Edgewell Personal Care Company (NYSE:EPC) 2025 Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Edgewell Personal Care Company - **Event**: 2025 Conference - **Date**: December 02, 2025 Key Points Organizational Changes and Strategy - Significant organizational changes have been made, including new leadership in North America and a shift to a regional hub model globally [4][5] - The recent divestiture of the FemCare business is seen as a strategic move to focus on core categories such as shave, grooming, sun, and skincare [17][19] - North America has been identified as an area needing a commercial reset, with a new leadership team in place to drive growth [7][8] Financial Performance and Growth - International growth accounts for 40% of the portfolio, with mid-single-digit growth expected to continue into fiscal 2026 [5][37] - The company has achieved consistent cost productivity improvements of 200-300 basis points year-on-year [6][26] - The divestiture of FemCare was completed for $340 million, providing financial flexibility and operational focus [18][20] Market Environment - The overall growth rate in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) categories is around 2%, with similar trends observed in the U.S. market [13][14] - The promotional environment in the U.S. has become more competitive, particularly in women's shave and FemCare categories [14][12] Capital Allocation and Investment - Post-divestiture, the focus will be on strengthening the balance sheet and paying down debt, with 80% of the FemCare proceeds expected to convert into cash [20][21] - Increased advertising and promotion (A&P) spending is planned for fiscal 2026, rising from 10% to 12% of sales, aimed at driving top-line growth [29][32] Product Categories and Innovation - The grooming category, including brands like Jack Black and Bulldog, is expected to grow at mid to high single-digit rates [45] - The wet shave category is less competitive than in previous years, with Edgewell positioned as a key player alongside Gillette [48][49] - New product innovations and campaigns are being launched to enhance market presence, particularly in the U.S. [30][31] Future Outlook - The company is optimistic about stabilizing organic sales growth in the U.S., with expectations of low single-digit growth in the back half of 2026 [41][42] - Internationally, growth is anticipated to be driven by the sun and grooming categories, with significant potential in markets like Europe and Asia [39][40] Key Risks and Considerations - The company acknowledges challenges in the lower middle-income consumer demographics, which may impact overall category performance [13][14] - There is a focus on managing stranded costs post-FemCare divestiture, with expectations of a $35-$45 million headwind in the short term [22][23] Conclusion - Edgewell Personal Care Company is at a pivotal moment with strategic changes aimed at enhancing growth and operational efficiency. The focus on core categories, coupled with increased investment in marketing and innovation, positions the company for potential recovery and growth in the coming years [51][52]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4, the company achieved organic net sales growth of 2.5%, aligning with expectations despite external pressures [7][22] - Adjusted gross margin rate decreased by 330 basis points, primarily due to unexpected year-end inventory adjustments and increased trade promotions [27][28] - Adjusted operating income was $40.3 million, representing 7.5% of net sales, down from 10.8% in the previous year [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - International organic net sales grew by 6.9%, driven by volume and price gains across all segments [22] - North America experienced a decline in organic net sales by 60 basis points, with wet shave sales down approximately 1% [23] - Sun and skin care organic net sales increased by approximately 11%, with robust growth across each business segment [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International markets, representing about 40% of global sales, delivered strong growth for the fourth consecutive year, with Europe achieving its third straight year of growth [8][9] - The U.S. razor and blades category saw consumption down by 80 basis points, although market share improved sequentially [23] - The Billie brand achieved a 90 basis point share growth, now holding a 15% share at Walmart and 13% at Target [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to divest its feminine care business to focus on core categories with competitive advantages, including shave, sun, and skincare [6][19] - A multi-year innovation roadmap is being implemented, with significant investments in brand building and marketing to restore brand equity [11][14] - The transformation plan aims to simplify the U.S. structure, enabling faster decision-making and increased investment in growth capabilities [12][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management acknowledged a challenging fiscal 2025 due to external pressures like tariffs and geopolitical tensions, but expressed confidence in the foundation for future growth [8][19] - For fiscal 2026, the company anticipates a return to organic net sales growth, driven by mid-single-digit growth in international markets and stabilization in North America [16][33] - The macro environment is expected to remain challenging, with muted category growth and cautious consumer spending [15][16] Other Important Information - The company generated productivity savings of 270 basis points in fiscal 2025, with expectations of approximately 310 basis points in fiscal 2026 [10][30] - Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2026 is projected to be in the range of $290 million to $310 million, approximately flat to the prior year [37] - The divestiture of the feminine care business is expected to impact adjusted EPS by approximately $0.40 to $0.50 annually [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook and EPS Expectations - The company expects a balanced and achievable plan for 2026, with low single-digit category growth assumptions and flexibility to maintain profit goals [41][43] Question: Strategy and M&A Intentions - The focus is on winning in shave, grooming, sun, and skin categories, with potential for M&A as asset values decline [51][53] Question: Productivity and Gross Margin Concerns - The company is confident in its second-half-oriented plan, expecting higher sales growth and productivity improvements to offset margin pressures [63][64] Question: Sun and Skin Category Insights - The company plans conservatively for the sun season, expecting low single-digit growth while focusing on brand campaigns and distribution gains [81][84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company achieved organic net sales growth of 2.5%, aligning with expectations despite external pressures [7][22] - Adjusted gross margin rate decreased by 330 basis points, primarily due to unexpected year-end inventory adjustments and increased trade promotions [26][28] - Adjusted operating income was $40.3 million, representing 7.5% of net sales, down from 10.8% the previous year [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - International organic net sales grew by 6.9%, driven by volume and price gains across all segments [22] - North America experienced a decline in organic net sales by 60 basis points, with wet shave sales declining approximately 1% [23] - Sun and skin care organic net sales increased by approximately 11%, with robust growth across each business segment [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International markets, representing about 40% of global sales, delivered strong growth for the fourth consecutive year, with Europe achieving its third straight year of growth [8][9] - The U.S. razor and blades category saw consumption down by 80 basis points, although market share improved sequentially [23] - The Billie brand achieved a 90 basis point share growth, indicating strong retail performance [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to divest its feminine care business to focus on core categories with competitive advantages, including shave, sun, and skincare [6][20] - A multi-year innovation roadmap is being implemented, with significant investments in brand building and marketing to restore brand equity [11][14] - The transformation plan aims to simplify the U.S. structure, enhance decision-making speed, and increase investment in growth capabilities [12][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a challenging fiscal 2025 due to external pressures like tariffs and geopolitical tensions, but expressed optimism about durable international growth and innovation [8][20] - The outlook for fiscal 2026 anticipates a return to organic net sales growth, driven by mid-single-digit growth in international markets and stabilization in North America [16][34] - The company expects to face continued inflation and tariff impacts but is focused on productivity gains and margin recovery [16][36] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share for Q4 and completed approximately $90 million in share repurchases for the fiscal year [29] - The anticipated divestiture of the feminine care business is expected to impact adjusted EPS by approximately $0.40-$0.50 annually [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook and EPS Expectations - The company expects a balanced and achievable plan for 2026, with EPS potentially at a loss in Q1 due to margin pressures and tax rate changes [40][41] Question: Strategy and Portfolio Focus - The strategy focuses on winning in shave, grooming, sun, and skin categories, with plans for potential M&A as asset values decline [45][46] Question: Productivity and Gross Margin Concerns - Management expressed confidence in the second-half-oriented plan, expecting higher sales growth and productivity improvements to enhance gross margin [50][52] Question: Use of Proceeds from Divestiture - Proceeds from the feminine care sale will primarily be used for debt reduction, with a focus on maintaining a disciplined capital allocation strategy [54][55] Question: Sun and Skin Category Outlook - The company plans conservatively for the sun category, expecting low single-digit growth while investing in brand campaigns for Hawaiian Tropic and Banana Boat [57][58]

Core Viewpoint - Edgewell Personal Care Company is set to report its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 on November 13, 2025, before market opening, with a conference call scheduled for the same day to discuss the results [1]. Company Overview - Edgewell Personal Care is a leading pure-play consumer products company with a diversified portfolio of established brands, including Schick®, Wilkinson Sword®, Billie®, Edge®, Skintimate®, Playtex®, Stayfree®, Carefree®, o.b.®, Banana Boat®, Hawaiian Tropic®, Bulldog®, Jack Black®, Cremo®, and Wet Ones® [2]. - The company operates in over 50 markets globally, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, Japan, the U.K., and Australia, employing approximately 6,700 people worldwide [2]. Recent Developments - Edgewell Personal Care announced a new leadership structure aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency, with the departure of Chief Operating Officer Dan Sullivan effective October [3]. - The company has been recognized as the 1 employer in Connecticut on Forbes America's Best-In-State Employers 2025 list, highlighting its strong employer brand [4].

Edgewell Personal Care Company (EPC) FY Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Edgewell Personal Care Company (EPC) - **Date of Conference**: August 12, 2025 - **Key Speakers**: Dan Sullivan (COO), Fran Wiseman (CFO) Key Points Transformation and Business Strengths - **Transformation Status**: Company is in a transformation phase amidst challenges such as COVID, inflation, and tariffs [4][8] - **International Business**: Accounts for approximately 40% of revenue, with a 6-7% CAGR over the last four years, projected to grow by 45% this year [5] - **Innovation**: Significant improvements in innovation structure, with successful launches in international markets, including Hawaiian Tropic in Mexico and Bulldog in the UK [6][7] - **Productivity Savings**: Historical savings of 250-300 basis points annually, with expectations to continue this trend [8] - **Cash Flow**: Average free cash flow projected between $150 million to $180 million [8] Areas for Improvement - **U.S. Market Focus**: The company is working on enhancing its U.S. operations, including hiring a new President of North America and reorganizing the commercial business [9] - **Top-Line Growth**: Long-term growth target remains at 2-3%, with international markets expected to outperform the U.S. [12][14] Recent Performance and Market Conditions - **Q3 Challenges**: The sun care segment faced difficulties due to poor weather, impacting nearly a third of the business [17][18] - **Market Share Gains**: Despite challenges, 80% of international business held or gained market share, with notable performance from brands like Hawaiian Tropic and HydroSilk [19][21] - **Q4 Outlook**: Anticipated organic growth of approximately 22.5%, with international growth expected to be around 8% [22] Consumer Health and Competitive Landscape - **Consumer Sentiment**: No signs of consumer hesitancy or trade-down to private labels observed, with categories growing at 3-4% [24][25] - **Competitive Environment**: The U.S. market remains competitive, particularly in women's grooming, but the company is well-positioned with its diverse portfolio [56][59] Financial Metrics and Projections - **Gross Margin**: Historically strong, with a slight decline in 2025 due to tariffs and currency impacts, but expected to recover [27][29] - **Tariff Impact**: Estimated annual exposure to tariffs is between $40 million to $50 million, representing 3-4% of COGS [31] - **Free Cash Flow**: Expected to deliver around $80 million in 2025, down from historical levels due to various headwinds [38][39] Strategic Focus and Future Outlook - **Capital Allocation**: Focus on debt paydown and share repurchases, with a goal to reduce debt leverage to around three times [41][42] - **Brand Performance**: Hawaiian Tropic is performing well, while Banana Boat is stable but affected by weather conditions [43][44] - **Grooming Segment Growth**: The grooming portfolio has grown to represent about 10% of total business, with brands like Bulldog and Cremo showing strong performance [61] Conclusion - **Future Prospects**: The company is optimistic about its transformation efforts, strong cash flow, and the potential for growth in both international markets and the U.S. [64][65]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic net sales decreased by 4.2% in Q3 2025, with North America Sun Care business underperforming expectations by approximately $25 million [42] - Adjusted gross margin rate decreased by 150 basis points, impacted by lower Sun Care sales [42] - GAAP diluted net earnings per share were $0.62 compared to $0.98 in Q3 2024, while adjusted earnings per share were $0.92 compared to $1.22 in the prior year [44] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wet Shave organic net sales were down about 2%, while international Wet Shave grew about 3% [33] - Sun and Skin Care organic net sales were down approximately 5%, with mid single-digit growth in Grooming led by 28% organic net sales growth for Cremo [35] - Fem Care organic net sales were down approximately 10%, driven largely by tampons and pads [37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International markets delivered 2% organic growth, with double-digit growth in Greater China and mid single-digit growth in Oceania and Europe [32] - In North America, organic sales declined about 8%, with significant declines in Sun Care, Wet Shave, and Fem Care [32] - Market share for Hawaiian Tropic increased by 150 basis points in Q3, while Cremo saw a 40 basis point increase [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to investing in brand campaigns and innovations to strengthen its portfolio for long-term success [20] - A focus on international market growth strategy, which now represents 40% of global sales, is expected to deliver mid-single-digit organic growth [10] - The company is undergoing a transformation in North America to improve commercial effectiveness and operating efficiency [14] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The operating environment remains challenging due to tariffs and foreign exchange volatility, impacting full-year profit headwinds [8] - Management remains confident in the ability to grow international markets and across core categories despite short-term pressures [39] - The company anticipates organic net sales to be down approximately 1.3% for the fiscal year, with adjusted earnings per share expected to be approximately $2.65 [46] Other Important Information - The company returned approximately $32 million to shareholders during the quarter, achieving a target of approximately $90 million in share repurchases for the fiscal year [45] - The company is actively pursuing opportunities to mitigate the potential impact of tariffs through expanded sourcing efforts and vendor negotiations [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you expand on the drivers of the free cash flow cut? - Management indicated that lower earnings and additional FX headwinds were significant drivers of the cash flow change, alongside working capital changes [54][56] Question: Can you speak high level to the puts and takes for fiscal 2026? - Management noted that while they cannot provide specific guidance for 2026, they are confident in their ability to deliver growth in the range of 2% to 3% moving forward [66][72] Question: What drives the organic sales growth expected in Q4? - Management expects growth driven by improved performance in Sun Care, Fem Care, and Wet Ones, with a positive outlook based on recent sales data [82][86] Question: Will elevated levels of brand support continue into fiscal 2026? - Management confirmed that they will continue to invest in brand support and innovation, particularly in international markets and key brands in North America [90][92] Question: How are inventories currently in the channel for Sun Care? - Management stated that they are generally comfortable with inventory levels and are prepared to replenish quickly due to their supply chain advantages [102]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic net sales decreased by 1.5% in Q2 2025, with international markets growing by 3% while North America declined by 4% [22][36] - Adjusted gross margin rate increased by 100 basis points, with productivity savings of approximately 380 basis points [37][30] - Adjusted earnings per share were $0.87, slightly down from $0.88 in the prior year quarter [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wet Shave organic net sales were down about 1%, while international Wet Shave grew by 3% [24] - Grooming organic net sales increased by 9%, led by a 20% growth for the Cremo brand [28] - Fem Care organic net sales decreased by approximately 9%, primarily driven by declines in tampons and pads [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumption in the U.S. Sun Care category decreased by 1% in the quarter, with total market share down by 60 basis points [27] - Double-digit organic growth was observed in Greater China, with mid-single-digit growth in Japan and Europe [22] - The U.S. razors and blades category saw a consumption decline of 30 basis points, with market share decreasing by 90 basis points [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on restoring momentum in North America, with significant investments in sun care and women's shave categories [12][33] - A new campaign for Hawaiian Tropic is set to be the largest investment in the U.S. in five years, targeting Gen Z consumers [34] - The company aims to leverage recent successes in international markets to replicate growth in North America [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted increasing pressure on consumers and a decline in consumer confidence, impacting spending behaviors [17][14] - The outlook for the second half of the fiscal year anticipates a modest growth profile, with organic net sales growth expected to be flat to 1% [41] - Management expressed confidence in sequential improvement in North America, driven by new leadership and strategic initiatives [14][75] Other Important Information - The estimated impact of tariffs on cost of goods sold for fiscal 2025 is approximately $3 million to $4 million [43] - The company plans to continue exploring opportunities to mitigate tariff impacts through productivity and potential price increases [92][93] - Free cash flow for the full year is now expected to be in the range of $130 million to $140 million, reflecting lower earnings and higher inventory levels [45] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the tariff impact? - The estimated in-year impact of tariffs is $3 million to $4 million, primarily affecting the fourth quarter, with a broader annualized exposure of 3% to 4% of COGS [50][52] Question: What is the confidence level for second half organic sales growth? - The company expects a 2% organic growth in the second half, driven by international growth, Sun Care category growth, and a more thoughtful approach to fem care [62][64] Question: How does the company view the North American execution? - Management clarified that while sales did not meet expectations, they are confident in execution and are investing in key programs for improvement [76][78]