The Cooper Companies(COO) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenues increased by 4.6% year over year, reaching a record of $1.065 billion, with organic growth of 3.4% [8][18] - Non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) grew by 11% to $1.15, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of beating consensus earnings expectations [5][18] - Free cash flow for Q4 was strong at $150 million, with a total fiscal year repurchase of nearly $300 million, representing about two-thirds of free cash flow [5][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - CooperVision reported revenue of $710 million, up 4.9% year over year, with organic growth of 3.2%, driven by improved availability of MyDay lenses [9][10] - CooperSurgical achieved quarterly revenue of $356 million, up 4% or 3.9% organically, with growth in fertility and surgical segments [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas region grew by 5%, while EMEA grew by 3%, slightly below expectations due to market weakness in some countries [10][14] - Asia-Pacific was flat, primarily due to a 28% decline in China, attributed to weakness in low-margin e-commerce channels [10][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on delivering consistent market share gains for CooperVision, with an emphasis on the MyDay Premium Daily Silicone Hydrogel Lens portfolio [4][6] - A formal strategic review has been initiated to explore opportunities for unlocking long-term shareholder value, including potential separation of business units [8][31][54] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about fiscal 2026, expecting strong revenue growth driven by MyDay sales and new private label contracts [39][60] - The company anticipates a conservative approach to guidance, particularly in the fertility segment, while remaining optimistic about long-term growth prospects [15][60] Other Important Information - The board authorized an increase in the share repurchase plan to $2 billion, reinforcing the commitment to returning capital to shareholders [6][19] - The company has successfully remediated material weaknesses related to IT controls from fiscal 2024 [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clariti product line performance - Clariti was down a couple of percent this quarter, approaching $400 million in annualized revenue, with ongoing efforts to reposition the product line [25][26] Question: Strategic review process - A strategic review is underway, with updates expected in the next earnings call, focusing on driving long-term shareholder value [30][31] Question: Market growth assumptions - The market is expected to grow at 4%-5% in fiscal 2026, with pricing power remaining stable [33][34] Question: Asia-Pacific market dynamics - The company faced challenges in Asia-Pacific, particularly in low-margin e-commerce channels, but expects less detriment in fiscal 2026 [37][38] Question: Free cash flow outlook - The increase in free cash flow is attributed to consistent performance and reduced capital expenditures, with expectations of over $2.2 billion in free cash flow from fiscal 2026 to 2028 [23][42] Question: Paragard product expectations - Guidance for Paragard includes conservatism due to potential competitive launches, with expectations for flat to low single-digit growth [55] Question: Pipeline and product launches - The company is excited about upcoming product launches, including MyDay and MiSight, which are expected to drive growth [58][59]