Core Insights - Energizer Holdings, Inc. (ENR) reported strong third-quarter fiscal 2025 results, with both net sales and earnings exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate, and showing year-over-year growth [1][3] - The company's Project Momentum, aimed at enhancing margins and operational agility, has been effective, contributing to organic sales growth and improved gross margins [2][9] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the third quarter were $1.13, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 61 cents, and reflecting a 43% increase from the previous year [3][9] - Net sales reached $725.3 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $702 million, and representing a 3.4% year-over-year increase [3][9] - Organic net sales saw a slight increase of 0.1% year over year, driven by a 1.7% growth in volume, primarily from the Battery & Lights category [4][3] Segment Performance - The Batteries & Lights segment reported a 5.1% increase in net sales to $535.1 million, with segment profit rising 22.7% to $158.8 million [5] - Conversely, the Auto Care segment experienced a 1.1% decline in net sales to $190.2 million, with segment profit decreasing by 10.1% to $24.1 million [5] Margin and Cost Analysis - Adjusted gross profit for the third quarter was $325.0 million, an 11.7% increase year over year, with adjusted gross margin expanding by 330 basis points to 44.8% [6][10] - The margin improvement was attributed to $33.9 million in production credits and approximately $12 million in cost savings from Project Momentum, despite higher product costs and operational inefficiencies [6][10] SG&A and Advertising Expenses - Adjusted Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) expenses rose 4.4% year over year to $123.6 million, influenced by costs from the APS NV acquisition and investments in digital transformation [7][8] - Advertising and Promotion (A&P) expenses increased by $5.5 million, accounting for 6% of net sales, up from 5.4% in the previous year [10] Future Outlook - For fiscal year 2025, Energizer expects net sales growth of 1% to 3%, including $40 to $50 million from the APS NV acquisition, with organic net sales anticipated to be flat to up 2% [14][15] - The company has raised its full-year adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $3.55 to $3.65, compared to the previous estimate of $3.30 to $3.50 [15] - Fourth-quarter net sales growth is projected between 2% and 4%, with organic net sales expected to be flat to down 2% [16][17]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported organic net sales growth of nearly 4% for Q1 fiscal 2025, with adjusted earnings per share increasing by 14% [6][20] - Adjusted gross margin expanded by 50 basis points to 40% [6][18] - Reported net sales were up 2.1%, with organic revenue increasing 3.8% [17][20] - The company paid down $25 million of debt, marking the 10th consecutive quarter of debt reduction [6][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The battery business achieved 4% organic growth, driven by distribution gains and $10 million of hurricane-related sales [17][20] - The auto care segment saw organic growth of 2%, supported by distribution gains and international market expansion [10][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The battery category volume remained positive both globally and in the U.S., with improving value trends [9][10] - The auto care category showed strong fundamentals, including an increase in the age of the car park and a shift towards DIY car care activities [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on five strategic growth initiatives: distribution, pricing and revenue management, market expansion, innovation, and digital economy [12][66] - Project Momentum is expected to generate total savings of approximately $60 million for the year and $200 million for the program [11][22] - The company plans to continue investing in growth areas, including digital transformation and product innovation [12][52] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strategic initiatives and raised the full-year organic sales guidance to 2% to 3% [20][22] - The consumer environment is described as stable but cautious, with a focus on value-seeking behavior [50][51] - The company anticipates consistent organic growth driven by distribution gains and new product launches [20][22] Other Important Information - The company expects adjusted gross margin expansion of 50 basis points to more than 41% for the full year [22] - Capital expenditures are projected to be in the range of $80 million to $90 million, focusing on IT, operations, and sustainable packaging initiatives [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on manufacturing - Management noted that domestic manufacturing helps minimize exposure to tariffs, with only about 5% of COGS sourced from China [30][32] Question: Consumer behavior during the holiday season - Management described the holiday season as solid, with varying consumer shopping patterns, leading to confidence in raising the sales outlook [34][35] Question: Input cost pressures - Management indicated mixed input cost pressures, with some materials seeing cost increases while others provide modest benefits [41][42] Question: E-commerce growth and competition - E-commerce is a growing source of revenue, with expectations of 30% growth in that segment for fiscal 2025 [93] Question: Distribution gains and shelf space - Distribution gains are broad-based, with some coming from expanded shelf space and others from displacing competitors [60][80]