Summary of Conference Call Company and Industry - **Company**: dsm-firmenich - **Industry**: Nutrition, Health, and Beauty Key Points and Arguments Divestment Announcement - dsm-firmenich announced the divestment of Animal Nutrition & Health (ANH) to CVC Capital Partners for a total enterprise value of **$2.2 billion**. The proceeds at closing are expected to be **$1.2 billion**, with a **20% retained stake** in the company and an earn-out possibility of **$0.5 billion** [2][3] Transaction Structure - The transaction will split ANH into two standalone entities: one focused on solutions and the other on essential products, primarily vitamins. The target completion date for this separation is around the end of **2026** [3][4] Financial Metrics - The valuation of **$2.2 billion** represents approximately **7x EV over Adjusted EBITDA** multiple. The earlier announced feed enzyme sale last year had a **10x multiple**, bringing the total to **$3.7 billion** [3][12] Capital Allocation - dsm-firmenich will maintain a stable dividend of **€2.50** and initiate a share buyback program of **$500 million** in addition to a previously announced **€1 billion** buyback by **2025** [4][13] Future Financial Reporting - The company plans to launch restated financials reflecting the consumer part of the business post-ANH divestment. Full-year results are expected on **February 12, 2026** [5][10] Impairment and Financial Adjustments - The transaction resulted in a non-cash impairment of approximately **€1.9 billion**, primarily linked to goodwill and intangibles from the merger. This impairment will be processed in the **2025** full-year results [11][12] Earnings and Dividend Policy - The dividend policy has been adjusted to a stable to preferably rising approach, moving away from the previous distribution range of **40%-60%** of earnings. The company aims to return to a comfortable coverage range for dividends within a relatively short period [31][32] Supply Agreement - A long-term vitamin supply agreement has been secured under favorable conditions, which will help mitigate volatility in the vitamin market. The pricing structure is more aligned with a cost-plus model [40][41] Separation Costs and Financial Health - Expected separation costs are around **€150 million**, which will not be included in the net cash proceeds of **€600 million**. The company has plans to mitigate stranded costs associated with the separation [79][80] Strategic Focus - The divestment allows dsm-firmenich to focus on its core consumer business, entering what is termed the "accelerate phase." The company aims to grow its existing business and deliver on midterm targets of **5%-7%** growth [95][96] Future Outlook - The company is committed to its midterm strategic targets and will provide further insights during the investor event scheduled for **March 12, 2026** [91][92] Additional Important Information - CVC Capital Partners will contribute a few hundred million euros to ensure sufficient liquidity for both entities post-transaction [43] - The separation of the two companies will allow for independent growth paths, with no requirement to exit the retained stake in a combined manner [25][39]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of investing in safe-haven assets and undervalued dividend-paying consumer staples stocks during periods of market volatility and geopolitical tension [1][2]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - Safe-haven assets like gold, silver, and U.S. Treasuries are recommended for hedging risks, although their effectiveness may vary [1]. - Consumer staples and utilities are considered safe investments due to their inelastic demand and established history of returning capital to shareholders [2]. Group 2: Selected Companies - **United Breweries Co. (CCU)**: - Benzinga Edge Value Score of 98.14, with a current dividend yield of 2.8% and a dividend payout ratio (DPR) of 58.9% [4]. - The stock trades at 16 times earnings and 0.85 times sales, showing positive price action [4]. - CCU shares have increased over 11% recently, with bullish indicators such as a Golden Cross and favorable MACD signals [7]. - **NuSkin Enterprises Inc. (NUS)**: - Benzinga Edge Value Score of 86.96, with a market cap of $540 million and a dividend yield of 2.08% [8]. - The company reduced its dividend payout from $0.39 to $0.06, but the current payout allows for future increases [8]. - NUS shares have risen 15% at the start of the year, indicating bullish momentum [11]. - **Cresud SACIF y A (CRESY)**: - Benzinga Edge Value Score of 93.82, with a dividend yield of over 5% and a DPR of 23.4% [12]. - The company operates in agriculture and real estate, providing diversification during geopolitical tensions [12]. - CRESY shares have formed a Golden Cross, with the 50-day SMA acting as support [15]. - **Weis Markets Inc. (WMK)**: - Benzinga Edge Value Score of 89.87, with a market cap of $1.68 billion and a dividend yield of 2% [16]. - The DPR is 35.79%, allowing potential for future dividend increases [16]. - WMK shares have shown bullish signals, with a breakout above the 50-day SMA and an RSI indicating upward momentum [18]. - **Calavo Growers Inc. (CVGW)**: - Benzinga Edge Value Score of 80.91, with a dividend yield of 3.09% and a DPR of 72% [19]. - The company operates in the fresh produce sector, which is less affected by tariffs [19]. - CVGW shares have surged nearly 20% recently, breaking above key moving averages [21].

Core Viewpoint - Kimberly-Clark's nearly $50 billion acquisition offer for Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, is seen as a high-risk investment, particularly in light of the potential for continued growth in the U.S. consumer market despite challenges faced by lower-income shoppers [1] Group 1: Acquisition Details - Kimberly-Clark is proposing an acquisition valued at nearly $50 billion for Kenvue, which produces Tylenol [1] - The acquisition reflects Kimberly-Clark's confidence in the growth potential of the U.S. consumer market [1] Group 2: Market Considerations - The investment is considered risky due to the economic pressures on lower-income consumers, who may be reducing their spending [1] - The success of the acquisition hinges on the assumption that the U.S. consumer market will continue to expand [1]

Company Overview - Olaplex Holdings, Inc. is a foundational health and beauty company known for its innovative hair care products designed for professional hairstylists and consumers [3] - The company was founded in 2014 and has revolutionized the prestige hair care market with its Complete Bond Technology™, which protects, strengthens, and relinks hair bonds during and after services [3] - Olaplex offers a full suite of hair health formulas and its award-winning products are sold globally through an omnichannel model, including professional, specialty retail, and direct-to-consumer channels [3] Upcoming Events - Amanda Baldwin, CEO, and Catherine Dunleavy, COO & CFO, will present at the Barclays 18th Annual Global Consumer Staples Conference on September 2, 2025, at 3:45 PM ET [2] - The audio portion of the presentation will be available on the company's Investor Relations website for 90 days following the event [2] Investor Relations - The company has designated contacts for investor relations and financial media, including Michael Oriolo as Vice President of Investor Relations and Lisa Bobroff as Vice President of Global Communications & Consumer Engagement [4]

Core Points - dsm-firmenich has successfully completed the sale of its stake in the Feed Enzymes Alliance to Novonesis for €1.5 billion [1] - The net cash received by dsm-firmenich after transaction costs is approximately €1.4 billion [2] Company Overview - dsm-firmenich is a Swiss company listed on Euronext Amsterdam, specializing in nutrition, health, and beauty, with revenues exceeding €12 billion [3] - The company operates in nearly 60 countries and employs around 30,000 people, focusing on creating sustainable solutions with natural and renewable ingredients [3]