 9 percent, with total net sales projected between $630 million and $655 million [18] - Operating income is anticipated to be between $103 million and $110 million, reflecting growth of 5 to 12 percent compared to 2025 pro forma results [25]

Core Viewpoint - i3 Verticals, Inc. (IIIV) has faced challenges in stock performance due to a series of divestitures aimed at focusing on the public sector [1] Group 1: Company Strategy - The company is undergoing divestitures to narrow its end-market focus towards the public sector [1]

Group 1 - The article does not provide any specific information or insights regarding a company or industry [1]

Core Viewpoint - Titan Machinery Inc. is divesting its dealership operations in Germany to optimize its dealership network and enhance returns on invested capital, aligning with CNH Industrial's dual-brand strategy [1][2]. Group 1: Planned Transactions - The divestiture involves two separate asset sale transactions to existing New Holland dealers in Germany [1]. - These transactions are expected to close within the next 120 days, pending customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals [2]. - The company anticipates a pre-tax loss on sale of approximately $3 million to $4 million from these transactions [2]. Group 2: Operational Challenges - Titan Machinery's German operations have faced challenges that negatively impacted returns within its European operating segment [2]. - The company is focusing resources on markets where it can leverage its operational expertise and service network to improve returns for shareholders [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - Titan Machinery Inc. operates a network of full-service agricultural and construction equipment dealer locations across North America, Europe, and Australia [3]. - The company's network includes locations in various U.S. states and international stores in Bulgaria, Germany, Romania, and Ukraine, as well as Australia [3].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a solid performance in Q3 2025, with expectations to grow EPS by $1 to $2 in 2026, even in a flat demand environment [6][7]. - Working capital has been a source of cash amounting to $250 million this year, with expectations for free cash flow in 2026 to be at least $700-$800 million [35][37]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the engineered materials segment, consolidated volumes were down 8% year-over-year, primarily affecting engineered thermoplastics like POM and nylon, while thermoplastic elastomers showed resilience [17][28]. - Pricing pressures were noted in the acetyl chain, particularly in Europe, while stabilization was observed in China [15][16]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing a lower demand base compared to historical levels, with no significant accelerated destocking observed across the board, although some pockets exist [31][33]. - The U.S. assets are running at high rates, with the potential for increased utilization if demand improves [85]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on increasing cash flow, improving cost efficiencies, and driving top-line growth, particularly through its EM pipeline [6][7]. - A divestiture target of $1 billion by the end of 2027 has been set, with the recent Micromax transaction contributing significantly towards this goal [51][52]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving EPS growth despite a challenging demand environment, emphasizing the importance of cost actions and pipeline success [6][7]. - The company is actively evaluating its portfolio for potential divestitures, particularly in areas that do not align with its core business strategies [50][51]. Other Important Information - The company announced a closure of the Narco facility, expected to yield $20 million-$30 million in productivity savings by 2027 [40]. - An impairment related to Zytel and nylon was recorded due to a reduction in market cap, not cash flow projections [69][70]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Early look at 2026 earnings control - Management highlighted priorities for 2026, focusing on cash flow, cost improvements, and top-line growth, with an EPS growth expectation of $1 to $2 [6][7]. Question: Operating rates in the acetyl chain - The lowest-cost assets are running at full capacity, while other assets are flexibly operated based on demand [11][12]. Question: Sequential pricing pressure in the acetyl chain - Pricing pressure has been noted in Europe, with stabilization in China and relative stability in the U.S. [15][16]. Question: Volume decline in engineered materials - The decline is mainly in engineered thermoplastics, while thermoplastic elastomers have shown growth [17][28]. Question: Free cash flow expectations for 2026 - Free cash flow is expected to be at least $700-$800 million, with working capital actions contributing to this [35][37]. Question: Divestiture strategy and portfolio actions - The company is committed to divesting non-core assets, with a target of $1 billion by 2027, and is actively pursuing additional divestitures [50][51]. Question: Impact of European acetate tow closure - Management indicated that the closure would not have ripple effects across the acetates network [98].

Core Insights - B&G Foods, Inc. reported better-than-expected earnings for Q3 fiscal 2025 despite ongoing top-line pressures, with adjusted earnings of 15 cents per share, up 15.4% from 13 cents in the previous year [3][10] - The company experienced a 4.7% year-over-year decline in net sales to $439.3 million, primarily due to lower volumes and unfavorable foreign exchange, although improved pricing and product mix provided some offset [3][4] Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA remained steady at $70.4 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin improvement from 15.3% to 16% [5] - SG&A expenses decreased by 3% year over year to $44.6 million, while as a percentage of sales, SG&A rose slightly to 10.2% [5] - The adjusted gross profit was $98.8 million, down from $102.4 million in the year-ago period, but the adjusted gross margin expanded by 30 basis points to 22.5% [4] Segment Performance - Specialty segment net sales fell 6.5% to $150.5 million, with adjusted EBITDA dropping 8.7% to $37.7 million [6] - Meals segment net sales dipped 1.4% to $110 million, while adjusted EBITDA grew 2.7% to $23.9 million [6] - Frozen & Vegetables segment saw a 13.2% drop in net sales to $77.4 million, but adjusted EBITDA surged to $4.2 million from $1.2 million [7] - Spices & Flavor Solutions segment net sales rose 2.1% to $101.4 million, although adjusted EBITDA decreased 7.4% to $26.4 million due to higher raw material costs [8] Financial Health - B&G Foods ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $60.9 million, net long-term debt of $2,020.4 million, and total shareholders' equity of $470.7 million [9] Outlook - The company narrowed its fiscal 2025 outlook, projecting net sales between $1.82 billion and $1.84 billion, adjusted EBITDA of $273 million to $280 million, and adjusted earnings per share in the range of 50-58 cents [11]