Newell Brands Conference Call Summary Company Overview - Newell Brands (NasdaqGS:NWL) is a portfolio company with over $7 billion in net sales and close to $900 million in EBITDA. The top 25 brands account for 90% of sales, with 60% of business in the U.S. and 40% internationally [3][4] Transformation and Strategy - The company has been on a transformation journey since 2023, focusing on operational excellence and a "One Newell" approach. This includes simplifying the portfolio and enhancing core capabilities, particularly in domestic manufacturing [1][4] - Newell Brands has initiated a multi-year capability-based turnaround, with expectations for accelerated trends in 2026 [4][29] - The strategy includes directing investments to the largest and most profitable brands, expanding distribution, and targeting Millennial and Gen Z consumers [6][7] Financial Performance - In 2025, Newell faced a $174 million tariff cost, impacting profitability by $0.23 per share. Despite this, gross margins improved by 10 basis points, and operating margins increased by 20 basis points [8][11] - Core sales trends improved in 2025 compared to 2023, with EBITDA up in both dollar terms and percentage [13] - The normalized operating margin is expected to expand by about 50 basis points to roughly 8.9% in 2026, representing a significant improvement from 2023 [41][42] Innovation and Product Development - Newell Brands has launched 25 Tier One and Tier Two innovations in 2026, significantly up from 18 in the previous year. Innovations span various categories, including writing instruments, baby gear, and home fragrance [20][21] - The company has integrated AI into its innovation process, improving speed and quality of product development. Digital content creation increased by 500% in 2025 without additional investment [19][20] Supply Chain and Manufacturing - Approximately 57% of products are domestically manufactured, with a focus on reducing dependence on China. China-sourced products now represent less than 10% of total cost of goods sold [34] - Newell has invested about $2 billion in its U.S. supply chain, enhancing efficiency and capacity through automation [33][35] Tariff Impact and Adjustments - The company adjusted its sourcing strategy to mitigate tariff impacts, focusing on U.S. manufacturing and productivity improvements [10][12] - Despite tariff challenges, Newell managed to maintain gross margins and expand operating margins through strategic pricing and cost management [39][40] Future Outlook - Newell Brands anticipates a 40% increase in operating cash flow in 2026, driven by EBITDA growth and lower cash taxes. The company aims to reduce its leverage ratio and return to investment-grade status [43][44] - Long-term financial targets include low single-digit core sales growth, operating margin improvement, and high free cash flow productivity [44] Key Takeaways - Newell Brands is positioned for significant growth in 2026, with a strong innovation pipeline, improved distribution, and a focus on operational excellence [27][29] - The company is committed to enhancing shareholder value through top-line growth, margin expansion, and effective capital allocation [45]

Core Insights - Newell Brands faced challenges in fiscal 2025 due to tariff-related disruptions and multiple pricing actions, which hindered expected sales growth despite improvements in margins, productivity, and supply chain resilience [6][5][11] Financial Performance - Fourth-quarter net sales were reported at $1.9 billion, a decrease of 2.7% year-over-year, with core sales down 4.1% [11] - For the full year, net sales totaled $7.2 billion, down 5%, and core sales decreased by 4.6% [14] - Normalized gross margin for Q4 was 33.9%, down 70 basis points year-over-year, but would have increased significantly without tariff-related headwinds [12] - Normalized operating margin in Q4 was 8.7%, up 160 basis points year-over-year, although slightly below expectations due to higher promotional activity [13] Strategic Initiatives - The company implemented a global productivity plan in Q4 aimed at enhancing competitiveness and simplifying operations, with significant progress reported in the U.S., Latin America, and Asia [2] - Newell reduced its sourcing exposure from China to below 10%, down from approximately 35% a few years ago, which improved supply chain resilience [3] Segment Performance - The Learning & Development segment was noted as the most resilient, with brands like Sharpie and Expo contributing to its performance [7] - The Baby segment showed strong performance despite tariff challenges, with Graco achieving a 160-basis-point increase in market share for the full year [7] - The Kitchen segment faced pressure due to soft demand and distribution losses, but pricing and promotional levels were adjusted to meet market needs [8] 2026 Outlook - Management anticipates a category decline of about 2% in 2026 but expects to outperform and grow market share for the first time since the Jarden acquisition [16] - Guidance for 2026 includes net sales expected to decline 1% to increase 1%, with core sales ranging from down 2% to flat [17] - The company projects normalized EPS of $0.54 to $0.60 for 2026, with operating cash flow expected to be between $350 million and $400 million [19]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q4 net sales were $1.9 billion, down 2.7% year-over-year, with core sales declining 4.1% [20] - For the full year, net sales were $7.2 billion, a decline of 5%, and core sales decreased by 4.6% [23] - Normalized gross margin for Q4 was 33.9%, down 70 basis points year-over-year, while normalized operating margin was 8.7%, up 160 basis points [21][22] - Normalized earnings per share for 2025 were $0.57 compared to $0.68 in the prior year [25] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Learning and Development segment showed resilience, with strong performance from brands like Sharpie and Expo [10] - The Baby segment performed well, with Graco's market share increasing by 160 basis points for the full year and over 350 basis points in Q4 [12] - The Home and Commercial segment faced pressure, particularly in the Kitchen category, but promotional activities and selective price adjustments improved performance in Q4 [13] - Outdoor and Recreation segment stabilized, with improved gross and operating margins due to better inventory management and execution [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core sales in Argentina grew slightly in Q4, while Brazil finished the quarter down only mid-single digits, showing improvement from earlier in the year [20] - The overall market environment remains challenging, with expectations of a 2% decline in categories for 2026 [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on disciplined commercial execution and converting strengthened capabilities into improved performance while maintaining margin and cash discipline [16] - A global productivity plan was announced to enhance competitiveness and support long-term value creation [9] - The company plans to launch over 25 Tier 1 and Tier 2 innovations in 2026, the strongest lineup since the Jarden acquisition [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that 2025 was more challenging than anticipated due to tariffs affecting consumer behavior and retail dynamics [8] - The company remains confident in its turnaround strategy and expects to outperform category growth in 2026 despite external challenges [16][19] - Management noted that consumer spending trends vary by income level, with higher-income consumers spending more on general merchandise [53] Other Important Information - The company incurred $174 million in gross cash tariff costs in 2025, with an expected reduction to $130 million in 2026 [29] - The company is planning for normalized operating margin to expand in line with its long-term financial model [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you help us understand your level of visibility on shelf space wins and confidence in sales growth? - Management indicated that they are planning for category declines but expect to outperform due to strong innovation and secured shelf space wins starting in Q2 [41][46] Question: What are the pricing interventions in the Baby and Kitchen categories? - Management explained that they adjusted pricing in response to tariff rollbacks and launched new products with competitive pricing to drive growth [49][51] Question: How do you see the competitive landscape and retailer engagement evolving? - Management noted that higher-income consumers are spending more, while lower-income consumers have pulled back, impacting category growth [53] Question: What is the long-term growth outlook for your categories? - Management suggested that with strong innovation and brand building, they aim for a long-term growth rate of 2%-3% in core sales [66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter net sales were $1.9 billion, down 2.7% year-over-year, with core sales declining 4.1% [20] - Full-year net sales were $7.2 billion, a decline of 5%, and core sales decreased by 4.6% [24] - Normalized gross margin for the fourth quarter was 33.9%, down 70 basis points year-over-year, but up 730 basis points on a three-year stacked basis [21][22] - Normalized operating margin for the fourth quarter was 8.7%, up 160 basis points year-over-year [22] - Normalized earnings per share for 2025 were $0.57, compared to $0.68 in the prior year [26] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Learning and Development segment showed resilience, with strong performance from brands like Sharpie and Expo [11] - The Baby segment performed well, with Graco's market share increasing by 160 basis points for the full year and over 350 basis points in the fourth quarter [12] - The Home and Commercial segment faced pressure, particularly in the Kitchen category, but promotional activity and selective price adjustments improved performance in the fourth quarter [13] - Outdoor and Recreation segment stabilized, with gross and operating margins improving as the year progressed [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core sales in Argentina grew slightly in the fourth quarter due to economic recovery, while Brazil's core sales were down only mid-single digits [20] - The overall market environment remains challenging, with expectations of a 2% decline in categories for 2026 [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has focused on rebuilding front-end capabilities and strengthening back-end capabilities while reducing complexity [5] - A global productivity plan was announced to enhance competitiveness and support long-term value creation [9] - The company plans to launch over 25 Tier 1 and Tier 2 innovations in 2026, the strongest lineup since the Jarden acquisition [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that 2025 was more challenging than anticipated due to tariffs affecting consumer behavior and retail dynamics [8] - The company remains confident in its ability to outperform category growth and gain market share, despite external challenges [16] - Management expects normalized operating margin to expand in line with their financial model, with a focus on overhead reduction [31] Other Important Information - The company incurred $174 million in gross cash tariff costs in 2025, with expectations of a $130 million impact in 2026 [30] - The company plans to reduce its net leverage ratio by about half a turn, moving closer to being an investment-grade debt issuer [33] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Can you help us understand your level of visibility on shelf space wins and confidence in sales growth? - Management indicated that they are planning for category declines but expect to outperform due to strong innovation and secured shelf space wins starting in Q2 [41][46] Question: What are the dynamics around pricing interventions in the baby and kitchen categories? - Management explained that they adjusted pricing in response to tariff rollbacks and are optimistic about the impact of new product launches [49][51] Question: How do you see the consumer spending trends affecting your categories? - Management noted that higher-income consumers are spending more, while lower-income consumers have pulled back, but they do not expect category growth to improve in 2026 [53][54] Question: What is the long-term structural growth rate expected for your categories? - Management suggested that with strong innovation and brand building, they aim for a growth rate of 2%-3% over the long term [66][68]

Core Insights - Yankee Candle Company has announced a year-long partnership with Reese's Book Club to create quarterly limited-edition fragrances that align with the themes of the book club's seasonal reading selections [1][2] Product Collaboration - The partnership will feature four exclusive candle fragrances released quarterly throughout 2026, starting with "A Fresh Chapter," which complements the book "The First Time I Saw Him" by Laura Dave [2][3] - Each fragrance is designed to evoke emotions and themes from the corresponding book, with notes such as pomelo, blooming roses, and warm amber [3] Experiential Activations - The collaboration will include experiential activations, such as pop-up events where book and candle lovers can gather to read and connect, enhancing the community experience [4] - Yankee Candle will also participate in Shine Away 2026, an immersive experience aimed at empowering women through storytelling and creativity [5] Brand Positioning - The partnership allows Yankee Candle to authentically connect with a community of readers, enhancing the brand's mission of creating joy and self-care through scent [4] - Yankee Candle's history of creating evocative fragrances positions it well within the consumer goods market, appealing to both existing fans and new consumers [7][9]

Core Insights - Newell Brands Inc. (NWL) is facing a challenging operating environment characterized by high tariffs, weak discretionary demand, and currency volatility, which have negatively impacted sales and earnings in 2025. The management believes that innovation is essential for reigniting growth [1][4] Group 1: Innovation and Product Development - Innovation is gaining traction in Newell's core categories, particularly in the Baby segment with successful product launches like Graco's smart car seats, which have outperformed the overall portfolio [2] - The Writing segment is also benefiting from brand-led innovation, with Sharpie and EXPO expanding into new formats and colors, contributing to market share gains and pricing power [2] - Newell is increasing brand investment alongside innovation, with advertising spending reaching its highest level as a percentage of sales in nearly a decade, indicating a commitment to long-term brand equity [3] Group 2: Brand Strategy and Market Positioning - The Home Fragrance segment has undergone a comprehensive restage of the Yankee Candle brand, featuring upgraded formulations and a 360-degree marketing campaign, aimed at improving consumer engagement despite short-term disruptions [3] - While innovation is crucial, it may not fully offset the negative impacts of tariffs and macroeconomic challenges in the near term, as elevated tariff costs continue to pressure margins [4] Group 3: Financial Performance and Valuation - Newell's shares have declined by 22.3% over the past three months, underperforming both the industry and the broader Consumer Staples sector [5] - The company currently trades at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 6.76X, significantly lower than the industry average of 17.65X and the sector average of 16.08X, indicating a modest discount relative to peers [9]

Core Viewpoint - Newell Brands Inc. (NASDAQ:NWL) is recognized as one of the best penny stocks to buy, with a Buy rating and a price target of $7 from Canaccord Genuity following investor meetings with management [1][2]. Management Confidence and Strategy - The management team, including CEO Christopher Peterson and CFO Mark Erceg, expressed confidence in the company's turnaround strategy, which has been in progress for approximately two and a half years [2]. - Canaccord Genuity anticipates that 2026 will mark the first year of net distribution gains for Newell Brands since its acquisition of Jarden, indicating potential positive outcomes from the turnaround efforts [4]. Workforce and Cost-Saving Measures - Newell Brands announced a workforce reduction of about 10% of its professional and clerical employees and plans to close around 20 Yankee Candle stores in the US and Canada [3]. - The company expects these productivity measures to yield annualized pre-tax cost savings of approximately $110 million to $130 million once fully implemented [3]. Mixed Analyst Perspectives - UBS has lowered its price target for Newell Brands from $5.50 to $4.00, suggesting that investors may adopt a cautious "wait and see" approach until clearer evidence of improved performance emerges [5].

Core Insights - Newell Brands Inc. (NWL) is implementing a global productivity plan aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, profitability, and long-term competitiveness through disciplined execution of productivity, simplification, and innovation initiatives [1][9] Workforce Reduction - The company plans to reduce its global workforce by over 900 employees, which constitutes nearly 10% of its professional and clerical staff, with limited impact on manufacturing or supply-chain functions [2] - Professional and clerical separations in the United States are expected to occur within the current month, with similar efforts continuing internationally through 2026, subject to local laws [2] Productivity Plan Details - The productivity plan is designed to elevate performance standards, streamline processes, optimize overheads, and redirect resources to high-value operations, leveraging automation, digitization, and Artificial Intelligence [3][7] - Newell will close approximately 20 Yankee Candle stores in the U.S. and Canada, representing about 1% of brand sales, to align with modern shopping patterns and enhance its multi-channel growth strategy [4] Financial Implications - Management anticipates pre-tax restructuring and related charges of approximately $75-$90 million, primarily for severance costs, most of which will be recognized by the end of 2026 [5] - Once fully executed, the productivity plan is expected to generate annualized pre-tax cost savings of $110-$130 million [5] Sales Guidance - Newell has reaffirmed its guidance for fourth-quarter 2025 normalized operating margin, earnings per share, and operating cash flow, while expecting net and core sales to be at the lower end of the previously issued guidance range due to slower-than-anticipated sales trends in Latin America [6]

Core Viewpoint - Newell Brands is implementing significant restructuring measures, including job cuts and store closures, in response to economic challenges and declining sales [1][7]. Group 1: Job Cuts and Restructuring - The company will cut 900 jobs, representing 3.8% of its global workforce, and expects to incur restructuring charges of up to $90 million [1][3]. - The job cuts will affect approximately 10% of Newell's global professional and clerical employees, with a total workforce of about 23,700 as of December 31, 2024 [4]. Group 2: Store Closures - Newell will close around 20 Yankee Candle stores in the US and Canada, which collectively account for roughly 1% of brand sales of scented candles, by January next year [1][3]. Group 3: Financial Impact and Projections - The restructuring is anticipated to yield annualized cost savings of approximately $110 million to $130 million [4][6]. - The company now expects a decline in fourth-quarter net sales to be at the upper end of its previous forecast range of 1% to 4%, with slower-than-expected sales recovery in Latin America [6]. Group 4: Market Performance - Newell has experienced a significant decline in its stock value, with shares down 63% this year, although they rose more than 3% on the day of the announcement [7][8].

Group 1 - Newell Brands reported Q3 sales and margin declines, attributing these to tariffs, with new levies expected to cost the company $180 million this year, up from a previous estimate of $155 million [3] - Net sales fell more than 7% year over year, and gross margin decreased to 34.1% from 34.9%, leading the company to lower its guidance for full year sales, margins, and profits [3] - The company has $4.8 billion in outstanding debt, which poses challenges for its turnaround strategy initiated in 2023 [4] Group 2 - Newell Brands plans to lay off 900 employees, approximately 10% of its global professional and clerical staff, with U.S. cuts starting this month and international cuts continuing into next year [6] - The company will close about 20 Yankee Candle stores in the U.S. and Canada, which contribute around 1% of the brand's sales, as part of its restructuring efforts [6] - The restructuring plan is expected to generate annualized pre-tax cost savings of $110 million to $130 million, although it will incur severance and related costs of $75 million to $90 million until the end of next year [6]