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Energizer Q1 Earnings Top Estimates Despite Margin Pressure & Tariffs
ZACKS· 2026-02-06 14:35
Core Insights - Energizer Holdings, Inc. (ENR) reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 results with net sales and earnings exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate, although the bottom line declined due to tariff pressures and integration costs from the Advanced Power Solutions (APS) acquisition [1][2][3] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings were 31 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 26 cents, but down from 67 cents in the prior year [2][8] - Net sales reached $778.9 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $715 million, and increased by 6.5% year over year, driven by $64.6 million in acquisition-related sales from APS and favorable currency impacts [3][8] - Organic net sales declined by 4.3%, attributed to weaker volumes and difficult comparisons from the previous year's storm-driven demand [3][4] Segment Analysis - The Batteries & Lights segment saw net sales increase by 8.3% year over year to $685.2 million, supported by APS contributions, although organic sales fell by 3.8% due to softer category trends [4][5] - The Auto Care segment reported net sales of $93.7 million, down 5.6% year over year, with an organic decline of 6.9% due to consumer softness [5][6] Margin and Cost Details - Adjusted gross profit decreased by 7.2% year over year to $271.9 million, with the adjusted gross margin contracting by 510 basis points to 34.9% due to higher tariff costs and production inefficiencies [7][10] - Adjusted SG&A expenses rose by 11.7% to $133.2 million, increasing as a percentage of net sales to 17.1% [8][9] Cash Flow and Financial Health - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $214.8 million and long-term debt of $3,318.7 million, generating $149.5 million in operating cash flow [11] - Energizer repaid over $100 million of debt and returned approximately $23 million to shareholders through dividends [11] Future Outlook - Management expects adjusted gross margin improvement of over 300 basis points in the second quarter, with organic net sales anticipated to return to growth in the second half of fiscal 2026 [12][13] - For fiscal 2026, adjusted earnings are guided in the range of $3.30-$3.60 per share, with organic net sales expected to be flat to slightly up across both segments [15][16]
Energizer (ENR) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-05 16:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported meaningful progress in restoring growth and rebuilding margins that were pressured by tariffs, with expectations for sequential gross margin expansion and a return to earnings growth in the latter half of the year [4][5] - The first quarter saw robust cash generation, allowing the company to pay down over $100 million in debt and return nearly $28 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [5][6] - The company anticipates over 300 basis points of gross margin expansion from Q1 to Q2, with an additional 300-400 basis points expected by year-end [5][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The transition of APS to the Energizer brand is expected to contribute over $30 million in organic growth, primarily in the third and fourth quarters [5][20] - The company sold approximately $65 million of Panasonic-branded products in Q1, which impacted gross margins but is not expected to recur [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer demand has stabilized, with a strong rebound in December volumes in the U.S., which remains the largest market for the company [11][12] - The company noted a slight increase in private label products at certain retailers, which has resulted in volume growth for those retailers but has eroded category value [39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company’s strategy focuses on long-term value creation, restoring growth, and rebuilding margins while maintaining a balanced capital allocation strategy [4][6] - The company plans to prioritize debt reduction while also returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a transitional start to the year due to softening consumer trends and elevated tariff pressures but expressed confidence in the underlying trajectory improving [10][12] - The company expects the category to remain stable, with positive volume growth anticipated due to weather-related demand in January [14][20] Other Important Information - The company is actively managing through elevated tariff pressures, which had a significant impact on gross margins in Q1 but is expected to improve as the year progresses [21][50] - Management emphasized the importance of flexibility in planning to adapt to market uncertainties [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company viewing the consumer backdrop and category trends? - Management noted a softening in consumer trends at the start of the year but observed a strong rebound in December, indicating stabilization in demand [10][11] Question: What impact do recent winter storms have on guidance? - Management indicated that while the winter storms benefited point-of-sale volumes, it is too early to quantify the overall impact on business guidance [18] Question: Can you elaborate on the strength in December and market share gains? - Management confirmed that the category improved in December, and the company gained market share, expecting to increase distribution and quality in 2026 [31][32] Question: What is the leverage target for the end of the year? - The company aims to achieve a leverage ratio of around 5 or slightly below by year-end, continuing to prioritize debt paydown [41] Question: Are M&A opportunities being considered? - Management stated that they will always look at M&A opportunities, but any potential deals would be leverage neutral and not impact the debt paydown trajectory [42] Question: How are input costs affecting pricing strategies? - Management acknowledged some inflation in input costs but indicated that they have locked in a significant portion of their zinc requirements for 2026, which should mitigate some impacts [60]
Energizer (ENR) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-05 16:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported meaningful progress in restoring growth and rebuilding margins that were pressured by tariffs, with expectations for sequential gross margin expansion of over 300 basis points from Q1 to Q2 and an additional 300-400 basis points anticipated by year-end [4][5][21] - The company generated robust cash flow, allowing for over $100 million in debt repayment and nearly $28 million returned to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The transition of APS to the Energizer brand is expected to contribute over $30 million in organic growth, primarily in the third and fourth quarters [5][20] - The company experienced a strong rebound in battery consumption trends, particularly in December, indicating a positive trajectory for the category [11][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market showed stabilization in consumer demand, with a strong rebound in December volumes [11][12] - The company noted an increase in private label products at certain retailers, which has led to volume growth for those retailers but has also eroded category value [39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to prioritize debt reduction while maintaining a balanced capital allocation strategy that includes dividends and share repurchases [6][41] - The strategy focuses on restoring growth, margins, and free cash flow, with plans to leverage innovation and increase distribution across both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce channels [12][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a transitional start to the year due to softening consumer trends and elevated tariff pressures but expressed confidence in the underlying trajectory improving [10][12] - The company is optimistic about the back half of the year, expecting strong acceleration in net sales and earnings [12][20] Other Important Information - The company is managing through elevated tariff pressures, which had a significant impact on gross margins in Q1, but expects improvements as inventory is flushed through [21][50] - The company is focused on maintaining flexibility in its plans to adapt to uncertainties in the market [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company viewing the consumer backdrop and category trends? - Management noted a softening in consumer trends at the start of the year but observed a strong rebound in December, indicating stabilization [10][11] Question: What impact do recent winter storms have on guidance? - Management indicated that while the storms benefited point-of-sale volumes, it is too early to quantify the overall impact on business guidance [18] Question: Can you elaborate on the strength in December and potential market share gains? - Management confirmed that the category improved in December, and the company gained share slightly ahead of the category [31] Question: What is the leverage target for the end of the year? - The company expects to achieve a leverage ratio of around five or slightly below by year-end, with a focus on debt paydown [41] Question: How does the company view M&A opportunities? - Management stated that they will always look at M&A opportunities, but any potential deals would be leverage neutral and not impact the debt paydown trajectory [42]
Energizer (ENR) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-05 16:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported meaningful progress in restoring growth and rebuilding margins that were pressured by tariffs, with expectations for sequential gross margin expansion and a return to earnings growth in the latter half of the year [4][5] - The first quarter demonstrated robust cash generation, allowing the company to pay down over $100 million of debt and return nearly $28 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [5][6] - The company anticipates over 300 basis points of gross margin expansion from Q1 to Q2, with an additional 300-400 basis points expected by year-end [5][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The transition of APS to the Energizer brand is expected to contribute over $30 million of organic growth, primarily in the third and fourth quarters [5][20] - The company sold approximately $65 million of Panasonic-branded products in Q1, which was related to the APS transition, impacting gross margin significantly [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer demand has stabilized, with a strong rebound in December volumes in the U.S., which remains the largest market for the company [12] - The company noted a meaningful improvement in battery consumption trends, with December showing positive volume growth [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company’s strategy focuses on long-term value creation, restoring growth, rebuilding margins, and returning to historical cash flow profiles [4] - The capital allocation strategy prioritizes debt reduction while maintaining an attractive dividend and share repurchases when market conditions are favorable [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a transitional start to the year due to softening consumer trends and elevated tariff pressures, but expressed confidence in the underlying trajectory improving [11][12] - The company expects the category to remain stable, with plans to leverage innovation and increase distribution in the back half of the year [20] Other Important Information - The company is managing through elevated tariff pressures, which had a significant impact on gross margins in Q1, but expects improvements as inventory is flushed through [21][24] - Management emphasized the importance of flexibility in planning to adapt to uncertainties in the market [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company viewing the consumer backdrop and category trends? - Management noted continued pressure on lower-end consumers and acknowledged a back-half-weighted year, but expressed confidence in hitting growth targets [9][10] Question: What impact do recent winter storms have on guidance? - Management indicated that while the storm volume in the U.S. was beneficial, it was too early to quantify the exact impact on business guidance [18] Question: Can you elaborate on the strength in December and potential market share gains? - Management confirmed that the category improved in December, with the company gaining share slightly ahead of the category [34] Question: What is the leverage target for the end of the year? - Management expects to achieve a leverage ratio of around 5 or slightly below by year-end, with a focus on debt paydown [44] Question: Are M&A opportunities being considered? - Management stated that they will always look at M&A opportunities, but any potential deals would be leverage neutral and not impact the debt paydown trajectory [45]
Energizer (ENR) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-11-18 16:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For fiscal 2025, net sales grew by 2.3% to nearly $3 billion, while adjusted earnings per share increased by 6% to $3.52, supported by organic growth and disciplined cost management [6][7][8] - The company returned $177 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, reducing outstanding shares by approximately 5% [6][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Significant growth was noted in e-commerce, with a 35% increase in Q4 and a 25% increase for the year, with expectations of 15% growth in 2026 [35][36] - The auto care segment also experienced meaningful innovation, contributing to overall sales growth [5][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The macro environment has been challenging, with tariffs increasing costs and consumer demand softening late in the year [6][7] - The battery category is projected to decline by 2% for the year, with expectations of stabilization in the latter half of the fiscal year [18][25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has extended Project Momentum into a fourth year, focusing on operational efficiency and the integration of Advanced Power Solutions [5][6] - The innovation pipeline is robust, aimed at driving category growth and strengthening leadership in batteries and auto care [5][6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a transitional first quarter for fiscal 2026, reflecting challenging sales comparisons and moderating consumer sentiment [7][18] - The company expects double-digit adjusted earnings per share growth over the final three quarters of fiscal 2026, driven by network realignment and Project Momentum savings [7][18] Other Important Information - The company achieved over $200 million in savings from Project Momentum to date, with a focus on restoring gross margins and enhancing free cash flow [11][12] - Management indicated that consumer behavior is changing, with a tendency to reduce household inventory and skip purchase cycles, but expects a return to historical growth patterns [46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the ramp needed to hit full-year expectations following a challenging first quarter - Management acknowledged the need for a ramp and highlighted the successful execution of Project Momentum, which has delivered significant savings and improved margins [11][12] Question: Perspective on consumer slowdown and cost environment changes - Management noted a softening consumer sentiment and projected a decline in the battery category, but remains bullish on long-term growth [24][25] Question: Channel dynamics and consumer behavior in response to the current environment - Management observed that consumers are seeking value and shifting channels, with e-commerce being a significant growth area [35][36] Question: Incremental benefits from optimizing U.S. manufacturing - Management anticipates an additional $15 million-$20 million in benefits from domestic production credits starting in fiscal 2026 [40][41] Question: Expectations for consumer behavior and category performance - Management expects consumers to revert to historical purchasing behaviors, stabilizing the category growth in the future [46] Question: Retail partners' inventory management and its impact - Management indicated tighter inventory management from retail partners, affecting replenishment dynamics as they head into the holiday season [53][54]
Energizer (ENR) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-11-18 16:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For fiscal 2025, net sales grew by 2.3% to nearly $3 billion, while adjusted earnings per share increased by 6% to $3.52, supported by organic growth and disciplined cost management [5][6][7] - The company returned $177 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, reducing outstanding shares by approximately 5% [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Significant growth was observed in e-commerce, with a 35% increase in Q4 and a 25% growth for the year [35] - The company’s innovation pipeline is robust, particularly in auto care, which is expected to drive category growth [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The macro environment has been challenging, with tariffs increasing costs and consumer demand softening late in the year [5][6] - The battery category is projected to decline by approximately 2% for the year, with expectations of stabilization in the category as the year progresses [26][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has extended Project Momentum into a fourth year, focusing on operational efficiency and the integration of Advanced Power Solutions [5] - The strategy includes realigning the manufacturing footprint to minimize tariff exposure and executing pricing actions to protect margins [6][7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a transitional first quarter for fiscal 2026, reflecting challenging sales comparisons and moderating consumer sentiment [6][7] - The company expects double-digit adjusted earnings per share growth over the final three quarters of fiscal 2026, driven by network realignment and Project Momentum savings [7][18] Other Important Information - The company has achieved over $200 million in savings from Project Momentum to date, with a focus on restoring gross margins and enhancing free cash flow [11][12] - Management indicated that consumer behavior is changing, with consumers likely to reduce pantry inventory and skip purchase cycles temporarily [46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence in ramping up after a challenging first quarter - Management acknowledged the need for a ramp and highlighted the successful execution of Project Momentum, which has delivered significant savings and improved margins [11][12] Question: Changes in consumer behavior and cost environment - Management noted a softening consumer sentiment and projected a decline in the battery category for the first quarter, with expectations of stabilization later [25][26] Question: Channel dynamics and consumer shopping patterns - Management reported strong growth in e-commerce, with a focus on winning in this channel as consumers seek value [35] Question: Incremental benefits from optimizing U.S. manufacturing - Management anticipates an additional $15 million-$20 million in benefits from domestic production credits starting in fiscal 2026 [41][42] Question: Expectations for consumer behavior and category decline - Management expects temporary changes in consumer behavior, with a return to historical growth patterns as the market stabilizes [46] Question: Retail partners' inventory management - Management observed tighter inventory management from retail partners, impacting replenishment dynamics [53]
Energizer (ENR) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-08-04 15:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong third quarter with results exceeding expectations, reflecting efforts to strengthen the business and restore margins [7][11] - Adjusted EPS is now expected to be between $3.55 and $3.65, with adjusted EBITDA projected between $630 million and $640 million [11] - The company returned $84 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in the quarter [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The battery category performed well, while auto care was softer due to mild weather; however, the new podium series is performing strongly [8][14] - Organic sales were strong, with battery category growth contributing positively, while auto care showed a slight decline [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The impact of tariffs on the business has improved significantly, with current rates lower than previously guided [8] - The company expects production credits to contribute $35 million to $40 million annually to gross margin, net earnings, and free cash flow [9][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on restoring margins, investing in growth, and building a more agile operation [7] - The acquisition of Advanced Power Solutions is expected to enhance manufacturing capabilities and mitigate tariff impacts [10][29] - The company is prioritizing debt reduction while also evaluating opportunities for share repurchase and capital allocation [35][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering fiscal 2025 outlook and continued earnings growth into fiscal 2026 [11] - The company noted that consumer behavior is cautious, but the battery category remains resilient [90] Other Important Information - The company has made significant investments in production and digital transformation, with expectations of generating 10% to 12% free cash flow compared to sales over the next couple of years [32][38] - The company has seen a stable competitive landscape, with private label shares remaining flat [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: Key fundamental drivers for the quarter and next - Management highlighted organic growth, gross margin improvement, and earnings growth as key drivers [14][15] Question: Details on production credits - Production credits are expected to contribute significantly to earnings without requiring additional investment [22] Question: Impact of the Advanced Power Solutions acquisition - The acquisition is part of a broader strategy to enhance manufacturing capabilities and optimize costs [29][30] Question: Capital allocation outlook - The company plans to prioritize debt reduction while remaining flexible in capital allocation strategies [35][36] Question: Competitive landscape and holiday outlook - Management noted stable market shares and a normal holiday season is anticipated, with adjustments for earlier shopping patterns [44][46] Question: Consumer inventory levels - Retailer inventory levels are slightly elevated, while consumer inventory levels are lighter due to stretched purchase cycles [88] Question: Pricing impact from tariffs - Pricing adjustments related to tariffs have been negotiated with retailers and are expected to show benefits in Q4 [68][92]
Energizer Q3 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Organic Sales Up Y/Y
ZACKS· 2025-08-04 14:06
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]
Energizer (ENR) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-06 15:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a flat net sales for the second quarter, while organic revenue increased by 1.4%, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of organic growth [12][7] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) reached $0.67, at the upper end of the guidance range [7][14] - Adjusted gross margin increased by 30 basis points to 40.8%, driven by project momentum savings [13] - Free cash flow declined by $44.1 million year over year, primarily due to investments in inventory and capital expenditures [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The battery business experienced a strong performance with 3% organic growth, benefiting from distribution wins in the U.S. and strong international results [9][12] - Auto care saw strong growth in appearance and air freshener segments, with the appearance business delivering 5.5% organic growth, driven by the new Podium Series product line [10][12] - Overall, the auto business declined approximately 2.5% organically, attributed to a shift in refrigerant shipment timing [10][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The battery category is expected to deliver low single-digit growth over the long term, although weakened consumer confidence may pressure volumes in the short term [23] - In auto care, consumer caution is anticipated to have mixed impacts, with some consumers shifting to DIY categories while others prioritize spending in less discretionary categories [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on distribution, innovation, digital commerce, pricing and revenue management, and market expansion to drive growth [8] - Strategic acquisitions have been made to enhance manufacturing capabilities and improve supply chain resilience [20] - The company aims to reduce exposure to tariffs through sourcing shifts and pricing adjustments [25][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by tariffs and changing consumer sentiment, emphasizing the need to stay close to consumers [18][23] - The outlook for the remainder of the year has been tempered due to anticipated consumer pullback and inflationary pressures [24][30] - The company expects reported and organic net sales for the full year to be flat to up 2%, with adjusted EBITDA and EPS reflecting positive growth [30][31] Other Important Information - The company refinanced its $500 million revolving credit facility, extending maturities and improving debt portfolio flexibility [14] - The recent acquisition of APS in Europe is expected to enhance scale and manufacturing capabilities in key markets [69] Q&A Session Summary Question: Follow-up on tariff commentary and mitigation impacts - Management clarified that they have mitigated the impact of tariffs for fiscal year 2025 and are working on strategies to address future exposures [36][39] Question: Evaluation of devices using batteries and impact on forecasts - Management acknowledged that higher prices for devices could lead to consumer pullback, impacting battery replenishment cycles [50][53] Question: Retailer destocking and its impact - Management noted a slight uptick in retailer inventory due to softer sales, which is expected to normalize over time [65][66] Question: Details on the APS acquisition - The acquisition is expected to enhance the company's manufacturing capabilities and will involve transitioning from Panasonic to Energizer branding [69] Question: Long-term leverage target - The company aims to reduce leverage to below four times, with debt paydown being a top priority [108]
Energizer (ENR) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-06 15:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a flat net sales for the second quarter, while organic revenue increased by 1.4%, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of organic growth [12][7] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) reached $0.67, at the upper end of the guidance range [7][14] - Adjusted gross margin increased by 30 basis points to 40.8%, driven by project momentum savings [13] - Free cash flow declined by $44.1 million year over year, primarily due to investments in inventory and capital expenditures [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The battery business experienced a strong performance with 3% organic growth, benefiting from distribution wins in the U.S. and strong international results [9][12] - Auto care saw strong growth in appearance and air freshener segments, with the appearance business delivering 5.5% organic growth, driven by the new Podium Series product line [10][12] - Overall, the auto business declined by approximately 2.5% organically, attributed to a shift in refrigerant shipment timing [10][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The battery category is expected to deliver low single-digit growth over the long term, although weakened consumer confidence may pressure volumes in the short term [23] - In auto care, consumer caution is anticipated to have mixed impacts, with some consumers shifting to DIY categories while others prioritize spending on less discretionary items [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on distribution, innovation, digital commerce, pricing and revenue management, and market expansion to drive growth [8] - Strategic acquisitions have been made to enhance manufacturing capabilities and improve supply chain resilience [20] - The company aims to reduce exposure to tariffs through sourcing shifts and pricing adjustments, with a clear path to mitigate impacts over the next twelve months [28][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by tariffs and changing consumer sentiment, emphasizing the need to stay close to consumers [18][23] - The outlook for the remainder of the year has been tempered due to recent volatility and consumer caution [24][30] - The company expects reported and organic net sales for the full year to be flat to up 2%, with adjusted EBITDA and EPS reflecting positive growth at the midpoint [30][31] Other Important Information - The company has refinanced its $500 million revolving credit facility, extending maturities and improving the weighted average maturity of its total debt portfolio [14] - The recent acquisition of APS in Europe is expected to enhance scale and manufacturing capabilities, transitioning from Panasonic to Energizer brands over the next eight months [69] Q&A Session Summary Question: Follow-up on tariff mitigation impacts - Management clarified that they have mitigated the impact of tariffs for fiscal year 2025 and are working on strategies to address future exposures [36][39] Question: Evaluation of devices using batteries and pricing impacts - Management acknowledged that higher prices for devices could lead to consumer pullback, impacting battery replenishment cycles [50][53] Question: Retailer destocking and its impact - Management noted a slight uptick in retailer inventory due to softer sales, but does not expect it to be significant [65][66] Question: Insights on the APS acquisition - The acquisition is expected to enhance the company's European business and manufacturing capabilities, with a transition to Energizer branding planned [68][69] Question: Long-term leverage target - The company aims to reduce leverage to below four times, with debt paydown as a top priority [108]