Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a solid start to fiscal Q1 2026, with results modestly ahead of expectations, driven by strength in North America offsetting softness in international markets [8][10] - Organic net sales decreased by 50 basis points, with North America showing growth while international markets faced declines due to product development phasing [10][22] - Adjusted EPS was reported at a loss of $0.03, and adjusted EBITDA was $38 million, both better than the outlook [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic net sales in Wet Shave declined approximately 4%, while sun and skincare organic net sales increased by approximately 8%, with sun care growing nearly 20% [22][24] - Grooming organic net sales growth was approximately 7%, led by significant growth in Cremo and Bulldog, while Wet Ones saw a decline of about 15% [24][25] - North America organic net sales grew just under 1%, driven by sun care and grooming, while international markets showed double-digit growth in Oceania and Greater China [22][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., market share declined by 100 basis points overall, but branded volume share increased by 50 basis points, indicating some resilience in brand performance [23][24] - Outside the U.S., share gains were noted in key markets including Australia, Europe, Canada, and China, with over 70% of markets either growing or holding market share [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The divestiture of the feminine care business is seen as a pivotal step in the company's transformation, allowing for a sharper focus on core categories like shave, sun, skincare, and grooming [9][10] - The company aims to drive sustainable growth and stronger margins by reallocating capital and resources towards these core businesses [9][10] - The strategy includes a focus on international growth, innovation, productivity, and U.S. transformation, with plans for increased brand investment and improved distribution [12][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in returning to organic net sales growth, driven by mid-single-digit growth in international markets and a more stable performance in North America [19][20] - The company anticipates gross margin expansion supported by productivity gains, despite facing inflationary pressures and tariff impacts [20][21] - Management remains focused on disciplined capital allocation, prioritizing free cash flow generation and debt reduction following the divestiture [35][36] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share, returning approximately $7 million to shareholders [28] - Adjusted free cash flow is expected to be in the range of $80 million to $110 million for the year, driven by working capital improvements [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on portfolio construction post-Fem Care divestiture - Management highlighted the strategic move to divest the Fem Care business, which was growth dilutive and capital intensive, allowing for a more focused approach on core categories [39][40] Question: Expectations for fiscal Q2 organic sales - Management expects organic net sales to be down about 3% in Q2, with timing shifts affecting performance, but remains confident in achieving the full-year outlook [50][51] Question: Implications of Fem Care dilution into fiscal 2027 - Management discussed the transitional services agreement with Essity and the need to address stranded costs, indicating a stronger portfolio and improved cash flow recovery in fiscal 2027 [53][58] Question: Organic sales phasing and category growth expectations - Management confirmed that category growth rates remain relevant, with expectations for improved performance in the second half of the year driven by better distribution and innovation [64][66]

Core Insights - Kolmar Korea collaborates with Amazon to create a strategic roadmap for the global expansion of K-Beauty, emphasizing technological expertise as a key competitive advantage [1][5][8] Group 1: Event Overview - Kolmar Korea served as the exclusive manufacturing sponsor for Amazon Beauty in Seoul 2025, which took place on September 19, attracting over 3,000 attendees from the beauty industry [3][7] - The event featured notable speakers, including Sang-Hyun Yoon, Vice Chairman of Kolmar Group, who delivered a keynote address on K-Beauty's success from a manufacturer's perspective [3][4] Group 2: Key Messages from Leadership - Vice Chairman Yoon highlighted the necessity of evolution and innovation for brands to avoid obsolescence, stressing that the competitive nature of the Korean market has laid the foundation for K-Beauty's global success [4][5] - Yoon also pointed out that understanding consumer needs and expanding product offerings are crucial for achieving international success [4] Group 3: Company Initiatives - Kolmar Korea showcased a variety of solutions in skincare, makeup, personal care, sun care, and cosmetic packaging at the event, providing tailored consultations to potential business partners [4][5] - The company aims to support clients' global market expansion through its ongoing partnership with Amazon, reinforcing the importance of ODM companies in the sustainable growth of K-Beauty [5][6] Group 4: Company Background - Founded in 1990, Kolmar Korea is a leader in the cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and health supplements sectors, specializing in ODM solutions and offering end-to-end services from formulation to finished product [6]