Coty (NYSE:COTY) reported Q4 EPS of ($0.01), in-line with the analyst estimate of ($0.01). Revenue for the quarter came in at $1.17 billion versus the consensus estimate of $1.14 billion.
GUIDANCE:
Entering 1Q23, Coty continues to see prestige fragrance market momentum globally, coupled with strong demand growth particularly in Europe, global Travel Retail, Middle East & Africa, and Brazil. The combination of this market backdrop, and Coty's strong launch pipeline in both Prestige and Consumer Beauty, are fueling the Company's expectations for FY23 for the core business, adjusting for the impact of the Russia exit, to grow relatively in-line with its medium-term growth algorithm, including 6-8% LFL revenue growth. Based on current exchange rates, the Company anticipates FX headwinds on revenues in FY23 to be 4-5%.
Coty is targeting FY23 adjusted EBITDA of $955-965M based on current FX rates, relatively in-line with its medium term growth target of +9-11%, adjusting for the impact of the Russia exit.
Coty expects FY23 adjusted EPS growth in the mid-teens, which assumes no significant changes in the current tax regulations or any mark-to-market adjustments on the equity swap. The Company anticipates adjusted EPS growth acceleration in FY24 and beyond fueled by lower interest expenses as part of its deleveraging efforts, consistent with its medium-term targets.
1Q23 and 1H23 revenue and EBITDA growth trends are expected to be in-line with the annual growth targets. 1H23 sales results will include the impact from exiting the Russia business, estimated at 2-3% of revenues, as well as estimated FX headwind on sales of 4-6% at current rates.
In addition, the Company continues to target leverage towards 4x exiting CY22 based on CY22 adjusted EBITDA approaching $950M, and continues to expect leverage of approximately 2x exiting CY25.