Group 1 - The presentation by Colgate's CEO, Noel Wallace, focuses on the success of the company's 2025 strategic plan and introduces elements of the 2030 strategy [1][2] - The 2025 strategy cycle began in 2019 and has shown short-term results in 2025, which will be discussed in detail [2] - Colgate reported a 2.4% organic growth in the second quarter, excluding the impact of private label products, which is a key takeaway [3] Group 2 - A new productivity initiative was announced during the second quarter earnings call, aligning with the upcoming 2030 strategy [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the second quarter, net sales grew by 10.1% to $44.5 million, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year [7][18] - Adjusted EBITDA improved by $4.6 million to $200,000, representing the first profitable quarter since going public [21] - Gross margin increased to 48.7%, up from 41.9% in the same quarter last year, reflecting lower product costs and improved inventory management [18][19] - Net loss was reduced to $700,000 from $7 million in the prior year, showing a substantial improvement [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The marketing campaign "Get the Fake Out of Here" contributed to double-digit growth, with notable engagement and impressions [8] - New flavor launches, particularly strawberry lemon burst and orange creamsicle, have driven excitement and sales velocities [9][10] - Distribution surpassed historical peak levels, with strong performance in key retail accounts [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong performance was noted at Walmart, with the first variety pack being the top-selling SKU [12] - Positive scan data in the grocery channel indicated strong performance across key retailers [12] - In the club channel, Zevia returned to rotation in key Costco regions, exceeding expectations [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three strategic growth pillars: marketing, product innovation, and distribution [5][14] - Continued emphasis on expanding distribution and enhancing brand visibility through innovative marketing strategies [6][14] - The company aims to capitalize on the growing "better for you" soda category, positioning itself for long-term profitable growth [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism due to an uncertain macro environment but remains focused on executing strategic initiatives [22] - The outlook for full-year net sales is maintained at $158 million to $163 million, with adjusted EBITDA loss expected to range from $7 million to $9 million [22][23] - Management highlighted the importance of balancing short-term marketing investments with long-term brand building [56] Other Important Information - The company identified an additional $5 million in cost savings expected to be realized in 2026, bringing total anticipated savings to $20 million [17] - A one-time charge of $500,000 related to packaging redesign will impact Q3 adjusted EBITDA [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the strong sales in the quarter? - Management noted balanced growth from new distribution at Walmart and positive momentum in grocery channels, with new items contributing to incremental distribution [25][28] Question: Can you elaborate on the productivity initiative and the $5 million in gains? - Management indicated that efficiencies are being found within the supply chain and product portfolio simplification, with savings expected to begin in Q4 of this year [31][32] Question: What is the outlook for Q4 given the current guidance? - Management expressed caution due to a substantial Walmart pipeline fill in the previous year, which may lead to flat growth in Q4 [35][38] Question: How should tariffs be considered moving forward? - Management confirmed an estimated 200 basis point impact on gross margins due to tariffs, with more material impacts expected starting in Q3 [39][42] Question: What factors contributed to the increase in household penetration and purchase frequency? - Increased visibility in the marketplace and successful new flavor launches were cited as key contributors to the uptick in consumer metrics [45][46] Question: How is the company balancing improved EBITDA with marketing reinvestment? - Management emphasized the importance of both long-term brand building and short-term velocity driving tactics, aiming for sustainable growth [54][56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, the company achieved growth in net sales, organic sales, and earnings per share despite facing significant raw material pressure and negative foreign exchange impacts [6][10] - Organic sales growth accelerated by 60 basis points to 2.4% in Q2, driven by improvements in North America and Africa-Eurasia [7][10] - Gross margin was down year-over-year due to higher raw material inflation and tariffs, with guidance for gross margin remaining roughly flat for 2025 [44][46] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The North America business showed improvement in volume, with good plans in place for the second half of the year [21][22] - The Hill's pet food segment delivered mid-single-digit organic growth, with a strong performance in therapeutic products [50][52] - The total relaunch of core products was strong in Latin America, with good incremental share and growth [27][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a cautious consumer environment in North America, with expectations for categories to normalize over time [20][21] - In Latin America, there was a slight deceleration in categories in Brazil, while Mexico showed some improvement [29][30] - The Asia market experienced softness, particularly in urban markets in India and challenges in the Holly and Hazel business in China [85][88] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains committed to its long-term growth strategy, focusing on household penetration and brand health as key drivers of organic sales growth [11][12] - A productivity initiative was announced, aiming for $200 to $300 million in charges over three years to optimize supply chain and enhance capabilities [18][95] - The company is prioritizing innovation and digital transformation as part of its 2030 strategic plan [12][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the second half of 2025, expecting modest improvements in category growth and consumer behavior [93][94] - The company is focused on balancing top-line growth with margin restoration, particularly in North America [106][108] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by inflation and raw material costs but remains confident in the strategies in place to drive growth [60][61] Other Important Information - The company closed the acquisition of Prime one hundred, a leading fresh pet food brand in Australia [7] - The company is leveraging AI and data analytics to optimize its portfolio and promotional spending [10][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Details on the restructuring program and its timing - Management indicated that the restructuring program is designed to accelerate growth initiatives and is a natural evolution towards the 2030 strategy [15][16] Question: Insights on U.S. category growth and consumer behavior - Management noted a cautious consumer in North America, with expectations for categories to normalize over time despite recent setbacks [20][21] Question: Update on Latin America performance and potential pivots - Management reported strong initial results from the total relaunch in Latin America but acknowledged some cautiousness in Brazil [29][30] Question: Gross margin outlook and raw material cost drivers - Management highlighted that gross margin was impacted by raw material inflation, particularly in palm oil and fats, but expects some easing in the back half of the year [46][47] Question: Performance of Hill's pet food segment - Management reported strong growth in the Hill's segment, particularly in therapeutic products, despite challenges from private label competition [50][52] Question: Confidence in EPS guidance amidst market uncertainties - Management expressed confidence in low single-digit EPS growth expectations, citing effective strategies and investments planned for the second half of the year [58][60] Question: Evolution of the Asia market and specific challenges - Management noted softness in urban markets in India and challenges in the Holly and Hazel business in China, but remains optimistic about future improvements [85][88]