“We anticipated this would be the softest quarter of the fiscal year and we remain confident in stronger growth in the back half.”

In context

“6. I'll close with guidance for fiscal '26, and then we'll take your questions. As we expected, second-quarter top-line results heavily reflect underlying market trends and impacts from base period dynamics. As a reminder, the base period included trade and consumer pantry loading, driven by port strikes and hurricanes in early October, and the fear of additional port strikes in late December. The biggest impacts were on the baby, feminine and family care sector, the fabric and home care sector. These base period impacts were concentrated in the US market. The balance of the company grew organic sales nearly 3% with almost all regions outside the US growing or accelerating in the quarter. Bottom-line results followed the top line. We continue to prioritize full investment in the business. We anticipated this would be the softest quarter of the fiscal year and we remain confident in stronger growth in the back half. So moving to the details. Organic sales were in line with the prior year. Volume was down one point, pricing up a point, and mix was flat for the quarter. Seven of 10 product categories held or grew organic sales. Hair Care grew mid-single digits, Skin and personal care, personal health care, home care, and oral care, were each up low single digits. Grooming and Fabric Care were each in line with a year ago, Baby care and feminine care were each down low singles, and family care was down approximately 10%, primarily due to the base period dynamics we described. As a side note, organic sales excluding Family Care were up 1% for the quarter. Seven of 10 regions grew organic sales, Focus markets were down 1%. Organic sales in North America were down 2%. Volume was down three points, includin”