# NEWELL BRANDS INC. (NWL) FY 2024 MD&A Verbatim Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis from NEWELL BRANDS INC.'s 10-K for fiscal year 2024. SEC filing source: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/814453/000081445325000008/nwl-20241231.htm Accession: 0000814453-25-000008 Filing date: 2025-02-14 Report date: 2024-12-31 Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high Company profile: /company/NWL/ All MD&A years: /company/NWL/mda/ Previous year: /company/NWL/mda/fy2023/ (FY 2023) Next year: /company/NWL/mda/fy2025/ (FY 2025) ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section should be read in conjunction with “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The “Business Strategy” and “Recent Developments” sections below are brief presentations of our business and certain significant items addressed in this section or elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This section should be read along with the relevant portions of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete discussion of the events and items summarized below. Overview Newell Brands is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Graco, Coleman, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Yankee Candle, Paper Mate, FoodSaver, Dymo, EXPO, Elmer’s, Oster, NUK, Spontex and Campingaz. Newell Brands is focused on delighting consumers by lighting up everyday moments. The Company sells its products in over 150 countries around the world and has operations on the ground in over 40 of these countries, excluding third-party distributors. The Company has three operating segments: Home and Commercial Solutions (“H&CS”), Learning and Development (“L&D”) and Outdoor and Recreation (“O&R”). Business Strategy Following a comprehensive assessment of key capabilities, starting in the second quarter of 2023, the leadership team began implementing an integrated set of new “where to play” and “how to win” strategies designed to enable the Company to leverage the scale of the portfolio, while further building upon its operational foundation and strengthening its front-end capabilities. As part of its strategy, the Company is focused on: •Driving meaningful improvement in front-end capabilities, including consumer understanding, brand management, brand communications, innovation and go-to-market execution; •Disproportionately investing in the Company’s largest and most profitable brands, fastest-growing channels and key geographies; •Turning the Company’s scale into a competitive advantage, enabling cost savings that provide fuel for reinvestment; and •Transitioning to a high-performance organization as the Company transforms its culture. 24 The Company is implementing this strategy while continuing to address key challenges such as shifting consumer preferences and behaviors; a highly competitive operating environment; a rapidly changing retail and consumer landscape; continued macroeconomic and geopolitical volatility; a soft macro backdrop; significant inflationary pressures on consumers and an evolving regulatory landscape. Execution of these strategic imperatives, in combination with other initiatives aimed to build operational excellence, will better position the Company for long-term sustainable growth. One such initiative is Project Ovid which entails a multi-year, customer centric supply chain initiative which has transformed the Company’s go-to-market capabilities in the U.S., improving customer service levels and driving operational efficiencies. Project Ovid optimized the Company’s distribution network in 2022 and 2023 by creating a single integrated supply chain from 23 business-unit-centric supply chains. The initiative reduced administrative complexity, improved inventory and invoicing workflow for our customers and enhanced product availability for consumers through omni-channel enablement. This new operating model continues to drive efficiencies by better utilizing the Company’s transportation and distribution network and consolidating the number of overall distribution sites. In May 2023, the Company announced a restructuring and cost savings initiative that was intended to simplify and streamline its North American distribution network (the “Network Optimization Project”) in order to improve the Company’s cost structure and operating margins while maintaining focus on customer and consumer fulfillment. The Network Optimization Project incorporated a variety of initiatives, including a reduction in the overall number of distribution centers, an optimization of distribution by location, and completion of select automation investments intended to further streamline the Company’s cost structure and to maximize operating performance. These actions were substantially implemented by the end of 2024. In January 2023, the Company announced a restructuring and savings initiative (“Project Phoenix”) that was intended to strengthen the Company by leveraging its scale to further reduce complexity, streamline its operating model and drive operational efficiencies. The Company commenced reducing headcount during the first quarter of 2023. Project Phoenix incorporated a variety of initiatives designed to simplify the organizational structure, streamline the Company’s real estate portfolio, centralize the Company’s supply chain functions, transition to a unified One Newell go-to-market model in key international geographies, and otherwise reduce overhead costs. These actions were substantially implemented by the end of 2023. In January 2024, the Company announced an organizational realignment (“Realignment Plan”), which was designed to strengthen the Company’s front-end commercial capabilities, such as consumer understanding and brand communication, in support of the “where to play” and “how to win” strategies the Company unveiled in June of 2023. In addition to improving accountability, the Realignment Plan was designed to unlock operational efficiencies and cost savings, reduce complexity and free up funds for reinvestment. As part of the Realignment Plan, the Company has made several operating model changes, which entailed: standing up a cross-functional brand management organization, realigning business unit finance to fully support the new global brand management model, further simplifying and standardizing regional go-to-market organizations, and centralizing domestic retail sales teams, the digital technology team, business-aligned accounting personnel, the Manufacturing Quality team, and the Human Resources functions into the appropriate center-led teams to drive standardization, efficiency and scale with a One Newell approach. The Company has also further optimized the Company’s real estate footprint and pursued other cost reduction initiatives. These actions were primarily implemented by the end of 2024. Remaining actions, subject to applicable local law and consultation requirements, are expected to be implemented by the end of fiscal year 2025. In addition, the Company continues to review its operating footprint and non-core brands, which will likely result in future restructuring and restructuring-related charges. Recent Developments Current Macroeconomic Conditions The Company continues to be impacted by soft global demand, major retailers’ focus on tight control over inventory levels, inflationary pressures, fluctuating interest rates and indirect impacts from geopolitical conflicts. These collective macroeconomic trends, the duration or severity of which are highly uncertain, are rapidly changing the retail and consumer landscape and negatively impacted the Company’s operating results, cash flows and financial condition during 2024 and are to some degree expected to persist into 2025. To help mitigate the negative impact of these conditions to the operating performance of its businesses, the Company has accelerated productivity initiatives, optimized advertising and promotion expenses, deployed overhead cost containment efforts, adjusted demand forecasts and supply plans, and taken actions designed to improve working capital. The Company will continue to evaluate other opportunities to improve its financial performance both in the short and long term. 25 Although management has made its best estimates and assumptions based upon current information, actual results could materially differ given the uncertainty of these factors and may require future changes to such estimates and assumptions, including reserves, which may result in future expense or impairment charges. Geopolitical Conflicts The global economy has been negatively impacted by military conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the conflicts in the Middle East. While the Company does not expect these conflicts to have a material impact on its results of operations, it has experienced supply chain disruptions, shortages in raw materials and increased costs for transportation, energy and commodities due in part to the negative impact of these conflicts on the global economy. Further escalation of geopolitical tensions, including increased trade barriers and restrictions on global trade, could result in, among other things, supply disruptions, lower consumer demand, and changes to foreign exchange rates and financial markets, any of which may adversely affect our business and supply chain. Additionally, if these military conflicts escalate beyond their current scope, the Company could be negatively impacted by localized or global economic recessions. See Results of Operations, Critical Accounting Estimates and Footnote 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. Tariffs Exposure In early 2025, the current U.S. presidential administration announced significant new tariffs on foreign imports into the U.S., specifically from Mexico and Canada, all of which were subsequently postponed prior to becoming effective, and China, and has proposed additional new tariffs that may be implemented in the future. The Company is working to determine its tariff cost exposure, and potential mitigation plans, as well as the associated timing to implement such, if any. However, the impact to the Company’s results of operations and cash flows cannot be determined at this time. Organizational Realignment Plan In January 2024, the Company announced the Realignment Plan, which is expected to strengthen the Company’s front-end commercial capabilities, as further described in the preceding section. The Company initiated the Realignment Plan during the first quarter of 2024. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded restructuring and restructuring-related charges of $37 million and $15 million, respectively. See Risk Factors in Item 1A. and Footnote 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. In June 2024, as part of optimizing the Company’s real estate footprint, the Company entered into a lease agreement for a new location of its corporate headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, which will allow it to consolidate five different facilities and bring together employees in the area into a single location. Also in June 2024, the Company entered into an agreement with an unrelated third party to sell and leaseback its current headquarters facility, which transaction was finalized during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024. In connection with this transaction, the Company recognized a loss of $8 million, which was included in the $15 million restructuring-related charges mentioned above. The Company intends to occupy the current facility while conducting the build-out of the new facility, which is anticipated to be completed during the first half of fiscal year 2025. See Footnotes 4 and 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. Indefinite-Lived Intangible Asset Impairment During the fourth quarter of 2024, as a result of the Company’s annual impairment testing, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $85 million related to one tradename in the H&CS segment, as the carrying value of the tradename exceeded its fair value. The decline in the fair value of the tradename in the H&CS segment was the result of a downward revision of forecasted revenue mainly due to a distribution loss, which the Company was informed of during the fourth quarter of 2024. During the third quarter of 2024, the Company concluded that triggering events had occurred for indefinite-lived tradenames in the H&CS and L&D segments as a result of downward revision of forecasted cash flows primarily due to lower volume and profitability expectations. The Company performed quantitative impairment tests and determined that indefinite-lived tradenames in the H&CS and L&D segments were impaired, and recorded an aggregate non-cash impairment charge of $260 million for the indefinite-lived tradenames, as the carrying values exceeded their fair values. See Critical Accounting Estimates and Footnotes 1 and 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. Debt Redemption and Issuance In December 2024, the Company repaid the outstanding aggregate principal amount of its 4.000% senior notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest upon maturity for total consideration of $205 million. 26 In November 2024, the Company completed a registered public offering and sale of $750 million of aggregate principal amount of 6.375% senior notes due 2030 (the “2030 Notes”) and $500 million of aggregate principal amount of 6.625% senior notes due 2032 (the “2032 Notes”) (collectively the “Notes”) and received proceeds of approximately $1.24 billion, net of fees and expenses paid. The Company used the proceeds of the offering to fully redeem its outstanding 4.875% senior notes due 2025 and to redeem in part its outstanding 4.200% senior notes due 2026. In November 2024, the Company fully redeemed its 4.875% notes due 2025 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the notes, plus accrued unpaid interest to the date of the redemption. The total consideration was approximately $511 million. The Company also partially redeemed $750 million of the outstanding aggregate amount of the 4.200% senior notes due 2026 at a redemption price of 101.006%. The total consideration, including accrued unpaid interest to the date of its redemption was approximately $764 million. As a result of the aforementioned redemptions, the Company recorded a total loss on debt extinguishment of $13 million. See Footnote 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. Results of Operations Consolidated Operating Results 2024 vs. 2023 [[GREPCENT_TABLE]] [["","Years Ended December 31,"],["(in millions, except per share data)","2024","","2023","","$ Change","","% Change"],["Net sales","$","7,582","","","$","8,133","","","$","(551)","","","(6.8)%"],["Gross profit","2,548","","","2,353","","","195","","","8.3%"],["Gross margin","33.6","%","","28.9","%"],["Operating income (loss)","67","","","(85)","","","152","","","NM"],["Operating margin","0.9","%","","(1.0)","%"],["Interest expense, net","295","","","283","","","12","","","4.2%"],["Loss on extinguishment and modification of debt","14","","","\u2014","","","14","","","100.0%"],["Other expense, net","18","","","175","","","(157)","","","(89.7)%"],["Loss before income taxes","(260)","","","(543)","","","283","","","52.1%"],["Income tax benefit","(44)","","","(155)","","","111","","","71.6%"],["Income tax rate","16.9","%","","28.5","%"],["Net loss","$","(216)","","","$","(388)","","","172","","","44.3%"],["Diluted loss per share","$","(0.52)","","","$","(0.94)"]] [[/GREPCENT_TABLE]] NM — NOT MEANINGFUL Net sales decreased 7% compared to prior year. Net sales were unfavorably impacted by soft global demand and net distribution losses. Product line exits negatively impacted net sales by approximately 1%, primarily in the H&CS segment. These factors were partially mitigated by pricing, mainly in international markets to offset inflation and currency movement. Changes in foreign currency unfavorably impacted net sales by $234 million, or approximately 3%. Gross profit increased 8% compared to prior year. Gross margin improved to 33.6% as compared with 28.9% in 2023. The improvement in gross margin was driven by pricing, productivity and lower restructuring-related charges of $50 million, partially offset by higher absorption cost associated with lower sales volume and inflation. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates unfavorably impacted gross profit by $121 million, or 5%. 27 Notable items, other than the aforementioned, impacting operating income (loss) for 2024 and 2023 are as follows: [[GREPCENT_TABLE]] [["","","Years Ended December 31,"],["(in millions)","","2024","","2023","","$ Change"],["Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets (See Footnotes 1 and 7)","","$","345","","","$","339","","","$","6"],["Restructuring (See Footnote 4) and restructuring-related (a) (b)","","102","","","194","","","(92)"],["Transaction costs and other (c)","","12","","","46","","","(34)"]] [[/GREPCENT_TABLE]] (a)Restructuring-related costs reported in cost of products sold and selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) and in impairment of goodwill, intangibles and other assets for 2024 were $36 million, $13 million and $8 million, respectively, and primarily relate to facility closures. Restructuring-related costs reported in cost of products sold and SG&A for 2023 were $86 million and $13 million, respectively, and primarily relate to facility closures. Restructuring costs for 2024 and 2023 were $45 million and $95 million, respectively. (b)Restructuring-related cost during the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 related to Project Phoenix, Network Optimization Project, Realignment Plan and other discrete programs were $8 million, $18 million, $15 million and $16 million, respectively. (c)Transaction costs and other for 2024 primarily relate to accelerated amortization and write-off of other assets associated with integration projects. Transaction costs and other reported in cost of products sold and SG&A for 2024 were $11 million and $1 million, respectively. Transaction costs and other for 2023 primarily relate to completed divestitures, expenses associated with certain legal proceedings, impairment of other assets and inventory write-down due to regulatory restrictions banning the salability of certain of the Company’s products in certain jurisdictions. Transaction costs and other reported in cost of products sold, SG&A and impairment of other assets for 2023 were $20 million, $23 million and $3 million, respectively. Operating income was $67 million as compared to operating loss of $85 million in the prior year period. The improvement reflects the impact of higher gross profit of $195 million as discussed above, savings from restructuring actions primarily from Project Phoenix and the Realignment Plan, lower restructuring charges of $50 million and lower transaction costs and other of $22 million. These improvements were partially offset by higher incentive compensation expense of approximately $89 million, higher advertising and promotion costs of $46 million and $23 million of additional amortization of certain tradenames. Interest expense, net increased primarily due to higher interest rates and lower interest income. The weighted average interest rates for 2024 and 2023 were approximately 5.8% and 5.2%, respectively. The loss on extinguishment and modification of debt of $14 million for 2024, is primarily related to the Company’s redemption of certain of its senior notes. See Footnote 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. Other expense, net for 2024 and 2023 include the following items: [[GREPCENT_TABLE]] [["","","Years Ended December 31,"],["(in millions)","","2024","","2023"],["Pension settlement and non-service costs, net (See Footnote 11)","","$","(1)","","","$","126"],["Foreign exchange losses, net (See Footnote 10)","","8","","","22"],["Discount on factored receivables and other, net","","11","","","27"],["","","$","18","","","$","175"]] [[/GREPCENT_TABLE]] The income tax benefit for 2024 was $44 million as compared to $155 million in 2023. The effective tax rate for 2024 was 16.9%, due to the impact of certain discrete items as compared to 28.5% for 2023. See Footnote 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on income taxes. Business Segment Operating Results 2024 vs. 2023 Home and Commercial Solutions [[GREPCENT_TABLE]] [["","","Years Ended December 31,"],["(in millions)","","2024","","2023","","$ Change","","% Change"],["Net sales","","$","4,071","","","$","4,428","","","$","(357)","","","(8.1)%"],["Operating income (loss)","","(2)","","","37","","","(39)","","","NM"],["Operating margin","","0.0","%","","0.8","%"]] [[/GREPCENT_TABLE]] H&CS net sales for 2024 decreased 8% compared to prior year, which reflected soft demand across all businesses and distribution losses. Product line exits also negatively impacted net sales by approximately 1%. Pricing actions partially offset these negative factors. Changes in foreign currency unfavorably impacted net sales by $151 million, or 3%. 28 Operating loss for 2024 was $2 million as compared to operating income of $37 million in the prior year. The decline in operating results is primarily due to higher non-cash impairment charges, related to indefinite-lived tradenames of $275 million, compared to a charge of $76 million during 2023, higher advertising and promotion costs of $18 million, additional amortization of certain tradenames of $17 million and inflation. These factors were partially offset by improvement of $134 million in gross profit, mainly due to productivity, lower restructuring charges of $41 million and release of a bad debt reserve due to a recovery of a receivable from an international customer of $9 million. See Footnote 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on non-cash impairment charge and additional amortization of tradenames. Learning and Development [[GREPCENT_TABLE]] [["","","Years Ended December 31,"],["(in millions)","","2024","","2023","","$ Change","","% Change"],["Net sales","","$","2,717","","","$","2,706","","","$","11","","","0.4%"],["Operating income","","473","","","213","","","260","","","NM"],["Operating margin","","17.4","%","","7.9","%"]] [[/GREPCENT_TABLE]] L&D net sales for 2024 increased modestly by less than 1%, compared to prior year, as growth in the Baby business, primarily as a result of improved orders from major retailers and innovation, was partially offset by a decline in the Writing business due to soft demand in certain markets, partially offset by contribution from product innovation. Changes in foreign currency unfavorably impacted net sales by $44 million, or 2%. Operating income for 2024 increased to $473 million as compared to $213 million in 2023. The increase in operating income is primarily due to improved gross profit of approximately $87 million, due to gross productivity, savings from restructuring actions as well as lower non-cash impairment charges. The Company recorded non-cash impairment charges related to indefinite-lived tradenames and goodwill of $70 million and $241 million during 2024 and 2023, respectively. See Footnote 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on the non-cash impairment charges. Outdoor and Recreation [[GREPCENT_TABLE]] [["","","Years Ended December 31,"],["(in millions)","","2024","","2023","","$ Change","","% Change"],["Net sales","","$","794","","","$","999","","","$","(205)","","","(20.5)%"],["Operating loss","","(86)","","","(83)","","","(3)","","","(3.6)%"],["Operating margin","","(10.8)","%","","(8.3)","%"]] [[/GREPCENT_TABLE]] O&R net sales for 2024 decreased 21% compared to prior year, reflecting soft global demand and distribution losses. Changes in foreign currency unfavorably impacted net sales by $39 million, or 4%. Operating loss for 2024 was $86 million as compared to $83 million in 2023. The decline was primarily due to lower gross profit of $26 million, caused by unfavorable fixed cost leverage associated with lower sales volume and inflation, partially offset by gross productivity, favorable pricing and savings from restructuring actions and absence of a non-cash impairment charge of $22 million recorded in the prior year. There were no non-cash impairment charges recorded during 2024. See Footnote 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. 29 Consolidated Operating Results 2023 vs. 2022 [[GREPCENT_TABLE]] [["","","Years Ended December 31,"],["(in millions, except per share data)","","2023","","2022","","$ Change","","% Change"],["Net sales","","$","8,133","","","$","9,459","","","$","(1,326)","","","(14.0)%"],["Gross profit","","2,353","","","2,834","","","(481)","","","(17.0)%"],["Gross margin","","28.9","%","","30.0","%"],["Operating income (loss)","","(85)","","","312","","","(397)","","","NM"],["Operating margin","","(1.0)","%","","3.3","%"],["Interest expense, net","","283","","","235","","","48","","","20.4%"],["Other (income) expense, net","","175","","","(81)","","","256","","","NM"],["Income (loss) before income taxes","","(543)","","","157","","","(700)","","","NM"],["Income tax benefit","","(155)","","","(40)","","","(115)","","","NM"],["Income tax rate","","28.5","%","","(25.5)","%"],["Net income (loss)","","$","(388)","","","$","197","","","$","(585)","","","NM"],["Diluted earnings (loss) per share","","$","(0.94)","","","$","0.47"]] [[/GREPCENT_TABLE]] NM — NOT MEANINGFUL Net sales for 2023 decreased 14% as compared to 2022. Net sales were unfavorably impacted by soft global demand, distribution losses and category exits, primarily in the H&CS segment, partially offset by pricing actions by the Company. The sale of the Connected Home and Security (“CH&S”) business at the end of the first quarter of 2022 negatively impacted net sales by approximately 1%. Changes in foreign currency unfavorably impacted net sales by $38 million, or less than 1%. In 2023, gross profit decreased 17% and gross margin declined to 28.9% as compared with 30.0% in 2022. The decline in gross margin reflected higher absorption costs associated with a lower sales volume, higher sales promotional activities to reduce elevated inventory levels, inflation, higher restructuring-related charges of approximately $64 million and inventory write-down of $11 million due to regulatory restrictions banning the salability of certain of the Company’s products in certain jurisdictions, partially offset by favorable pricing and gross productivity. The gross profit decline also reflected the unfavorable impact of the sale of CH&S business in 2022 by approximately $36 million. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates unfavorably impacted gross profit by $38 million, or 1%. Notable items, other than the aforementioned, impacting operating income (loss) for 2023 and 2022 are as follows: [[GREPCENT_TABLE]] [["","","Years Ended December 31,"],["(in millions)","","2023","","2022","","$ Change"],["Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets (See Footnotes 1 and 7)","","$","339","","","$","474","","","$","(135)"],["Restructuring and restructuring-related (See Footnote 4) (a)","","194","","","39","","","155"],["Transaction costs and other (b)","","46","","","72","","","(26)"]] [[/GREPCENT_TABLE]] (a)Restructuring-related costs reported in cost of products sold and SG&A for 2023 were $86 million and $13 million, respectively, and primarily relate to facility closures. Restructuring-related costs reported in cost of products sold and SG&A for 2022 were $22 million and $2 million, respectively, and primarily relate to facility closures. Restructuring costs for 2023 and 2022 were $95 million and $15 million, respectively. (b)Transaction costs and other for 2023 primarily relate to completed divestitures, expenses associated with certain legal proceedings, impairment of other assets and an inventory write-down due to regulatory restrictions banning the salability of certain of the Company’s products in certain jurisdictions. Transaction costs and other reported in cost of products sold, SG&A and impairment of other assets for 2023 were $20 million, $23 million and $3 million, respectively. Transaction costs and other for 2022 primarily relate to completed divestitures, expenses associated with certain legal proceedings, an indirect tax reserve for an international entity and an incremental bad debt reserve for an international customer. Transaction costs and other reported in cost of products sold and SG&A for 2022 were $4 million and $68 million, respectively. Operating loss in 2023 was $85 million as compared to operating income of $312 million in 2022. The decline reflects the impact of lower gross profit of $481 million, higher incentive compensation expense of approximately $105 million and higher restructuring and restructuring-related charges, approximately $91 million, primarily in connection with Project Phoenix, the Network Optimization Project and other on-going facility closures. These factors were partially offset by lower non-cash impairment charges 30 of approximately $132 million, lower transaction costs and other of approximately $45 million, lower advertising and promotion costs of approximately $16 million, savings from restructuring actions and approximately $15 million of employee retention credit in connection with the CARES Act. Interest expense, net increased primarily due to higher interest rates, partially offset by higher interest income. The weighted average interest rates for 2023 and 2022 were approximately 5.2% and 4.3%, respectively. See Footnote 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. Other (income) expense, net for 2023 and 2022 include the following items: [[GREPCENT_TABLE]] [["","","Years Ended December 31,"],["(in millions)","","2023","","2022"],["Pension settlement costs (See Footnote 11)","","$","126","","","$","\u2014"],["Gain on disposition of businesses (See Footnote 2)","","\u2014","","","(136)"],["Foreign exchange losses, net (See Footnote 10)","","22","","","47"],["Discount on factored receivables and other, net","","27","","","8"],["","","$","175","","","$","(81)"]] [[/GREPCENT_TABLE]] The income tax benefit for 2023 was $155 million as compared to a benefit of $40 million in 2022. The effective tax rate for 2023 was 28.5%, resulting from the combination of pretax book losses and discrete tax benefits of $112 million due to the effects of certain legal entity reorganizations in the U.S. and Luxembourg and $10 million due to the filing of tax returns in various jurisdictions. The year ended December 31, 2022 included discrete benefits of $58 million associated with a change in the Company’s indefinite reinvestment assertion regarding certain earnings within its Irish operations, $28 million associated with the reduction in valuation allowance related to the integration of certain Brazilian and Luxembourg operations and $6 million associated with the approval of certain state tax credits, offset by $14 million of income tax expense related to the divestiture of CH&S. See Footnote 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on income taxes. Business Segment Operating Results 2023 vs. 2022 Home and Commercial Solutions [[GREPCENT_TABLE]] [["","","Years Ended December 31,"],["(in millions)","","2023","","2022","","$ Change","","% Change"],["Net sales","","$","4,428","","","$","5,194","","","$","(766)","","","(14.7)%"],["Operating income (loss)","","37","","","(212)","","","249","","","NM"],["Operating margin","","0.8","%","","(4.1)","%"]] [[/GREPCENT_TABLE]] NM — NOT MEANINGFUL H&CS net sales for 2023 decreased 15% which reflected softening global demand across all businesses, the sale of the CH&S business at the end of the first quarter of 2022, which unfavorably impacted net sales by approximately 2%, as well as certain category exits and distribution losses, primarily in the Kitchen business, partially offset by pricing actions. Changes in foreign currency unfavorably impacted net sales by $14 million, or approximately less than 1%. Operating income for 2023 was $37 million as compared to operating loss of $212 million in 2022. The improvement in operating results was primarily due to gross productivity, pricing actions, lower non-cash impairment charges (see Footnote 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information), approximately $368 million, absence of an indirect tax reserve for an international entity, approximately $24 million, lower advertising and promotional costs, approximately $16 million and bad debt expense arising from an international customer bankruptcy, approximately $8 million, as well as savings from restructuring actions, partially offset by lower gross profit, approximately $157 million, reflecting higher absorption costs associated with lower sales volume, as well as higher restructuring and restructuring-related charges, approximately $54 million, primarily in connection with Project Phoenix. The sale of CH&S at the end of the first quarter of 2022 also unfavorably impacted the operating results by approximately $12 million. 31 Learning and Development [[GREPCENT_TABLE]] [["","","Years Ended December 31,"],["(in millions)","","2023","","2022","","$ Change","","% Change"],["Net sales","","$","2,706","","","$","2,950","","","$","(244)","","","(8.3)","%"],["Operating income","","213","","","593","","","(380)","","","(64.1)","%"],["Operating margin","","7.9","%","","20.1","%"]] [[/GREPCENT_TABLE]] L&D net sales for 2023 decreased 8%, primarily due to a decline in the Baby business. The Writing business declined slightly due to soft demand in certain categories, partially offset by pricing actions and innovations. Pricing actions in the Baby business were more than offset by soft demand in certain categories, as well as lower sales to a customer that declared bankruptcy, which impacted net sales by approximately 5%. Changes in foreign currency unfavorably impacted net sales by $10 million, or approximately less than 1%. Operating income for 2023 decreased to $213 million, compared to $593 million in 2022. The decrease in operating income was primarily due to lower gross profit, approximately $117 million, reflecting higher absorption costs associated with lower sales volume and inflation, higher restructuring and restructuring-related charges of $14 million, primarily in connection with Project Phoenix, and increased advertising and promotion costs of approximately $8 million. Operating income also decreased due to higher charges for non-cash goodwill impairment of approximately $211 million and additional amortization of acquired intangibles assets, of approximately $7 million (see Footnote 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information). Gross productivity, favorable pricing and savings from restructuring actions partially offset the aforementioned factors. Outdoor and Recreation [[GREPCENT_TABLE]] [["","","Years Ended December 31,"],["(in millions)","","2023","","2022","","$ Change","","% Change"],["Net sales","","$","999","","","$","1,315","","","$","(316)","","","(24.0)%"],["Operating income (loss)","","(83)","","","86","","","(169)","","","NM"],["Operating margin","","(8.3)","%","","6.5","%"]] [[/GREPCENT_TABLE]] NM — NOT MEANINGFUL O&R segment net sales for 2023 decreased 24% reflecting soft global demand and distribution losses, partially offset by pricing actions. Changes in foreign currency unfavorably impacted net sales by $14 million, or 1%. Operating loss for 2023 was $83 million as compared to operating income of $86 million in 2022. The decline was primarily due to lower gross profit of approximately $171 million, caused by unfavorable fixed cost leverage associated with lower sales volume, inflation, higher sales promotional activities to reduce elevated inventory levels and inventory write-down due to regulatory restrictions banning the salability of certain of the Company’s products in certain jurisdictions. Additionally, during 2023, there was a $22 million non-cash impairment charge related to an indefinite-lived tradename (see Footnote 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information), and higher restructuring charges primarily in connection with Project Phoenix of approximately $6 million. These factors were partially offset by gross productivity, favorable pricing, savings from restructuring actions and lower advertising costs of approximately $7 million. Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company believes the extent of the impact of the rapidly changing retail and consumer landscape, which reflects an increased focus by retailers to rebalance inventory levels, inflationary pressures and uncertainty over the volatility and direction of future demand patterns on the Company’s future sales, operating results, cash flows, liquidity and financial condition, will continue to be driven by numerous evolving factors the Company cannot accurately predict and which will vary. As noted in Business Strategy and Recent Developments, the Company has taken actions to further strengthen its financial position and balance sheet, and maintain financial liquidity and flexibility, including amending certain terms of its Credit Revolver as well as refinancing certain of its senior notes. The Company believes these actions and its cash generating capability, together with its borrowing capacity and available cash and cash equivalents, provide adequate liquidity to fund its operations, support its growth platforms, pay down debt and debt maturities as they come due and execute its ongoing business initiatives. The Company regularly assesses its cash requirements and the available sources to fund these needs. For further information, refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors – Financial Risks in Part I. 32 At December 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $198 million, of which approximately $145 million was held by the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries. The Company maintains a position of partial permanent reinvestment in the earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries. Deferred taxes are recorded for earnings of the Company’s foreign operations that are determined to be not indefinitely reinvested. See Footnote 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. The table below summarizes the Company’s cash activity for 2024, 2023 and 2022 (in millions): [[GREPCENT_TABLE]] [["","","","Increase (Decrease)"],["","2024","","2023","","2022","","2024","2023"],["Cash provided by (used in) operating activities","$","496","","","$","930","","","$","(272)","","","$","(434)","","$","1,202"],["Cash provided by (used in) investing activities","(151)","","","(199)","","","343","","","48","","(542)"],["Cash used in financing activities","(451)","","","(664)","","","(232)","","","213","","(432)"],["Exchange rate effect on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash","(36)","","","(9)","","","(13)","","","(27)","","4"],["Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash","$","(142)","","","$","58","","","$","(174)","","","$","(200)","","$","232"]] [[/GREPCENT_TABLE]] The Company has historically generated the majority of its operating cash flow in the third and fourth quarters of the year due to seasonal variations in operating results, the timing of annual performance-based compensation payments, customer program payments, working capital requirements and credit terms provided to customers. Cash Flows from Operating Activities The change in net cash provided by 2024 operating activities reflects lower year-over year working capital reductions, primarily relating to inventory in 2024 compared to 2023, and higher incentive compensation payments in the current year, partially offset by improved operating results. The change in net cash provided by operating activities for 2023 primarily reflects a reduction of working capital and lower incentive compensation payments in 2023, partially offset by impact of operating loss and higher restructuring payments. See Capital Resources for further information. Cash Flows from Investing Activities The change in cash used in investing activities for 2024 was primarily due to lower capital expenditures, as significant projects, primarily related to Project Ovid, were mostly executed during 2023, as well as higher proceeds from settlement of swaps. See Footnote 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. The change in net cash used in investing activities for 2023 was primarily due to proceeds from the sale of the CH&S business in 2022. See Footnote 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. Cash Flows from Financing Activities The change in net cash used in financing activities in 2024 was primarily due to lower quarterly dividend payment in the current year and the period-over-period change in debt. The change in net cash used in financing activities for 2023 was primarily due to the period-over-period change in debt, a reduction of the quarterly dividend payment in 2023 that commenced with the second quarter payment, and repurchase of shares of the Company’s common stock in the prior year. See Footnotes 1,9 and 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. 33 Capital Resources The Company currently believes its capital structure and cash resources, as further described below, will continue to support the funding of the future dividends, and the Company will continue to evaluate all actions to strengthen its financial position and balance sheet and to maintain its financial liquidity, flexibility and capital allocation strategy. The Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants at December 31, 2024. Credit Revolver As of December 31, 2024, the Company is a party to a $1.0 billion Credit Revolver maturing in August 2027. The Credit Revolver requires compliance with certain financial covenants. On February 7, 2024, the Company, certain of its subsidiaries, as subsidiary borrowers, and certain of its subsidiaries, as subsidiary guarantors (the “Guarantors”), entered into a Second Amendment to the Credit Revolver. The Second Amendment among other things, reduced the commitments of the lenders from $1.5 billion to $1.0 billion, replaced the Company’s existing financial covenants with new financial covenants, required the Company and the Guarantors to guarantee all obligations under the Credit Revolver, and required the Company and the other Guarantors to grant a lien and security interest in certain of its assets. A failure to maintain the Company’s financial covenants and to subsequently remedy a default would impair its ability to borrow under the Credit Revolver and potentially subject the Company to cross-default and acceleration provisions in its debt documents. The Credit Revolver provides for the issuance of up to $150 million of letters of credit, so long as there is sufficient availability for borrowing under the Credit Revolver. At December 31, 2024, the Company had $40 million of outstanding borrowings under the Credit Revolver and approximately $35 million of outstanding standby letters of credit issued against the Credit Revolver, with a net availability of approximately $925 million. Availability under the Credit Revolver is subject to change in accordance with the terms thereof, including in response to changes to the Company’s pledged collateral value or outstanding borrowings and letters of credit under the Credit Revolver. Customer Receivables Purchase Agreement The Company maintains a factoring agreement with a financial institution to sell certain customer receivables (the “Customer Receivables Purchase Agreement”) up to $700 million. Factored receivables under the Customer Receivables Purchase Agreement at December 31, 2024 were approximately $270 million, an increase of approximately $30 million from December 31, 2023. In addition, the Company, through a wholly-owned special purpose entity (“SPE”), has a three-year factoring agreement with a financial institution to sell up to $225 million, between February and April of each year and up to $275 million at all other times, of certain customer receivables without recourse on a revolving basis (the “Receivables Facility”). Under the Receivables Facility, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries continuously sell their accounts receivables, originated in the U.S., to the SPE and the SPE sells the receivables to the financial institution. The SPE is a variable interest entity for which the Company is considered to be the primary beneficiary. The SPE’s sole business consists of the purchase of receivables from certain subsidiaries of the Company and the subsequent transfer of such receivables to the financial institution. Although the SPE is included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, it is a separate legal entity with separate creditors. The assets of the SPE are not available to pay creditors of the Company or its subsidiaries. The fair value of these servicing arrangements as well as the fees earned was immaterial. The balance of outstanding accounts receivables sold to the financial institution as of December 31, 2024 was approximately $145 million, an increase of approximately $100 million from December 31, 2023. The Company accounts for receivables sold under both factoring agreements as sale of financial assets and derecognizes the trade receivables from the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company classifies the proceeds received from the sales of accounts receivable as an operating cash flow and collections of accounts receivables not yet submitted to the financial institutions as financing cash flow in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company records the discounts as other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Senior Notes In November 2024, the Company completed a registered public offering and sale of the Notes and received proceeds of approximately $1.24 billion, net of fees and expenses paid. The Company used the net proceeds of the offering to fully redeem its outstanding 4.875% senior notes due 2025 and to redeem in part its outstanding 4.200% senior notes due 2026. In November 2024, the Company fully redeemed its 4.875% notes due 2025 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the notes, plus accrued unpaid interest to the date of the redemption. The total consideration was approximately $511 million. The Company also partially redeemed $750 million of the outstanding aggregate amount of the 4.200% senior notes due 2026 at a redemption price of 101.006%. The total consideration, including accrued unpaid interest to the date of its 34 redemption was approximately $764 million. As a result of the aforementioned redemptions, the Company recorded a total loss on debt extinguishment of $13 million. In December 2024, the Company repaid the outstanding aggregate principal amount of its 4.000% senior notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest upon maturity for total consideration of $205 million. In February 2024, Moody’s Corporation (“Moody’s”) and S&P Global Inc. (“S&P”) downgraded the Company’s senior unsecured debt rating to “Ba3” and “BB-”, respectively. As a result, the Company’s outstanding senior notes aggregating to approximately $3.1 billion at that time (the “Coupon-Step Notes”) were subject to an interest rate increase of 25 basis points for each downgrade, or 50 basis points in the aggregate. The change to the interest rate due to the Moody’s and S&P downgrades collectively increased the Company’s interest expense by approximately $16 million on an annualized basis at the time of the downgrades (approximately $12 million in 2024). The partial redemption of the 4.200% senior notes due 2026 during the fourth quarter of 2024 decreased the aggregate amount of the Coupon-Step Notes to $2.3 billion, resulting in a reduction of the Company’s annualized interest expense impact of the February 2024 Moody’s and S&P downgrades by approximately $4 million, reducing the aggregate annualized impact of the downgrades to approximately $12 million beginning in 2025. See Footnote 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. Risk Management From time to time, the Company enters into derivative transactions to hedge its exposures to interest rate, foreign currency rate and commodity price fluctuations. The Company does not enter into derivative transactions for trading purposes. Interest Rate Contracts The Company manages its fixed and floating rate debt mix using interest rate swaps. The Company may use fixed and floating rate swaps to alter its exposure to the impact of changing interest rates on its consolidated results of operations and future cash outflows for interest. Floating rate swaps would be used, depending on market conditions, to convert the fixed rates of long-term debt into short-term variable rates. Fixed rate swaps would be used to reduce the Company’s risk of the possibility of increased interest costs. The settlement of interest rate swaps is included in interest expense. Fair Value Hedges At December 31, 2024, the Company had approximately $1.0 billion notional amount of interest rate swaps that exchange a fixed rate of interest for a variable rate of interest plus a weighted average spread. These floating rate swaps are designated as fair value hedges against $500 million of principal on the 6.375% senior notes due 2027 and $500 million of principal on the 6.625% senior notes due 2029 for the remaining life of the notes. The effective portion of the fair value gains or losses on these swaps is offset by fair value adjustments in the underlying debt. The swap designated as a fair value hedge associated with the $100 million of principal on the 4.000% senior notes due 2024, matured on December 2024, concurrent with the maturity of the notes. Cross-Currency Contracts The Company uses cross-currency swaps to hedge foreign currency risk on certain financing arrangements. The Company previously entered into three cross-currency swaps, maturing in January 2025, February 2025 and September 2027, with an aggregate notional amount of $1.3 billion. During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company closed two of these cross-currency swaps, ahead of maturities of January 2025 and February 2025, with an aggregate notional amount of $900 million and received total consideration of approximately $27 million. Also, during the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company entered into three new cross-currency swaps, two maturing in November 2026 and one in November 2028, with an aggregate notional amount of $770 million. Each of these cross-currency swaps was designated as a net investment hedge of the Company’s foreign currency exposure of its net investment in certain Euro-functional currency subsidiaries with Euro-denominated net assets, and the Company pays a fixed rate of Euro-based interest and receives a fixed rate of U.S. dollar interest. During the third quarter of 2022, the Company entered into two cross-currency swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $1.0 billion, maturing in September 2027 and September 2029. These swaps were designated as net investment hedges of the Company’s foreign currency exposure of its net investment in certain Euro-functional currency subsidiaries with Euro-denominated net assets, and the Company pays a floating rate of Euro-based interest and receives a floating rate of U.S. dollar interest. At December 31, 2024, the Company has cross-currency swaps outstanding with an aggregate notional amount of approximately $2.1 billion. The Company has elected the spot method for assessing the effectiveness of these contracts. 35 Foreign Currency Contracts The Company uses forward foreign currency contracts to mitigate the foreign currency exchange rate exposure on the cash flows related to forecasted inventory purchases and sales with maturity dates through December 2025. The derivatives used to hedge these forecasted transactions that meet the criteria for hedge accounting are accounted for as cash flow hedges. The effective portion of the gains or losses on these derivatives is deferred as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until it is recognized in earnings at the same time that the hedged item affects earnings and is included in the same caption in the statements of operations as the underlying hedged item. At December 31, 2024, the Company had approximately $337 million notional amount outstanding of forward foreign currency contracts that are designated as cash flow hedges of forecasted inventory purchases and sales. The Company also uses foreign currency contracts, primarily forward foreign currency contracts, to mitigate the foreign currency exposure of certain other foreign currency transactions. At December 31, 2024, the Company had approximately $1.0 billion notional amount outstanding of these foreign currency contracts that are not designated as effective hedges for accounting purposes and have maturity dates through June 2025. Fair market value gains or losses are included in the results of operations and are classified in other (income) expense, net in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. The following table presents the fair value of derivative financial instruments at December 31, 2024 (in millions): [[GREPCENT_TABLE]] [["","Asset (Liability)"],["Derivatives designated as effective hedges:"],["Cash flow hedges:"],["Foreign currency contracts","$","8"],["Fair value hedges:"],["Interest rate swaps","(30)"],["Net investment hedges:"],["Cross-currency swaps","27"],["Derivatives not designated as effective hedges:"],["Foreign currency contracts","17"],["Total","$","22"]] [[/GREPCENT_TABLE]] Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements The Company has outstanding debt obligations maturing at various dates through 2046. Certain other items, such as purchase commitments and other executory contracts, are not recognized as liabilities in the Company’s consolidated financial statements but are required to be disclosed. Examples of items not recognized as liabilities in the Company’s consolidated financial statements are commitments to purchase raw materials or inventory that has not yet been received at December 31, 2024, and other non-cancelable obligations including capital assets and other licensing services. The following table summarizes the effect that material contractual obligations and commitments are expected to have on the Company’s cash flow in the indicated period at December 31, 2024. Additional details regarding these obligations are provided in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements: [[GREPCENT_TABLE]] [["(in millions)","","Total","","1 year","","2-3 years","","4-5 years","","After 5 years"],["Debt (1)","","$","4,660","","","$","87","","","$","1,735","","","$","502","","","$","2,336"],["Interest on debt (2)","","2,223","","","297","","","482","","","380","","","1,064"],["Lease obligations (3)","","646","","","110","","","191","","","138","","","207"],["Purchase obligations (4)","","1,183","","","994","","","147","","","35","","","7"],["Total (5)","","$","8,712","","","$","1,488","","","$","2,555","","","$","1,055","","","$","3,614"]] [[/GREPCENT_TABLE]] 36 (1)Amounts represent contractual obligations based on the earliest date that the obligation may become due, excluding interest, based on borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2024. For further information relating to these obligations, see Footnote 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. (2)Amounts represent estimated interest payable on borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2024, excluding the impact of fixed to floating rate interest rate swaps. Interest on floating-rate debt was estimated using the rate in effect as of December 31, 2024. For further information, see Footnote 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. (3)Amounts represent lease liabilities on operating leases as of December 31, 2024. See Footnote 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. (4)Primarily consists of purchase commitments with suppliers entered into as of December 31, 2024, for the purchase of materials, packaging and other components and services. These purchase commitment amounts represent only those items which are based on agreements that are legally enforceable and that specify all significant terms including minimum quantity, price and term and do not represent total anticipated purchases. (5)Total does not include contractual obligations reported as of December 31, 2024 balance sheet as current liabilities, except for the current portion of long-term debt, short-term debt and accrued interest. The Company also has liabilities for uncertain tax positions and unrecognized tax benefits. The Company is under audit from time-to-time by the IRS and other taxing authorities, and it is possible that the amount of the liability for uncertain tax positions and unrecognized tax benefits could change in the coming year. While it is possible that one or more of these examinations may be resolved in the next year, the Company is not able to reasonably estimate the timing or the amount by which the liability will be settled over time; therefore, the $355 million in unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2024 is excluded from the preceding table. See Footnote 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. Additionally, the Company has obligations with respect to its pension and postretirement benefit plans, which are excluded from the preceding table. The timing and amounts of the funding requirements are uncertain because they are dependent on interest rates and actual returns on plan assets, among other factors. See Footnote 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. At December 31, 2024, the Company had approximately $48 million in standby letters of credit primarily related to the Company’s self-insurance programs, including workers’ compensation, product liability and medical. See Footnote 18 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. At December 31, 2024, the Company did not have any significant off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K. Critical Accounting Estimates The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying footnotes. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company’s significant accounting policies are more fully described in Footnote 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company’s most critical accounting policies, which are those that have or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on its financial condition and results of operations, are described below. Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with the customer are satisfied or at a point in time, which generally occurs either on shipment or on delivery based on contractual terms, which is also when control is transferred. The Company’s primary performance obligation is the sale and distribution of its consumer and commercial products to its customers. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. Certain customers may receive cash and/or non-cash incentives such as cash discounts, returns, credits or reimbursements related to defective products, customer discounts (such as volume or trade discounts), cooperative advertising and other customer-related programs, which are accounted for as variable consideration. In some cases, the Company applies judgment, including contractual rates and historical payment trends, when estimating variable consideration. In addition, the Company participates in various programs and arrangements with customers designed to increase the sale of products by these customers. Among the programs negotiated are arrangements under which allowances are earned by customers for attaining agreed-upon sales levels or for participating in specific marketing programs. Coupon programs are also developed on a customer- and territory-specific basis. Under customer programs and arrangements that require sales incentives to be paid in advance, the Company amortizes the amount paid over the period of benefit or contractual sales volume. When incentives are paid in arrears, the Company accrues the estimated 37 amount to be paid based on the program’s contractual terms, expected customer performance and/or estimated sales volume. These estimates are determined using historical customer experience and other factors, which sometimes require significant judgment. Due to the length of time necessary to obtain relevant data from customers, among other factors, actual amounts paid can differ from these estimates. Sales taxes and other similar taxes are excluded from revenue. The Company has elected to account for shipping and handling activities as a fulfillment cost. The Company also elected not to disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) contracts for which revenue is recognized at the amount to which the Company has the right to invoice for services performed. Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangibles Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles are tested and reviewed for impairment annually during the fourth quarter (on December 1), or more frequently if facts and circumstances warrant. On December 1, 2024, the carrying values for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets were $3.0 billion and $937 million, respectively. Goodwill Goodwill is tested for impairment at a reporting unit level, and all of the Company’s goodwill is assigned to its reporting units. Reporting units are determined based upon the Company’s organizational structure in place at the date of the goodwill impairment testing and generally are one level below the operating segment level. The Company’s operations are comprised of six reporting units, within its three primary operating segments. The Company has the option of first analyzing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of any reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. However, the Company may elect to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test in lieu of the qualitative test. When a qualitative goodwill test is performed, the Company analyzes factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The evaluation of qualitative factors includes an assessment of relevant facts, events, and circumstances including but not limited to: macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, and the current and forecasted financial performance of the reporting unit. If the qualitative test indicates it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount the Company performs the quantitative test, which measures the amount of the goodwill impairment, if any. During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company elected to perform a qualitative assessment for the Writing reporting unit and a quantitative assessment for the Commercial and Baby reporting units. Based on the Company’s qualitative assessment, the Company concluded there were no events or circumstances that rise to a level that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below the carrying value; therefore, a quantitative goodwill impairment analysis was not required for the Writing reporting unit. In performing a quantitative assessment, the Company estimates the fair value of each reporting unit by using the income approach. The quantitative goodwill impairment test requires significant use of judgment and assumptions, such as the identification of reporting units; assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units; and estimation of future cash flows, business growth rates, terminal values, discount rates and total enterprise value. The income approach used is the discounted cash flow methodology and is based on five-year cash flow projections reflecting the Company’s latest projections which included, among other things, the impact of current and projected financial performance of the reporting unit at the time the Company performed its impairment testing. The cash flows projected are analyzed on a debt-free basis (before cash payments to equity and interest-bearing debt investors) in order to develop an enterprise value from operations for the reporting unit. A provision is made, based on these projections, for the value of the reporting unit at the end of the forecast period, or terminal value. The present value of the finite-period cash flows and the terminal value are determined using a selected discount rate. Changes in forecasted operations and other assumptions could materially affect the estimated fair values. Changes in business conditions could potentially require adjustments to these asset valuations. See Footnotes 1 and 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. Indefinite-lived intangibles As part of the Company’s annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment testing (primarily tradenames), the Company has the option to first analyze qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. The evaluation of qualitative factors includes an assessment of relevant facts, events, and circumstances including but not limited to: macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, and the current and forecasted financial performance. The 38 Company performs a quantitative test when qualitative factors alone are not sufficient to conclude whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is not impaired. If the Company performs a quantitative test, an impairment loss will only be recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the total carrying value of the asset. During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company elected to perform qualitative assessments for two indefinite-lived intangible assets in the Learning and Development segment and quantitative assessments for two indefinite-lived intangible assets in the H&CS segment as well as two for the L&D segment. Based on the Company’s qualitative assessments, the Company concluded there were no events or circumstances that rise to a level that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of those indefinite-lived intangible assets below the carrying value; therefore, a quantitative impairment analysis was not required for the two indefinite-lived intangible assets in the L&D segment. The quantitative testing of indefinite-lived intangibles (primarily tradenames) under established guidelines for impairment requires significant use of judgment and assumptions (such as cash flow projections, royalty rates, terminal values and discount rates). An indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired by the amount by which its carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value. For impairment testing purposes, the fair value of indefinite-lived intangibles is determined using either the relief from royalty method or the excess earnings method. The relief from royalty method estimates the value of a tradename by discounting the hypothetical avoided royalty payments to their present value over the economic life of the asset. The excess earnings method estimates the value of the intangible asset by quantifying the residual (or excess) cash flows generated by the asset and discounts those cash flows to the present. The excess earnings methodology requires the application of contributory asset charges. Contributory asset charges typically include assumed payments for the use of working capital, tangible assets and other intangible assets. Changes in forecasted operations and other assumptions could materially affect the estimated fair values. Changes in business conditions could potentially require adjustments to these asset valuations. During the fourth quarter of 2024, in conjunction with its annual impairment testing, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charge of $85 million associated with one tradename in the H&CS segment, as the carrying value exceeded the fair value. The decline in the fair value of the tradename in the H&CS segment was the result of downward revision of forecasted revenue mainly due to a distribution loss, which the Company was informed of during the fourth quarter of 2024. A hypothetical 10% reduction in the forecasted revenue and residual (excess) cash flows used in the excess earnings method applied in determining the fair value of the tradename would have resulted in an incremental impairment charge on the H&CS segment of $22 million. During the third quarter of 2024, the Company concluded that triggering events had occurred for indefinite-lived tradenames in the H&CS and L&D segments, as a result of downward revisions of forecasted cash flows primarily due to lower volume and profitability expectations. The Company performed quantitative impairment tests and determined that the indefinite-lived tradenames in the H&CS and L&D segments were impaired. During the third quarter of 2024, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $190 million and $70 million for the indefinite-lived tradenames in the H&CS and in the L&D segments, respectively, as the carrying values exceeded their fair values. During the fourth quarter of 2024, in conjunction with its annual impairment testing, one tradename in the L&D segment had a fair value within 10% of its associated carrying value of $135 million. A hypothetical 10% reduction in the forecasted revenue used in the relief from royalty method in determining the fair value of the tradename would have resulted in an impairment charge of $10 million in the L&D segment. The Company has experienced headwinds due to soft global demand and an increased focus by retailers to rebalance inventory levels in light of continued inflationary pressures on consumers. The Company expects that current market contraction is reflective of a reset of demand levels. If the demand continues to contract or the business fails to regain lost distribution, additional declines in the fair value of reporting units or certain tradenames may occur resulting in an impairment charge. Additional impairment testing may be required based on further deterioration of global demand and/or the macroeconomic environment, further declines in operating results of the Company’s reporting units and/or tradenames, further sustained deterioration of the Company’s market capitalization, and other factors, which may necessitate changes to estimates or valuation assumptions used in the fair value of the reporting units for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible tradenames. Although management cannot predict when improvements in macroeconomic conditions will occur, if consumer confidence and consumer spending continue to decline significantly in the future or if commercial and industrial economic activity experiences a sustained deterioration from current levels, the Company may be required to record further impairment charges in the future. See Footnotes 1 and 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information associated with non-cash indefinite-lived intangibles impairment charges resulting from its annual test and triggering events during 2024. 39 Other Long-Lived Assets The Company continuously evaluates whether impairment indicators related to its property, plant and equipment, operating leases and other long-lived assets are present. These impairment indicators may include a significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset or asset group, early termination of an operating lease, a significant adverse change to the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset or asset group is being used or in its physical condition, or a current-period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses or a forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset or asset group. If impairment indicators are present, the Company estimates the future cash flows for the asset or group of assets. The sum of the undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the asset or group of assets is compared to their carrying amount. The cash flows are estimated utilizing various assumptions regarding future sales and expenses, working capital and proceeds from asset disposals on a basis consistent with the Company’s forecasts. If the carrying amount exceeds the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows, the Company discounts the future cash flows using a discount rate required for a similar investment of like risk and records an impairment charge as the difference between the fair value and the carrying value of the asset group. The Company performs its testing of the asset group at the reporting unit level, as this is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are available, with the exception of the Yankee Candle business, where testing is performed at the retail store level. See Footnotes 6, 7, and 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. Income Taxes The Company accounts for deferred income taxes using the asset and liability approach. Under this approach, deferred income taxes are recognized based on the tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, as measured by current enacted tax rates. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce the deferred tax assets to an amount that will more likely than not be realized. The Company’s income tax provisions are based on calculations and assumptions that are subject to examination by various worldwide tax authorities. Although the Company believes that the positions taken on previously filed tax returns are reasonable, it has established tax, interest and penalty reserves in recognition that various taxing authorities may challenge the positions taken, which could result in additional liabilities for taxes, interest and penalties. The Company regularly reviews its deferred tax assets for recoverability considering historical profitability, projected future taxable income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences and tax planning strategies. For uncertain tax positions, the Company applies the provisions of relevant authoritative guidance, which requires application of a “more likely than not” threshold to the recognition and derecognition of tax positions. The Company’s ongoing assessments of the more likely than not outcomes of tax authority examinations and related tax positions require significant judgment and can increase or decrease the Company’s effective tax rate, as well as impact operating results. The Company’s provision for income taxes is subject to volatility and could be favorably or adversely affected by earnings being higher or lower in countries that have lower tax rates and higher or lower in countries that have higher tax rates; by changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities; by expiration of or lapses in tax-related legislation; by expiration of or lapses in tax incentives; by tax effects of nondeductible compensation; by changes in accounting principles; by liquidity needs driving repatriations of non-U.S. cash to the U.S.; or by changes in tax laws and regulations, including possible U.S. changes to the taxation of earnings of foreign subsidiaries, the deductibility of expenses attributable to foreign income, or the foreign tax credit rules. The Company’s effective tax rate differs from the statutory rate, primarily due to the tax impact of state taxes, foreign tax rates, tax credits, the domestic manufacturing deduction, tax audit settlements and valuation allowance adjustments. Significant judgment is required in evaluating uncertain tax positions, determining valuation allowances recorded against deferred tax assets, and ultimately, the income tax provision. It is difficult to predict when resolution of income tax matters will occur and when recognition of certain income tax assets and liabilities is appropriate, and the Company’s income tax expense in the future may continue to differ from the statutory rate because of the effects of similar items. For example, if items are favorably resolved or management determines a deferred tax asset is realizable that was previously reserved, the Company will recognize period tax benefits. Conversely, to the extent tax matters are unfavorably resolved or management determines a valuation allowance is necessary for a tax asset that was not previously reserved, the Company will recognize incremental period tax expense. These matters are expected to contribute to the tax rate differing from the statutory rate and continued volatility in the Company’s effective tax rate. See Footnote 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. 40 Pensions and Postretirement Benefits The Company records annual amounts relating to its pension and postretirement plans based on calculations, which include various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, assumed rates of return, compensation increases, turnover rates and health care cost trend rates. The Company reviews its actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when it is deemed appropriate to do so. The effect of modifications is generally deferred and amortized over future periods. The Company believes that the assumptions utilized in recording its obligations under its plans are reasonable based on its experience, market conditions and the input from its actuaries and investment advisors. The pension and postretirement obligations are measured at December 31, 2024 and 2023. The Company employs a total return investment approach for its pension and postretirement benefit plans whereby a mix of equities and fixed income investments are used to optimize the long-term return of pension plan assets. The intent of this strategy is to minimize plan expenses by outperforming plan liabilities over the long run. Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status, and corporate financial condition. The investment portfolios contain a diversified blend of equity and fixed-income investments. Furthermore, equity investments are diversified across geography and market capitalization through investments in U.S. large-capitalization stocks, U.S. small-capitalization stocks and international securities. Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through annual liability measurements, periodic asset/liability studies and quarterly investment portfolio reviews. The expected long-term rate of return for plan assets is based upon many factors including expected asset allocations, historical asset returns, current and expected future market conditions, risk and active management premiums. The target asset allocations for the Company’s domestic pension plans may vary by plan, in part due to plan demographics, funded status and liability duration. In general, the Company’s target asset allocations are as follows: equities approximately 25%; fixed income approximately 70%; multi-sector fixed income approximately 5% and nominal for cash, alternative investments and other at December 31, 2024. Actual asset allocations may vary from the targeted allocations for various reasons, including market conditions and the timing of transactions. The Company maintains numerous international defined benefit pension plans. The asset allocations for the international investment may vary by plan and jurisdiction and are primarily based upon the plan structure and plan participant profile. At December 31, 2024, the domestic plan assets were allocated as follows: equities approximately 19% and other investments (alternative investments, fixed-income securities, cash and other) approximately 81%. Actual asset allocations may vary from the targeted allocations for various reasons, including market conditions and the timing of transactions. For 2024, 2023 and 2022, the actual return on plan assets for the Company’s U.S. pension plan assets was approximately $14 million, $57 million and loss of $220 million, respectively, versus an expected return on plan assets of approximately $47 million, $52 million and $47 million, respectively. The actual amount of future contributions will depend, in part, on long-term actual return on assets and future discount rates. Pension contributions for all the Company’s pension plans, postretirement benefit obligations, including supplemental executive retirement plans (“SERPs”) for 2025 are estimated to be approximately $20 million, as compared to the 2024 contributions of approximately $23 million. The weighted average expected return on plan assets assumption for 2024 was approximately 5.4% for all of the Company’s pension plans. The weighted average discount rate at the 2024 measurement date used to measure the pension plans’ (including SERPs’) benefit obligations and postretirement benefit obligations was approximately 5.1% and 4.9%, respectively. A 25 basis points decrease in the discount rate at the 2024 measurement date would increase the pension plans’, including postretirement and SERPs projected benefit obligations, by approximately $20 million. The healthcare cost trend rates used in valuing the Company’s postretirement benefit obligation are established based upon actual healthcare cost trends and consultation with actuaries and benefit providers. At December 31, 2024, the current weighted average healthcare cost trend rate assumption was approximately 6.3%. The current healthcare cost trend rate is assumed to gradually decrease through 2038 to an ultimate healthcare cost trend rate of 4.8%. See Footnote 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. Recent Accounting Pronouncements A summary of recent accounting pronouncements is included in Footnote 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. International Operations The Company’s non-U.S. businesses accounted for approximately 38%, 37% and 35% of net sales for 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively (see Footnote 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). 41 Forward-Looking Statements This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities law. These statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “target,” “plan,” “expect,” “setting up,” “beginning to,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “resume,” “are confident that,” “remain optimistic that,” “seek to,” or similar statements. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are not guarantees because there are inherent difficulties in predicting future results. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: •the Company’s ability to optimize costs and cash flow and mitigate the impact of soft global demand and retailer inventory rebalancing through discretionary and overhead spend management, advertising and promotion expense optimization, demand forecast and supply plan adjustments and actions to improve working capital; •the Company’s dependence on the strength of retail and consumer demand and commercial and industrial sectors of the economy in various countries around the world; •the Company’s ability to improve productivity, reduce complexity and streamline operations; •risks related to the Company’s substantial indebtedness, potential increases in interest rates or changes in the Company’s credit ratings including the failure to maintain financial covenants which if breached could subject us to cross-default and acceleration provisions in our debt documents; •competition with other manufacturers and distributors of consumer products; •major retailers’ strong bargaining power and consolidation of the Company’s customers; •supply chain and operational disruptions in the markets in which we operate, including as a result of geopolitical and macroeconomic conditions and any global military conflicts including those between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East; •changes in the prices and availability of labor, transportation, raw materials and sourced products, including significant inflation, and the Company’s ability to offset cost increases through pricing and productivity in a timely manner; •the Company's ability to effectively execute its turnaround plan, including Project Ovid, the Realignment Plan and other restructuring and cost saving initiatives; •the Company’s ability to develop innovative new products, to develop, maintain and strengthen end-user brands and to realize the benefits of increased advertising and promotion spend; •the risks inherent to the Company’s foreign operations, including currency fluctuations, exchange controls and pricing restrictions; •future events that could adversely affect the value of the Company’s assets and/or stock price and require additional impairment charges; •unexpected costs or expenses associated with dispositions; •the cost and outcomes of governmental investigations, inspections, lawsuits, legislative requests or other actions by third parties, including but not limited to those described in Footnote 18 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the potential outcomes of which could exceed policy limits, to the extent insured; •the Company’s ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting; •risk associated with the use of artificial intelligence in the Company’s operations and the Company’s ability to properly manage such use; •a failure or breach of one of the Company’s key information technology systems, networks, processes or related controls or those of the Company’s service providers; •the impact of United States and foreign regulations on the Company’s operations, including the impact of tariffs and environmental remediation costs and legislation and regulatory actions related to product safety, data privacy and climate change; •the potential inability to attract, retain and motivate key employees; •changes in tax laws and the resolution of tax contingencies resulting in additional tax liabilities; •product liability, product recalls or related regulatory actions; •the Company’s ability to protect its intellectual property rights; •the impact of climate change and the increased focus of governmental and non-governmental organizations and customers on sustainability issues, as well as external expectations related to environmental, social and governance considerations; •significant increases in the funding obligations related to the Company’s pension plans; and •other factors listed from time to time in our SEC filings, including but not limited to our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings. The information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is as of the date indicated. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as a result of new information or future events or developments. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Company has correctly identified and assessed all of the 42 factors affecting the Company or that the publicly available and other information the Company receives with respect to these factors is complete or correct.