Q1 Results Above Expectations
First quarter results came in ahead of expectations across key metrics: net sales down 1.1% YoY but core sales improved sequentially and were only -3.5% YoY; normalized operating margin expanded 30 bps YoY to 4.8% and normalized gross margin expanded 70 bps to 33.2%. Normalized EPS outperformed prior guidance (management noted EPS was $0.03 better than the upper end of prior guidance and Mark reported a normalized -$0.05 loss per diluted share, ahead of previous guidance).
All Segments Outperformed Plan; Brand and POS Momentum
All three segments delivered core sales growth above plan; Learning & Development returned to core sales growth. Baby grew 4.9% in Q1. Six of the top 10 brands gained market share in Q1, six of the top 10 brands delivered year-over-year point-of-sale growth, and seven of the top 10 improved sequential trajectory versus Q4, indicating strengthening consumer demand and retail execution.
Innovation and A&P Investment Ramp
Management is accelerating innovation and marketing: launching 25 Tier 1 and Tier 2 innovations in 2026 (up from 18 in 2025) and increased A&P to support product launches. A&P was just north of 5% of sales (~30 bps higher YoY) to support the strongest innovation program since at least the Jarden acquisition.
Pricing/Deduction Management Benefit
Improved customer program and deduction management produced approximately $25 million of net pricing benefit in Q1, which management states contributed ~160 basis points to reported core sales and ~110 basis points to gross margin for the quarter.
Improved Tariff Outlook vs Prior Expectation
Updated tariff expectations reduced forecasted incremental tariff-related P&L costs to ~$120 million (approx. $0.24 per share) for 2026 versus a prior expectation of ~$146 million (~$0.30 per share), an improvement of ~$26 million (~$0.06 per share). Management is also pursuing potential IEEPA tariff refunds related to ~ $120 million paid in 2025 (not included in current outlook).
Raised Full-Year Top-Line and EPS Guidance
Management raised full-year guidance: net sales now expected flat to +2% (vs prior -1% to +1%), core sales now expected -1% to +1% (vs prior -2% to 0%), and normalized diluted EPS range increased to $0.56–$0.60 (bottom end increased by $0.02). Q2 guidance: net/core sales flat to +2%, normalized operating margin 9.6%–10.2%, normalized EPS $0.16–$0.19.
Operational and Manufacturing Advantages
Company highlighted reduced China-sourced finished goods from ~35% peak to under 10% of global COGS and a highly automated domestic manufacturing footprint (15 U.S. plants + 2 USMCA Mexican plants) that provides capacity to scale domestically and a structural tariff advantage across multiple categories.
Productivity, Restructuring and Capital Actions
Q1 recorded $6 million of restructuring charges (cumulative $46 million) with total expected restructuring-related charges of ~$75–$90 million (largely incurred by end of 2026). CapEx planned at $200 million for 2026 (down from ~ $250 million historical run rate). Company expects to generate ~$60 million of incremental cash by terminating certain nonqualified defined benefit plans.