Core Insights - Stanley Black & Decker reported solid financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025, highlighting growth in gross margin and net income despite a challenging operating environment [1][4] - The company generated strong cash flow, which supported its capital allocation priorities, including shareholder dividends and debt reduction [1][16] Fourth Quarter Highlights - Net sales for Q4 2025 were $3.7 billion, a decrease of 1% compared to the prior year, with a 3% decline on an organic basis [7] - Gross margin improved to 33.2%, up 240 basis points year-over-year, while adjusted gross margin reached 33.3%, an increase of 210 basis points [7][8] - Earnings per share (EPS) for Q4 was $1.04, with adjusted EPS at $1.41 [7] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $883 million, driven by operational efficiencies and tariff mitigation [8] Full Year Highlights - Total net sales for 2025 were $15.1 billion, down 2% from the previous year, with a 1% decline on an organic basis [7] - The full-year gross margin was 30.3%, an increase of 90 basis points year-over-year, while adjusted gross margin was 30.7%, up 70 basis points [7] - Full-year EPS was $2.65, with adjusted EPS at $4.67 [7] - Free cash flow for the year was $688 million, contributing to a total debt reduction of approximately $240 million [16] Segment Performance - The Tools & Outdoor segment reported net sales of $13.2 billion, down 2% year-over-year, with a segment margin of 10.1% [12] - The Engineered Fastening segment saw a 6% increase in net sales, driven by strong demand in aerospace and automotive, with a segment margin of 10.0% [11][12] Cost Management and Strategic Initiatives - The Global Cost Reduction Program achieved approximately $120 million in incremental pre-tax run-rate savings in Q4, totaling $2.1 billion since its inception in mid-2022 [14] - The company announced a definitive agreement to divest the Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing (CAM) business for $1.8 billion, expected to close in the first half of 2026, which will significantly reduce debt leverage [15][16] 2026 Outlook - The company anticipates 2026 EPS to range from $3.15 to $4.35 on a GAAP basis and $4.90 to $5.70 on an adjusted basis, representing growth of 42% and 13% respectively at the midpoint [17] - Free cash flow is expected to be between $700 million and $900 million, reflecting a 16% increase at the midpoint [17]

Core Viewpoint - Stanley Black & Decker will host a webcast for its fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings on February 4, 2026, at 8:00 AM ET, with a news release to be distributed prior to market opening on the same day [1]. Group 1 - The webcast will be accessible via a live, listen-only format or teleconference, with links available on the company's "Investors" section of its website [2]. - A replay of the call will be available two hours after the live event on the same section of the website [2]. Group 2 - Stanley Black & Decker, founded in 1843 and headquartered in the USA, is a global leader in tools and outdoor products, employing approximately 48,000 people [3]. - The company produces a range of innovative products including power tools, hand tools, storage solutions, and outdoor products, under well-known brands such as DEWALT®, CRAFTSMAN®, STANLEY®, BLACK+DECKER®, and Cub Cadet® [3].

Core Points - Stanley Black & Decker's Board of Directors approved a regular fourth quarter cash dividend of $0.83 per common share, payable on December 16, 2025, to shareholders of record as of December 1, 2025 [1]. Company Overview - Founded in 1843 and headquartered in the USA, Stanley Black & Decker is a global leader in Tools and Outdoor, with approximately 48,000 employees [2]. - The company produces a wide range of products including power tools, hand tools, storage solutions, digital jobsite solutions, outdoor products, and engineered fasteners, catering to builders, tradespeople, and DIY enthusiasts [2]. - Stanley Black & Decker's portfolio includes well-known brands such as DEWALT®, CRAFTSMAN®, STANLEY®, BLACK+DECKER®, and Cub Cadet® [2].

Leadership Transition - Stanley Black & Decker has appointed Christopher Nelson as the new President and CEO, effective October 1, 2025, succeeding Donald Allan, Jr. who has been CEO since July 2022 [1][5] - Donald Allan will transition to the role of Executive Chair of the Board, while Andrea Ayers will become Lead Independent Director [2][5] - This leadership change is part of a comprehensive succession planning process undertaken by the Board [1] Executive Background - Christopher Nelson has over 25 years of executive leadership experience and has been with Stanley Black & Decker since 2023 as COO and President of Tools & Outdoor [6] - Prior to joining Stanley Black & Decker, Nelson held leadership roles at Carrier, the U.S. Army, Johnson & Johnson, and McKinsey & Company [6] Company Performance Expectations - Stanley Black & Decker anticipates that its Second Quarter GAAP and Adjusted EPS performance will exceed its 2025 Planning Assumptions from the Q1 2025 earnings call [4][5]