Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Normalized operating margin increased by 10 basis points year-over-year to 10.7%, with all three business segments showing positive results for the first time since 2022 [6][22] - Normalized gross margin rose by 80 basis points to 35.6%, marking the highest rate in four years and the eighth consecutive quarter of year-over-year expansion [7][22] - Normalized earnings per share (EPS) reached $0.24, at the top end of the guidance range, despite a higher than expected tax rate [8][22] - Core sales for the second quarter decreased by 4.4%, while net sales contracted by 4.8% due to unfavorable foreign exchange and business exits [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The international business, accounting for nearly 40% of total sales, achieved positive core sales growth for the sixth consecutive quarter [22] - The Writing and Home Fragrance segments reported growth in core sales, while the Baby business also showed positive trends [22][49] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Market growth was estimated to be down in low single digits for 2025, with Newell Brands largely maintaining market share during the first half of the year [9][10] - The company expects subdued market growth as certain consumer cohorts remain under pressure [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving front-end capabilities and has strengthened distribution, innovation, and marketing plans for the second half of the year [10][11] - Newell Brands is positioned to benefit from global tariff-driven trade realignment, leveraging its North American manufacturing capabilities [11][12] - A significant investment in marketing is planned for 2025, with expectations of higher returns on investment due to improved marketing capabilities [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the mid- to long-term trajectory of the U.S. and global economy, while remaining cautious in the short term due to inflation and high interest rates [17][18] - The company updated its core sales guidance to reflect category growth expectations at the low end of the prior range, offset by better foreign exchange [18][27] Other Important Information - The company redeemed $1.25 billion in outstanding bonds, indicating strong investor support for its corporate strategy [24] - ERP harmonization efforts are on track to be completed by 2026, following successful integrations in the second quarter [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comments on back-to-school performance and exit rates across categories - Management noted that it is early to assess back-to-school performance but expressed confidence in sell-in and setup heading into the season, with record high fill rates and secured exclusivity on key products [36][38] Question: Core sales moving in the wrong direction despite innovation - Management highlighted sequential progress in core sales growth, with improvements noted in specific segments like Writing and Baby, while acknowledging challenges in broader category growth dynamics [47][48] Question: Drivers of expected core sales improvement in Q4 - Management indicated that tariff distribution wins and significant innovation launches, particularly for Yankee Candle, are expected to drive improvement in Q4 [56][58] Question: Impact of retailer inventory destocking and competitive pricing response - Management observed some impact from inventory destocking due to direct import issues but noted that overall retail inventories remain in good shape [82][83]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Normalized operating margin increased by 10 basis points year-over-year to 10.7%, with all three business segments showing positive results for the first time since 2022 [6][21] - Normalized gross margin rose by 80 basis points to 35.6%, marking the highest rate in four years and the eighth consecutive quarter of year-over-year expansion [7][21] - Normalized earnings per share (EPS) reached $0.24, at the top end of the guidance range, despite a higher than expected tax rate [7][23] - Core sales for the second quarter decreased by 4.4%, while net sales contracted by 4.8% due to unfavorable foreign exchange and business exits [20][21] - First half core sales for 2025 were down 3.4%, an improvement compared to the previous year [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The international business, accounting for nearly 40% of total sales, achieved positive core sales growth for the sixth consecutive quarter [20] - The Writing and Home Fragrance businesses both experienced core sales growth [21] - The Baby business showed strong core sales growth in the first quarter, with continued positive trends in the second quarter [39] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Market growth was estimated to be down in low single digits for 2025, with Newell Brands largely maintaining market share during the first half of the year [8] - The company noted that certain consumer cohorts remain under pressure, impacting overall market growth expectations [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving front-end capabilities and strengthening distribution, innovation, and marketing plans [9] - Newell Brands is positioned to benefit from global tariff-driven trade realignment, with over half of U.S. sales manufactured domestically [10] - A significant investment of nearly $2 billion in the North American production system since 2017 has provided untapped capacity to meet strategic customer needs [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the mid- to long-term trajectory of the U.S. and global economy, while remaining cautious in the short term due to inflation and high interest rates [15][16] - The company updated its core sales guidance to reflect short-term category softness, while also anticipating better foreign exchange impacts [17] - Management expects sequential top-line progress to resume, driven by distribution gains, innovation launches, and marketing programs [19] Other Important Information - The company fully redeemed $1.25 billion of outstanding bonds, indicating strong investor support for its corporate strategy [24] - Two additional ERP integrations were successfully completed, moving towards a harmonized system by 2026 [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you comment on the back-to-school category performance and exit rates across all categories? - Management indicated it is early to assess consumer off-take for back-to-school, but they feel confident about their setup and sell-in [36][37] Question: With core sales moving in the wrong direction, what is driving that? - Management noted sequential progress in core sales growth, with improvements from previous periods, and emphasized the timing of retailer shipments and category growth dynamics [46][49] Question: What drives the expected material inflection in Q4 core sales? - Management highlighted tariff distribution wins, significant innovation launches, and retailer shelf resets as key drivers for expected improvements in Q4 [57] Question: How is the retailer environment affecting inventory levels and repurchasing? - Management observed some impact from inventory destocking, particularly in direct import business, but overall retail inventories remain in good shape [80][81]

Core Viewpoint - The Gross Law Firm has issued a notice to shareholders of Reckitt Benckiser Group plc regarding a class action lawsuit alleging that the company made materially false and misleading statements about its Enfamil formula, which is linked to increased risks for preterm infants [1][2]. Group 1: Allegations and Class Period - The class period for the allegations is from January 13, 2021, to July 28, 2024 [1]. - The allegations include that Reckitt's cow's milk-based formula, Enfamil, posed an increased risk of developing NEC in preterm infants, which was not disclosed [1]. - The lawsuit claims that Reckitt's positive statements about its business and operations were materially false and misleading due to the undisclosed risks and potential legal claims [1]. Group 2: Next Steps for Shareholders - Shareholders who purchased shares of RBGLY during the specified timeframe are encouraged to register for the class action by August 4, 2025 [2]. - Upon registration, shareholders will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to receive updates on the case [2]. - There is no cost or obligation for shareholders to participate in the case [2]. Group 3: About the Gross Law Firm - The Gross Law Firm is a nationally recognized class action law firm focused on protecting investors' rights against deceit and fraud [3]. - The firm aims to ensure companies adhere to responsible business practices and seeks recovery for investors who suffered losses due to misleading statements [3].

Core Insights - A significant number of companies have reduced their dividends in recent years, including notable names like Walgreens and Leggett & Platt [1] Group 1 - The article highlights the trend of dividend cuts among companies, particularly those that were once considered reliable dividend payers [1] - The author expresses a personal investment philosophy focused on quality blue-chip stocks, business development companies (BDCs), and real estate investment trusts (REITs) [1] - There is an emphasis on the goal of helping lower and middle-class workers build investment portfolios centered around high-quality, dividend-paying companies [1]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The discussion primarily revolves around the impact of tariffs on the US economy and its implications for various sectors, particularly in the context of trade relations with key partners such as Europe, Canada, and Mexico [2][3]. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **Tariff Impact on Economic Data**: The full impact of tariffs on economic data is not yet visible, suggesting that markets may not have fully priced in the consequences of ongoing tariff discussions [3][3]. 2. **Significance of Trade Partners**: The EU, Canada, and Mexico account for nearly half of all US goods imports. A five-percentage-point increase in tariffs on these partners could significantly double the negative impact on US GDP compared to similar measures against smaller economies [3][3]. 3. **Sector Sensitivity to Tariffs**: Different sectors exhibit varying sensitivities to tariff changes. For instance, industrials and capital goods firms may benefit from domestic investment despite rising costs, while consumer goods and retail sectors face higher input costs and limited pricing power, necessitating a cautious approach [8][8]. 4. **Economic Scenarios**: The most likely economic scenario is slow growth with firm inflation, with a 40% probability assigned to this outcome. A trade-induced slowdown is also considered likely, with a similar probability, while a more optimistic scenario hinges on de-escalation of trade tensions [4][4]. 5. **Fixed Income and Currency Outlook**: A tariff-induced slowdown is expected to lead to a rally in Treasuries and a weakening of the US dollar, driven by increased incentives for overseas investors to hedge against dollar exposure [5][5]. Additional Important Insights - **Market Sentiment**: Despite the fatigue surrounding tariff discussions, they remain a critical factor for market movements and should not be overlooked in investment strategies [9][9]. - **Employment Trends**: Job openings in the US have shown a slight increase, indicating some momentum in the labor market, which may influence economic outlooks [11][11]. - **Global Economic Indicators**: The anticipated GDP growth rates for various regions, including the US and Euro area, reflect a cautious but stable economic environment, with specific forecasts indicating a 2.1% annual rate for US GDP in Q2 [13][13]. This summary encapsulates the essential points discussed in the conference call, highlighting the ongoing relevance of tariff policies and their multifaceted impact on the economy and various sectors.

Core Viewpoint - A class action lawsuit has been filed against Reckitt Benckiser Group plc for allegedly misleading investors regarding the risks associated with its cow's milk-based formula, Enfamil, during the class period from January 13, 2021, to July 28, 2024 [1][4]. Company Overview - Reckitt Benckiser Group plc is a UK-based global consumer goods company facing over 500 state and federal product liability lawsuits related to its cow's milk-based formula, Enfamil, and its competitor Abbott Laboratories' Similac [3]. Legal Allegations - The class action lawsuit claims that Reckitt made misleading statements and omissions about its business and financial condition, specifically failing to disclose the increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) for preterm infants consuming its formula [4]. - The lawsuit alleges that Reckitt did not adequately warn investors about the potential impact on sales and legal exposure related to the NEC risk associated with its products [4].

Core Viewpoint - Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC is facing a class action lawsuit from investors due to alleged misleading statements and failure to disclose health risks associated with its Enfamil infant formula, leading to significant stock price declines [3][4][5]. Group 1: Class Action Details - The class action represents investors who purchased Reckitt Benckiser securities between January 13, 2021, and July 28, 2024, with a deadline for filing a lead plaintiff motion set for August 4, 2025 [1]. - The lawsuit claims that Reckitt Benckiser did not adequately warn consumers and investors about the increased risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) for preterm infants consuming its cow's milk-based formula [3]. Group 2: Legal Outcomes and Financial Impact - A jury verdict on March 15, 2024, found Mead Johnson negligent, resulting in a $60 million award for failing to warn about NEC risks, which caused Reckitt Benckiser's American Depositary Shares (ADSs) to drop nearly 14% [4]. - Following a related case on July 29, 2024, where a Missouri jury awarded $495 million in damages over NEC caused by a competing formula, Reckitt Benckiser's ADSs fell nearly 9% [5].

Group 1: Venture Capital Trends - Smaller venture capital firms like China Renaissance are increasingly moving into cryptocurrency, using Hong Kong as a platform to access crypto assets despite trading being illegal on the Chinese Mainland [3][4] - Tian Tu Capital is shifting focus from consumer goods to technology, driven by a complicated consumer market and a decline in spending on premium products [4][5][6] - The financing method employed by Tian Tu Capital, through a bond issue with a coupon rate under 2%, reflects a new development in the market, although it presents challenges due to a maturity mismatch for early-stage tech investments [7] Group 2: Online Travel Industry - Klook, a Hong Kong-based online travel agent, is preparing for a U.S. IPO to raise up to $500 million, targeting millennial and Gen Z travelers [9][10] - The founders of Klook, coming from investment banking backgrounds, have successfully navigated the travel industry, demonstrating that industry barriers have become thinner [10] - Klook's decision to list in New York rather than Hong Kong is strategic, aiming for a higher valuation in a market less critical of its profitability and cost structure [11]

CNBC. com plus now. >> For more than a decade.Bath and Body Works has been reshoring its production from China, Canada and Mexico. The move to do so is helped the company manufacture, package and deliver products to its stores, which is a beautiful thing. Courtney Reagan joins us right now with more on what's been happening on this in court.I know you are in the middle of the action. >> Yeah, we absolutely are. Becky, right here at this facility is where Bath and Body Works puts together its foaming hand so ...

NEW YORK, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP notifies investors in Reckitt Benckiser Group plc ("Reckitt Benckiser Group plc" or the "Company") (OTCQX: RBGLY) of a class action securities lawsuit. CLASS DEFINITION: The lawsuit seeks to recover losses on behalf of Reckitt Benckiser Group plc investors who were adversely affected by alleged securities fraud between January 13, 2021 and July 28, 2024. Follow the link below to get more information and be contacted by a member of our team: h ...