Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(in millions, except per share data)
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following discussion may contain forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed in Item 1A. Risk Factors and “Forward-Looking Statements” included within this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
While we report financial results in accordance with GAAP, this discussion also includes non-GAAP measures. These non-GAAP measures are referred to as “adjusted” or “organic” and exclude items which are considered by the Company as unusual or non-recurring, and which may have a disproportionate positive or negative impact on the Company’s financial results in any particular period. Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures are included within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
This non-GAAP information is provided as a supplement to, not as a substitute for, or as superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. We use this non-GAAP information internally to make operating decisions and believe it is helpful to investors because it allows more meaningful period-to-period comparisons of ongoing operating results. Given certain significant events, we view the use of non-GAAP measures that take into account the impact of these unique events as particularly valuable in understanding our underlying operational results and providing insights into future performance. The information can also be used to perform trend analysis and to better identify operating trends that may otherwise be masked or distorted by the types of items that are excluded. This non-GAAP information is also a component in determining management’s incentive compensation. Finally, we believe this information provides more transparency.
The following provides additional detail on our non-GAAP measures for the periods presented:
•We analyze net sales and segment profit on an organic basis to better measure the comparability of results between periods. Organic net sales and organic segment profit exclude the impact of changes in foreign currency translation.
•Segment profit will be impacted by fluctuations in translation and transactional foreign currency. The impact of currency was applied to segments using management’s best estimate.
•Additionally, we utilize “adjusted” non-GAAP measures, including adjusted gross margin, adjusted selling general and administrative (“SG&A”), adjusted operating income, adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net earnings, and adjusted diluted net earnings per share internally to make operating decisions.
All comparisons are with the same period in the prior year, unless otherwise noted.
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Executive Summary
The following is a summary of key results for fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022. Net earnings and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) for the time periods presented were impacted by certain costs or income, as described in the table below. The impact of these items on reported net earnings and EPS are provided as a reconciliation of net earnings and EPS to adjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted EPS, both of which are non-GAAP measures.
Fiscal 2024
•Net sales in fiscal 2024 increased $2.1, or 0.1%, to $2,253.7, including a $2.2, or 0.1%, unfavorable impact due to currency movements. Organic net sales increased $4.3, or 0.2%, as 7.3% growth in international markets, reflecting both increased volumes and price, was partially offset by a 3.8% decrease in North America organic net sales, primarily reflecting volume declines in Feminine Care, Wet Shave and Wet Ones, partially offset by organic growth across Sun Care and Grooming.
•Net earnings for fiscal 2024 decreased $16.1, or 14.0%, to $98.6. On an adjusted basis, net earnings for fiscal 2024 increased 13.8% to $153.0. Adjusted net earnings increased primarily due to higher gross margin.
•Diluted net earnings per share during fiscal 2024 was $1.97 compared to earnings of $2.21 in the prior fiscal year. On an adjusted basis, as illustrated in the table below, net earnings per diluted share during fiscal 2024 were $3.05 compared to $2.59 in the prior year.
Gross Profit SG&A Operating Income EBIT Income Taxes Net Earnings Diluted EPS
Loss on investment — — — 3.1 — 3.1 0.06
Gross Profit SG&A Operating Income EBIT Income Taxes Net Earnings Diluted EPS
Pension settlement expense — — — 7.9 2.1 5.8 0.11
(1) Also includes pre-tax research and development (“R&D) costs of $3.3 related to the reformulation, recall, and destruction of certain Sun Care products
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Gross Profit SG&A Operating Income EBIT Income Taxes Net Earnings Diluted EPS
Legal matters, net of income taxes — (7.5) (7.5) (7.5) (1.8) (5.7) (0.11)
Pension settlement expense — — — 1.8 0.4 1.4 0.03
For further discussion of these items refer to Note 20 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Operating Results
The following table presents changes in net sales for fiscal 2024 and 2023 and provides a reconciliation of organic net sales to reported amounts.
Net Sales
Net Sales - Total Company
For the Years Ended September 30,
Impact of Billie acquisition, net — — % 12.0 0.6 %
Impact of currency (2.2) (0.1) % (26.1) (1.2) %
For fiscal 2024, net sales were $2,253.7, an increase of $2.1, or 0.1%, including a $2.2, or 0.1%, unfavorable impact due to currency movements. Organic net sales increased $4.3, or 0.2%, as 7.3% growth in international markets, reflecting both increased volumes and price, was partially offset by a 3.8% decrease in North America organic net sales, primarily reflecting volume declines in Feminine Care, Wet Shave and Wet Ones, partially offset by organic growth across Sun Care and Grooming.
For further discussion regarding net sales, including a summary of reported versus organic changes, see “Segment Results.”
Gross Profit
Gross profit was $955.7 in fiscal 2024, as compared to $940.8 in fiscal 2023, an increase of $14.9, or 1.6%. Gross margin for fiscal 2024 was 42.4% of net sales compared to 41.8% in the prior year period. Adjusted gross margin increased 140-basis points, as productivity savings of approximately 280-basis points and favorable price of approximately 115-basis points, more than offset core inflation and transitory cost headwinds related to unfavorable absorption and heightened unit cost inflation trapped in inventory of approximately 185-basis points, and unfavorable mix of approximately 70-basis points.
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
SG&A was $430.1, or 19.1%, of net sales in fiscal 2024 compared to $409.6, or 18.2%, of net sales in the prior year period. Adjusted SG&A increased 40-basis points to 18.5% of net sales, primarily driven by higher people expenses, legal costs, and broker costs, partially offset by operational efficiency savings, lower bad debt expense and lower incentive compensation expense.
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Advertising and Sales Promotion Expense
For fiscal 2024, Advertising and Sales Promotion Expense (“A&P”) was $232.0, up $2.9, or 1.3%, compared to fiscal 2023. A&P was 10.3% of net sales for fiscal 2024, compared with 10.2% in fiscal 2023. The increase in A&P was primarily due to incremental investment in Women’s grooming and Sun Care, partially offset by Wet Shave.
Research and Development Expense
Research and development expense (“R&D”) in fiscal 2024 was $58.4, a decrease of $0.1, or 0.2%, compared to $58.5 in the prior year. R&D remained flat at 2.6% of net sales.
Restructuring Charges
We incurred $36.0 in restructuring charges in fiscal 2024, consisting largely of severance, project implementation and other exit costs. This includes a $15.6 restructuring charge related to certain operational and organizational steps designed to streamline the Company’s operations and supply chain by consolidating its current Mexico operations in Obregon and Mexico City into a single facility in Aguascalientes, Mexico. We expect to incur restructuring charges of approximately $29 in fiscal 2025.
Interest Expense Associated with Debt
Interest expense associated with debt for fiscal 2024 was $76.5, a decrease of $2.0, or 2.5%, as compared to $78.5 in fiscal 2023. The decrease in interest expense was the result of a lower overall debt balance on the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility, partially offset by higher interest rates.
Other Expense (income), Net
Other expense (income), net was expense of $1.9 in fiscal 2024 compared to expense of $0.8 in fiscal 2023, which included currency hedge and remeasurement gains of $8.3 in fiscal 2024 compared to $12.7 in fiscal 2023. Current year expense reflects lower pension expense compared to the prior period, a loss on investment, and higher interest income. Prior year expense includes the loss on the settlement of the Canada defined benefit pension plan of $7.9.
Income Tax Provision
Income taxes, which include federal, state and foreign taxes, were 18.5% and 22.3% of Earnings before income taxes in fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively. The fiscal 2024 effective tax rate reflects a favorable mix of earnings in lower tax rate jurisdictions and the impact of a change in the Company’s prior estimates. On an adjusted basis, the effective tax rate for fiscal 2024 was 20.3% compared to 23.0% in the prior year.
Our effective tax rate is highly sensitive to the mix of countries from which earnings or losses are derived. Declines in earnings in lower tax rate jurisdictions, earnings increases in higher tax rate jurisdictions, or repatriation of foreign earnings or operating losses in the future could increase future tax rates. Additionally, adjustments to prior year tax provision estimates could increase or decrease future tax provisions.
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Segment Results
Segment performance is evaluated based on segment profit, excluding certain U.S. GAAP items that management does not believe are indicative of ongoing operating performance due to their unusual or non-recurring nature and which may have a disproportionate positive or negative impact on the Company’s financial results in any particular period. Financial items, such as interest income and expense, are managed on a global basis at the corporate level and therefore are excluded from segment profit. The exclusion of such charges from segment results reflects management’s view on how management monitors and evaluates segment operating performance, generates future operating plans and makes strategic decisions regarding the allocation of capital.
Our operating model includes some shared business functions across segments, including product warehousing and distribution, transaction processing functions and, in most cases, a combined sales force and management teams. We apply a fully allocated cost basis in which shared business functions are allocated between segments.
The following tables present changes in segment net sales and segment profit for fiscal 2024 and 2023, and also provides a reconciliation of organic segment net sales and organic segment profit to reported amounts. For a reconciliation of Segment profit to Earnings before income taxes, see Note 20 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Wet Shave
Net Sales - Wet Shave
For the Years Ended September 30,
Impact of Billie acquisition, net — — % 12.0 1.0 %
Impact of currency (4.6) (0.3) % (24.2) (1.9) %
Wet Shave net sales for fiscal 2024 were $1,229.3, a decrease of $1.6, or 0.1%, as compared to the prior year period, including $4.6, or 0.3%, unfavorable impact from currency. Organic net sales increased $3.0, or 0.2%, driven by a 7.3% increase in International organic sales, driven by both higher volumes and price. North America sales declined 7.2%, primarily due to lower volumes. North America sales were impacted by continued weak category and channel dynamics, particularly in the highly promotional drug channel, along with heightened competitive dynamics in Women’s shave, as well as significant declines in Shave Preps and Disposables.
Segment Profit - Wet Shave
For the Years Ended September 30,
Segment profit - prior year $ 158.3 $ 174.5
Wet Shave segment profit for fiscal 2024 was $203.9, an increase of $45.6, or 28.8%, and inclusive of a $1.8, or 1.1%, unfavorable impact from currency. Organic segment profit increased $47.4, or 29.9%, reflecting higher gross margin and lower marketing expense.
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Sun and Skin Care
Net Sales - Sun and Skin Care
For the Years Ended September 30,
Impact of currency 2.5 0.4 % (1.1) (0.2) %
Sun and Skin Care net sales for fiscal 2024 were $740.8, an increase of $35.3, or 5.0%. Organic net sales increased $32.8, or 4.6%, driven by Sun Care growth of 9.1% in International markets and 6.1% in North America, as well as 5.5% growth in global Grooming. These increases were partially offset by lower sales in Wet Ones primarily due to unfavorable volume impact related to a fire at our Sidney, Ohio manufacturing plant.
Segment Profit - Sun and Skin Care
For the Years Ended September 30,
Segment profit - prior year $ 137.4 $ 108.8
Impact of currency 1.2 0.9 % (0.1) (0.1) %
Sun and Skin Care segment profit for fiscal 2024 was $131.3, a decrease of $6.1, or 4.4%. Organic segment profit decreased $7.3, or 5.3%, primarily driven by higher SG&A and marketing expenses, partially offset by higher gross margins.
Feminine Care
Net Sales - Feminine Care
For the Years Ended September 30,
Impact of currency (0.1) — % (0.8) (0.3) %
Feminine Care net sales for fiscal 2024 were $283.6, a decrease of $31.6, or 10.0%, primarily related to volume decline in Tampons and Pads.
Segment Profit - Feminine Care
For the Years Ended September 30,
Segment profit - prior year $ 49.7 $ 31.5
Impact of currency (0.1) (0.2) % (1.0) (3.2) %
Feminine Care segment profit for fiscal 2024 was $28.8, a decrease of $20.9, or 42.1%, mostly due to lower organic net sales and the resulting unfavorable impact on gross profit.
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General Corporate and Other Expenses
Fiscal Year
General corporate and other expenses $ (65.7) $ (68.7)
Restructuring and repositioning expenses (36.0) (17.1)
Acquisition and integration planning costs (6.1) (7.5)
SKU rationalization — 1.7
Sun Care reformulation (4.4) (1.9)
Wet Ones manufacturing plant fire (12.2) —
Legal matters (3.9) 6.3
Loss on investment (3.1) —
Pension settlement expense — (7.9)
Other project costs (5.3) (0.4)
General corporate and other expenses $ (136.7) $ (95.5)
% of net sales (6.1) % (4.2) %
During fiscal 2024, corporate expenses were $65.7, or 2.9%, of net sales, compared to $68.7, or 3.1%, of net sales in the prior year. The decrease in corporate expenses was primarily due to lower incentive compensation expense, partially offset by higher people expenses.
During fiscal 2024 and 2023, we incurred $36.0 and $17.1, respectively, in restructuring and repositioning expenses, consisting largely of severance, project implementation and other exit costs. This includes a $15.6 charge in fiscal 2024 related to certain operational and organizational steps designed to streamline the Company’s operations and supply chain by consolidating its current Mexico operations in Obregon and Mexico City into a single facility in Aguascalientes, Mexico. For further information, see Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
On December 1, 2023, a fire occurred at our Wet Ones manufacturing plant in Sidney, Ohio. There were no injuries reported and damage was limited to a single manufacturing process. As a consequence of the fire damage, there was a partial shutdown of the operations that manufacture Wet Ones raw materials. During fiscal 2024, we incurred $12.2 in incremental costs related to material charges, increased labor and absorption and other inefficiency costs as a result of the fire.
During fiscal 2024 we settled legal matters for certain class action advertising claims resulting in a charge of $3.9. During fiscal 2023 we settled a legal matter which resulted in a gain of $4.9 related to an intellectual property claim against a third party and also received a favorable court ruling regarding an international VAT matter which resulted in a gain of $2.2 from a release of the reserve previously established. For further information, see Note 19 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
During fiscal 2024, we recorded a charge of $3.1 for a loss on investment associated with an equity method investment and related note receivable as a result of a new contractual agreement.
During fiscal 2023, the Company released a reserve of $1.7 related to certain accrued expenses associated with the write-off of inventory for certain Wet Ones SKUs. This charge was included in Cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income. Also, during fiscal 2023, the Company recorded a charge of $7.9 related to the wind-up of its Canadian defined benefit pension plan. For further information see Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
At September 30, 2024, we had cash of $209.1, a significant portion of which was located outside the U.S. Given our extensive international operations, a significant portion of our cash is denominated in foreign currencies. Refer to Note 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the primary currencies to which the Company is exposed. We manage our worldwide cash requirements by reviewing available funds among the many subsidiaries through which we conduct business and the cost effectiveness with which those funds can be accessed. We generally repatriate a portion of current year earnings from select non-U.S. subsidiaries only if the economic cost of the repatriation is not considered material.
Our cash is deposited with multiple counterparties which consist of major financial institutions. We consistently monitor positions with, and credit ratings of, counterparties both internally and by using outside ratings agencies.
Our total borrowings as of September 30, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
Revolver loans borrowed under credit facility variable USD 34.0 122.0
Short-term notes payable variable various 24.5 19.5
Our Revolver utilization is summarized below.
Less: Revolver Borrowings 34.0 122.0
Less: Outstanding Letters of Credit 5.3 5.9
Revolver Balance Available $ 385.7 $ 297.1
On April 2, 2024, (the “Restatement Date”), the Company and certain subsidiaries of the Company entered into a Restatement Agreement (the "Restatement Agreement") with Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent and collateral agent ("BofA"), and the several lenders from time to time party thereto (together with BofA, the "Lenders"), which amended and restated the Company’s Credit Agreement, dated as of March 28, 2020 (as previously amended by that certain Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated as of February 6, 2023, and as otherwise amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified prior to the Restatement Date (the “Credit Facility”). All of the $425.0 of revolving facility commitments under the Credit Facility (the “Existing Revolving Facility Commitments”) were replaced with an equal amount of new revolving facility commitments (the “Replacement Revolving Facility Commitments”, collectively, with the Existing Revolving Facility Commitments, the “Revolving Credit Facility”) having substantially similar terms as the Existing Revolving Facility Commitments, except that the maturity date of the Replacement Revolving Facility Commitments will be the earlier of (i) April 2, 2029, and (ii) (a) March 2, 2028, if the aggregate outstanding amount of the Company’s 5.500% Senior Notes due 2028 is greater than $150.0 as of such date and (b) December 29, 2028, if the aggregate outstanding amount of the Company’s 4.125% Senior Notes due 2029 is greater than $150.0 of as such date, in each case, subject to certain exceptions. Refer to Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statement for additional discussion.
On February 6, 2023, we amended our Revolving Credit Facility to transition from using the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as LIBOR is no longer available as of June 30, 2023.
On August 5, 2024, we entered into the Seventh Amendment to that certain Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement between Edgewell Personal Care, LLC and MUFG Bank, LTD., (the “Accounts Receivable Facility”) which amended the pricing index used to determine the purchase price for subject receivables from the Bloomberg Short Term Bank Yield Index (“BSBY”) to Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). The applicable margin that is added to the SOFR pricing index specific for each obligor was unchanged. Except as noted above, all other material terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Accounts Receivable Facility are unmodified in all respects and continue in full force and effect.
Effective February 7, 2022, we increased the maximum receivables sold facility amount under the Sixth Amendment to the Accounts Receivable Facility to $180.0 from $150.0. Refer to Note 11 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on the Accounts Receivable Facility.
On August 5, 2022, we entered into that certain Master Receivable Assignment Agreement between the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary Schick Japan K.K. and Concerto Receivables Corporation (the “Purchaser”), Tokyo Branch, a subsidiary of MUFG Bank, LTD. (the "Japan Agreement"). The Japan Agreement allows us to assign third party accounts receivable to the
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Purchaser and allows for the sale of up to ¥3,000 (approximately $20.0 using the exchange rate as of September 30, 2023) with limits set between individual customers. The terms of the agreement expire one year after the date of execution and will be renewed annually unless either party notifies of its intent not to renew. The assigned receivables will be discounted using the funding rate from the Tokyo Interbank Market plus 1.1%.
Historically, we have generated, and expect to continue to generate, favorable cash flows from operations. Our cash flows are affected by the seasonality of our Sun Care business, typically resulting in higher net sales and increased cash generated in the second and third quarter of each fiscal year. We believe our cash on hand, cash flows from operations and borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility will be sufficient to satisfy our future working capital requirements, interest payments, R&D activities, capital expenditures, and other financing requirements for at least the next 12 months. We will continue to monitor our cash flows, spending and liquidity needs.
Short-term financing needs primarily consist of working capital requirements and interest payments on our long-term debt. Long-term financing needs will depend largely on potential growth opportunities, including acquisition activity and repayment or refinancing of our long-term debt obligations. Our long-term liquidity may be influenced by our ability to borrow additional funds, renegotiate existing debt, and raise equity under terms that are favorable to us. We may, from time to time, seek to repurchase shares of our common stock. Such repurchases, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors.
In fiscal 2025, we expect our total capital expenditures to be in the range of $60 to $70 primarily on maintenance and productivity efforts across manufacturing facilities, new product development and information technology system enhancements. While we intend to fund these capital expenditures with cash generated from operations, we may also utilize our borrowing facilities.
During fiscal 2024, we did not make any contributions to our pension and post-retirement plans. Due to the election of certain terms of the American Rescue Plan Act, we were not required to make any cash contributions to our pension and postretirement plans in fiscal 2023. Pension contributions required beyond fiscal 2025 represent future pension payments to comply with local funding requirements in the U.S. only. The projected contributions for the U.S. pension plans total $6.5 in fiscal 2025, $7.0 in fiscal 2026, $5.0 in fiscal 2027, $4.5 in fiscal 2028, and $4.2 in fiscal 2029. Estimated contributions beyond fiscal 2029 are not determinable. The Company may also elect to make discretionary contributions.
Debt Covenants
The Revolving Credit Facility governing our outstanding debt at September 30, 2024 contains certain customary representations and warranties, financial covenants, covenants restricting our ability to take certain actions, affirmative covenants, and provisions relating to events of default. Under the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility, the ratio of our indebtedness to our earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), as defined in the agreement and detailed below, cannot be greater than 4.0 to 1.0, however, there is an exception for acquisition activity. In addition, under the Revolving Credit Facility, the ratio of our EBITDA to total interest expense must exceed 3.0 to 1.0. If we fail to comply with these covenants or with other requirements of the Revolving Credit Facility, the lenders have the right to accelerate the maturity of the debt. Acceleration under one of our facilities would trigger cross-defaults on our other borrowings. Under the Revolving Credit Facility, EBITDA is defined as net earnings, as adjusted to add-back interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, all of which are determined in accordance with GAAP. In addition, the Revolving Credit Facility allows certain non-cash charges such as stock award amortization and asset write-offs including, but not limited to, impairment and accelerated depreciation, and operating expense reductions or synergies to be “added-back” in determining EBITDA for purposes of the indebtedness ratio. Total debt and interest expense are calculated in accordance with GAAP.
As of September 30, 2024, we were in compliance with the provisions and covenants associated with the Revolving Credit Facility.
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Cash Flows
A summary of our cash flow from operating, investing and financing activities is provided in the following table:
Fiscal Year
Net cash from (used by):
Investing activities (62.4) (50.5)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 3.5 8.6
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents $ (7.3) $ 27.7
Operating Activities
Cash flow from operating activities was $231.0 in fiscal 2024, as compared to $216.1 in fiscal 2023. The increase in fiscal 2024 was driven by favorable changes in working capital, partially offset by decreased earnings.
Investing Activities
Cash flow used by investing activities was $62.4 in fiscal 2024 as compared to $50.5 in fiscal 2023. Capital expenditures were $56.5 during fiscal 2024, compared to $49.5 in the prior year period. The increase in cash used by investing activities is also due to an outflow of $6.5 for an investment in a business.
Financing Activities
Net cash used by financing activities was $179.4 in fiscal 2024 as compared to $146.5 in fiscal 2023. During fiscal 2024, we had net borrowings of $88.0 under the Revolving Credit Facility, compared to $33.0 in the prior year period. During fiscal 2024, we repurchased $58.5 of our common stock under our 2018 Board authorization to repurchase our common stock (the “Repurchase Plan”) compared to $75.2 in the prior year period. Dividend payments totaled $30.7 in fiscal 2024, compared to $31.5 in the prior year period. We had financing outflows for employee equity awards held for taxes totaling $7.3 in fiscal 2024, compared to $9.0 in the prior year period.
Dividends
The following is a summary of cash dividends paid and declared per share on the Company’s Common Stock during the year ended September 30, 2024
Date Declared Record Date Payable Date Amount Per Share
On October 31, 2024, the Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per common share for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024. The dividend will be paid on January 8, 2025 to shareholders of record as the close of business on December 3, 2024.
Dividends declared during fiscal 2024 totaled $30.6. Payments made for dividends during fiscal 2024 totaled $30.7.
Inflation
Management recognizes that inflationary pressures may have an adverse effect on our company through higher material costs, labor and transportation costs, asset replacement costs and related depreciation, healthcare and other costs. We continued to navigate the challenging and uncertain inflationary environment and resultant cost pressure with a combination of productivity efforts to achieve efficiencies and lower costs to our Cost of products sold and SG&A expenses and increase focus on revenue management. We can provide no assurance that such mitigation will be available in the future.
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Seasonality
Customer orders for sun care products within our Sun and Skin Care segment are highly seasonal. This has historically resulted in higher sun care sales to retailers during the late winter through mid-summer months. Within our Wet Shave segment, sales of women’s products are moderately seasonal, with increased consumer demand in the spring and summer months. See “Our business is subject to seasonal volatility” in Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Foreign Currency
Certain net sales and costs of our international operations are denominated in the local currency of the respective countries. As such, sales and profits from these subsidiaries may be impacted by fluctuations in the value of these local currencies relative to the U.S. dollar. We also have significant intercompany financing arrangements that may result in gains and losses in our results of operations. In an effort to mitigate the impact of currency exchange rate effects, we may hedge certain operational and intercompany transactions; however, our hedging strategies may not fully offset gains and losses recognized in our results of operations.
Commitments and Contingencies
Legal Proceedings
We are subject to a number of legal proceedings in various jurisdictions arising out of our operations during the ordinary course of business. Many of these legal matters are in preliminary stages and involve complex issues of law and fact and may proceed for protracted periods of time. The amount of liability, if any, from these proceedings cannot be determined with certainty. We review legal proceedings and claims, regulatory reviews and inspections and other legal proceedings on an ongoing basis and follows appropriate accounting guidance when making accrual and disclosure decisions. We establish accruals for those contingencies when the incurrence of a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated and discloses the amount accrued and the amount of a reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued if such disclosure is necessary for its financial statements to not be misleading. We do not record liabilities when the likelihood that the liability has been incurred is probable, but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated. Based upon present information, we believe that the Company’s liability, if any, arising from such pending legal proceedings, asserted legal claims, and known potential legal claims which are likely to be asserted, is not reasonably likely to be material to its financial position, results of operations or cash flows, when taking into account established accruals for estimated liabilities.
Refer to Note 19 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
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Contractual Obligations
We have significant contractual obligations to fulfill our business operations including the repayment of short- and long-term debt, periodic interest payments, minimum levels of pension funding, and other obligations including payments for various leases of real estate, vehicles, and equipment, and minimum fixed costs to be paid to third party logistics vendors. We are also party to various service and supply contracts that generally extend one to three months. These arrangements are primarily individual, short-term purchase orders for routine goods and services at market prices, which are part of our normal operations and are reflected in historical operating cash flow trends. These contracts can generally be canceled at our option at any time. We do not believe such arrangements will adversely affect our liquidity position. In addition, we have various commitments related to service and supply contracts that contain penalty provisions for early termination. Because of the short period between order and shipment date (generally less than one month) for most of our orders, the dollar amount of current backlog is not material and is not considered to be a reliable indicator of future sales volume. Generally, sales to our top customers are made pursuant to purchase orders and we do not have supply agreements or guarantees of minimum purchases from them. As a result, these customers may cancel their purchase orders or reschedule or decrease their level of purchases from us at any time. As of September 30, 2024, we do not believe such purchase arrangements or termination penalties will have a significant effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity position in the future.
Environmental Matters
Our operations, like those of other companies, are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations intended to protect public health and the environment. These regulations relate primarily to worker safety, air and water quality, underground fuel storage tanks, and waste handling and disposal. Accrued environmental costs at September 30, 2024 and 2023 were $7.9 and $9.3, respectively. It is difficult to quantify with reasonable certainty the cost of environmental matters, particularly remediation and future capital expenditures for environmental control equipment. Total environmental capital expenditures and operating expenses are not expected to have a material effect on our total capital and operating expenditures, consolidated earnings or competitive position. However, current environmental spending estimates could be modified as a result of changes in our plans or our understanding of underlying facts, changes in legal requirements, including any requirements related to global climate change, or other factors.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The methods, estimates and judgments we use in applying our most critical accounting policies have a significant impact on the results we report in our consolidated financial statements. Specific areas, among others, requiring the application of management’s estimates and judgment include assumptions pertaining to accruals for consumer and trade promotion programs, pension and postretirement benefit costs, future cash flows associated with impairment testing of goodwill and other long-lived assets, uncertain tax positions, the reinvestment of undistributed foreign earnings and tax valuation allowances. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, but actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Our most critical accounting estimates are revenue recognition, pension and other postretirement benefits, the valuation of long-lived assets (including property, plant and equipment), income taxes (including uncertain tax positions) and valuation related to goodwill and intangible assets. A summary of our significant accounting policies is contained in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. This listing is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of our accounting policies.
Revenue Recognition
Our revenue is generated by the sales of finished products to customers. Those sales primarily contain a single performance obligation and revenue is recognized at a single point in time when that control of goods passes to the customer, which is predominantly on the date of receipt by the customer.
The Company allows for returns of products under limited circumstances. Customers are required to pay for the Sun Care product purchased during the season under the required terms. Under certain circumstances, we allow customers to return Sun Care products that have not been sold by the end of the Sun Care season, which is normal practice in the Sun Care industry. At the time of sale, we reduce net sales and cost of products sold for anticipated returns based upon an estimated return level. The timing of returns of Sun Care products can vary in different regions, based on climate and other factors. However, the majority of returns occur in the U.S. from September through January, following the summer Sun Care season. We estimate the level of Sun Care returns as the Sun Care season progresses, using a variety of inputs including historical experience, consumption trends during the Sun Care season, obsolescence factors including expiration dates and inventory positions at key retailers. We monitor shipment activity and inventory levels at key retailers during the season in an effort to more accurately estimate potential returns. This allows us to manage shipment activity to our customers, especially in the latter stages of the Sun Care season, to reduce the potential for returned product. The level of returns may fluctuate from our estimates due to several factors, including, but not limited to, weather conditions, customer inventory levels and competitive
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activity. Based on our fiscal 2024 Sun Care shipments, each percentage point change in our returns rate would have impacted our reported net sales by $4.7 and our reported operating income by $4.8. At September 30, 2024 and 2023, our reserve on the Consolidated Balance Sheet for returns was $50.3 and $53.5, respectively.
We offer a variety of trade promotional programs, primarily to our retail customers, designed to promote sales of our products. Such programs require periodic payments and allowances based on estimated results of specific programs and are recorded as a reduction to net sales. We accrue, at the time of sale, the estimated total payments and allowances associated with each transaction. Additionally, we offer programs directly to consumers to promote the sale of our products. Promotions which reduce the ultimate consumer sale prices are recorded as a reduction of net sales at the time the promotional offer is made, generally using estimated redemption and participation levels. The actual amounts paid may be different from such estimates. These differences, which have historically not been significant, are recognized as a change in estimate in a subsequent period.
Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits
The determination of our obligation and expense for pension and other postretirement benefits is dependent on certain assumptions developed by us and used by actuaries in calculating such amounts. Assumptions include, among others, the discount rate, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, and future salary increases, where applicable. Actual results that differ from assumptions made are recognized on the balance sheet and subsequently amortized to earnings over future periods. Significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in macroeconomic conditions resulting in changes to assumptions may materially affect pension and other post-retirement obligations. In determining the discount rate, we use the yield on high-quality bonds that coincide with the cash flows of our plans’ estimated payouts. For our U.S. plans, which represent our most significant obligations, we use the Mercer yield curve in determining the discount rates.
We utilize a spot discount rate approach to estimate service and interest components of net periodic benefit cost for our pension benefits. The spot discount rate approach applies the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows and is a more precise application of the yield curve spot rates used in the traditional single discount rate approach.
Of the assumptions listed above, changes in the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and changes in the discount rate used in developing plan obligations will likely have the most significant impact on our annual earnings, prospectively. Based on plan assets at September 30, 2024, a one percentage point decrease or increase in expected asset returns would increase or decrease our pension expense by approximately $4.2. In addition, it may increase and accelerate the rate of required pension contributions in the future. Uncertainty related to economic markets and the availability of credit may produce changes in the yields on corporate bonds rated as high-quality. As a result, discount rates based on high-quality corporate bonds may increase or decrease, leading to lower or higher pension obligations, respectively. A one percentage point decrease in the discount rate would increase pension obligations by approximately $49.5 at September 30, 2024.
As allowed under GAAP, our U.S. qualified pension plan uses market related value, which recognizes market appreciation or depreciation in the portfolio over five years, thereby reducing the short-term impact of market fluctuations.
We have historically provided defined benefit pension plans to our eligible employees, former employees and retirees. We fund our pension plans in compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 or local funding requirements.
Further detail on our pension and other post-retirement benefit plans is included in Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Valuation of Long-Lived Assets
We periodically evaluate our long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, goodwill, and intangible assets, for potential impairment indicators. Judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators, including lower than expected cash flows from acquired businesses, are based on legal factors, market conditions and operational performance. Future events could cause us to conclude that impairment indicators exist. We estimate fair value using valuation techniques such as discounted cash flows. This requires management to make assumptions regarding future income, working capital, and discount rates, which would affect the impairment calculation.
Income Taxes
Our annual effective income tax rate is determined based on our income, statutory tax rates and the tax impacts of items treated differently for tax purposes than for financial reporting purposes. Tax law requires certain items to be included in the tax return at different times than the items reflected in our financial statements. Some of these differences are permanent,
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such as expenses that are not deductible in our tax return, and some differences are temporary, reversing over time, such as depreciation expense. These temporary differences create deferred tax assets and liabilities.
Deferred tax assets generally represent the tax effect of items that can be used as a tax deduction or credit in future years for which we have already recorded the tax benefit in our income statement. Deferred tax liabilities generally represent tax expense recognized in our financial statements for which payment has been deferred, the tax effect of expenditures for which a deduction has already been taken in our tax return but has not yet been recognized in our financial statements, or assets recorded at estimated fair value in business combinations for which there was no corresponding tax basis adjustment.
We estimate income taxes and the effective income tax rate in each jurisdiction that we operate. This involves estimating taxable earnings, specific taxable and deductible items, the likelihood of generating sufficient future taxable income to utilize deferred tax assets, the portion of the income of foreign subsidiaries that is expected to be remitted to the U.S. and be taxable and possible exposures related to future tax audits. Deferred tax assets are evaluated on a subsidiary by subsidiary basis to ensure that the asset will be realized. Valuation allowances are established when the realization is not deemed to be more likely than not. Future performance is monitored, and when objectively measurable operating trends change, adjustments are made to the valuation allowances accordingly. To the extent the estimates described above change, adjustments to income taxes are made in the period in which the estimate is changed.
We operate in multiple jurisdictions with complex tax and regulatory environments, which are subject to differing interpretations by the taxpayer and the taxing authorities. At times, we may take positions that management believes are supportable, but are potentially subject to successful challenges by the appropriate taxing authority. We evaluate our tax positions and establish liabilities in accordance with guidance governing accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. We review these tax uncertainties in light of the changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of tax audits, and adjust them accordingly.
Further detail on Income Taxes is included in Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Valuations
Certain business acquisitions have resulted in the recording of goodwill and trade names and brands which are not amortized. At September 30, 2024 and 2023 we had goodwill of $1,338.6 and $1,331.4, respectively. We have indefinite-lived trade names and brands with a carrying value of approximately $597.7 and $592.9 at September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We perform our annual impairment assessment for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of July 1st and more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. We consider qualitative factors to assess if it is more likely than not that the fair value for goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets is below the carrying amount. We may also elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and perform a quantitative assessment.
In conducting a qualitative assessment, the Company analyzes a variety of events and factors that may influence the fair value of the reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset, including, but not limited to: the results of prior quantitative assessments performed; macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, share price and other relevant factors. Significant judgment is used to evaluate the totality of these events and factors to make a determination of whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible is less than its carrying value.
For our annual impairment assessment as of July 1, 2024, the Company elected to bypass the qualitative assessment and perform a quantitative assessment to evaluate certain goodwill reporting units and certain trade names and brands. The Company elected to perform a qualitative assessment on the other goodwill reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets noting no events that indicated that the fair value was less than the carrying value that would require a quantitative impairment assessment.
Goodwill
The Company elected to perform a qualitative assessment of goodwill impairment for the Sun Care reporting unit and a quantitative assessment for the Wet Shave, Skin Care and Fem Care reporting units.
In performing a quantitative assessment, we estimated the fair value of each reporting unit by using a weighted income and market approach.
The income approach uses the discounted cash flow method and incorporates each reporting unit’s projections of estimated operating results and future cash flows and a market participant discount rate based on a weighted-average cost of capital. The projections for future cash flows are based on the company’s annual business and long-term strategic plan to determine a five-year period of forecasted cash flows. The financial projections reflect management’s best estimate of economic and market conditions over the five-year projected period including forecasted revenue growth, EBITDA margin, tax rate, capital
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expenditures, depreciation and amortization and changes in working capital requirements. Other assumptions include discount rate and terminal growth rate.
The market approach uses the guideline public company method to calculate the fair value of each reporting unit by applying earnings multiples to the operating performance of each reporting unit. The multiples are derived from comparable publicly traded companies with operating and investment characteristics similar to the reporting unit. The multiples are adjusted given the specific characteristics of the reporting unit including its position in the market relative to the guideline companies and applied to the reporting unit’s operating data to arrive at an indication of fair value.
We also corroborate the fair value through a market capitalization reconciliation to determine whether the implied control premium is reasonable based on recent market transactions and other qualitative considerations.
The key assumptions for the market and income approaches used to determine fair value of the reporting units are updated at least annually. Those assumptions and estimates include market multiples, determination of comparable publicly traded companies, discount rates, terminal growth rates, and future levels of revenue growth and EBITDA margins based upon our annual business and strategic plan. The assumptions used for the income approach include a weighted-average cost of capital of 11.0% and terminal growth rates of 2.50%.
Based on the results of our annual quantitative assessment performed as of July 1, 2024, the fair values of our Wet Shave, Skin Care and Feminine Care reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values by 29%, 29% and 21%, respectively.
If actual results are not consistent with management's estimates and assumptions, a material impairment charge of goodwill could occur, which would have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
The Company elected to bypass the qualitative assessment and perform a quantitative assessment of the Schick and Bulldog trade names. We performed a qualitative test of impairment for all other indefinite-lived intangible assets.
In performing a quantitative assessment of these trade names, we estimate the fair value using the relief-from-royalty method which requires assumptions related to projected revenues from our annual and strategic plans; assumed royalty rates that could be payable if we did not own the trade name or brand; and a market participant discount rate based on a weighted-average cost of capital. If the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value, we would recognize an impairment loss.
The key assumptions used in our relief-from-royalty model included revenue growth rates, the discount rate, terminal growth rate and assumed royalty rate. Revenue growth assumptions are based on historical trends and management’s expectations for future growth by brand. The discount rates were based on a weighted-average cost of capital utilizing industry market data of similar publicly traded companies. Terminal growth rates are based on industry market data. We estimated royalty rates based on the operating profits of the brand. The assumptions used for the relief-from-royalty method include a weighted-average cost of capital of 11.25%, terminal growth rate ranging from 0.25% to 2.50% and royalty rates ranging from 2.0% to 5.0%.
Based on the results of our annual quantitative assessment performed as of July 1, 2024, the fair values of our Schick and Bulldog trade names exceeded their respective carrying values by 70% and 14%, respectively.
If actual results are not consistent with management's estimate and assumptions, a material impairment charge of our trade names and brands could occur, which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.
For further discussion, see Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Determining the fair value of a reporting unit and indefinite-lived intangible assets requires the use of significant judgment, estimates and assumptions. While we believe that the estimates and assumptions underlying the valuation methodologies are reasonable, these estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on whether an impairment charge is recognized and the magnitude of the charge. The results of an impairment analysis are as of a point in time. There is no assurance that actual future earnings or cash flows of the reporting units will not decline significantly from these projections.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion regarding recently issued accounting standards and their estimated impact on our financial statements.
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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
($ in millions)
The market risk inherent in our financial instruments and positions represents the potential loss arising from adverse changes in currency rates, commodity prices, interest rates, and our stock price. The following risk management discussion and the estimated amounts generated from the sensitivity analysis are forward-looking statements of market risk, assuming certain adverse market conditions occur. Company policy allows derivatives to be used only for identifiable exposures and, therefore, we do not enter into hedges for trading purposes where the sole objective is to generate profits.
Currency Rate Exposure
A significant share of our sales is tied to currencies other than the U.S. dollar, our reporting currency. As such, a weakening of currencies relative to the U.S. dollar can have a negative impact to reported earnings. Conversely, strengthening of currencies relative to the U.S. dollar can improve reported results. The primary currencies to which we are exposed include the euro, the Japanese yen, the British pound, the Canadian dollar and the Australian dollar.
We do business in certain developing markets, which may be susceptible to greater volatility of inflation and currency exchange rates, as well as government pricing and import controls. While the activity is not considered material in relation to the consolidated company as a whole, there could be negative impacts to operating results in certain markets if inflationary pressures, exchange volatility and government controls negatively impact our ability to operate effectively and profitably.
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
At September 30, 2024, we maintained a cash flow hedging program related to foreign currency risk. These derivative instruments have a high correlation to the underlying exposure being hedged and have been deemed highly effective by the Company for accounting purposes in offsetting the associated risk.
We enter into forward currency contracts to hedge the cash flow uncertainty associated with currency fluctuations. These transactions are accounted for as cash flow hedges. We had unrealized pre-tax gains of $2.4 and $4.4 at September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, on these forward currency contracts accounted for as cash flow hedges included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCI”). Assuming foreign exchange rates versus the U.S. dollar remain at September 30, 2024 levels over the next 12 months, the majority of the pre-tax gain included in AOCI at September 30, 2024 is expected to be included in Other expense (income), net. Contract maturities for these hedges extend into fiscal year 2026. There were 64 open foreign currency contracts at September 30, 2024 with a notional value of $106.5.
For further information on our derivatives designated as cash flow hedging relationships, see Note 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Derivatives Not Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
Our foreign subsidiaries enter into internal and external transactions in the ordinary course of business that create non-functional currency balance sheet positions at the foreign subsidiary level. These exposures are generally the result of intercompany purchases, intercompany loans and, to a lesser extent, external purchases, and are revalued in the foreign subsidiary’s local currency at the end of each period. Changes in the value of the non-functional currency balance sheet positions in relation to the foreign subsidiary’s local currency result in an exchange gain or loss recorded in Other expense (income), net in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income. The primary currency to which our foreign subsidiaries are exposed is the U.S. dollar.
To mitigate these balance sheet exposures, we enter into foreign currency derivative contracts, which are not designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes. Any gains or losses on these contracts are expected to be offset by exchange gains or losses on the underlying exposure; thus, they are not subject to significant market risk. The change in the estimated fair value of the foreign currency contracts resulted in gains of $0.4 and $3.0 for fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively, which were recorded in Other expense (income), net in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income. There was one open foreign currency derivative contract with a notional value of $9.0. which was not designated as a cash flow hedge at September 30, 2024.
For further information on our derivatives not designated as cash flow hedging relationships, see Note 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Commodity Price Exposure
We use raw materials that are subject to price volatility. At times, we have used, and may in the future, use hedging instruments to reduce exposure to variability in cash flows associated with future purchases of certain materials and commodities. At September 30, 2024, there were no open derivative or hedging instruments for future purchases of raw materials or commodities.
Interest Rate Exposure
Our exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to our variable-rate debt instruments, which currently bear interest based on LIBOR plus margin. As of September 30, 2024, our outstanding debt included $34.0 related to our Revolving Credit Facility and international, variable-rate note payable. Assuming a one percent increase in the applicable interest rates, annual interest expense would increase by approximately $0.3.
The remaining outstanding debt as of September 30, 2024 is fixed-rate debt. Changes in market interest rates generally affect the fair value of fixed-rate debt, but do not impact earnings or cash flows.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Consolidated Financial Statements
Responsibility for Financial Statements 41
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 42
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2024 and 2023. 45
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 49
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Responsibility for Financial Statements
The preparation and integrity of the financial statements of Edgewell Personal Care Company (the “Company”) are the responsibility of its management. These statements have been prepared in conformance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America, and in the opinion of management, fairly present the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
The Company maintains accounting and internal control systems, which it believes are adequate to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded against loss from unauthorized use or disposition and that financial records are reliable for preparing financial statements. The selection and training of qualified personnel, the establishment and communication of accounting and administrative policies and procedures, and a program of internal audits are important elements of these control systems.
The Board of Directors, through its Audit Committee consisting solely of non-management directors, meets periodically with management, internal audit and the independent auditors to discuss audit and financial reporting matters. To ensure independence, our auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, has direct access to the Audit Committee.
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Edgewell Personal Care Company
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Edgewell Personal Care Company and its subsidiaries (the "Company") as of September 30, 2024 and 2023, and the related consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income, of changes in shareholders' equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2024, including the related notes and schedule of valuation and qualifying accounts for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2024 appearing under Item 15(2) (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial statements"). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2024, and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
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Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Goodwill Impairment Assessments – Skin Care and Feminine Care Reporting Units
As described in Notes 2 and 9 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s consolidated goodwill balance as of September 30, 2024 was $1,338.6 million, and the goodwill associated with the Sun and Skin Care and Feminine Care segments was $355.4 million and $206.2 million, respectively. Goodwill from the Skin Care reporting unit makes up a significant portion of the goodwill related to the Sun and Skin Care segment. Management performs their annual impairment assessment for goodwill as of July 1, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. The goodwill impairment test compares a reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying amount. When a quantitative test is performed, management estimates each reporting unit’s fair value using a weighted income approach and market approach. As disclosed by management, determining the fair value of a reporting unit requires the use of significant judgment, estimates and assumptions. The income approach uses the discounted cash flow method, and the key assumptions include discount rates, terminal growth rates, and future levels of revenue growth and EBITDA margins. The market approach uses the guideline public company method to calculate the fair value of each reporting unit by applying earnings multiples to the operating performance of each reporting unit, and the key assumptions include market multiples and determination of comparable publicly traded companies.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the goodwill impairment assessment of the Skin Care and Feminine Care reporting units is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management when developing the fair value estimate of the Skin Care and Feminine Care reporting units; (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing procedures and evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to revenue growth rates and discount rate used in the discounted cash flow method for the Skin Care reporting unit, and revenue growth rates, terminal growth rate, EBITDA margins, and discount rate used in the discounted cash flow method for the Feminine Care reporting unit; and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s goodwill impairment assessments, including controls over the valuation of the Company’s reporting units. These procedures also included, among others (i) testing management’s process for developing the fair value estimate of the Skin Care and Feminine Care reporting units; (ii) evaluating the appropriateness of the discounted cash flow method used by management; (iii) testing the completeness and accuracy of underlying data used in the discounted cash flow method; and (iv) evaluating the reasonableness of the significant assumptions used by management related to revenue growth rates and discount rate for the Skin Care reporting unit, and revenue growth rates, terminal growth rate, EBITDA margins, and discount rate for the Feminine Care reporting unit. Evaluating management’s assumptions related to revenue growth rates for the Skin Care reporting unit and revenue growth rates and EBITDA margins for the Feminine Care reporting unit involved evaluating whether the assumptions used by management were reasonable considering (i) the current and past performance of the Skin Care and Feminine Care reporting units; (ii) the consistency with external relevant industry forecasts and macroeconomic conditions; (iii) management’s historical forecasting accuracy; (iv) management’s objectives and strategies; and (v) whether the assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in evaluating (i) the appropriateness of the Company’s discounted cash flow method and (ii) the reasonableness of the discount rate assumptions for the Skin Care and Feminine Care reporting units.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Stamford, Connecticut
November 14, 2024
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1999.
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EDGEWELL PERSONAL CARE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions, except per share data)
Fiscal Year
Selling, general and administrative expense 430.1 409.6 389.1
Research and development expense 58.4 58.5 55.5
Interest expense associated with debt 76.5 78.5 71.4
Other expense (income), net 1.9 0.8 (13.2)
Earnings per share (Note 6):
Basic net earnings per share $ 1.98 $ 2.24 $ 1.87
Dilutive net earnings per share $ 1.97 $ 2.21 $ 1.85
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Statements of Comprehensive Income:
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments 18.6 44.3 (89.4)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 15.2 46.1 (79.2)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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EDGEWELL PERSONAL CARE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions, except share data)
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 209.1 $ 216.4
Property, plant and equipment, net 349.1 337.9
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities
Deferred income tax liabilities 133.2 136.4
Commitments and contingencies (Note 19)
Shareholders’ equity
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (154.8) (170.0)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 3,730.9 $ 3,740.7
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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EDGEWELL PERSONAL CARE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
Fiscal Year
Cash Flow from Operating Activities
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flow from operations:
Share-based compensation expense 26.5 27.5 23.8
Deferred income taxes (9.6) (4.5) (13.7)
Deferred compensation payments (2.1) (4.9) (7.3)
Loss on sale of assets 0.7 2.5 1.5
Defined benefit settlement loss — 7.9 —
Accounts receivable, net (7.3) 31.0 (6.6)
Cash Flow from Investing Activities
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired — — (309.4)
Proceeds from sale of Infant Care business — — 5.0
Collection of deferred purchase price from accounts receivable sold 0.7 2.7 6.9
Net cash used by investing activities (62.4) (50.5) (355.4)
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EDGEWELL PERSONAL CARE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(in millions)
Fiscal Year
Cash Flow from Financing Activities
Dividends paid to common shareholders (30.7) (31.5) (32.6)
Employee shares withheld for taxes (7.3) (9.0) (10.7)
Net cash used by financing activities (179.4) (146.5) (17.6)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 3.5 8.6 (19.5)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (7.3) 27.7 (290.5)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 216.4 188.7 479.2
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 209.1 $ 216.4 $ 188.7
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid for interest, net $ 62.8 $ 74.3 $ 68.4
Cash paid for income taxes, net 33.5 45.8 23.8
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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EDGEWELL PERSONAL CARE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in millions)
Common Shares Treasury Shares
Net earnings — — — — — 99.5 — 99.5
Dividends declared to common shareholders — — — — — (32.6) — (32.6)
Foreign currency translation adjustments — — — — — — (89.4) (89.4)
Pension and postretirement activity — — — — — — 4.7 4.7
Deferred gain on hedging activity — — — — — — 5.5 5.5
Repurchase of shares — — (3.3) (125.3) — — — (125.3)
Dividends declared to common shareholders — — — — — (31.7) — (31.7)
Foreign currency translation adjustments — — — — — — 44.3 44.3
Pension and postretirement activity — — — — — — 6.6 6.6
Deferred loss on hedging activity — — — — — — (4.8) (4.8)
Repurchase of shares — — (1.9) (75.2) — — — (75.2)
Net earnings — — — — — 98.6 — 98.6
Dividends declared to common shareholders — — — — — (30.6) — (30.6)
Foreign currency translation adjustments — — — — — — 18.6 18.6
Pension and postretirement activity — — — — — — 1.2 1.2
Deferred loss on hedging activity — — — — — — (4.6) (4.6)
Repurchase of shares including excise tax — — (1.6) (59.3) — — — (59.3)
Activity under share plans — — 0.3 27.5 (7.8) — — 19.7
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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EDGEWELL PERSONAL CARE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in millions, except per share data)
Note 1 - Background and Basis of Presentation
Background
Edgewell Personal Care Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Edgewell” or the “Company”) is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and marketers of personal care products in the wet shave, sun and skin care and feminine care categories. With operations in over 20 countries, the Company’s products are widely available in more than 50 countries.
The Company conducts its business in the following three segments:
•Wet Shave consists of products sold under the Schick®, Wilkinson Sword®, Edge, Skintimate®, Billie®, Shave Guard and our custom brands group (formerly sold under our Shave Guard and Personna® brands), as well as non-branded products. The Company’s wet shave products include razor handles and refillable blades, disposable shave products, and shaving gels and creams.
•Sun and Skin Care consists of Banana Boat® and Hawaiian Tropic® sun care products, Jack Black®, Bulldog® and Cremo® men’s and women’s grooming products, Billie women’s grooming products and Wet Ones® products.
•Feminine Care includes tampons, pads and liners sold under the Playtex Gentle Glide® and Sport®, Stayfree®, Carefree®, and o.b.® brands.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) under the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results may differ materially from those estimates.All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation and, in the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.
Certain immaterial prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year’s presentation.
Acquisition of Billie, Inc. On November 29, 2021 (“the Acquisition Date”), the Company completed the acquisition of Billie, Inc. (“Billie”) (the “Acquisition”), a leading U.S. based consumer brand company that offers a broad portfolio of personal care products for women. The results of Billie for the post-acquisition period are included within the Company’s results since the Acquisition Date. For more information on the Acquisition, see Note 3 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents are considered to be highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. At September 30, 2024, the Company had $209.1 in available cash and cash equivalents, a significant portion of which was outside of the U.S. The Company has extensive operations outside of the U.S., including a significant manufacturing footprint. The Company manages its worldwide cash requirements by reviewing available funds among the many subsidiaries through which it conducts its business and the cost effectiveness with which those funds can be accessed. The repatriation of cash balances from certain of the Company’s subsidiaries could have adverse tax consequences or be subject to regulatory capital requirements; however, those balances are generally available without legal restrictions to fund ordinary business operations.
Cash Flow Presentation
The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows are prepared using the indirect method, which reconciles Net earnings to Net cash from operating activities. The reconciliation adjustments include the removal of timing differences between the occurrence of operating receipts and payments and their recognition in Net earnings. The adjustments also remove cash flows arising from investing and financing activities, which are presented separately from operating activities. Cash flows from foreign currency transactions and operations are translated at an average exchange rate for the period. Cash flows from hedging activities are included in the same category as the items being hedged, which are primarily operating activities. Cash payments related to income taxes are classified as operating activities.
Trade Receivables
Trade receivables are stated at their net realizable value. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects the Company’s best estimate of probable losses inherent in the trade receivables portfolio determined on the basis of historical experience, specific allowances for known troubled accounts and other currently available information. Bad debt expense is included in Selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A”) in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income. The Company has two accounts receivable factoring programs. For further discussion, see Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market value, with cost generally determined using average cost or the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method.
Capitalized Software Costs
Capitalized software costs are included in Property, plant and equipment, net. These costs are amortized using the straight-line method over periods of related benefit ranging from three to seven years. Expenditures related to capitalized software are included within Capital expenditures in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Property, Plant and Equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, net (“PP&E”) is stated at historical cost. PP&E acquired as part of a business combination is recorded at estimated fair value. Expenditures for new facilities and expenditures that substantially increase the useful life of property, including interest during construction, are capitalized and reported as Capital expenditures in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. When property is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and gains or losses on the disposition are reflected in Net earnings. Depreciation is generally provided on the straight-line basis by charges to earnings at rates based on estimated useful lives. Estimated useful lives range from two to 10 years for machinery and equipment and three to 30 years for buildings and building improvements.
Estimated useful lives are periodically reviewed and, when appropriate, changes are made and accounted for prospectively. When certain events or changes in operating conditions occur, asset lives may be adjusted and an impairment assessment may be performed on the recoverability of the carrying amounts.
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Leases
The Company leases certain offices and manufacturing facilities, warehouses, employee vehicles and certain manufacturing related equipment. A lease is defined as a contract, or part of a contract, that conveys the right to control the use of identified PP&E over a contracted period in exchange for payment. The Company evaluates if an arrangement is a lease as of the effective date of the agreement. Certain leases include an option to either renew or terminate the lease. For purposes of calculating lease liabilities, these options are included within the lease term when it has become reasonably certain that the Company will exercise such options. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recorded based on the present value of minimum payments over the lease term at the effective date of the lease. Any costs in excess of the minimum payments are expensed as incurred as variable lease cost.
Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. All recorded leases are classified as operating leases and lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has elected as an accounting policy not to separate non-lease components from lease components and, instead, account for these components as a single lease component. For leases that do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its secured incremental borrowing rate, based on the information available for leases, including the lease term and interest rate environment in the country in which the lease exists, to calculate the present value of the future lease payments.
Business Combinations
The Company allocates the cost of an acquired business to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The excess value of the cost of an acquired business over the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. The valuation of the acquired assets and liabilities will impact the determination of future operating results.
The Company uses a variety of information sources to determine the value of acquired assets and liabilities, including: third-party appraisers for the values and lives of property, identifiable intangibles and inventories; actuaries for defined benefit retirement plans; and legal counsel or other experts to assess the obligations associated with legal, environmental or other claims.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
We perform our annual impairment assessment for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of July 1st and more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. We consider qualitative factors to assess if it is more likely than not that the fair value for goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets is below the carrying amount. We may also elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and perform a quantitative assessment.
In conducting a qualitative assessment, the Company analyzes a variety of events and factors that may influence the fair value of the reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset, including, but not limited to: macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, share price and other relevant factors
Goodwill
We have four reporting units for which we assess for impairment defined as Wet Shave, Sun Care, Skin Care and Feminine Care. We evaluate goodwill for impairment using either a qualitative or quantitative assessment.
When the qualitative assessment is not utilized and a quantitative test is performed, we estimate each reporting unit’s fair value using a weighted income approach and market approach. The income approach uses the reporting unit's projections of estimated operating results and cash flows that are discounted using a market participant discount rate based on a weighted-average cost of capital. The market approach uses market multiples of comparable companies.
The goodwill impairment test compares a reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying amount. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, no impairment loss is measured. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, then a goodwill impairment loss is measured at the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
For further discussion, see Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other Intangible Assets
Our indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of trade names. We evaluate these intangible assets for impairment using either a qualitative or quantitative assessment.
When a quantitative test is performed, we determine the fair value using one of two income approaches: (i) the multi-period excess earnings method or (ii) the relief-from-royalty method. These methods require assumptions regarding future revenue and operating margin growth, estimated returns on assets used in the operations (including net working capital, fixed assets and intangible assets), market participant discount rates based on a weighted-average cost of capital and assumed royalty rates if we did not own the trade name.
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Other definite-life intangible assets, have a remaining weighted-average life of approximately eight years, are amortized on a straight-line basis over expected lives of three to 25 years. These intangible assets are assessed for impairment when impairment indicators are present.
For further discussion, see Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets, other than goodwill and other intangible assets, for impairment when events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the remaining useful life may warrant revision or that the carrying amount of the long-lived asset may not be fully recoverable. The Company performs an undiscounted cash flow analysis to determine if impairment exists for an asset or asset group. If impairment is determined to exist, any related impairment loss is calculated based on estimated fair value. Impairment losses on assets to be disposed of, if any, are based on the estimated proceeds to be received, less cost of disposal.
Revenue Recognition
Principal Revenue Streams and Significant Judgments
Our principal revenue streams can be divided into: (i) sale of personal care products primarily through retailers in North America; (ii) sale of personal care products through a combination of retailers and distributors internationally; and (iii) production and sale of private brands products in North America and internationally that are made to customer specifications.
Performance Obligations
The Company’s revenue is generated from the sale of its products. Revenue is recognized when the customer obtains control of the goods, which occurs when the ability to use and obtain benefits from the goods are passed to the customer, most commonly upon the delivery of goods to the customer. Discounts are offered to customers for early payment and an estimate of discounts is recorded as a reduction of Net sales in the same period as the sale. The Company’s standard sales terms are final and returns or exchanges are not permitted with the exception of end-of-season returns for Sun Care products. Reserves are established and recorded in cases where the right of return exists for a particular sale.
The Company assesses the goods promised in its customers’ purchase orders and identifies a performance obligation to transfer goods (or a bundle of goods) that is distinct. To identify the performance obligations, the Company considers all the goods promised, whether explicitly stated or implied based on customary business practices. The Company’s purchase orders are short term in nature, lasting less than one year and contain a single delivery element. For a purchase order that has more than one performance obligation, the Company allocates the total consideration to each distinct performance obligation on a relative stand-alone selling price basis. The Company does not exclude variable consideration in determining the remaining value of performance obligations.
Significant Judgments
The Company records sales at the time that control of goods pass to the customer. The terms of these sales vary but the following conditions are applicable to all sales: (i) the sales arrangement is evidenced by purchase orders submitted by customers; (ii) the selling price is fixed or determinable; (iii) title to the product has transferred; (iv) there is an obligation to pay at a specified date without any additional conditions or actions required by the Company; and (v) collectability is reasonably assured. Simultaneously with the sale, the Company reduces Net sales and Cost of products sold and reserves amounts on its Consolidated Balance Sheet for anticipated returns based upon an estimated return level in accordance with GAAP. The Company also allows for returns of other products under limited circumstances. Customers are required to pay for the Sun Care product purchased during the season under the required terms. Under certain circumstances, the Company allows customers to return Sun Care products that have not been sold by the end of the Sun Care season, which is normal practice in the Sun Care industry. The timing of returns of Sun Care products can vary in different regions based on climate and other factors. However, the majority of returns occur in the U.S. from September through January following the summer Sun Care season. The Company estimates the level of Sun Care returns as the Sun Care season progresses using a variety of inputs, including historical experience, consumption trends during the Sun Care season, obsolescence factors including expiration dates and inventory positions at key retailers. The Company monitors shipment activity and inventory levels at key retailers during the Sun Care season in an effort to more accurately estimate potential returns. This allows the Company to manage shipment activity to its customers, especially in the latter stages of the Sun Care season, to reduce the potential for returned product. The Company also allows for returns of other products under limited circumstances. Non-Sun Care returns are evaluated each period based on communications with customers and other issues known as of period end. The Company had a reserve for returns of $50.3 and $53.5 at September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
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In addition, the Company offers a variety of programs, such as consumer coupons and rebate programs, primarily to its retail customers, designed to promote sales of its products. Such programs require periodic payments and allowances based on estimated results of specific programs and are recorded as a reduction to Net sales. The Company accrues, at the time of sale, the estimated total payments and allowances associated with each transaction. Additionally, the Company offers programs directly to consumers to promote the sale of its products. Promotions which reduce the ultimate consumer sale price are recorded as a reduction of Net sales at the time the promotional offer is made using estimated redemption and participation levels. Taxes the Company collects on behalf of governmental authorities, which are generally included in the price to the customer, are also recorded as a reduction of Net sales. The Company continually assesses the adequacy of accruals for customer and consumer promotional program costs not yet paid. To the extent total program payments differ from estimates, adjustments may be necessary. Historically, these adjustments have not been material.
Contract Balances
The timing of revenue recognition is based on completion of performance obligations through the transfer of goods. Standard payment terms with customers require payment after goods have been delivered and risk of ownership has transferred to the customer. The Company has contract liabilities as a result of advanced payments received from certain customers before goods have been delivered and all performance obligations have been completed. Contract liabilities were $1.1 and $0.6 at September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and were classified within Other current liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Substantially all of the amount deferred will be recognized within a year, with the significant majority to be captured within a quarter following deferral.
Trade receivables are stated at their net realizable value. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects the Company’s best estimate of probable losses inherent in its trade receivables portfolio determined by historical experience, specific allowances for known troubled accounts, and other currently available information.
Advertising and Sales Promotion Costs
The Company advertises and promotes its products through national and regional media and expenses such activities as incurred. Advertising and sales promotion expense reported on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income includes advertising costs of $127.1, $116.0 and $125.8 for fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Share-Based Payments
The Company grants restricted share equivalents (“RSE”), which generally vest over two to four years. The estimated fair value of each grant is estimated on the date of grant based on the current market price of the Company’s common shares. The original estimate of the grant date fair value is not subsequently revised unless the awards are modified. The Company has elected to recognize forfeiture of awards as they occur. A portion of the RSE awards provide for the issuance of common stock to certain managerial staff and executive management if the Company achieves specified performance targets. For Performance Restricted Share Equivalents (“PRSE”), the Company records estimated expense for performance-based grants based on target achievement of performance metrics for the three-year period for each respective program, unless evidence exists that achievement above or below target for the applicable performance metric is more likely to occur. For PRSE awards granted during fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022, awards will vest by comparing the Company’s total shareholder return (“TSR”) during a certain three-year period to the respective TSRs of companies in a selected performance peer group. The expense recorded for these awards was recorded on a straight-line basis based on the grant date fair value using a Monte Carlo simulation.
Non-qualified stock options (“Share Options”) are granted at the market price on the grant date and generally vest ratably over three years. The Company calculates the fair value of total share-based compensation for Share Options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which utilizes certain assumptions and estimates that have a material impact on the total compensation cost recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements, including the expected term, expected share price volatility, risk-free interest rate and expected dividends. The original estimate of the grant date fair value is not subsequently revised unless the awards are modified. The Company has elected to recognize forfeiture of awards as they occur.
Income Taxes
The Company’s annual effective income tax rate is determined based on its pre-tax income, statutory tax rates and the tax impacts of items treated differently for tax purposes than for financial reporting purposes. Tax law requires that certain items be included in its federal tax return at different times than the items are reflected in the financial statements. Some of these differences are permanent, such as expenses that are not deductible in the Company’s tax return, and some differences are temporary, reversing over time, such as depreciation expense. These temporary differences create deferred tax assets and liabilities.
Deferred tax assets generally represent the tax effect of items that can be used as a tax deduction or credit in future years for which the Company has already recorded the tax benefit in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive
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Income. Deferred tax liabilities generally represent tax expense recognized in the Company’s financial statements for which payment has been deferred, the tax effect of expenditures for which a deduction has already been taken in its tax return but has not yet been recognized in its financial statements or assets recorded at estimated fair value in business combinations for which there was no corresponding tax basis adjustment.
The Company estimates income taxes and the effective income tax rate in each jurisdiction that it operates. This involves estimating taxable earnings, specific taxable and deductible items, the likelihood of generating sufficient future taxable income to utilize deferred tax assets, the portion of the income of foreign subsidiaries that is expected to be remitted to the U.S. and be taxable and possible exposures related to future tax audits. Deferred tax assets are evaluated on a subsidiary by subsidiary basis to ensure that the asset will be realized. Valuation allowances are established when the realization is not deemed to be more likely than not. Future performance is monitored, and when objectively measurable operating trends change, adjustments are made to the valuation allowances accordingly. To the extent the estimates described above change, adjustments to income taxes are made in the period in which the estimate is changed.
The Company operates in multiple jurisdictions with complex tax and regulatory environments, which are subject to differing interpretations by the taxpayer and the taxing authorities. At times, the Company may take positions that management believes are supportable but are potentially subject to successful challenges by the appropriate taxing authority. The Company evaluates its tax positions and establishes liabilities in accordance with guidance governing accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. The Company reviews these tax uncertainties in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of tax audits, and adjusts them accordingly.
Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments
Certain financial instruments are required to be recorded at estimated fair value. Changes in assumptions or estimation methods could affect the fair value estimates; however, the Company does not believe any such changes would have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Other financial instruments including cash and cash equivalents and short-term borrowings, including notes payable, are recorded at cost, which approximates estimated fair value. The estimated fair values of long-term debt and financial instruments are disclosed in Note 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Foreign Currency Translation
Financial statements of foreign operations where the local currency is the functional currency are translated using end-of-period exchange rates for assets and liabilities, and average exchange rates during the period for results of operations. Related translation adjustments are reported as a component within accumulated other comprehensive loss in the shareholders’ equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets, except as noted below.
Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in Net earnings. Foreign currency gains (losses) of $1.9, $1.7 and $(7.7) during fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were included within Other expense (income), net in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income. The Company uses foreign exchange (“FX”) instruments to reduce the risk of FX transactions as described below and in Note 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Financial Instruments and Derivative Securities
The Company uses financial instruments, from time to time, in the management of foreign currency, interest rate, and other risks that are inherent to its business operations. Such instruments are not held or issued for trading purposes.
FX instruments, including forward currency contracts, are used primarily to reduce cash transaction exposures and, to a lesser extent, to manage other translation exposures. FX instruments are selected based on their risk reduction attributes, costs, and related market conditions. The Company has designated certain foreign currency contracts as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes as of September 30, 2024.
At September 30, 2024, the Company had $34.0 of variable rate debt outstanding. In the past the Company has used interest rate swaps to hedge the risk of variable rate debt. As of September 30, 2024, the Company did not have any outstanding interest rate swap agreements.
For further discussion, see Note 13 and Note 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-09 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures to update income tax disclosure requirements primarily by requiring specific categories and greater disaggregation within the rate reconciliation and disaggregation of income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The amendments in the ASU also remove disclosures related to certain unrecognized tax benefits and deferred taxes. ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The amendments may be applied prospectively or retrospectively and early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of the requirements on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07 Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures to expand reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendments in the ASU require that a public entity disclose, on an annual and interim basis, significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to an entity's chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), a description of other segment items by reportable segment, and any additional measures of a segment's profit or loss used by the CODM when deciding how to allocate resources. Annual disclosures are required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. Interim disclosures are required for periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Retrospective application is required for all prior periods presented and early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of the requirements on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
No other new accounting pronouncement issued or effective during the fiscal year had, or is expected to have, a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-04, "Liabilities - Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50): Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations" which requires that a buyer in a supplier finance program disclose additional information about the program for financial statement users including a rollforward of those obligations. The Company adopted the standard as of October 1, 2023, except for amendments relating to the rollforward requirement, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023.
The Company has agreements with its suppliers in the ordinary course of business for such supplier finance programs which facilitate participating suppliers’ ability to finance payment obligations of the Company with designated third-party financial institutions. The Company is not a party to the arrangements between the suppliers and the third-party financial institutions. The Company’s obligations to its suppliers, including amounts due and scheduled payment dates, are not impacted by suppliers’ decisions to finance amounts under these arrangements. The payment terms under the programs range from 60 to 120 days. As of September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, $16.9 and $21.8, respectively, were valid obligations under the various programs. The obligations are presented as Accounts payable on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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Note 3 - Business Combinations
Billie Inc.
On November 29, 2021, the Company completed the Billie Acquisition for cash consideration of $309.4, net of cash acquired. As a result of the Acquisition, Billie became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The Company accounted for the Acquisition utilizing the acquisition method of accounting, which requires assets and liabilities to be recognized based on estimates of their acquisition date fair values. The determination of the values of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, including goodwill, other intangible assets and deferred taxes, requires significant judgement. The Company has calculated fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired from Billie, including goodwill, intangible assets and working capital. The Company completed the final fair value determination of the Acquisition in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2022.
The Company used variations of the income approach in determining the fair value of intangible assets acquired in the Billie Acquisition. Specifically, we utilized the multi-period excess earnings method to determine the fair value of the definite lived customer relationships acquired and the relief from royalty method to determine the fair value of the definite lived trade name acquired. Our determination of the fair value of the intangible assets acquired involved the use of significant estimates and assumptions related to revenue growth rates, discount rates, customer attrition rates, and royalty rates. Edgewell believes that the fair value assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates that marketplace participants would use.
The following table provides the allocation of the purchase price related to the Billie Acquisition based upon the fair value of assets and liabilities assumed:
Current assets $ 17.0
Intangible assets 136.0
Other assets, including property, plant and equipment, net 3.2
Current liabilities (6.9)
Deferred tax liabilities (21.1)
The acquired goodwill represented the value of expansion into new markets and channels of trade and is not deductible for tax purposes. The intangible assets acquired consisted primarily of the Billie trade name and customer relationships with a weighted average useful life of 19 years. All assets are included in the Company’s Wet Shave segment.
Billie contributed net sales and a loss before income taxes totaling $93.7 and $1.1, respectively, for the post-acquisition period ending September 30, 2022 in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income. The loss before income taxes was driven primarily by amortization expense of acquired intangible assets.
The following acquisition and integration costs related to Billie were included in SG&A and Cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income:
Fiscal Year
Cost of products sold 3.3 — 0.8
Total acquisition and integration costs $ 6.1 $ 7.5 $ 9.9
The following summarizes the Company's unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for the twelve months ended September 30, 2022, as though the Billie Acquisition occurred on October 1, 2021. The twelve months ended September 30, 2022 include results of Billie over the full period presented.
Twelve Months Ended September 30,
Pro forma net sales $ 2,181.7
Pro forma net earnings 104.9
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The unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations were adjusted by pre-tax amortization expense of $1.3 for the year ended September 30, 2022. Additionally, pro forma earnings for the twelve months ended September 30, 2022 exclude $9.9 of pre-tax acquisition costs, which were included in the pro forma earnings for the twelve months ended September 30, 2021. The pro forma earnings were also adjusted to reflect the capital structure as of the Acquisition Date, and all pro forma adjustments have been included with related tax effects. The unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results obtained had the Billie Acquisition occurred on October 1, 2020, or of those results that may be obtained in the future. Amounts do not reflect any anticipated cost savings or cross-selling opportunities expected to result from the Billie Acquisition.
Note 4 - Restructuring Charges
Operating Model Redesign
In fiscal 2024, the Company continued to take actions to strengthen its operating model, simplify the organization and improve manufacturing and supply chain efficiency and productivity. As a result of these actions, the Company expects to incur restructuring and re-positioning charges of approximately $11 in fiscal 2025. To date the Company has incurred restructuring and related charges as follows:
Fiscal Year
Severance and related benefit costs $ 10.2 $ 6.2 $ 5.6
Asset write-off and accelerated depreciation 0.6 0.8 0.8
Total restructuring and repositioning charges (1) (2) $ 20.4 $ 17.1 $ 16.2
(1) Restructuring and repositioning charges of nil, $0.2 and nilare included within Cost of products sold for fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
(2) Restructuring and repositioning charges of $0.1, $0.3 and $0.9are included within SG&A for fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Consolidation of Mexico Facilities
In fiscal 2024, the Company announced certain operational and organizational steps designed to streamline the Company’s operations and supply chain by consolidating its current Mexico operations in Obregon and Mexico City into a single facility in Aguascalientes, Mexico. As a result of these actions, the Company is anticipating to incur restructuring and re-positioning charges of $18 in fiscal 2025 and is expected to be completed by the second quarter of fiscal 2026.
Fiscal Year
Severance and related benefit costs $ 15.6
Total restructuring and repositioning charges (1) $ 15.6
(1) The Company does not include restructuring costs in the results of its reportable segments, however, these are related to the Wet Shave segment.
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Restructuring Reserves
Operating Model Redesign Consolidation of Mexico Facilities Total
Severance and related benefit costs
Charge to income 6.2 — 6.2
Cash payments (4.0) — (4.0)
Cash payments (9.6) — (9.6)
Asset write-off and accelerated depreciation
Balance at October 1, 2022 — — —
Charge to income 0.8 — 0.8
Non-cash utilization (0.8) — (0.8)
Balance at September 30, 2023 — — —
Consulting, project implementation and management, and other exit costs
Charge to income 9.6 — 9.6
Cash payments (9.6) — (9.6)
Total restructuring activities and related accrual $ 5.8 $ 15.6 $ 21.4
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Note 5 - Income Taxes
The provisions for income taxes from continuing operations consisted of the following:
Fiscal Year
Currently payable:
United States - Federal $ 6.3 $ 12.5 $ 12.4
Deferred:
United States - Federal (4.8) (4.5) (7.6)
The source of pre-tax earnings was:
Fiscal Year
A reconciliation of income taxes with the amounts computed at the statutory federal income tax rate follows:
Fiscal Year
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit 0.9 0.7 2.7 1.8 2.7 2.2
Foreign tax less than the federal rate (1) (9.1) (7.6) (1.0) (0.7) (11.7) (9.5)
Adjustments to prior years’ tax accruals (4.3) (3.5) (6.1) (4.2) 1.6 1.3
Other taxes including repatriation of foreign earnings 7.1 5.9 4.4 3.1 4.6 3.7
(1) Includes the impact of foreign valuation allowances.
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The deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet include current and noncurrent amounts and were as follows:
September 30,
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation and property differences $ (18.3) $ (20.8)
Lease liabilities (23.1) (15.2)
Other tax liabilities (7.3) (4.3)
Gross deferred tax liabilities (278.0) (270.5)
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred and share-based compensation 14.4 14.9
Tax carryforwards and tax credits 51.1 37.3
Postretirement benefits other than pensions 1.3 1.0
Inventory differences 5.9 5.0
Lease right of use assets 23.3 15.3
Deferred revenue 4.2 7.0
Other tax assets 9.4 8.0
Valuation allowance (21.5) (18.3)
Net deferred tax liabilities $ (107.7) $ (118.7)
There were no material tax loss carryforwards that expired in fiscal 2024. Future expirations of tax loss carryforwards and tax credits, if not utilized, are not expected to be material from 2025 through 2041. The remaining tax loss carryforwards and credits have no expiration. The valuation allowance is primarily attributable to tax loss carryforwards, other carryforwards, and certain deferred tax assets impacted by the deconsolidation of the Company’s Venezuelan subsidiaries.
The Company generally repatriates a portion of current year earnings from select non-US subsidiaries only if the economic cost of the repatriation is not considered material. No provision is made for additional taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign affiliates that are intended and planned to be indefinitely invested in the affiliate. The Company intends to, and has plans to, reinvest these earnings indefinitely in its foreign subsidiaries to, amongst other things, fund local operations, fund pension and other post-retirement obligations, fund capital projects and to support foreign growth initiatives including potential acquisitions. As of September 30, 2024, $885.8 of foreign subsidiary earnings were considered indefinitely invested in those businesses. If the Company repatriated any of the earnings it could be subject to withholding tax and the impact of foreign currency movements. Accordingly, it is not practical to calculate a specific potential tax exposure. Applicable income and withholding taxes will be provided on these earnings in the periods in which they are no longer considered reinvested.
Unrecognized tax benefits activity is summarized below:
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year $ 19.7 $ 19.4 $ 21.9
Additions based on current year tax positions and acquisitions 2.1 1.9 2.1
Settlements with taxing authorities and statute expirations (5.2) (1.6) (4.6)
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year $ 16.6 $ 19.7 $ 19.4
Included in the unrecognized tax benefits noted above was $15.7 of uncertain tax positions that would affect the Company’s effective tax rate, if recognized. The Company does not expect any material increases or decreases to its unrecognized tax benefits within 12 months of this reporting date. In the Consolidated Balance Sheets, unrecognized tax benefits are classified as Other liabilities (non-current) to the extent that payments are not anticipated within one year.
The Company classifies accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the income tax provision. The accrued interest and penalties are not included in the table above. The Company accrued $3.9 of interest, (net of the deferred
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tax asset of $0.7) at September 30, 2024, and $4.4 of interest, (net of the deferred tax asset of $0.8) at September 30, 2023. Interest was computed on the difference between the tax position recognized in accordance with GAAP and the amount previously taken or expected to be taken in the Company’s tax returns.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various cities and states, and more than 30 foreign jurisdictions where the Company has operations. In general, U.S. federal income tax returns for tax years ended September 30, 2021 and after remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”). With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to state and local income tax examinations for years before September 30, 2014. The status of international income tax examinations varies by jurisdiction. At this time, the Company does not anticipate any material adjustments to its financial statements resulting from tax examinations currently in progress.
Note 6 - Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share is based on the average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is based on the average number of shares used for the basic earnings per share calculation, adjusted for the dilutive effect of share options, RSE, and PRSE awards.
The following is the reconciliation between the number of weighted-average shares used in the basic and diluted earnings per share calculation:
Fiscal Year
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 49.7 51.2 53.1
Effect of dilutive securities:
Options, RSE and PRSE awards 0.4 0.6 0.5
Total dilutive securities 0.4 0.6 0.5
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 50.1 51.8 53.6
The following weighted-average common shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted net earnings per share because the effect of including these awards was antidilutive.
Fiscal Year
Options, RSE and PRSE awards 1.3 1.2 1.0
Note 7 - Inventories
The following table summarizes our inventories at September 30, 2024 and 2023:
Inventories
Raw materials and supplies $ 82.6 $ 86.3
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Note 8 - Property, Plant and Equipment
The following table summarizes our PP&E, net at September 30, 2024 and 2023:
PP&E
Capitalized software costs 3 - 7 years 62.5 60.2
Construction in progress n/a 62.0 38.5
Total gross property, plant and equipment 1,424.0 1,365.1
The components of depreciation expense for PP&E, net and amortization expense for capitalized software costs were as follows:
Fiscal Year
Amortization expense associated with capitalized software 4.3 5.0 4.7
As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $5.8, included in accounts payable for the acquisition of PP&E, which is considered a non-cash investing activity in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
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Note 9 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The following table sets forth goodwill by segment: