Newell Brands Announces First Quarter 2022 Results

Net Sales Growth 4.4%; Core Sales Growth 6.9%

Delivers Net Sales, Operating Profit and EPS Ahead of Outlook

Diluted EPS $0.55; Normalized Diluted EPS $0.36

Reaffirms Outlook for Full Year 2022

Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) today announced its first quarter 2022 financial results.

"We are pleased with a strong start to 2022, as we delivered a seventh consecutive quarter of core sales growth and our team executed with excellence in a challenging environment. Core sales grew 6.9 percent, on top of a difficult 20.9 percent comparison from the prior year, while normalized operating income increased 10.4 percent, despite significant ongoing inflation, demonstrating the power of our diversified portfolio and the nimbleness of our model,” said Ravi Saligram, Newell Brands President and CEO. “We are committed to realizing the full potential of our business, as we continue to drive sustainable and profitable growth, build competitive advantage and serve as a force for good, while overcoming external pressures."

Chris Peterson, Chief Financial Officer and President, Business Operations, said, “During the first quarter we built on the business momentum, as we drove a better than anticipated outcome on top and bottom lines through focus on factors that are within our control, as well as swift and decisive actions to mitigate the impact of inflation and supply chain obstacles. Strong first quarter results give us confidence to reaffirm the full year 2022 outlook, despite macro uncertainties and external headwinds."

First Quarter 2022 Executive Summary

• Net sales were $2.4 billion, a 4.4 percent increase compared with the prior year period, during which the company experienced elevated demand across many of its categories.
• Core sales grew 6.9 percent compared with the prior year period. Five of seven business units increased core sales compared with the prior year period.
• Reported operating margin was 9.1 percent compared with 8.4 percent in the prior year period, as benefits from FUEL productivity savings, pricing and lower overhead costs more than offset a significant headwind from inflation and an unfavorable impact from foreign exchange. Normalized operating margin was 10.6 percent compared with 10.1 percent in the prior year period.
• Reported diluted earnings per share were $0.55 compared with $0.21 per share in the prior year period, with the year over year change largely reflecting the improvement in reported operating income, a gain on the divestiture of the Connected Home & Security (CH&S) business and a reduction in the effective tax rate.
• Normalized diluted earnings per share were $0.36 compared with $0.30 per share in the prior year period.
• The company's leverage ratio was 3.1x at the end of the first quarter versus 3.3x in the prior year period and 3.0x at the end of 2021.
• The company completed the divestiture of the CH&S business to Resideo Technologies, Inc. for a purchase price of $593 million, subject to customary working capital and transaction adjustments, and repurchased $275 million of its common shares.
• The company reaffirmed its full year 2022 net sales and normalized earnings per share outlook of $9.93 billion to $10.13 billion and $1.85 to $1.93, respectively.

First Quarter 2022 Operating Results

Net sales were $2.4 billion, a 4.4 percent increase compared to the prior year period, as core sales growth of 6.9 percent and higher net sales in the CH&S business were partially offset by the impact of unfavorable foreign exchange, as well as category and retail store exits. Net sales were 16.9 percent above the first quarter 2019 level, driven by growth across every segment.

Reported gross margin was 31.0 percent compared with 31.9 percent in the prior year period, as the significant headwind from inflation, particularly related to resin, sourced finished goods, transportation and labor, and unfavorable impact from foreign exchange more than offset the benefits from FUEL productivity savings and pricing. Normalized gross margin was 31.2 percent compared with 32.2 percent in the prior year period.

Reported operating income was $217 million compared with $192 million in the prior year period. Reported operating margin was 9.1 percent compared with 8.4 percent in the prior year period, as benefits from FUEL productivity savings, pricing and lower overhead costs more than offset a significant headwind from inflation and an unfavorable impact from foreign exchange. Normalized operating income was $254 million, or 10.6 percent of sales, compared with $230 million, or 10.1 percent of sales, in the prior year period.

Net interest expense was $59 million compared with $67 million in the prior year period, reflecting a reduction in the company's debt balance.

The reported tax rate was 17.0 percent compared with 29.4 percent in the prior year period, reflecting an increase in discrete tax benefits and a lower effective tax rate associated with the divestiture of CH&S. The normalized tax rate was 18.4 percent compared with 22.4 percent in the prior year period.

The company reported net income of $234 million, or $0.55 diluted earnings per share, compared with $89 million, or $0.21 diluted earnings per share, in the prior year period. The year over year change largely reflects the improvement in reported operating income, a gain on the divestiture of the CH&S business and a reduction in the effective tax rate.

Normalized net income was $155 million, or $0.36 normalized diluted earnings per share, compared with $128 million, or $0.30 normalized diluted earnings per share, in the prior year period.

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

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

Operating cash outflow was $272 million compared with outflow of $25 million in the prior year period, reflecting a working capital increase to support sales growth.

On March 31, 2022, the company completed the divestiture of the CH&S business to Resideo Technologies, Inc. for a purchase price of $593 million, subject to customary working capital and transaction adjustments. During the quarter, the company also repurchased $275 million of its common shares beneficially owned by Carl C. Icahn and certain of his affiliates.

At the end of the first quarter, Newell Brands had cash and cash equivalents of $344 million and net debt outstanding of $4.5 billion. Newell Brands exited the first quarter with a leverage ratio of 3.1x compared to 3.3x in the prior year period and 3.0x at the end of 2021.

Leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of net debt to normalized EBITDA. An explanation of how the leverage ratio is calculated and a related reconciliation, as well as a reconciliation of reported results to normalized results, are included in the tables attached to this release.

First Quarter 2022 Operating Segment Results

The Commercial Solutions segment generated net sales of $510 million compared with $471 million in the prior year period, reflecting core sales growth of 7.4 percent, a net sales increase for the Connected Home & Security business unit, and the impact of unfavorable foreign exchange. Reported operating income was $55 million, or 10.8 percent of sales, compared with $50 million, or 10.6 percent of sales, in the prior year period. Normalized operating income was $59 million, or 11.6 percent of sales, versus $53 million, or 11.3 percent of sales, in the prior year period.

The Home Appliances segment generated net sales of $340 million compared with $360 million in the prior year period, reflecting core sales decline of 1.9 percent, as well as the impact of exits from low margin categories and unfavorable foreign exchange. Reported operating loss was $18 million, or negative 5.3 percent of sales, compared with reported operating income of $3 million, or 0.8 percent of sales, in the prior year period. Normalized operating loss was $14 million, or negative 4.1 percent of sales, versus normalized operating income of $8 million, or 2.2 percent of sales, in the prior year period.

The Home Solutions segment generated net sales of $500 million compared with $504 million in the prior year period, reflecting core sales growth of 1.4 percent, partially offset by the impact of unfavorable foreign exchange and the exit of 38 underperforming Yankee Candle retail locations during the first quarter. Core sales growth in the Food business unit more than offset core sales decline in the Home Fragrance business unit. Reported operating income was $61 million, or 12.2 percent of sales, compared with $61 million, or 12.1 percent of sales, in the prior year period. Normalized operating income was $72 million, or 14.4 percent of sales, versus $76 million, or 15.1 percent of sales, in the prior year period.

The Learning & Development segment generated net sales of $650 million compared with $617 million in the prior year period, reflecting core sales growth of 7.4 percent, partially offset by the impact of unfavorable foreign exchange. Core sales increased in both the Writing and Baby business units. Reported operating income was $130 million, or 20.0 percent of sales, compared with $110 million, or 17.8 percent of sales, in the prior year period. Normalized operating income was $137 million, or 21.1 percent of sales, compared with $114 million, or 18.5 percent of sales, in the prior year period.

The Outdoor & Recreation segment generated net sales of $388 million compared with $336 million in the prior year period, reflecting core sales growth of 22.9 percent, partially offset by the impact of exits from low margin categories and unfavorable foreign exchange. Reported operating income was $45 million, or 11.6 percent of sales, compared with $15 million, or 4.5 percent of sales, in the prior year period. Normalized operating income was $49 million, or 12.6 percent of sales, compared with $20 million, or 6.0 percent of sales, in the prior year period.

Outlook for Second Quarter and Full Year 2022

The company initiated its outlook for second quarter 2022 and reaffirmed its full year 2022 outlook as follows:

The full year 2022 outlook for net sales, normalized operating margin and normalized EPS includes the contribution from CH&S during the first quarter. Core sales growth outlook for full year 2022 excludes the contribution from CH&S. Net sales outlooks for both Q2 2022, as well as for the full year 2022, account for the expected unfavorable foreign exchange movements, using current rates, as well as closures of Yankee Candle retail locations and market and category exits, primarily in the Outdoor & Recreation and Home Appliances segments.

For full year 2022, the company expects to deliver operating cash flow in the range of $800 million to $850 million, including the impact of the loss of profits from the sale of the CH&S business, as well as a one-time cash tax payment on this transaction.

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. 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’ first quarter 2022 earnings conference call will be held today, April 29, 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 contains 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 and the additional financial information 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, planned and completed 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 2022 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, costs related to the acquisition, integration and financing of acquired businesses, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, inflationary adjustments, expenses related to certain product recalls 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. "Leverage ratio" is a liquidity measure calculated as the ratio of net debt (defined as total debt less cash and cash equivalents) to normalized EBITDA.

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.

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, FoodSaver, Calphalon, Sistema, Sharpie, Paper Mate, Dymo, EXPO, Elmer’s, Yankee Candle, Graco, NUK, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Spontex, Coleman, Campingaz, Contigo, Oster, Sunbeam and Mr. Coffee. Newell Brands' beloved, planet friendly brands enhance and brighten consumers lives at home and outside by creating moments of joy, building confidence and providing peace of mind.

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 impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and similar matters, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 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,” “are confident that,” "remain optimistic that," "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 manage the demand, supply and operational challenges with the actual or perceived effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including as a result of any additional variants of the virus or the efficacy and distribution of vaccines;
• our dependence on the strength of retail and consumer demand, commercial and industrial sectors of the economy in various countries around the world;
• competition with other manufacturers and distributors of consumer products;
• major retailers’ strong bargaining power and consolidation of our customers;
• changes in the prices and availability of labor, transportation, raw materials and sourced products, including significant inflation, and our ability to obtain them in a timely manner and to offset cost increases through pricing and productivity;
• our ability to improve productivity, reduce complexity and streamline operations;
• 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 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;
• risks related to our substantial indebtedness, potential increases in interest rates or changes in our credit ratings;
• future events that could adversely affect the value of our assets and/or stock price and require additional impairment charges;
• our ability to complete planned divestitures and other unexpected costs or expenses associated with dispositions;
• our ability to effectively execute our turnaround plan;
• the risks inherent to our foreign operations, including currency fluctuations, exchange controls and pricing restrictions;
• 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, environmental remediation costs and legislative and regulatory actions related to 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;
• significant increases in funding obligations related to our pension plans; and
• other factors listed from time to time in our filings with the SEC, 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 unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. As discussed above, the world is currently experiencing the global COVID-19 pandemic which has required greater use of estimates and assumptions in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements. Although we have made our best estimates based upon current information, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business may result in future changes to management’s estimates and assumptions, especially if the severity worsens or duration lengthens. Actual results may differ materially from the estimates and assumptions developed by management. If so, the company may be subject to future incremental impairment charges as well as changes to recorded reserves and valuations.

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.

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