Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3, the company reported net sales of $1.6 billion, a decrease of 1% compared to the prior year, and adjusted earnings per diluted share of 35 cents, both below expectations [21][22] - The gross profit rate was 41.3%, down 220 basis points year-over-year, primarily due to a 260 basis point decrease in merchandise margin impacted by tariffs [23] - Operating income for Q3 was $161 million, down 26% from the previous year [24] - For Q4, the company expects sales to decline by high single digits and a gross profit rate of approximately 44.5% [25][26] - Full-year net sales guidance has been lowered from a growth of 1.5%-2.7% to a decline of low single digits, with adjusted earnings per diluted share guidance reduced from $3.35-$3.60 to at least $2.87 [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - All core categories experienced low single-digit declines in Q3, indicating a need for focused investment in these areas [22] - U.S. and Canadian store net sales were flat at $1.2 billion, while direct net sales decreased by 7% to $299 million [22] - International net sales increased by 6% to $73 million, with system-wide retail sales growing by 16% [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer sentiment is negatively impacting purchase intent, with recent data showing a decline in consumer confidence due to job loss concerns and affordability issues [25] - The competitive retail marketplace is highly challenging, with customers waiting for deeper discounts before making purchases [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a consumer-first strategy with four pillars: creating innovative products, reigniting the brand, winning in the marketplace, and operating with speed and efficiency [20][10] - Plans include reducing SKU complexity, exiting non-core categories, and investing in core product categories to attract new consumers [12][68] - The company aims to launch on Amazon in early 2026 to reach new consumers and enhance brand visibility [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges that the current consumer environment is challenging and that the brand is not fulfilling its potential [5][34] - The company is committed to making necessary changes to return to growth, with a focus on long-term sustainable growth [18][51] - Management expects that the initiatives will take time to impact financial performance, with more visible results anticipated in the second half of 2026 [38][47] Other Important Information - The company plans to deliver $250 million in cost savings over the next two years, with over half identified for 2026 [17] - Capital expenditures for the year are projected at approximately $240 million, down from previous guidance [27] - Free cash flow expectation for the full year is approximately $650 million, reflecting current performance trends [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: What changed between when the CEO first joined and current expectations? - The CEO noted that the brand is not fulfilling its potential and that the focus on adjacencies has resulted in underinvestment in core categories [34][35] Question: What are the key KPIs for the new strategy? - The CEO highlighted total active consumers and growth in core categories as key metrics, along with improvements in digital traffic and dwell time [45][46] Question: How will the company balance investments and margins in 2026? - The CEO indicated that 2026 will focus on investing behind the brand while also unlocking $250 million in savings to fund these investments [51] Question: What is the plan for the Amazon partnership? - The CEO explained that the initial product assortment will include evergreen products, with plans to expand thoughtfully over time [62] Question: How will the company exit non-go-forward categories? - The CEO stated that SKU rationalization will begin in Q1 2026, focusing on consumer feedback to simplify the product offering [80][81]

Market Overview - European stocks are anticipated to open positively after a volatile period influenced by concerns over bad loans in the U.S. banking sector [1][2] - The U.K.'s FTSE index is projected to rise by 0.32%, Germany's DAX by 0.67%, France's CAC 40 by 0.62%, and Italy's FTSE MIB by 0.65% [1] Banking Sector Insights - European banks have seen a 40% increase this year, leading to high market expectations [3] - Concerns regarding credit issues are primarily centered on the U.S., with European banks reporting solid results and no negative surprises thus far [4] Upcoming Earnings Reports - Major earnings reports are expected this week, including L'Oreal on Tuesday and SAP, Barclays, Heineken, and Svenska Handelsbanken on Wednesday [5] - Kering announced the sale of its beauty and fragrance business to L'Oreal for €4 billion ($4.66 billion) [5] U.S. Market Activity - U.S. stock futures are trending higher as investors await significant earnings reports and inflation data [6] - Key companies reporting include Netflix, Coca-Cola, Tesla, and Intel, with the September consumer price index set to be released on Friday [6] Asia-Pacific Market Performance - Asia-Pacific markets traded higher, influenced by China's GDP growth of 4.8% in the July-to-September period, aligning with analyst expectations [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has a strong platform with over 1,900 stores in North America and a highly profitable business model that generates significant cash flow [4] - The expectation is to deliver mid-single-digit growth while expanding margins, indicating a potential re-rating of the stock [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core business categories such as body care, home fragrance, soaps, and sanitizers are growing, and the company plans to innovate and sharpen stories in these categories [19] - The company is focusing on a smaller number of categories to drive productivity and better full-price selling, moving away from overwhelming assortments [21][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has identified a challenge in acquiring new consumers, despite being effective at driving spend and repeat purchases from existing customers [10] - The company is expanding its distribution channels, recently launching products in 600 college bookstores to reach a younger demographic [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The guiding philosophy for growth is to put the consumer at the center of every decision, focusing on creating innovative products and telling bold brand stories [7][8] - The company is working on improving its digital presence and consumer experience, with plans to relaunch its app and mobile web [11][12] - The strategy includes reducing promotions to build trust with consumers and clarify the brand's identity [29][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes the consumer environment will remain stable, with expectations for spending habits to be about the same in the second half of 2025 [35] - The company is well-positioned regarding tariffs, with 80% of its supply chain sourced from the U.S. and plans to mitigate tariff impacts through supply chain optimization [25][26] Other Important Information - The loyalty program has been successful, with 39 million members, and the company continues to engage these members through exclusive offers [34] - The company is optimistic about its off-mall strategy, which has outperformed mall locations, and aims to increase off-mall locations to potentially 75% [33] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: What is the expectation for the environment in the second half of 2025? - Management expects the consumer environment to remain stable, with spending habits anticipated to be about the same [35] Question: How do you think about pricing and promotions? - The company acknowledges price elasticity and plans to thoughtfully reduce promotions while ensuring clarity in their promotional strategies [36][29] Question: Can you talk about your expectations for inventory growth into the second half? - Inventory is expected to be up in the second half, but not to the same magnitude as the first half, with no anticipated disruptions in shipments [37] Question: How are you thinking about non-tariff margin drivers? - Management does not anticipate meaningful changes in freight, wages, or materials costs and will continue to manage external pressures [37] Question: What are your thoughts on market share consolidation? - The company is focused on taking market share and leveraging its profitable fleet to drive growth across core categories [38] Question: Can you walk us through changes made during the semi-annual sale? - The semi-annual sale performed well, with changes including timing adjustments and leveraging social influencers to create buzz [40]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company aims for mid-single-digit growth while expanding margins, indicating a focus on profitability alongside revenue growth [5][30] - The CFO noted that mixed adjusted average unit retails (AURs) were up low single digits, reflecting a less promotional strategy [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core business categories, including body care, home fragrance, soaps, and sanitizers, are growing and will see innovation and sharper storytelling to accelerate growth [17] - The company is focusing on a smaller number of categories to improve productivity and drive full-price selling [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has expanded its distribution into 600 college bookstores, targeting a younger demographic of seven million students [15] - The management highlighted that 80% of the supply chain is U.S. sourced, with only 10% from China, positioning the company well against tariff pressures [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to enhance its digital presence and consumer experience, relaunching its app and mobile web to drive online sales [10][11] - There is a strategic shift towards direct-to-consumer and wholesale channels, recognizing that consumers shop brands rather than channels [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management expressed confidence in the growth potential of the brand, emphasizing the need to attract new consumers while retaining existing ones [9] - The CEO noted that the current consumer environment is value-seeking, which will influence promotional strategies moving forward [27] Other Important Information - The company is rolling out new packaging to better communicate product efficacy and benefits, starting with its aromatherapy line [14] - The loyalty program has grown to 39 million members, with ongoing enhancements to increase customer engagement and retention [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the expectation for the consumer environment in the second half of 2025? - Management expects the consumer environment to remain about the same as the first half [34] Question: How do you view price elasticity and consumer response to pricing changes? - The CEO indicated that consumers will pay for well-marketed products, but there will be moments when value-seeking behavior will drive traffic [36] Question: What are the expectations for inventory growth and potential supply chain disruptions? - The company does not anticipate disruptions in shipments and expects inventory to be up in the second half, though not as significantly as in the first half [37] Question: How are non-tariff margin drivers expected to change? - Management does not foresee meaningful changes in freight, wages, or materials costs and will continue to manage these pressures [37] Question: What is the strategy regarding market share consolidation in light of recent bankruptcies? - The CEO emphasized a clear strategy focused on taking market share and leveraging the company's profitable platform for growth [38] Question: What changes were made to the semi-annual sale, and how did it perform? - The semi-annual sale was pushed back two weeks to align with consumer mindset, and the performance was positively received due to strategic changes and effective marketing [40]

Core Viewpoint - Coty's latest quarterly report has led to a significant decline in its stock price, with investors reacting negatively to disappointing earnings and cautious guidance for the upcoming quarter [1][4]. Financial Performance - Coty reported a non-GAAP adjusted loss of $0.05 per share on sales of $1.25 billion, exceeding Wall Street's sales expectations by $40 million but falling short of earnings targets by $0.07 per share [4]. - The company's sales declined by 8.1% year over year in the quarter, indicating a weakening business performance [4][6]. Future Outlook - Management has reiterated guidance for like-for-like (LFL) sales to improve over the previous quarter, but expects a decline in LFL sales between 6% and 8% in fiscal Q1 [5]. - The outlook for earnings has worsened due to unexpected losses and anticipated sales declines in the current quarter [6].