Newell Brands Announces Third Quarter 2023 Results

Net Sales Decline 9%; Core Sales Decline 9%
Gross Margin Improves Over 100 Basis Points Versus Prior Year
Year-to-Date Operating Cash Flow Increases Over $1.2 Billion Versus Prior Year
Updates Outlook for Full Year 2023

Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) today announced its third quarter 2023 financial results.

Chris Peterson, Newell Brands President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Since introducing a new strategy in June, we have been laser focused on implementing the organizational, operational and cultural changes required to strengthen the company's front-end consumer facing capabilities, while harnessing the scale and power of One Newell. We have improved gross margin and strengthened operating cash flow, which were the top two financial priorities we established at the start of the year. The substantial progress we are making gives me great confidence that our new strategy, which focuses on our leading brands in top markets and puts consumer understanding and insights at the center of everything we do, will accelerate the company's performance and drive significant value creation over time, despite a challenging macroeconomic backdrop."

Mark Erceg, Newell Brands Chief Financial Officer, said, "During the third quarter we improved the structural economics of the business by increasing gross margin both sequentially and versus last year. Year-to-date, we increased operating cash flow by more than $1.2 billion and reduced net debt by nearly $400 million. Based on these strong results, we expect gross margin will continue to improve during the fourth quarter and we have raised our cash flow outlook for the year, even as top line expectations and earnings per share estimates have been tempered."

Third Quarter 2023 Executive Summary

• Net sales were $2.0 billion, a decline of 9.1 percent compared with the prior year period.
• Core sales declined 9.2 percent compared with the prior year period.
• Reported gross margin was 30.3 percent compared with 29.2 percent in the prior year period.
• Normalized gross margin was 31.3 percent compared with 29.6 percent in the prior year period.
• Reported operating margin was negative 7.8 percent, including the impact of a $263 million non-cash impairment charge, compared with positive 1.8 percent in the prior year period, which included the impact of a $148 million non-cash impairment charge.
• Normalized operating margin was 8.2 percent compared with 10.4 percent in the prior year period.
• Reported diluted loss per share was $0.53 compared with reported diluted earnings per share of $0.05 in the prior year period.
• Normalized diluted earnings per share were $0.39 compared with $0.50 per share in the prior year period.
• Year-to-date operating cash flow increased by more than $1.2 billion to $679 million compared with outflow of $567 million in the prior year period.
• The company updated its full year 2023 outlook for net sales and normalized earnings per share to $8.02 billion to $8.09 billion and $0.72 to $0.77, respectively. The company raised its outlook for full year 2023 operating cash flow to $800 million to $900 million.

Third Quarter 2023 Operating Results

Net sales were $2.0 billion, a 9.1 percent decline compared to the prior year period, reflecting a core sales decrease of 9.2 percent and a slight headwind from category exits, partially offset by the impact of favorable foreign exchange.

Reported gross margin was 30.3 percent compared with 29.2 percent in the prior year period, as the benefits from FUEL productivity savings and pricing more than offset the impact of fixed cost deleveraging, inflation and higher restructuring-related charges. Normalized gross margin was 31.3 percent compared with 29.6 percent in the prior year period, marking an inflection point in the company's normalized gross margin performance.

Reported operating loss was $159 million compared with operating income of $40 million in the prior year period. Non-cash impairment charges of $263 million and $148 million were incurred in the current and prior year periods, respectively, related to goodwill and intangible assets. Reported operating margin was negative 7.8 percent compared with positive 1.8 percent in the prior year period, as the effect of lower net sales, inflation, restructuring and related costs and the non-cash impairment charge more than offset the contribution from pricing, FUEL productivity savings and Project Phoenix savings. Normalized operating income was $167 million, or 8.2 percent of sales, compared with $234 million, or 10.4 percent of sales, in the prior year period.

Net interest expense was $69 million compared with $57 million in the prior year period.

Reported tax benefit was $80 million compared with $60 million in the prior year period. The normalized tax benefit was $73 million compared with $57 million in the prior year period.

The company reported a net loss of $218 million, or $0.53 diluted loss per share, compared with net income of $19 million, or $0.05 diluted earnings per share, in the prior year period.

Normalized net income was $163 million, or $0.39 normalized diluted earnings per share, compared with $208 million, or $0.50 normalized diluted earnings per share, in the prior year period.

An explanation of non-GAAP measures disclosed in this release and a reconciliation of these non-GAAP results to comparable GAAP measures, if available, are included in the tables attached to this release.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

Year-to-date operating cash flow increased by more than $1.2 billion to $679 million compared with outflow of $567 million in the prior year period, with the significant improvement largely driven by working capital and a reduction in incentive compensation payments, which more than offset the impact of lower operating income and higher restructuring payments. The company continued to reduce inventories, which declined nearly $900 million versus the prior year period and nearly $200 million versus the second quarter of 2023.

At the end of the third quarter, Newell Brands had cash and cash equivalents of $396 million and net debt outstanding of $4.7 billion, as compared to $5.0 billion at the end of the second quarter.

Third Quarter 2023 Operating Segment Results

The Home & Commercial Solutions segment generated net sales of $1.1 billion compared with $1.2 billion in the prior year period, reflecting a core sales decline of 7.1 percent and the impact of certain category exits, partially offset by the impact of favorable foreign exchange. Core sales decreased in all three businesses: Kitchen, Home Fragrance and Commercial. Reported operating income was $64 million, or 5.7 percent of sales, compared with operating loss of $75 million, or negative 6.2 percent of sales, in the prior year period. Normalized operating income was $95 million, or 8.5 percent of sales, versus $63 million, or 5.2 percent of sales, in the prior year period.

The Learning & Development segment generated net sales of $694 million compared with $751 million in the prior year period, as a core sales decline of 8.1 percent was partially offset by the impact of favorable foreign exchange. Core sales decreased in both the Writing and Baby businesses. Reported operating loss was $127 million, or negative 18.3 percent of sales, including the impact of a non-cash impairment charge of $241 million, compared with operating income of $122 million, or 16.2 percent of sales, in the prior year period. Normalized operating income was $123 million, or 17.7 percent of sales, compared with $150 million, or 20.0 percent of sales, in the prior year period.

The Outdoor & Recreation segment generated net sales of $231 million compared with $289 million in the prior year period, as a core sales decline of 20.9 percent was partially offset by the impact of favorable foreign exchange. Reported operating loss was $42 million, or negative 18.2 percent of sales, including the impact of a non-cash impairment charge of $22 million, compared with operating income of $6 million, or 2.1 percent of sales, in the prior year period. Normalized operating loss was $7 million, or negative 3.0 percent of sales, compared with normalized operating income of $16 million, or 5.5 percent of sales, in the prior year period.

Restructuring and Savings Initiatives

In January 2023, the company announced a restructuring and savings initiative, Project Phoenix, that aims to strengthen the company by leveraging its scale to further reduce complexity, streamlining its operating model and driving operational efficiencies.

Project Phoenix is expected to be substantially implemented by the end of 2023. It incorporates a variety of initiatives designed to simplify the organizational structure, streamline the company’s real estate, centralize its supply chain functions, which include manufacturing, distribution, transportation and customer service, transition to a unified One Newell go-to-market model in key international geographies, and otherwise reduce overhead costs. The company implemented the new operating model in the first quarter, consolidating its prior five operating segments into three operating segments: Home & Commercial Solutions, Learning & Development and Outdoor & Recreation.

The company's expectations for savings and charges in connection with Project Phoenix remain unchanged. The company expects to realize annualized pre-tax savings in the range of $220 million to $250 million when fully implemented, with $140 million to $160 million expected to be realized in 2023. Restructuring and related charges associated with these actions are estimated to be in the range of $100 million to $130 million and are expected to be substantially incurred by the end of 2023. Year-to-date through the third quarter 2023, the company incurred restructuring and related charges of $78 million and realized savings of $101 million related to Project Phoenix. The restructuring plan is expected to result in the elimination of approximately 13 percent of office positions. The company began reducing headcount in the first quarter 2023, with most of these actions still expected to be completed by the end of 2023, subject to local law and consultation requirements.

Following the successful completion of the first phase of Project Ovid, the multi-year initiative to transform the company's go-to-market capabilities in the U.S., in May 2023, the company announced the Network Optimization Project, which aims to simplify and streamline its North American distribution network. The Network Optimization Project incorporates a variety of initiatives, including a reduction in the overall number of distribution centers, an optimization of distribution by location, and completion of select automation investments intended to further streamline the company’s cost structure and to maximize operating performance. The company commenced this initiative during the second quarter 2023 and expects it to be substantially implemented by the end of 2024. The company continues to expect to realize annual pre-tax savings of $25 million to $35 million when fully implemented. Restructuring and related charges associated with the Network Optimization Project are estimated to be in the range of approximately $37 million to $49 million and are expected to be substantially incurred by the end of 2024. The Company also expects to incur $30 million to $40 million in capital expenditures in connection with this project. Year-to-date through the third quarter 2023, the company incurred restructuring and related charges of $17 million related to the Network Optimization Project.

Outlook for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023

The company initiated its outlook for fourth quarter 2023 and updated its full year 2023 outlook.

The company raised its outlook for full year 2023 operating cash flow to $800 million to $900 million; cash payments associated with Project Phoenix are still expected to be approximately $95 million to $120 million.

The company has presented forward-looking statements regarding core sales, normalized operating margin and normalized earnings per share. These non-GAAP financial measures are derived by excluding certain amounts, expenses or income, from the corresponding financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. The determination of the amounts that are excluded from these non-GAAP financial measures is a matter of management judgement and depends upon, among other factors, the nature of the underlying expense or income amounts recognized in a given period in reliance on the exception provided by item 10(e)(1)(i)(B) of Regulation S-K. We are unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking normalized operating margin or normalized earnings per share to their most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measures because such information is not available, and management cannot reliably predict all of the necessary components of such GAAP measures without unreasonable effort or expense. In addition, we believe such reconciliations would imply a degree of precision that would be confusing or misleading to investors. The unavailable information could have a significant impact on the company's future financial results. These non-GAAP financial measures are preliminary estimates and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, among others, changes in connection with quarter-end and year-end adjustments. Any variation between the company's actual results and preliminary financial data set forth above may be material.

Conference Call

Newell Brands’ third quarter 2023 earnings conference call will be held today, October 27, at 9:30 a.m. ET. A link to the webcast is provided under Events & Presentations in the Investors section of the company’s website at www.newellbrands.com. A webcast replay will be made available in the Quarterly Earnings section of the company’s website.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This release and the accompanying remarks contain non-GAAP financial measures within the meaning of Regulation G promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and includes a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.

The company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures that are included in this press release, the additional financial information and accompanying remarks both to explain its results to stockholders and the investment community and in the internal evaluation and management of its businesses. The company’s management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures and the information they provide are useful to investors since these measures (a) permit investors to view the company’s performance and liquidity using the same tools that management uses to evaluate the company’s past performance, reportable segments, prospects for future performance and liquidity, and (b) determine certain elements of management incentive compensation.

The company’s management believes that core sales provides a more complete understanding of underlying sales trends by providing sales on a consistent basis as it excludes the impacts of acquisitions, divestitures, retail store openings and closings, certain market and category exits, and changes in foreign exchange from year-over-year comparisons. The effect of changes in foreign exchange on reported sales is calculated by applying the prior year average monthly exchange rates to the current year local currency sales amounts (excluding acquisitions and divestitures), with the difference between the current year reported sales and constant currency sales presented as the foreign exchange impact increase or decrease in core sales. The company’s management believes that “normalized” gross margin, “normalized” operating income, “normalized” operating margin, "normalized EBITDA", “normalized” net income, “normalized” diluted earnings per share, “normalized” interest and “normalized” income tax benefit or expense, which exclude restructuring and restructuring-related expenses and one-time and other events such as costs related to the extinguishment of debt, certain tax benefits and charges, impairment charges, pension settlement charges, divestiture costs, integration and financing of acquired businesses, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, inflationary adjustments, fire related loss, net of insurance recoveries and certain other items, are useful because they provide investors with a meaningful perspective on the current underlying performance of the company’s core ongoing operations and liquidity. “Normalized EBITDA” is an ongoing liquidity measure (that excludes non-cash items) and is calculated as normalized earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation expense.

The company determines the tax effect of the items excluded from normalized diluted earnings per share by applying the estimated effective rate for the applicable jurisdiction in which the pre-tax items were incurred, and for which realization of the resulting tax benefit, if any, is expected. In certain situations in which an item excluded from normalized results impacts income tax expense, the company utilizes a “with” and “without” approach to determine normalized income tax benefit or expense.

The company defines "net debt" as short-term debt, current portion of long-term debt and long-term debt less cash and cash equivalents. "Free cash flow" is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. "Free cash flow productivity" is defined as the ratio of free cash flow to normalized net income. We are unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking free cash flow productivity or normalized gross margin to their most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measures because such information is not available, and management cannot reliably predict all of the necessary components of such GAAP measure without unreasonable effort or expense.

While the company believes these non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating the company’s performance and liquidity, this information should be considered as supplemental in nature and not as a substitute for or superior to the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, these non-GAAP financial measures may differ from similar measures presented by other companies.

About Newell Brands

Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Graco, Coleman, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Yankee Candle, Paper Mate, FoodSaver, Dymo, EXPO, Elmer’s, Oster, NUK, Spontex and Campingaz. Newell Brands is focused on delighting consumers by lighting up everyday moments.

This press release and additional information about Newell Brands are available on the company’s website, www.newellbrands.com.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this press release and its exhibits, particularly those anticipating future financial performance, business prospects, growth, operating strategies, the benefits and savings associated with Project Phoenix, future macroeconomic conditions and similar matters, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements generally can be identified by the use of words or phrases, including, but not limited to, "guidance," "outlook," “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “target,” “plan,” “expect,” “setting up,” "beginning to,” “will,” “should,” “would,” "could," “resume,” “remain confident,” "remain optimistic," "seek to," or similar statements. We caution that forward-looking statements are not guarantees because there are inherent difficulties in predicting future results. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including impairment charges and accounting for income taxes. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

• our ability to optimize costs and cash flow and mitigate the impact of retailer inventory rebalancing through discretionary and overhead spend management, advertising and promotion expense optimization, demand forecast and supply plan adjustments and actions to improve working capital;
• our dependence on the strength of retail and consumer demand and commercial and industrial sectors of the economy in various countries around the world;
• our ability to improve productivity, reduce complexity and streamline operations;
• risks related to our substantial indebtedness, potential increases in interest rates and changes in our credit ratings, including the failure to maintain financial covenants which if breached could subject us to cross-default and acceleration provisions in our debt documents;
• competition with other manufacturers and distributors of consumer products;
• major retailers’ strong bargaining power and consolidation of our customers;
• supply chain and operational disruptions in the markets in which we operate, whether as a result of the actual or perceived effects of the COVID-19 pandemic or broader geopolitical and macroeconomic conditions, including any global military conflicts;
• changes in the prices and availability of labor, transportation, raw materials and sourced products, including significant inflation, and our ability to offset cost increases through pricing and productivity in a timely manner;
• the cost and outcomes of governmental investigations, inspections, lawsuits, legislative requests or other actions by third parties, the potential outcomes of which could exceed policy limits, to the extent insured;
• our ability to effectively execute our turnaround plan, including Project Ovid, Project Phoenix and the Network Optimization Project;
• our ability to develop innovative new products, to develop, maintain and strengthen end-user brands and to realize the benefits of increased advertising and promotion spend;
• our ability to consistently maintain effective internal control over financial reporting;
• the risks inherent to our foreign operations, including currency fluctuations, exchange controls and pricing restrictions;
• future events that could adversely affect the value of our assets and/or stock price and require additional impairment charges;
• unexpected costs or expenses associated with dispositions;
• a failure or breach of one of our key information technology systems, networks, processes or related controls or those of our service providers;
• the impact of U.S. and foreign regulations on our operations, including the impact of tariffs, product regulation and legislation and environmental remediation costs and legislation and regulatory actions related to data privacy and climate change;
• the potential inability to attract, retain and motivate key employees;
• changes in tax laws and the resolution of tax contingencies resulting in additional tax liabilities;
• product liability, product recalls or related regulatory actions;
• our ability to protect intellectual property rights;
• our ability to manage any actual or perceived ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including as a result of any additional variants of the virus or the efficacy and distribution of vaccines;
• significant increases in the funding obligations related to our pension plans; and
• other factors listed from time to time in our SEC filings, including but not limited to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our other SEC filings.

The consolidated condensed financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). Management’s application of U.S. GAAP requires the pervasive use of estimates and assumptions in preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements. The company continues to be impacted by inflationary pressures, softening global demand, focus by major retailers to rebalance inventory levels, rising interest rates and the indirect macroeconomic impact of global military conflicts, which has required greater use of estimates and assumptions in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements. Although we believe we have made our best estimates based upon current information, actual results could differ materially and may require future changes to such estimates and assumptions, including reserves, which may result in future expense.

The information contained in this press release and the tables is as of the date indicated. The company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or developments.