Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales declined by 9%, with a sequential improvement from a 4% decline in the second quarter to a 3% decline excluding Travel Retail [6][31] - Diluted earnings per share decreased by 33% to $0.65, which was better than anticipated [6][31] - Gross margin expanded by over 300 basis points, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of improvement [6][33] - Operating margin contracted by 270 basis points to 11.4%, influenced by increased consumer-facing spending [6][33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Travel Retail experienced a significant decline of 28% organically, continuing to shrink as a percentage of the overall business [6][31] - The U.S., China, and Japan saw share gains, with Clinique, The Ordinary, and Bumble and Bumble driving gains in the U.S. [8][9] - Clinique gained share for eleven consecutive months through March, while La Mer and Estee Lauder fueled growth in China [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company outperformed in the U.S., China, and Japan, marking the first share gains in the U.S. in many years [8][9] - In China, share gains were achieved in three of the last four quarters, indicating a strong brand presence [9][10] - The company is focused on expanding gains in key markets while reigniting share gains in the UK, Korea, and Mexico [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to transforming its operating model to be leaner and more agile through the "Beauty Reimagine" strategic vision [5][30] - The PRGP (Profit Recovery and Growth Plan) aims to restore sustainable sales growth and achieve a solid double-digit adjusted operating margin over the next few years [5][31] - The company is exploring expansion with various retailers and focusing on innovative product launches to reach a wider audience [10][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects headwinds in the Travel Retail business to be greater in the fourth quarter, but organic sales decline is anticipated to moderate [26][43] - There is a focus on tighter inventory management as retailers manage working capital, particularly in North America [26][50] - The company remains confident in returning to sales growth in fiscal 2026, contingent on resolving recent tariff issues [27][44] Other Important Information - The company has approved initiatives to reduce over 2,600 net positions as part of the PRGP restructuring plan [24][35] - Capital expenditures were reduced by 44% compared to last year, reflecting a strong focus on optimizing capital expenditures [37][38] - The company is actively monitoring trade policies and tariffs, with strategies in place to mitigate potential impacts [38][41] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inventory Alignment Across Categories and Geographies - Management noted significant progress in reducing inventory levels, particularly in Travel Retail, and is closely monitoring retail inventory adjustments [46][49] Question: FY 2026 Planning Assumptions - Management expressed confidence in returning to positive growth in fiscal 2026, citing market share gains in key markets and improvements in retail sales [54][60] Question: Tariff Sourcing and Mitigation Plans - The company aims to reduce the percentage of products sourced from China to below 10% by the end of the fiscal year, leveraging manufacturing capabilities in Japan and Europe [72][75] Question: PRGP Savings Expectations - Management is on target for PRGP savings and is exploring additional efficiencies, including outsourcing and procurement projects [86][90] Question: Sales Growth and Tariff Impact - Management indicated that the return to growth in fiscal 2026 is contingent on resolving tariff issues, with ongoing monitoring of consumer sentiment [97][104]