The Hain Celestial Group (HAIN) Q3 2025 Earnings Call May 07, 2025 08:00 AM ET Company Participants Alexis Tessier - VP, Investor RelationsDawn Zier - Chair of the BoardAlison Lewis - Interim President & CEOLee Boyce - CFOKaumil Gajrawala - Managing DirectorKenneth Goldman - Managing DirectorAnthony Vendetti - Executive Managing DirectorJohn Baumgartner - Managing Director, Equity Research Conference Call Participants David Palmer - AnalystJim Salera - Research AnalystMichael Lavery - Senior Equity Research ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 5% decline in organic net sales and adjusted EBITDA of $34 million, which is over 20% below last year's performance [13][20] - Adjusted gross margin fell 50 basis points to 21.8% in the third quarter, and adjusted EBITDA margin decreased by 140 basis points to 8.6% of net sales [20] - Interest costs decreased by 16% year over year to $12 million, driven by lower outstanding borrowings and a reduction in interest rates [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, organic net sales declined 10% year over year, primarily driven by lower sales in Snacks and Baby and Kids [24] - International organic net sales grew by 0.5%, led by growth in Meal Prep and Baby and Kids, despite declines in beverages and snacks [25] - Snacks category saw a 13% year-over-year decline in organic net sales, while Baby and Kids experienced a 6% decline [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The North American segment accounted for 80% of the top line shortfall, with two-thirds attributed to Snacks [40] - The international segment is expected to improve sequentially in the fourth quarter due to pricing actions and new innovations [25] - The overall snacks category has softened, with only a few brands driving growth during the quarter [40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company launched a new strategy called "Hain Reimagined," aimed at streamlining operations and simplifying the product portfolio [6][9] - A formal process to review the company's portfolio has been initiated to maximize shareholder value, with Goldman Sachs retained as a financial advisor [9] - The focus is on five key drivers: simplifying the business, accelerating innovation, implementing strategic revenue growth management, driving operational productivity, and enhancing digital capabilities [16][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that the third quarter results were disappointing and emphasized the need for clarity, focus, and action moving forward [11][12] - The company expects organic net sales growth for the full year to decline approximately 5% to 6%, with adjusted EBITDA around $125 million [33] - Management remains optimistic about the future, citing strong brands in attractive categories and a commitment to continuous improvement [34][35] Other Important Information - The company took charges totaling $8 million associated with restructuring, with total transformation program charges expected to be between $115 million and $125 million by fiscal 2027 [21] - Free cash flow in the third quarter was an outflow of $2 million, compared to an inflow of $30 million in the prior year [29] - The company closed the quarter with cash on hand of $44 million and net debt of $665 million, with a net leverage ratio of 4.2 times [30][31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Snacks and Infant Nutrition Categories - Management acknowledged underperformance in Snacks, attributing 80% of the top line shortfall to North America, with two-thirds from Snacks [40][41] - They noted execution challenges and category softness, but expressed confidence in brand health and upcoming marketing efforts [41][42] Question: Visibility and Forecasting Improvements - Management indicated that investments in the commercial team and digital capabilities would enhance forecasting and visibility [50][51] Question: Strategic Review Details - The strategic review aims to evaluate the strategy and portfolio to maximize shareholder value, with no specifics available yet as the process is early [58][59] Question: Pricing Strategy and Market Environment - Management confirmed that pricing is under review and emphasized the need for improved execution in revenue growth management [90][91] Question: Brand Positioning and Value Creation - Management stated the importance of creating value in brands through innovation and marketing, aiming to charge appropriate prices based on brand value [76][77] Question: Right to Win and Competitive Environment - Management expressed confidence in the company's right to win, emphasizing the need for brand renovation and innovation to support growth [78][80]

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]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 3.1% growth in organic net revenue for Q1 2025, driven by strong pricing execution in the chocolate business despite significant cocoa input cost inflation [6][18] - Adjusted gross profit was significantly impacted by record cocoa costs, leading to an 18% decline in EPS on a constant currency basis [9][32] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $800 million, indicating strong cash generation capabilities [9][33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The chocolate segment grew by 10.1%, with significant growth across both developed and emerging markets, although volume mix was down 5.7% due to elasticity and trade destocking [22][24] - The biscuits and baked snacks category grew by 0.3%, with notable brands like Loo and Seven Days contributing to growth, but faced challenges in the U.S. due to retailer destocking [20][21] - Gum and candy grew by 1%, driven by performance in China and Mexico, but faced volume mix challenges due to trade destocking in the U.S. [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America experienced a decline of 3.6% primarily due to retailer destocking and softer consumer demand, particularly in the food and mass channel [26] - Europe grew by 8.9% in Q1, with strong execution and growth in key countries like the UK, France, and Germany [24] - Emerging markets grew by 3.9%, with Brazil and China showing strength, while India faced challenges due to inflationary pressures [19][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains committed to its strategic growth agenda, focusing on brand reinvestment, expanding distribution, and sustainability initiatives [11][14] - The chocolate strategy is on track, with a focus on offering a variety of pack sizes to cater to different consumer needs and maintaining entry-level pricing [15][16] - The company aims to continue innovating with new flavors and formats, leveraging strong brand loyalty to drive long-term success [17][78] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the full-year outlook despite external volatility, highlighting strong pricing execution and category growth [6][7] - Consumer sentiment is mixed, with significant declines in the U.S. due to inflation fears, while European consumer confidence remains stable [46][49] - The company anticipates a gradual improvement in the U.S. biscuits category as destocking subsides and promotional activities increase [107] Other Important Information - The company achieved a top-tier ranking in the global advantage survey for retailer partnerships, reflecting strong relationships with retailers [13] - Sustainability efforts are progressing well, with 91% of cocoa volume sourced through the Cocoa Life program and a 12% reduction in carbon emissions since 2018 [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in key regions for the year ahead - Management noted strong pricing execution in Europe and share gains in emerging markets, particularly in China and Brazil, despite softness in North America [41][44] Question: Key considerations for North America and pricing in Europe - Management reaffirmed confidence in pricing strategies and noted that the Easter season was strong, with expectations for improved results in Q2 [55][58] Question: Strategy to mitigate cocoa inflation - The company is executing a multifaceted strategy involving pricing, productivity, and RGM, with a focus on maintaining key price points and offering a range of pack sizes [67][70] Question: Profit dollar generation and future cadence - Profit dollar generation exceeded expectations due to better pricing, productivity improvements, and favorable commodity procurement [93][96] Question: Insights on North American biscuit category softness - Management highlighted the need to focus on price points and promotional activities to address category softness, with expectations for gradual improvement [102][106]

Altria Group (MO) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 29, 2025 02:08 PM ET Speaker0 Good day, and welcome to the Altria Group twenty twenty five First Quarter Earnings Conference Call. Today's call is scheduled to last about one hour, including remarks by Altria's management and a question and answer session. I I would now like to turn the call over to Mac Livingston, Vice President of Investor Relations for Altria Client Services. Please go ahead, sir. Speaker1 Thanks, David. Good morning, and thank you for joinin ...