🔒Shelton-based Edgewell ramps up restructuring as tariffs, weaker North America sales weigh on results

Shelton-based Edgewell Personal Care Co. announced it is increasing the scope of a restructuring initiative tied to manufacturing and supply chain changes as the consumer products company navigates tariff pressures and slowing sales in North America. The company, which owns brands including Schick, Banana Boat and Wet Ones, said Wednesday it now expects to record about $90 million in restructuring-related charges during fiscal 2026, up from a prior estimate of $65 million. Edgewell said the effort is focused on simplifying operations and improving efficiency, including additional consolidation within its wet shave business. The moves come several months after Edgewell completed the $340 million sale of its feminine care business to Sweden-based Essity AB, part of a broader strategy to focus on shaving, grooming and skin care products. Earlier this year, the company also announced plans to close its Schick manufacturing facility in Milford, a decision expected to affect 293 workers over the next two years. For the fiscal second quarter ended March 31, Edgewell reported net sales of $519.5 million, up slightly from the same period a year ago. Excluding currency impacts, however, sales declined 2.4%. Profitability weakened during the quarter. Net income from continuing operations fell to $4 million, or 9 cents per diluted share, down from $20.8 million, or 43 cents per diluted share, in the year-ago period. The company said higher costs tied to inflation and tariffs contributed to lower margins, outweighing savings from productivity initiatives. CEO Rod Little said Edgewell is continuing to reshape its portfolio following the feminine care divestiture in an effort to improve margins and focus resources on key product categories. Sales trends varied by geography. International organic sales increased 1% during the quarter, while North American organic sales fell 4.8%, driven mainly by weaker wet shave and sun care demand. The company said grooming products performed better, with sales growth in its Cremo brand helping offset declines elsewhere.