Edgewell Personal Care(EPC)2025-02-10 20:05Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic net sales decreased by 1.3% compared to the previous year, aligning with expectations, while international growth was 2% driven by both price and volume gains [10][48] - Adjusted gross margin rate decreased by 60 basis points but increased approximately 80 basis points in constant currency, exceeding expectations [49] - Adjusted operating income was $27 million, down from approximately $36 million in the previous year [50] - GAAP diluted net earnings per share were a loss of $0.04 compared to earnings of $0.09 in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 [51] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wet shave organic net sales were down 1.3%, with international wet shave growing 3% due to price and volume gains [37] - Sun and skincare organic net sales increased approximately 5%, driven by double-digit growth in skin and grooming [39] - Grooming organic net sales increased by 13%, with Cremo brand achieving 20% organic net sales growth [40] - Femcare organic net sales were down approximately 12%, primarily due to the pads business [41] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International markets represented 40% of global business, with strong performance in sun care in Australia and Mexico [17] - The U.S. wet shave and fem care categories remain highly competitive and promotional, with no significant signs of purchasing hesitancy in international markets [15] - Consumption in the U.S. sun care category increased by about 1.6%, led by increased e-commerce sales [39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational performance, disciplined investments, and managing costs to drive growth [11] - A commitment to a consumer-centric, locally driven new product development model is emphasized, with a focus on innovation [18] - The company aims to maintain brand investments despite external challenges, ensuring continued support for brand activation [92] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing transformation of the business and the resilience of consumer sentiment [12][14] - The macro environment remains challenging, particularly due to currency fluctuations, but the company expects to deliver within previously provided outlook ranges [11][55] - Management anticipates sequential improvement in North American results and continued strength in international markets [104] Other Important Information - The company reported net cash used by operating activities of $115.6 million for the quarter, compared to $72.9 million in the prior year [53] - Share repurchases totaled $30 million, and a cash dividend of $0.15 per share was declared for the first quarter [54] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about femcare sales and brand consolidation - Management acknowledged challenges in the femcare category, particularly with pads, but noted progress in transitioning consumers to the Carefree brand [63][64] Question: Context on businesses with negative performance - Management indicated that improvements are expected in the second half of the year as they lap previous supply chain issues [71][72] Question: Impact of FX on pricing strategies - Management confirmed that while FX headwinds are significant, they are evaluating pricing strategies but will not cut brand investments [89][92] Question: Performance of Billy Body and national expansion plans - Management expressed confidence in the Billy brand's performance and its national expansion, particularly with strong retailer support [135][138]