Shovana Chowdhury

Shovana Chowdhury, on behalf of Andrea Teixeira, asked about the potential incremental benefit from optimizing U.S. manufacturing to maximize future production credits, specifically inquiring about the magnitude beyond the prior estimate of $35 million-$40 million annually and if this benefit would start in fiscal 2026.

Answer

John Drabik, EVP and CFO, stated that Energizer anticipates an upside of $15 million-$20 million annually over what has been generated to date from domestic production credits. He confirmed that this incremental benefit is expected to begin in fiscal 2026.

Shovana Chowdhury asked about the magnitude of incremental benefit from optimizing U.S. manufacturing for production credits, beyond the prior $35 million-$40 million annual estimate, and the timing of this benefit.

Answer

John Drabik, EVP and CFO, stated that Energizer anticipates an upside of $15 million-$20 million per year over what has been generated to date from domestic production credits. He confirmed that this incremental benefit is expected to start in fiscal year 2026.

Speaking for Andrea Teixeira, Shovana Chowdhury questioned why the bottom-line guidance was maintained despite a raised top-line forecast, asking if this implied higher-than-expected investments. She also asked for commentary on consumer value-seeking behavior and the outlook for promotional activity.

Answer

Mark LaVigne, President and CEO, characterized the consumer as 'stable but cautious,' noting they are value-seeking and comfortable shifting channels, a behavior he expects to persist. John Drabik, EVP and CFO, explained that the maintained profit outlook reflects planned investments, including A&P spending weighted to Q2 and Q3 for new launches, and continued SG&A investment in digital transformation. He also noted that the stronger U.S. dollar is offsetting some of the organic sales growth.

Shovana Chowdhury of JPMorgan Chase & Co. asked for an update on the progress of the distributor rationalization process outside the U.S. and questioned the potential use of pricing as a tariff mitigation lever in the context of planned promotions.

Answer

CEO Amanda Baldwin confirmed that the company has moved from planning to execution on its international distributor reset but did not provide further detail. Regarding tariffs, both she and COO & CFO Catherine Dunleavy reiterated that exposure is minimal as over 95% of goods sold in the U.S. are manufactured there. Catherine Dunleavy clarified that while pricing could be a potential lever, it is not a current necessity given their limited exposure.

Shovana Chowdhury requested commentary on the latest consumption trends in the prestige hair care category for both the U.S. and international markets, and asked for the potential magnitude of gross tariff headwinds.

Answer

CEO Amanda Baldwin reiterated the company's focus on its long-term transformation and the growth potential within the prestige hair category, rather than short-term consumption trends. On tariffs, she stated that as a North America-focused business, the impact is expected to be relatively small and declined to provide a specific financial estimate.

On behalf of Andrea Teixeira, Shovana Chowdhury requested more insight into the international competitive landscape and the company's confidence in its realignment strategy. She also asked about the drivers of the Q3 U.S. top-line decline, given the reported success of new products.

Answer

CEO Amanda Baldwin described the international competitive landscape as a mix of global and local players, reinforcing the need for closer distributor partnerships. COO & CFO Catherine Dunleavy clarified the Q3 U.S. performance, noting the specialty retail channel was down only 1.3% and that some of the overall decline was attributable to the timing of holiday kit sell-in to major customers.

Shovana Chowdhury from JPMorgan Chase & Co. asked about the remaining scope of SKU rationalization and the potential for future gross margin expansion. She also inquired if value-seeking consumer behavior is apparent in the Garden segment or Pet durables, and if there are signs of a consumer pullback.

Answer

CEO Niko Lahanas explained that the company aims for annual margin expansion through its multi-year 'Cost and Simplicity' program, which is an ongoing process, rather than forecasting specific targets. J.D. Walker, President of Garden Consumer Products, responded that while it's too early to see a consumer pullback in Garden, they are definitely seeking value via promotions and private label, but there is no evidence yet of consumers buying fewer items.

Shovana Chowdhury requested elaboration on the specific steps being taken to improve digital and e-commerce capabilities. She also asked for more color on the promotional environment, competition from low-cost Asian e-commerce, and the resulting impact on market share.

Answer

CEO Nicholas Lahanas detailed a multi-faceted e-commerce strategy focused on A+ content, inventory management, SEO, and developing in-house fulfillment capabilities leveraged from the DMO acquisition. John Hanson, President of Pet Consumer Products, added that e-commerce now represents 29% of Pet sales. For promotions, J.D. Walker, President of Garden Consumer Products, anticipates a more competitive marketplace, which Mr. Lahanas confirmed would be a challenge in a deflationary environment.

Shovana Chowdhury of JPMorgan Chase & Co. asked for commentary on retailer inventory levels to decompose sell-in versus sell-out, and inquired about recent trends exiting the quarter.

Answer

CFO Laurent Mercier reiterated that retailer inventory adjustments are ongoing, exacerbated by competition between channels. He specified that for the fragrance category, where sell-out is strong, the company expects an improvement in sell-in, driven by big launches next year and untapped potential in the U.S. and e-commerce, as well as in growth engine markets.

Shovana Chowdhury, on behalf of Andrea Teixeira, asked for commentary on retailer inventory levels to better understand the sell-in versus sell-out dynamic and requested an update on recent business trends.

Answer

Executive Laurent Mercier reiterated that retailer inventory adjustments are ongoing, intensified by competition between physical and online channels. He specified that for fragrances, sell-out remains very strong in both mass and prestige segments. Consequently, the company expects sell-in for fragrances to improve, supported by upcoming launches and expansion in the U.S., e-commerce, and other growth markets.