Energizer Holdings, Inc. reported first quarter results with net sales decreasing by 6.3% and organic net sales declining by 7.4%. The company improved adjusted gross profit margin and delivered strong free cash flow, enabling debt reduction. Project Momentum savings were increased, and the fiscal year outlook for net sales, adjusted earnings per share, and adjusted EBITDA was reaffirmed.
Net sales decreased by 6.3% and organic net sales declined by 7.4% compared to the prior year.
Adjusted gross margin improved by 50 bps over the prior year, driven by Project Momentum.
Operating cash flow was $178.1 million, with free cash flow exceeding 21% of net sales, and debt pay down was $78 million.
Project Momentum total estimated program savings increased to $160 million to $180 million.
The company continues to expect organic revenue to be flat to down low single digits. We also expect Adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $600 million to $620 million and Adjusted earnings per share to be in the range of $3.10 to $3.30. In the second quarter we expect organic revenue to be down 2% to 3% and Adjusted earnings per share within the range of $0.65 to $0.70.