Hain Celestial(HAIN) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an organic net sales decline of 11% year over year for Q4 2025, driven by lower sales in both North America and international segments [24] - Adjusted gross margin decreased to 20.5%, a decline of approximately 290 basis points year over year, attributed to lower volume mix, cost inflation, and higher trade spend [24] - Adjusted net loss was $2 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $11 million, or $0.13 per diluted share in the prior year [26] - Adjusted EBITDA was $20 million, down from $40 million a year ago, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 5.5% [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, organic net sales declined 14% year over year, primarily due to lower sales in snacks and meal preparation products [27] - Adjusted gross margin in North America was 19.2%, a decrease of 340 basis points, with adjusted EBITDA of $10 million compared to $21 million in the prior year [27] - International organic net sales declined 6%, with adjusted gross margin at 22.1%, approximately 270 basis points below the prior year [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The snacks category saw organic net sales growth down 19% year over year, driven by velocity challenges and distribution losses [28] - The beverages category experienced a 3% decline in organic net sales, impacted by softness in tea in North America [29] - The meal prep category's organic net sales growth was down 8%, primarily due to softness in oils and nut butters in North America [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing cash, deleveraging the balance sheet, stabilizing sales, and improving profitability through a turnaround strategy [21] - Key actions include streamlining the portfolio, accelerating brand renovation and innovation, and enhancing digital capabilities [21] - The company is exiting unprofitable or low-margin SKUs to focus on brands with the highest growth potential [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed disappointment with Q4 performance, citing challenges in both North America and international segments [4] - The company is committed to decisive actions to improve financial health and streamline operations, with a focus on driving productivity and working capital efficiency [21] - Management anticipates stronger top and bottom line performance in the second half of fiscal 2026 compared to the first half [33] Other Important Information - The company has initiated a restructuring program with expected charges of $100 million to $110 million by fiscal 2027 [25] - Free cash flow in Q4 was an outflow of $9 million, compared to an inflow of $31 million in the prior year [30] - The company closed the quarter with cash on hand of $54 million and net debt of $650 million, having reduced net debt by $14 million in the quarter [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company manage reinvestment in the context of a strained balance sheet? - Management emphasized the need for tough decisions to focus investments on high-return areas, driving financial flexibility across the P&L [36][37] Question: What are the expectations for EBITDA in fiscal 2026? - Management indicated a comfortable cushion for leverage ratios, with a focus on cash generation and cost initiatives to improve performance [39] Question: What insights can be shared about the Hain Reimagined program and its shortcomings? - Management noted that previous efforts focused more on structure rather than execution, and emphasized a renewed focus on pricing and innovation [44][46] Question: What is the timeline for restructuring and CEO search? - Management confirmed that restructuring changes are currently being implemented, with most changes effective between October 1 and November 1 [75] Question: How does the company plan to address distribution losses in the snacks category? - Management acknowledged the need for continuous innovation and marketing to regain distribution and improve velocity in the snacks business [60][62]