Spectrum Brands reports Q1 adjusted EPS $1.62, consensus 62c

Reports Q1 revenue $718.5M, consensus $707.52M. “We are pleased to report a strong second quarter of fiscal 24, building off the operating momentum we drove in our first quarter. Our sales performance improved sequentially and our operations produced a gross margin of 38.1%, an 870 basis point improvement over last year. Our net income increased $124.9 million and our Adjusted EBITDA, excluding investment income, more than doubled to $95.3 million. Net income margins increased to 6.9% and Adjusted EBITDA margins, excluding investment income, nearly doubled to 13.3%. Given our first half performance, and expectations for modest top-line growth in the second half of the year, we are raising our full year Earnings Framework and now expect net sales to be relatively flat and Adjusted EBITDA to grow in the low double-digits,” said David Maura, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Spectrum Brands. “I am also happy to announce that we have entered into a new agreement with Stanley Black & Decker to license the Black & Decker name in the same categories and geographies as before through the end of calendar 2027, with two additional four year extensions, providing us with access to the Black & Decker brand name through the end of calendar 2035. This is a significant milestone for us, providing certainty on our future access to this important brand name. Given this and the continued improving financial performance in our Home and Personal Care business (“HPC”), we are continuing to pursue a strategic alternative for HPC via a sale, joint venture or spin later this year. To that end, our internal teams, along with outside advisors, have made significant progress in preparation to launch a multi-track process and we anticipate filing an initial Form 10 spin document this summer.”