greeksoup/ stock research

Coty Inc.: Q2 FY2026 earnings call

What management said about Q2 FY2026, from the documents filed with the SEC on 5 February 2026: press release. Guidance figures: 4 new. The quarter’s numbers.

Key takeaways

  • Like-for-like revenue fell 3%: Reported net revenue rose 1% to $1,678.6 million with a 4% FX benefit; like-for-like revenue fell 3%. Six-month net revenue was $3,255.8 million, down 3% reported and 6% like-for-like. Source
  • Adjusted operating income fell 18%: Adjusted operating income was $274.3 million, with a 16.3% adjusted operating margin. Reported operating income was $148.2 million, against $268.2 million a year earlier. Source
  • Consumer Beauty declined more than Prestige: Prestige net revenue was $1,133.6 million, 68% of sales. Consumer Beauty was $545.0 million, 32% of sales, and fell 6% like-for-like against Prestige's 2% decline. Source
  • Gross margin fell on promotions and tariffs: Reported gross margin was 63.8%, down 290 basis points; adjusted gross margin was 64.2%, down 260 basis points. Source
  • Promotions elevated across category: Promotional activity intensified through the holiday period and remains elevated, a headwind to net sales and gross margin. Source
  • Quarter free cash flow rose to $513.1 million: Operating cash flow was $559.7 million and capital expenditure was $46.6 million; free cash flow was $419.0 million a year earlier. Source
  • Coty. Curated. framework launched: Management is initiating the Coty. Curated. framework, with sharper priorities, focused investment, better execution and more support for core brands. Source
  • Strobel named Executive Chairman and interim CEO: Markus Strobel took the role effective January 1, 2026, after 33 years at Procter & Gamble, most recently as President of its Global Skin & Personal Care business. Source

“At the same time, our financial performance over the past year and a half has been disappointing, and our current share price reflects that reality.”

Markus Strobel, Executive Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer

Guidance

AreaPeriodFigureAgainst last quarter
Net revenue, like-for-like SourceQ3 fiscal 2026decline of a mid-single-digit percentageNew
Gross margin, year-on-year change SourceQ3 fiscal 2026decline of 200 to 300 basis pointsNew
Adjusted EBITDA SourceQ3 fiscal 2026$100 million to $110 millionNew
Cash taxes on Wella sale SourceQ3 fiscal 2026 cash flowapproximately $30 millionNew
Prestige fragrance market growth Sourcenot statedlow- to mid-single-digit rate
Mass beauty category growth Sourcenot statedflattish to up low-single digits

What changed from last quarter

  • Guidance withdrawn: Prior FY26 EBITDA and free cash flow guidance was withdrawn; guidance is now given for Q3 only. Source
  • New guidance: Q3 guidance started, covering like-for-like net revenue, gross margin, adjusted EBITDA, EPS and cash flow. Source
  • New: Markus Strobel named Executive Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer from January 1, 2026. Source
  • New: New 'Coty. Curated.' strategic framework announced: sharper priorities, focused investment, better execution and more support for core businesses. Source
  • Ended: Remaining 25.8% Wella stake sold to KKR, ending Coty's holding in Wella. Source
  • New: Performance improvement plan for color cosmetics moved from planning to implementation. Source

Results and growth drivers

  • Like-for-like revenue fell 3%: Reported net revenue rose 1% to $1,678.6 million with a 4% FX benefit; like-for-like revenue fell 3%. Six-month net revenue was $3,255.8 million, down 3% reported and 6% like-for-like. Source
  • Adjusted operating income fell 18%: Adjusted operating income was $274.3 million, with a 16.3% adjusted operating margin. Reported operating income was $148.2 million, against $268.2 million a year earlier. Source
  • Reported loss reflected Wella sale: Reported net loss to common shareholders was $126.9 million, against $20.4 million of net income a year earlier, including a realized loss on the Wella sale. Source
  • Adjusted EPS rose to $0.14: Adjusted diluted EPS was $0.14, up from $0.11. Six-month adjusted EPS was $0.26, flat year over year. Source

Segments

  • Consumer Beauty declined more than Prestige: Prestige net revenue was $1,133.6 million, 68% of sales. Consumer Beauty was $545.0 million, 32% of sales, and fell 6% like-for-like against Prestige's 2% decline. Source
  • Prestige makeup and skincare grew: Prestige makeup grew at a mid-single-digit rate, led by Burberry and Kylie Cosmetics; prestige skincare grew at a double-digit rate, driven by Lancaster and philosophy. Source
  • Prestige margin fell on promotions: Prestige adjusted operating margin was 21.8%, down 150 basis points year on year, reflecting lower gross margins from elevated promotions and higher tariff impact. Source
  • Consumer Beauty margin fell on mix: Consumer Beauty adjusted operating margin was 5.0%, against 13.3%. Management cited lower gross margin from geographic mix and higher A&CP. Source

“With greater focus and discipline, I believe Coty is well positioned to deliver consistent, profitable growth and realize its full potential.”

Markus Strobel, Executive Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer

Regional net revenue

  • Americas down on lower Prestige: Americas net revenue was $624.5 million, down 2% reported and 3% like-for-like, on lower Prestige and Consumer Beauty revenue. The release calls the US prestige fragrance share recovery inconsistent. Source
  • EMEA up reported, down like-for-like: EMEA net revenue was $864.2 million, up 3% reported with a 7% FX benefit, but down 4% like-for-like on Prestige fragrance and color cosmetics. Source
  • Asia Pacific down; China and Japan grew: Asia Pacific net revenue was $189.9 million, down 1% reported and 2% like-for-like, as declines in Southeast Asia were partly offset by growth in China including Hainan, and in Japan. Source

Products and customers

  • BOSS Bottled Beyond a top launch: Management said BOSS Bottled Beyond is already the #2 male fragrance launch in its category, and is being amplified globally. Source
  • Consumer Beauty spend focused on core brands: Investment is focused on CoverGirl and Rimmel franchises, with early incremental sell-out improvements noted. Source

“These actions are anchored in consumer demand and a relentless focus on sell-out and market share.”

Markus Strobel, Executive Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer

Costs, tax and non-operating items

  • Gross margin fell on promotions and tariffs: Reported gross margin was 63.8%, down 290 basis points; adjusted gross margin was 64.2%, down 260 basis points. Source
  • Equity swap cut reported net income: The equity swap mark-to-market reduced reported net income by $38.6 million in the quarter, against $96.5 million a year earlier. Source
  • Fixed cost savings offset by admin costs: SG&A rose to 50.2% of net revenue from 47.7%; fixed cost savings were offset by higher other administrative expenses. Source
  • Lower adjusted tax rate: Adjusted effective tax rate was 16.8%, against 28.1%, mainly from release of uncertain tax positions. Source

Demand and promotions

  • Retailer destocking headwind eased: The estimated retailer destocking headwind was significantly reduced in the quarter, supporting a sequential improvement in Prestige like-for-like trends. Source
  • Promotions elevated across category: Promotional activity intensified through the holiday period and remains elevated, a headwind to net sales and gross margin. Source
  • Category growth moderated: Prestige category growth moderated, partly offsetting the lower destocking headwind in like-for-like sales. Source

Cash, debt and Wella proceeds

  • Quarter free cash flow rose to $513.1 million: Operating cash flow was $559.7 million and capital expenditure was $46.6 million; free cash flow was $419.0 million a year earlier. Source
  • Six-month free cash flow reached $524.3 million: Six-month operating cash flow was $624.9 million, and free cash flow was $524.3 million, against $411.1 million. Source
  • Leverage fell to 2.7 times: Total debt was $3,038.1 million, down from $4,069.3 million; financial net debt was $2,601.4 million. The headline cites debt and leverage at nine-year lows. Source
  • Wella proceeds went to debt repayment: Of the $750 million upfront Wella cash, most went to repaying long-term debt; further proceeds depend on a later sale or IPO after KKR's preferred return. Source
  • Prior-quarter net debt figure differs: This release gives September 30, 2025 financial net debt as $3,209.4 million, while the Q1 release gave $3,804.7 million for the same date. Source

Strategy and portfolio review

  • Coty. Curated. framework launched: Management is initiating the Coty. Curated. framework, with sharper priorities, focused investment, better execution and more support for core brands. Source
  • Portfolio review continues: The portfolio review continues to unlock shareholder value in the near and long term, alongside other value-driving steps. Source
  • Consumer Beauty review progressing: Progress continued on the Consumer Beauty strategic review; the release gives no outcome or timing. Source
  • Investment refocused on key priorities: Investment allocation is being refined behind key priorities, aiming to lift market share in the US, UK and Germany over time. Source

Leadership

  • Strobel named Executive Chairman and interim CEO: Markus Strobel took the role effective January 1, 2026, after 33 years at Procter & Gamble, most recently as President of its Global Skin & Personal Care business. Source
  • New chair visited largest markets: In his first month he visited the largest markets and key sites, and described Coty's assets as outstanding while recent performance was disappointing. Source

Coming up, as management said on 5 February 2026

  • Calvin Klein female fragrance launch: A key female fragrance initiative under Calvin Klein is set to launch in the coming weeks. Source
  • Marc Jacobs Beauty makeup debut: Makeup under Marc Jacobs Beauty is expected to debut in calendar 2026. Source
  • Live question and answer session: A live question and answer session is scheduled for February 6, 2026 at 8:00 AM ET, after pre-recorded remarks on February 5. Source
  • Possible further Wella proceeds: Coty may receive further Wella proceeds from a later sale or IPO, after KKR's preferred return has been met. Source
  • Adidas fragrances expanding globally: Coty is continuing to expand and amplify adidas fragrances globally, led by the adidas Vibes scenting collection. Source

Figures management reported

FigureReported
Hugo Boss U.S. market share Source90 basis points

Risks management discussed

  • Demand: Management expects the sell-out gap to the cosmetics category to weigh on near-term results. Source
  • Operational: Management cites the complex beauty backdrop and the leadership transition as reasons for withdrawing guidance. Source

Earlier plans management reported on

  • Met: Management says the sale of the remaining Wella stake at the end of CY25 delivered on its commitment. Source
  • Not stated: Management is committed to protecting A&CP spend to reignite market share improvement. Source
  • On track: Management said Q2 results were broadly in line with expectations. Source
  • Ahead: The US launch is performing ahead of expectations, at double the prior year's fragrance launch levels. Source

Other quarters

Summarised with AI from the documents the company filed with the SEC. Every point is checked against the filing before it is shown: management’s own words word for word, figures against the line or table row they come from. A point that fails the check is left out. Source opens the filing at that line.