Core Insights - Essity has agreed to acquire Edgewell Personal Care's feminine care business for USD 340 million, enhancing its position in the North American hygiene market [1][3] - The acquisition includes well-known brands such as Carefree, Stayfree, and o.b., as well as global rights for Playtex and a production facility in Dover, Delaware [1][3] - The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals [1] Financial Summary - The purchase price of USD 340 million represents an EBITDA multiple of approximately 12.1x based on pro-forma IFRS as of June 30, 2025, and 8.3x when including estimated run-rate synergies [1] - For the 12 months ending June 30, 2025, the acquired business reported net sales of USD 261 million and a segment operating profit of USD 17 million [1] Strategic Implications - This acquisition aligns with Essity's strategy to focus on high-margin categories and strengthen its market position in the US, the largest hygiene market globally [1] - Essity aims to leverage its established success in the feminine care sector to grow the acquired brands [1]

Core Insights - Mativ Holdings, Inc. reported strong financial results for Q3 2025, achieving significant improvements in adjusted EBITDA margin and free cash flow compared to previous periods [3][4][7]. Financial Performance - **Filtration & Advanced Materials (FAM) Segment**: - Net sales reached $198.3 million, a 4.6% increase year-over-year [4][29]. - GAAP operating profit was $11.4 million with a margin of 5.7%, down from 10.5% in the prior year [4][29]. - Adjusted EBITDA was $36.9 million, reflecting a margin of 18.6%, slightly down from 19.3% [4][29]. - **Sustainable & Adhesive Solutions (SAS) Segment**: - Net sales were $315.4 million, a 2.1% increase year-over-year [6][29]. - GAAP operating profit surged to $28.4 million with a margin of 9.0%, up from 3.3% [6][29]. - Adjusted EBITDA increased to $48.3 million, with a margin of 15.3%, up from 13.3% [6][29]. - **Overall Financial Results**: - Total consolidated net sales for Q3 2025 were $513.7 million, a 3.0% increase from $498.5 million in Q3 2024 [7][29]. - The company reported a GAAP loss of $3.2 million, with an adjusted EPS of $0.39 [7][29]. Cash Flow and Debt - Cash from operating activities for the year-to-date 2025 was $114.5 million, with free cash flow of $66.7 million, representing increases of 94% and 179% respectively compared to the prior year [7][12]. - Total debt stood at $1,028.9 million as of September 30, 2025, with cash and cash equivalents of $97.1 million, resulting in net debt of $931.8 million [12][26]. Strategic Initiatives - The company emphasized its commitment to strategic priorities and operational goals, indicating a renewed focus on customer commitments and shareholder value [3][4]. - Mativ's management highlighted the importance of disciplined pricing and cost management as key drivers of performance improvements [3][4]. Dividend and Share Repurchases - Mativ announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share, payable on December 19, 2025 [13]. - No share repurchases were conducted during the third quarter [13]. Conference Call - A conference call to discuss Q3 2025 results is scheduled for November 6, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time [14]. Company Overview - Mativ Holdings, Inc. is a global leader in specialty materials, focusing on innovative solutions across various applications [15]. - The company operates in two main segments: Filtration & Advanced Materials and Sustainable & Adhesive Solutions, targeting premium applications in diverse and growing categories [15].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q1 2025 were $111.4 million, slightly above $110.6 million in Q1 2024, reflecting positive momentum in fiberglass pools and auto covers [18] - Gross margin increased by 190 basis points to approximately 30% from 28% in the prior year, driven by lean manufacturing and value engineering initiatives [19][20] - SG&A expenses rose to $31 million, up from $26 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to strategic investments in sales and marketing [20] - Net loss narrowed to $6 million or $0.05 per diluted share from a net loss of $8 million or $0.07 per diluted share in the prior year [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Inground pool sales were $58 million, down 4% from Q1 2024, impacted by soft industry conditions and adverse weather [19] - Cover sales increased by 18% to $32 million, benefiting from organic growth and acquisitions [19] - Liner sales decreased by 8% to $22 million compared to Q1 2024 [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiberglass pools are expected to gain an additional 1% market share in the in-ground pool sector in 2025, driven by cost advantages and eco-friendly attributes [6][7] - Labor scarcity is seen as a tailwind for fiberglass pools due to lower labor intensity compared to concrete pools [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its presence in Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California, which account for about two-thirds of annual new pool starts [13] - Key priorities include expanding the dealer base, targeting master plan communities, aligning product offerings with market demand, and targeted marketing campaigns [13] - The company aims to significantly increase its market share in the Sand States through strategic partnerships and new product launches [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the market, noting a slight improvement in industry conditions compared to the previous year, but still expecting trough market conditions to persist in 2025 [5][23] - The company maintains its revenue growth expectation of 8% for 2025, with approximately 5% organic growth and 3% from acquisitions [23] Other Important Information - The company has implemented targeted price increases to mitigate the impact of tariffs on raw materials, which represent about 15% to 20% of the materials used in manufacturing [22] - The company is confident in its ability to offset raw material cost increases through strategic pre-purchasing and operational adjustments [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for margin expansion and SG&A leverage - Management indicated that SG&A leverage is expected to increase as year-over-year growth sets in, with sales projected to increase by about 8% [27] Question: Reaction to new molds and marketing efforts in Sand States - Management reported positive trends in sales and strong progress in aligning with builders in the Sand States, with expectations for continued improvement [29][30] Question: Risks and opportunities in fiberglass pool demand - Management noted that while fiberglass pools can be installed quickly, the buying decision is a longer process, and they have not seen any slowdown in trends [36][39] Question: Impact of tariffs on pricing and margins - Management quantified the tariff headwind at approximately 350 to 400 basis points, with pricing increases aimed at mitigating the remaining impact [41][42] Question: Strength in auto covers and organic growth - The auto cover business outperformed primarily due to acquisitions, but there was also a positive organic impact [76] Question: Demand environment and potential marketing expense adjustments - Management plans to maintain marketing expenses as part of a long-term strategy, despite potential fluctuations in discretionary spending [78][81]