Core Insights - Kenvue's CEO Thibaut Mongon is leaving the company as it continues its business restructuring efforts [1] - Kirk Perry has been appointed as the interim CEO following Mongon's departure [1] - Kenvue's stock price rose by 6.5% in pre-market trading after the announcement, although the stock has remained flat for the year [1] Company Developments - Kenvue, which was spun off from Johnson & Johnson, has faced pressure from activist investors to change its corporate structure and operations since its IPO in May 2023 [1] - The company appointed Jeffrey Smith, CEO of activist hedge fund Starboard Value, to its board earlier this year to avoid a proxy battle [1] - TOMS Capital Investment Management has also accumulated shares and urged the company to consider a full sale or asset divestiture [1] Strategic Evaluation - The board, led by Chairman Larry Merlo, is conducting a strategic review and considering various potential options, including simplifying the company's business portfolio and operational model [2] - Kenvue reported a 4% decline in net sales for the second quarter, which was worse than analysts' average expectation of a 1.4% decline [2] - Mongon's departure is not attributed to any specific cause, and he will receive severance compensation [2]

Core Viewpoint - Kenvue is undergoing significant challenges in its transformation post-separation from Johnson & Johnson, including potential brand divestitures to streamline operations and focus on core brands [1][13][21] Brand Divestiture - Kenvue is considering selling several brands, including Dr.Ci:Labo, Neostrata, Maui Moisture, Bebe, and Clean & Clear, while retaining core brands like Neutrogena and Aveeno [1][13] - The brands under consideration for sale generate an estimated annual revenue of over $500 million, accounting for approximately 3.3% of Kenvue's projected total revenue of $15.455 billion for 2024 [1][18] Market Impact - Following the news of potential brand sales, Kenvue's stock price fell by 2.68%, indicating investor concerns regarding the impact of these divestitures on future growth and overall business strategy [2][18] Brand Performance - The brands targeted for sale include those with established market presence, such as Dr.Ci:Labo, which was once the leading skincare brand in Japan but has seen a decline in visibility and sales [2][9] - Neostrata, known as the "pioneer of glycolic acid," has faced regulatory challenges in China, further complicating its market position [9][18] Financial Performance - Kenvue's Skin Health and Beauty division reported a 1.9% organic sales decline for 2024, with a continuous downward trend observed over five consecutive quarters [13][18] - Overall, Kenvue's sales for 2024 are projected at $15.455 billion, with a slight year-on-year increase of 0.1%, but net profit is expected to plummet by 38% to $1.03 billion [18][21] Strategic Shift - The divestiture of brands is part of Kenvue's broader strategy to optimize its product portfolio and focus on core brands, a trend seen across the beauty industry as companies respond to slowing growth and rising costs [13][21]

Core Viewpoint - Kenvue, the company formerly known as Johnson & Johnson's consumer health division, continues to experience a decline in net sales across its three main business segments, indicating that recent restructuring efforts have not yielded significant improvements [1][3]. Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, Kenvue's net sales decreased by 3.9% year-over-year, with organic sales down by 1.2%. The gross margin was reported at 58%, slightly up from 57.6% in the same period last year, while the adjusted gross margin contracted by 20 basis points to 60% [3]. - The sales figures for Kenvue's three main business segments in Q1 2025 are as follows: Skin Health & Beauty at $977 million (down 7.3% year-over-year), Self Care at $1.667 billion (down 1.8%), and Essential Health at $1.097 billion (down 3.9%) [3]. - For the full year 2024, Kenvue reported net sales of $15.455 billion, a slight increase of 0.1% year-over-year, with a net profit of $1.03 billion, down 38% from the previous year [3][4]. Market Challenges - Kenvue's brand competitiveness has diminished since its spin-off from Johnson & Johnson, with significant brands like Listerine facing increased competition from emerging brands in the oral care market [5][6]. - The Skin Health & Beauty segment, which includes well-known brands, has seen the largest sales decline, indicating a struggle to maintain market share against competitors like L'Oréal and Estée Lauder [5][7]. Strategic Initiatives - Kenvue plans to increase advertising spending by 15% in 2024 and implement strategic measures aimed at improving organizational efficiency and positioning for future growth. This includes a 4% reduction in global workforce and an annual cost-saving target of approximately $350 million before tax [8][9]. - The company is investing $11 million to upgrade production facilities in China to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and better meet local consumer demands [8][9]. Leadership Changes - Kenvue has appointed Amit Banati as the Chief Financial Officer, effective May 12, 2025. He brings 30 years of experience in finance and management from globally recognized consumer goods companies [9].