The Cooper Companies(US:COO)2025-12-04 23:02Financial 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% [9][19] - Non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) grew by 11% to $1.15, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of beating consensus earnings expectations [7][19] - Free cash flow for Q4 was reported at $150 million, exceeding expectations, with a target of over $2.2 billion in free cash flow from fiscal 2026 to 2028 [7][23] 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% [10][19] - CooperSurgical achieved quarterly revenue of $356 million, up 4% or 3.9% organically, driven by solid execution [14][19] - MyDay lenses showed strong growth, particularly in toric and multifocal categories, while clariti lenses experienced a decline of approximately 2% [10][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas region grew by 5%, driven by daily silicone hydrogel lenses, while EMEA grew by 3% [11] - Asia-Pacific remained flat, with a significant 28% decline in China attributed to weakness in low-margin e-commerce channels [11][50] - The overall contact lens market is trending towards premium offerings, benefiting the MyDay portfolio [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on consistent market share gains for CooperVision, with an emphasis on the MyDay Premium Daily Silicone Hydrogel Lens portfolio [6][9] - A strategic review has been initiated to explore opportunities for unlocking long-term shareholder value, including potential separation of business units [9][38][79] - The board has authorized an increase in the share repurchase plan to $2 billion, reinforcing the commitment to returning capital to shareholders [8][20] 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 [17][53] - The company anticipates a conservative approach to guidance, particularly in the fertility segment, while remaining optimistic about long-term growth in that market [15][56] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining fiscal responsibility and not chasing revenues at all costs, particularly in challenging markets like China [50][51] Other Important Information - The company has successfully remediated material weaknesses related to IT controls from fiscal 2024 [24] - Significant cost savings from recent reorganization efforts are expected to enhance profitability and cash flow [20][23] 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 [27][28] Question: Strategic review timeline and thoughts on separation - A strategic review is underway, with updates expected in the next earnings call, and management's position on potential separation remains unchanged [37][38][41] Question: Market growth assumptions for 2026 - The market is expected to grow at 4%-5%, with pricing power anticipated to remain stable [43][45] Question: Asia-Pacific market dynamics - Asia-Pacific faced challenges due to low-margin e-commerce channels, but management expects less detriment in fiscal 2026 [49][50] Question: Free cash flow outlook - The increase in free cash flow is driven by consistent performance and reduced capital expenditures, with expectations of over $2.2 billion in free cash flow from fiscal 2026 to 2028 [56][59] Question: Product pipeline and innovation - The company is excited about upcoming product launches, including MyDay and MiSight, which are expected to drive growth [90][91]