Core Insights - Coty Inc. has sold its remaining 25.8% stake in the hair care business Wella to KKR for $750 million, marking the conclusion of a portfolio streamlining program initiated in 2020 [2] - The resignation of CEO Sue Nabi has led to downgrades from multiple analysts, with Evercore ISI lowering its rating from Outperform to In Line and Grupo Santander downgrading from Outperform to Neutral [3][4] - Coty derives 65% of its revenue from premium beauty products, primarily fragrances, and 35% from mass makeup, skin care, and fragrances [5] Group 1 - Coty Inc. has exited Wella in a $750 million agreement with KKR, retaining 45% of future sale proceeds after KKR's preferred return [2] - The majority of the proceeds from the Wella sale will be used to pay off debt [2] - The company is undergoing a strategic evaluation of its beauty division, which may lead to further brand sales [2] Group 2 - Following CEO Sue Nabi's resignation, Evercore ISI downgraded Coty to In Line with a price target of $7, citing reliance on Nabi for the investment thesis [3] - Grupo Santander also downgraded Coty to Neutral with a price target of $3.50, indicating that the leadership change may extend the company's transition phase [4] - Analysts express concerns about the timing and triggers for a potential value unlock for Coty shares [3]

Market Overview - U.S. stock futures rose on Friday following a higher close on Thursday, with major benchmark indices advancing [1] - The November CPI inflation rate decreased to 2.7% from 3% in September, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics carrying forward September levels due to a lack of October data [1] Futures Performance - Dow Jones futures increased by 0.11%, S&P 500 by 0.33%, Nasdaq 100 by 0.48%, and Russell 2000 by 0.32% [3] - The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) was up 0.012% at $676.55, while Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (QQQ) advanced 0.48% to $612.03 [3] Company Highlights - Oracle Corp. shares jumped 5.65% after ByteDance signed agreements to shift control of TikTok's U.S. operations to a joint venture including Oracle [7] - Coty Inc. shares rose 1.54% as it is set to receive $750 million from the sale of its Wella business to KKR [7] - BlackBerry Ltd. shares declined 5.75% despite reporting third-quarter revenue of $141.8 million, exceeding analyst estimates [7] - Nike Inc. shares fell by 10.06% despite better-than-expected second-quarter results, citing expectations of narrower margins and lower revenue from China [13] - FedEx Corp. shares decreased by 1.04% despite positive financial results and raised guidance for FY2026 [13] Analyst Insights - Scott Wren from Wells Fargo Investment Institute projects a positive trajectory for the U.S. stock market and economy through 2026, driven by an improving economy and moderating inflation [10] - Wren notes the widening spread between 10-year and 2-year Treasury yields, the largest since January 2022, which historically correlates with stronger equity performance [10] Economic Indicators - Upcoming economic data includes speeches from New York Fed President John Williams and releases of existing home sales and consumer sentiment data [11]

Group 1 - Coty Inc. is undergoing a significant organizational restructuring and is conducting a strategic review of 30% of its business operations [1] - The company is attempting to monetize its stake in Wella, which indicates a focus on optimizing its asset portfolio [1] - Coty is expected to face a loss of its Gucci license, which may impact its revenue and brand positioning [1]

Group 1 - Coty Inc. is undergoing a significant organizational restructuring and is conducting a strategic review of 30% of its business operations [1] - The company is attempting to monetize its stake in Wella, which indicates a focus on optimizing its asset portfolio [1] - Coty is expected to face a loss of its Gucci license, which may impact its revenue and brand positioning [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, the company reported comparable sales growth of 1.3%, with a gross margin expansion of 100 basis points to 52.2% and adjusted operating margin of 9.4% [5][22] - Full year revenue reached $3.7 billion, with adjusted diluted earnings per share increasing by 12% to $1.90 [5][25] - The company generated strong cash flow from operations of $275 million, with over $50 million returned to shareholders through share repurchases [6][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Sally segment, net sales increased by 1.4% to $542 million, with comparable sales up 1.2% [25][26] - The BSG segment saw net sales increase by 1.1% to $406 million, with comparable sales up 1.4% [27][28] - E-commerce sales for Sally US and Canada grew by 34%, while global e-commerce sales increased by 15% to $105 million [12][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company maintained a strong margin profile, with gross margin expanding 100 basis points to 52.2% in Q4, driven by the Fuel for Growth program [22][23] - The company expects to maintain a healthy margin profile in fiscal 2026, offsetting potential cost increases through vendor partnerships and sourcing optimization [23][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on four key growth drivers: understanding and activating the customer, unlocking digital value, differentiating with product assortment, and accelerating new growth pathways [9][21] - The Sally Ignited initiative aims to enhance the customer experience through physical and digital refreshes, category expansion, and immersive experiences [17][18] - The company plans to refresh up to 1,500 stores, with 30 completed by the end of fiscal 2025 [18][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate a complex environment, highlighting resilient customer behavior and strong performance in the color category [37][56] - The company anticipates continued growth in the core color category, with additional opportunities in care, nails, and new categories like skin and spa [50][61] - Management remains cautious about the impact of government shutdowns on lower-income consumers but expects a rebound as conditions improve [56][57] Other Important Information - The company generated cumulative run rate benefits of $74 million from the Fuel for Growth program, with expectations to reach $120 million by the end of fiscal 2026 [20][25] - The company is committed to returning approximately 50% of free cash flow to shareholders through share repurchases [21][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Key factors driving performance in Q4 - Management noted strong color performance in both segments, with marketplaces outperforming and innovation driving positive sales growth in care [32][33] Question: Consumer environment and comp guidance - Management highlighted resilient customer behavior, particularly in the color category, while noting some pressure on lower-income consumers due to government shutdowns [36][37] Question: Update on store remodel program - The company has completed 30 store refreshes under the Sally Ignited initiative, with plans for 50 more in fiscal 2026 [40][42] Question: Long-term outlook for EBIT growth - Management expressed confidence in achieving long-term EBIT growth through top-line growth drivers and continued optimization from the Fuel for Growth program [47][48] Question: Expectations for category growth - Management anticipates continued growth in color, care, and nails, with new opportunities in skin and spa and other categories [50][61]