SHELTON, Conn., Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Edgewell Personal Care Company [NYSE: EPC] will report its financial results for the first quarter fiscal year 2026 before the market opens on February 9, 2026. Edgewell will discuss its results during an investor conference call that will be webcast on February 9, 2026, beginning at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The call will be hosted by President and Chief Executive Officer Rod Little and Chief Financial Officer Francesca Weissman. All interested parties may access ...

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]

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]