Sydney Wagner's questions to COTY (COTY) leadership • Q4 2025
Question
Sydney Wagner, on behalf of Ashley Helgans, asked for more detail on "innovation fatigue" in mass color cosmetics and whether this was also occurring in prestige. She also inquired how promotional activity varies by channel and trended through the quarter.
Answer
CEO Sue Nabi explained that "innovation fatigue" in mass color cosmetics stems from an overwhelming number of launches that confused consumers, a phenomenon not seen in the simpler fragrance category. CFO Laurent Mercier noted that promotions began in Consumer Beauty a year ago but more recently appeared in prestige (Q3/Q4), driven by peers and retailers. He reiterated that Coty is avoiding promotional traps by focusing on innovation and media support.