Chair and CEO Linda Rendle on Q1 FY26 performance and outlook
By Linda Rendle, Chair and Chief Executive Officer
As we reflect on our performance from the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, we marked a major milestone: the successful launch of our new enterprise resource planning system in the U.S. This foundational step in our transformation journey has strengthened our digital backbone, unlocking real-time visibility, stronger demand planning, and faster execution — all in service of delivering superior value at a time when our consumers need it most.
While the ERP transition went smoothly, we did encounter some order fulfillment challenges that led to temporary out-of-stocks. Early in September, we projected that first-quarter net sales would likely be at the low end of our guidance range. However, thanks to our team’s resilience and a stronger-than-expected recovery, our results ultimately exceeded expectations. We landed in the middle of our original guidance range, though we expect some timing effects will impact second-quarter sales.
While we’re keeping our full-year forecasts for net sales, gross margin, and adjusted EPS unchanged, we now expect results to be toward the lower end of our projected range due to earlier order fulfillment issues that resulted in lower consumption and lost market share.
Despite these temporary challenges, we’re now fully focused on our demand creation plan to deliver superior value to our consumers and reinvigorate category growth. While consumers face ongoing challenges, they’re seeking value and superior experiences. We’re adapting to evolving trends by providing options that cater to their diverse needs and deliver enhanced experiences. We’ve seen positive consumer response to our new offerings, such as protein-forward Hidden Valley Ranch Dippers & Toppers, and Burt’s Bees’ expanded product lines. This dedication to delivering exceptional value and experiences, coupled with a strong pipeline of innovations scheduled for the back half of the fiscal year, will help us recover our market share loss following our ERP implementation.
Looking ahead, we remain confident in our IGNITE strategy, fueling growth through innovation, digital transformation, and disciplined reinvestment. Our fiscal year 2026 plan positions us for scalable platforms and long-term value creation, as our ERP implementation equips us with sharper insights and deeper operational visibility.
