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]

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]