On the surface, they they look pretty good, Brooke. >> Yeah, they looks pretty good. And this is another company that's reporting better than expected earnings of both the top and bottom line.When you take a look at the numbers, we did see a slight miss on revenue there, but adjusted earnings did come in better than expected, really powering that momentum behind what would be this very large expectations for those third quarter reports. And that's why you see the stock moving higher this morning. It popped ...

Coca-Cola HBC (OTCPK:CCHG.Y) 2025 Earnings Call October 21, 2025 04:30 AM ET Speaker0Thank you for standing by, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Coca Cola's HBC's Conference Call to discuss the acquisition of CCBA and Third Quarter twenty twenty five Trading Update. At this time, all participants are in listen only mode. There will be a presentation followed by a question and answer session. I must also advise that this conference is being recorded today, Tuesday, 10/21/2025. I will now pass the floor t ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an organic net sales decline of 11% year-over-year for Q4, driven by lower sales in both North America and international segments [24] - Adjusted gross margin decreased to 20.5%, down approximately 290 basis points year-over-year, due to lower volume mix, cost inflation, and higher trade spend [24] - Adjusted net loss was $2 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $11 million, or $0.13 per diluted share in the prior year [26] - Adjusted EBITDA was $20 million, down from $40 million a year ago, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 5.5% [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, organic net sales declined 14% year-over-year, primarily due to lower sales in snacks and meal preparation products [27] - International organic net sales declined 6%, driven by lower sales in meal prep and beverages [28] - Snacks category saw organic net sales growth down 19% year-over-year, attributed to velocity challenges and distribution losses [28] - The beverages category experienced a 3% decline in organic net sales, impacted by softness in tea in North America [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company gained market share in the UK despite challenges in the international segment, particularly in wet baby food and soup categories [5] - E-commerce grew 10% in North America, with significant growth in the UK soup category, which is the fastest growing online category [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing cash, deleveraging the balance sheet, stabilizing sales, and improving profitability through a turnaround strategy [21] - Key actions include streamlining the portfolio, accelerating brand renovation and innovation, and enhancing digital capabilities [21] - The company is exiting unprofitable or low-margin SKUs and businesses where it is structurally disadvantaged, such as the meat-free category in North America [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed disappointment with Q4 performance, citing challenges in both North America and international segments [4] - The company is committed to decisive actions to improve its trajectory and financial health, with a focus on reducing complexity in operations [10] - Management anticipates stronger top and bottom line performance in the second half of fiscal 2026 compared to the first half, driven by aggressive cost-cutting and execution of strategic initiatives [33] Other Important Information - The company has taken restructuring charges totaling $88 million to date, with an expected increase in restructuring charges to $100 million-$110 million by fiscal 2027 [25] - Free cash flow in Q4 was an outflow of $9 million, compared to an inflow of $31 million in the prior year [30] - The company closed the quarter with cash on hand of $54 million and net debt of $650 million, having reduced net debt by $14 million in the quarter [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company manage reinvestment in the context of a strained balance sheet? - Management emphasized the need for financial flexibility and tough decisions to focus investments on high-return areas to drive growth [36][37] Question: What are the differences between the current strategy and the previous Hain Reimagined program? - Management noted that the current focus is on actionable decisions and local empowerment, with a robust innovation pipeline and pricing strategies in place [44][46] Question: What is the expected timeline for restructuring and CEO search? - Management indicated that restructuring changes would be effective between October 1st and November 1st, and the CEO search is ongoing in parallel with the strategic review [75][76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an organic net sales decline of 11% year over year for Q4 2025, driven by lower sales in both North America and international segments [24] - Adjusted gross margin decreased to 20.5%, a decline of approximately 290 basis points year over year, attributed to lower volume mix, cost inflation, and higher trade spend [24] - Adjusted net loss was $2 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $11 million, or $0.13 per diluted share in the prior year [26] - Adjusted EBITDA was $20 million, down from $40 million a year ago, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 5.5% [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, organic net sales declined 14% year over year, primarily due to lower sales in snacks and meal preparation products [27] - Adjusted gross margin in North America was 19.2%, a decrease of 340 basis points, with adjusted EBITDA of $10 million compared to $21 million in the prior year [27] - International organic net sales declined 6%, with adjusted gross margin at 22.1%, approximately 270 basis points below the prior year [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The snacks category saw organic net sales growth down 19% year over year, driven by velocity challenges and distribution losses [28] - The beverages category experienced a 3% decline in organic net sales, impacted by softness in tea in North America [29] - The meal prep category's organic net sales growth was down 8%, primarily due to softness in oils and nut butters in North America [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing cash, deleveraging the balance sheet, stabilizing sales, and improving profitability through a turnaround strategy [21] - Key actions include streamlining the portfolio, accelerating brand renovation and innovation, and enhancing digital capabilities [21] - The company is exiting unprofitable or low-margin SKUs to focus on brands with the highest growth potential [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed disappointment with Q4 performance, citing challenges in both North America and international segments [4] - The company is committed to decisive actions to improve financial health and streamline operations, with a focus on driving productivity and working capital efficiency [21] - Management anticipates stronger top and bottom line performance in the second half of fiscal 2026 compared to the first half [33] Other Important Information - The company has initiated a restructuring program with expected charges of $100 million to $110 million by fiscal 2027 [25] - Free cash flow in Q4 was an outflow of $9 million, compared to an inflow of $31 million in the prior year [30] - The company closed the quarter with cash on hand of $54 million and net debt of $650 million, having reduced net debt by $14 million in the quarter [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company manage reinvestment in the context of a strained balance sheet? - Management emphasized the need for tough decisions to focus investments on high-return areas, driving financial flexibility across the P&L [36][37] Question: What are the expectations for EBITDA in fiscal 2026? - Management indicated a comfortable cushion for leverage ratios, with a focus on cash generation and cost initiatives to improve performance [39] Question: What insights can be shared about the Hain Reimagined program and its shortcomings? - Management noted that previous efforts focused more on structure rather than execution, and emphasized a renewed focus on pricing and innovation [44][46] Question: What is the timeline for restructuring and CEO search? - Management confirmed that restructuring changes are currently being implemented, with most changes effective between October 1 and November 1 [75] Question: How does the company plan to address distribution losses in the snacks category? - Management acknowledged the need for continuous innovation and marketing to regain distribution and improve velocity in the snacks business [60][62]

Core Insights - Colgate-Palmolive Company has launched a productivity program aimed at achieving $300–$400 million in incremental savings by 2025, as part of its 2030 strategic plan, despite facing high raw material costs and macroeconomic uncertainty [1][2][3] Group 1: Productivity Program - The productivity program focuses on cost-saving and efficiency initiatives, including optimizing the global supply chain, leveraging AI and data analytics, and prioritizing investments in high-return areas [2][3] - Colgate aims to streamline processes, improve pricing strategies, and reduce overhead to generate savings that can be reinvested in innovation or applied to the bottom line [2][3] Group 2: Long-term Growth and Efficiency - The initiative is expected to drive long-term growth and efficiency, allowing Colgate to navigate volatile markets while sustaining organic sales momentum [3] - By combining cost discipline with strategic investments in innovation and digital capabilities, Colgate can enhance household penetration and maintain brand health [3] Group 3: Stock Performance and Valuation - Colgate's shares have declined by 6.9% over the past three months, underperforming the industry and broader Consumer Staples sector [4] - The stock currently trades at a forward P/E ratio of 21.8X, which is higher than the industry average of 20.01X and the sector average of 17.02X, indicating a premium valuation [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has experienced nine consecutive years of growth in sales, EBITDA, and EPS, but this year marks a disappointing performance [4][5][13] - The company is targeting a 1% to 3% CAGR in EBITDA over the next three years, with a focus on improving the quality of earnings and reducing exceptional items [37][39] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen stabilization in volume market share and growth in volume share in the frozen food category, despite a decline in the overall category growth due to unusual weather conditions [8][34] - The ice cream business has faced challenges, particularly in July and August, due to unrest in Serbia affecting out-of-home sales [36][64] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The frozen food category has shown resilience, with growth over the last ten years, although recent months have seen a decline linked to weather conditions [34][35] - The company has reaffirmed its guidance for 2025, indicating confidence in future performance despite recent challenges [65] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a "Must Win Battles" strategy to concentrate on key markets where it holds significant market share [7] - A new master brand advertising campaign is being rolled out to enhance brand visibility and efficiency in media spending [18][47] - The company plans to increase its productivity program by 25%, targeting €200 million in savings over the next three years, primarily in supply chain and overheads [39][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenges faced this year, including inflation and supply chain issues, but emphasizes the importance of learning from these experiences to strengthen future performance [6][10][13] - The company believes there are significant growth opportunities in the frozen food category, particularly in markets with lower penetration compared to the U.S. [15][16] Other Important Information - The company is committed to innovation, with plans to increase the percentage of renovated products and introduce new offerings in the ready meals category [21][23] - The foodservice segment, which accounts for around 8% of the business, is expected to grow, particularly in the Nordics and Southern Europe [29][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why has the company lowered its long-term growth targets? - Management indicated that the previous targets were too ambitious given the volatile environment and emphasized the need for a larger savings program to create space for reinvestment [53][55] Question: Are the targeted cost savings realistic? - Management clarified that the $200 million savings target is an increase from previous savings and is essential for maintaining competitiveness and reinvesting in product quality [60][62] Question: How does the company plan to manage pricing and market share? - Management explained that they have developed a revenue growth management tool to make more informed pricing decisions by category and country, allowing for better management of market share [71] Question: What is the outlook for capital allocation moving forward? - Management highlighted that the company has been active in share buybacks and dividends, and will continue to evaluate capital allocation based on current valuations [72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has experienced a decline in performance this year, breaking a nine-year streak of increasing sales, EBITDA, and EPS [4][5][13] - The company is targeting a 1% to 3% CAGR for EBITDA over the next three years, with a focus on improving the quality of earnings and reducing exceptional items [39][50] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The frozen food category remains strong, with the company maintaining a leading position in Europe, but has faced challenges due to weather conditions impacting sales [2][36] - The company is focusing on innovation and renovation, with plans to accelerate product launches in key categories like fish fingers and pizza [11][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The frozen food category has shown growth over the last decade, but recent unusual weather patterns have led to a decline in growth numbers [36][37] - The company has seen a stabilization of value share and growth in volume share in the second quarter of 2025, despite earlier declines [36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is implementing a €200 million productivity program over the next three years, focusing on supply chain efficiencies and overhead reductions [41][46] - The strategy includes a significant emphasis on brand investment, product quality, and innovation to maintain competitive positioning in the healthy food category [41][49] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenges faced this year, including inflation and supply chain issues, but remains optimistic about future growth opportunities in the frozen food category [6][13] - The company is committed to learning from past experiences and adapting its strategies to better respond to market conditions [10][12] Other Important Information - The company is launching a new master brand advertising campaign aimed at maximizing media efficiency across various markets [17][20] - The company has a strong focus on health and nutrition, with a significant portion of its revenue coming from fish, protein, and vegetables [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: What has changed regarding long-term targets for revenue and EBITDA growth? - Management indicated that the previous targets were too tight given the volatile environment and emphasized the need for a larger savings program alongside lower EBITDA guidance [55][56] Question: Are the targeted cost savings real, and where will they be allocated? - Management clarified that the $200 million savings target is a cumulative increase and will be reinvested into product quality and innovation [60][62] Question: How does the company plan to manage pricing actions while minimizing market share loss? - Management explained that they have developed a revenue growth management tool to make more informed pricing decisions by category and country [67][70] Question: What is the outlook for capital allocation given strong free cash flow? - Management stated that they will continue to evaluate capital allocation strategies, including share buybacks and dividends, in light of current valuations [71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported 2.4% organic growth in the second quarter, excluding the impact of private label products [3] - The company expects 2025 to be at the low end of the 2% to 4% organic growth range communicated previously [5] - The company has seen sequential dollar earnings per share growth during the 2025 strategy cycle [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has increased advertising investment over the last five years, which has improved brand penetration and health [6] - Elmex toothpaste has become one of the fastest-growing products in the European market, contributing to record market share [11] - The anti-cavity segment in India is a significant part of the franchise, with new technology combining amino acids and arginine to strengthen teeth [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen growth in both North America and emerging markets, ensuring broad-based growth across all categories [5] - In China, 40% of the market is online, with 80% of media being digital, indicating a shift in consumer purchasing behavior [28] - The company has successfully increased sales at Sam's Club by 30 times through targeted advertising and data integration [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging its 2025 strategy to drive consistent top-line growth and is preparing to execute its 2030 strategy starting December 31 [2][4] - Key themes for the 2030 strategy include global brand penetration, investment in key geographies, and enhancing data and analytics capabilities [24][26] - The company aims to implement omni demand generation to better integrate online and offline marketing strategies [30][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumer uncertainty is the primary driver for category vitality, leading to cautious purchasing behavior [59] - The company anticipates that discretionary spending will suffer in the latter half of the year, affecting overall category growth [62] - Management emphasized the importance of continuous innovation across all product segments to maintain consumer interest and drive growth [63] Other Important Information - The company has announced a new productivity initiative to streamline operations and fund strategic initiatives [3][46] - The company has invested significantly in its supply chain to optimize operations and meet consumer demands for customization [51] - Hill's pet food brand continues to outperform the category due to disciplined brand management and significant advertising investments [53][55] Q&A Session Summary Question: What areas of the 2025 strategic plan were most successful and where can improvements be made? - The company successfully focused on dollar top-line growth and building long-term capabilities, particularly in AI and digital innovation [36][37] Question: Why was omnichannel demand generation emphasized in the new strategy? - The complexity of the consumer journey necessitates a more integrated approach to marketing that targets both online and offline consumers effectively [40][41] Question: What will be the biggest changes as the company transitions to the new strategy? - Key changes will include increased innovation, resource allocation to key growth regions, and a focus on omni demand generation [43][44] Question: How does the company plan to address the slowdown in category growth? - The company will continue to innovate and bring excitement to both premium and mid-price segments to drive consumer engagement [63] Question: Is the company experiencing destocking issues? - Destocking is primarily a function of consumer behavior, with online retailers managing inventory more aggressively than brick-and-mortar stores [64][65]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on consistent organic volume growth and margin expansion as primary business aspirations [3][4] - The outlook for category growth this year was initially expected to decline in low single digits, but the company has outperformed the categories slightly [13][14] - Aluminum prices have increased from approximately $1.2 per pound to $1.9, prompting the company to implement a third price increase in the Reynolds Cooking and Baking business [40] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operates through four segments: Reynolds Cooking and Baking, Hefty Waste and Storage, Hefty Tableware, and Presto products [9][10][11] - The foam category is experiencing double-digit declines, impacting overall category expectations, while other categories are expected to remain flat [13] - The Hefty brand enjoys a 98% level of consumer awareness and has been a serial innovator, contributing to long-term share gains in the trash category [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. consumer is under pressure due to declining consumer confidence and rising debt levels, impacting overall market dynamics [38] - There is a trend towards larger pack sizes and lower opening price points across most categories [39] - The company has a U.S.-centric business model, with 90% of revenues coming from the U.S., which insulates it from tariff impacts compared to competitors relying on international supply chains [50][51] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build a world-class team and elevate the finance team to become business partners driving results [5][6] - Innovation and marketing are critical for driving category growth, with a focus on aligning products with evolving consumer needs [15][16] - The company sees the brand and store brand business as complementary, allowing for better consumer segmentation and price point management [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the current operating environment is challenging, with commodity volatility and consumer pressure being significant factors [7][38] - The company is optimistic about its ability to manage costs and drive earnings stability through a more agile team [7][8] - Future capital allocation will focus on high-return opportunities, including automation and innovation [68][69] Other Important Information - The company has made significant progress in offering sustainable alternatives across all major categories, addressing consumer demand for sustainability [58] - The company has not pursued M&A since its last investor day but has focused on organic growth and brand extension into adjacent areas [60][61] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the long-term growth drivers for the trash category? - The Hefty brand's strong consumer awareness, innovation, and effective marketing have driven long-term share gains in the trash category [27][29] Question: How does the company view the competitive dynamics in the market? - The competitive landscape is rational, with promotional activities resembling pre-pandemic levels, and the company is focused on maintaining its brand strength [19][31] Question: What is the company's approach to managing input costs and tariffs? - The company has seen a decrease in direct tariff exposure and is focusing on onshoring production to mitigate costs [46][50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net revenues of $818 million for Q1 2025, with retail revenues of $767 million, reflecting a decrease of $28 million compared to Q1 2024 due to retailer destocking and declines in the foam category [13][14] - Adjusted EBITDA was $117 million, down from $122 million in the prior year, primarily driven by lower retail sales [14] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) remained unchanged at $0.23 compared to Q1 2024 [14] - The company expects 2025 net revenues to decline low single digits compared to 2024 and adjusted EBITDA in the range of $650 million to $670 million [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company outperformed its categories by two points at retail, capturing share in household foil, waste bags, food bags, and non-foam disposable tableware [7] - Non-retail revenues increased by $12 million [14] - The company introduced new products, including hefty compostable cutlery and Reynolds Kitchen air fryer cups, to drive innovation and connect with younger consumers [7][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail volumes are expected to be down 2% to 5% in Q2 2025 compared to Q2 2024, driven by lower volumes and partially offset by pricing [17] - The company anticipates more pressure on its categories, with lower consumer confidence and retailers managing inventory levels contributing to the challenges [15][31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving growth at or above its categories, expanding margins, and investing in a more stable earnings growth model [6][7] - Strategic initiatives include targeted distribution gains, prioritizing larger scale innovation, and reallocating promotional spend to higher return opportunities [11][12] - The company is adapting to a dynamic macro environment by investing in high return programs and leveraging competitive advantages [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that retailer destocking is expected to be a permanent change rather than a temporary adjustment [23][24] - The company is not altering its strategic direction despite recent tariff announcements and a challenging retail environment, emphasizing the need to control its own destiny through innovation and distribution gains [12] - Management expressed confidence in the innovation pipeline, highlighting new product launches and the potential for growth [62] Other Important Information - The company successfully refinanced its term loan facility, enhancing financial flexibility [19] - The updated segment reporting now reflects the international business based on product category alignment [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the retailer destocking piece? - Management indicated that retailer destocking is expected to be a permanent change and will flow through the balance of the year [23][24] Question: Can you clarify the strategic expenses related to revenue growth management? - Management explained that strategic investments focus on evaluating revenue growth management, cost out work, and supply chain efficiency [25][26] Question: What is the guidance for category growth? - The guidance now contemplates a greater quantum of pricing due to lower expectations of retail volumes, with retailer destocking being a significant factor [30][31] Question: Can you elaborate on the tariff pressure? - Management noted that direct tariff exposure is a single-digit percentage of overall COGS, with significant indirect impacts from commodities like aluminum [38][39] Question: How has consumption performed exiting the quarter? - Management reported that retail business performed as expected, with destocking impacting the P&L, but March showed better performance than January and February [49][50] Question: How is the innovation pipeline looking for this year? - Management expressed confidence in the innovation pipeline, highlighting new product launches and the potential for growth [62]