Core Insights - The departure of former CEO Sue Nabi from Coty has sparked significant discussion, particularly regarding the company's failure to meet its 2021 growth commitments, resulting in a more than 50% decline in stock price by 2025 [1][5][8] - Nabi's tenure was marked by high compensation, with her total pay reaching 1.98 billion yuan in FY2021 and 1.04 billion yuan in FY2023, making her the highest-paid CEO in the beauty industry [1][17] Performance Highlights - During Nabi's leadership, Coty achieved a compound annual growth rate of 9% over five years and launched successful products like Burberry Goddess, while also driving rapid growth for Lancôme in China [3][12] - However, the company's financial performance in FY2025 showed a net revenue of 5.893 billion USD (approximately 41.12 billion yuan), a 4% decline year-over-year, and a net loss of 381.1 million USD (approximately 2.66 billion yuan) [8][15] Strategic Failures - An investor highlighted that many of Coty's strategic goals set in 2021, including achieving a 10% revenue share from the Chinese market and a 10% revenue target for skincare, were not met, with actual figures falling significantly short [7][8] - The company's reliance on high-end fragrance licensing, which accounted for nearly 60% of net revenue in FY2025, poses a risk, especially with the loss of Gucci's beauty license to L'Oréal [18][19] Leadership Transition - Markus Strobel took over as the interim CEO on January 1, 2023, following Nabi's departure, amid concerns over the company's performance and strategic direction [10][21] - The market reacted negatively to the leadership change, with Coty's stock price dropping 3.5% on the announcement day, reflecting investor skepticism about the company's future [21]

Core Insights - Coty has appointed Markus Strobel as the interim CEO starting January 1, 2026, succeeding Sue Nabi, indicating a significant leadership change at a critical time for the company [1][3] Leadership Change - Markus Strobel brings 33 years of experience from Procter & Gamble, where he was the president of global skin and personal care, overseeing a multi-billion dollar portfolio [3] - Coty expresses strong confidence in Strobel's ability to lead the company through a strategic review of its consumer beauty business, aiming to enhance its leadership position and drive profitability [3] Product Portfolio Adjustment - Coty announced the sale of its remaining 25.8% stake in Wella to KKR-managed capital accounts, completing a plan initiated in 2020 to simplify its portfolio and operations [4] - The proceeds from this sale will primarily be used to repay short-term and long-term debt, marking a key milestone in Coty's transformation and long-term deleveraging commitment [4] Impact of Brand Loss - The recent deal between Kering and L'Oréal, valued at over €4 billion, affects Coty's management of the Gucci brand, which is crucial to its strategy, as Gucci accounts for approximately 8% of Coty's total sales and 11% of its profits [5] - The loss of Gucci's authorization is expected to significantly impact Coty's high-end strategy and brand competitiveness in the beauty market [5] Financial Performance Challenges - Coty reported a net revenue of $5.893 billion for fiscal year 2025, a decline of 3.68%, and a loss of $381 million, marking a shift from profit to loss [6] - In the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, Coty experienced an 8% revenue decline, with both high-end and mass beauty segments seeing decreases of 6% and 11%, respectively [6] Strategic Initiatives - In response to challenges, Coty is focusing on its high-end brands, including Hugo Boss and Burberry, with Hugo Boss's new fragrance performing well in Europe [6] - Coty has signed beauty licensing agreements with Italian luxury brands Etro and Marni, as well as Swarovski, and is launching its own fragrance brand, Infiniment Coty Paris, in 2024 [6]

Core Viewpoint - Coty Group is actively seeking buyers or considering a split sale of its high-end and mass beauty divisions, with negotiations still in early stages. The potential transaction may take the form of a split rather than a complete sale, with strategic partnerships or mergers being more likely than traditional acquisitions [4]. Financial Performance - For the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, Coty Group reported net revenue of $1.2991 billion, a year-on-year decline of 6.24%, and a loss of $402 million. For the first three quarters of fiscal year 2025, net revenue was $4.6405 billion, down 2.4%, with a loss of $280.9 million [5]. - The financial struggles indicate that the news of potential sales is not unfounded, as many international beauty brands are facing cash flow pressures, including Coty [5]. Brand Portfolio and Risks - Coty Group's high-end beauty division includes brands like Burberry, while its mass beauty division includes Covergirl, Max Factor, and Rimmel. The company faces risks of losing licensing rights for several brands, such as Miu Miu, which will end its contract with Coty in 2024 [4][6]. - The high-end beauty division generates over 60% of Coty's revenue, with Gucci being a significant contributor. However, the licensing agreement for Gucci is set to expire in 2028, and the parent company, Kering, has indicated intentions to reclaim the brand [6]. Strategic Adjustments - Experts suggest that losing Gucci will impact Coty's brand structure and performance in the high-end market. However, Coty is expected to make strategic adjustments to seek more competitive and promising brands to maintain its market position [7]. - Coty is also attempting to mitigate risks by launching its own fragrance brand, Infiniment Coty Paris, which is seen as a significant initiative to create a new era in fragrances and scents [7].