Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales growth for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 was 2%, marking 40 consecutive quarters of organic sales growth [2][5] - Core earnings per share (EPS) increased by 3% year-over-year to $1.99, with a currency-neutral basis also reflecting a 3% increase [5] - Core gross margin decreased by 50 basis points, while core operating margin remained equal to the prior year [5] - Adjusted free cash flow productivity was reported at 102%, with $3.8 billion returned to shareholders, including $2.55 billion in dividends and $1.25 billion in share repurchases [5][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Skin and personal care led growth with high single-digit increases, while hair care, grooming, personal health care, home care, and baby care grew in low single digits [3][4] - Oral care and feminine care remained flat compared to the prior year, while fabric care and family care saw declines in low single digits [3] - In North America, organic sales were up 1%, with consumption decelerating throughout the quarter [3][4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales in Greater China grew by 5%, with Pampers and SK-II each achieving double-digit growth [4] - Latin America saw organic sales increase by 7%, driven by strong growth in Mexico and Brazil [4] - Global aggregate market share decreased by 30 basis points, with 24 of the top 50 category-country combinations holding or growing share [4][5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on increased investment in its integrated growth strategy, emphasizing consumer-centric approaches and innovation [6][15] - Plans include significant upgrades to core products, such as Tide's liquid detergent, and the introduction of new products like Tide Evo [8][10] - The restructuring program aims to enhance agility and efficiency, with a target of reducing up to 7,000 non-manufacturing roles [14][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a challenging competitive environment, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, but expressed confidence in the company's strategy to drive growth [5][15] - The guidance for fiscal 2026 maintains organic sales growth expectations of 2% to 4%, with core EPS growth also projected in the same range [16][17] - Management highlighted the importance of innovation and integrated superiority to navigate the current market challenges [15][38] Other Important Information - The company is actively managing its portfolio to enhance dollar-based returns and has made strategic exits from underperforming categories in certain markets [12][73] - The company expects to return approximately $15 billion to shareholders in fiscal 2026, including $10 billion in dividends and $5 billion in share repurchases [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the restructuring being received internally? - Management reported that the organization is adapting well to the restructuring, with clear plans in place for role reductions and organizational changes aimed at creating a more agile company [24][25] Question: What is the competitive landscape in North America for fabric care and baby care? - Management noted heightened competitive activity in both categories, with a focus on driving integrated superiority through innovation rather than just promotions [30][31] Question: What are the reasons for the decline in global market share? - Management indicated that the decline is influenced by increased promotional activity and competitive aggressiveness, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, but noted improvements in absolute share over recent months [36][38] Question: How is the company addressing consumer affordability? - Management emphasized that value, defined as price over integrated performance, is central to their strategy, with a focus on optimizing price points and product offerings across all tiers [50][51] Question: What is the outlook for the rest of the world, particularly in Western Europe and Latin America? - Management described Western Europe as having similar dynamics to North America, while Latin America continues to show strong growth, particularly in Brazil and Mexico [72][73]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Underlying sales growth for the first half was 3.4%, with volumes contributing 1.5% and price growth at 1.9% [8][31] - Turnover for the first half was €30.1 billion, down 3.2% year on year, primarily due to a negative currency impact of 4% [31][36] - Underlying operating profit was €5.8 billion, a decline of 4.8% versus the prior year, with underlying earnings per share at €1.59, down 2.1% [36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Beauty and Well-being underlying sales growth was 3.7%, driven by 1.7% volume and 2% price [15] - Personal Care delivered 4.8% underlying sales growth, with 1.4% from volume and 3.3% from price [19] - Homecare underlying sales grew 1.3%, with 1.1% from volume and 0.2% from price [23] - Foods delivered competitive sales growth of 2.2%, with 0.3% from volume and 1.9% from price [25] - Ice cream underlying sales grew 5.9%, driven by a 3.8% increase in volume and 2% price growth [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Developed markets represented 44% of group turnover, with first half underlying sales growth of 4.3% [10] - North America saw underlying sales growth of 5.4%, with volumes up 3.7% [5] - Asia Pacific Africa, representing 43% of group turnover, delivered underlying sales growth of 3.5% [12] - Latin America grew only 0.5%, with a 4.6% decline in volume [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a transformation towards beauty and well-being, with significant investments in premium brands and innovation [50][56] - The demerger of the ice cream business is set for mid-November, with plans to retain a stake of just below 20% [28][29] - The company aims for multiyear volume growth of at least 2% and consistent gross margin expansion [47][56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving a second half underlying sales growth of 3% to 5%, with expectations for improved performance in emerging markets [42][46] - The macroeconomic environment remains uncertain, particularly in Latin America and China, but there are signs of recovery in India and Indonesia [46][94] - The company anticipates an improvement in underlying operating margin for the full year, with second half margins expected to be at least 18.5% [42][60] Other Important Information - The company completed a share buyback program of €1.5 billion, contributing 1.5% to earnings in the first half [38][41] - Free cash flow for 2025 was €1.1 billion, down from €2.2 billion in the prior year due to lower operating profit and ice cream separation costs [38][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for ex-ice cream performance and volume acceleration - Management expects volume growth of about 2% for the remaining company in the second half, supported by improved market conditions and strong brand investments [63][65] Question: Insights on M&A strategy and recent acquisitions - The company remains committed to bolt-on M&A, focusing on beauty and personal care brands with strong digital presence and functionality, such as Doctor Squatch and Wilde [71][72] Question: Outlook for Latin America and performance in key markets - Management acknowledged a weak quarter in Latin America, with challenges in Brazil and Mexico, but expects improvements in the second half as pricing strategies are adjusted [77][81] Question: Recovery expectations in Asia, particularly India and Indonesia - Management is optimistic about growth in India, with strong performance in Home Care and e-commerce, while Indonesia is expected to show positive volume growth in the second half [89][92]