BIC (BB) Q1 2026 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Q1 2026 organic net sales grew by 1.6%, meeting expectations, with broad-based gains across categories and regions, except for declines in the Middle East and Africa due to ongoing conflict.

• US performance improved, led by Stationery and Lighters, while Tangle Teezer delivered 13% organic growth with double-digit gains in North America and Europe.

• Portfolio streamlined by exiting underperforming businesses, with new leadership fully operational and a strategic plan to be announced in September 2026.

Financial highlights

• Q1 2026 net sales were €453m, up 1.6% organically year-over-year, but down 5.3% reported due to negative FX (-5.0%) and perimeter (-1.9%) impacts.

• Stationery contributed €4m, lighters €3m, and Blade Excellence €1m to organic growth.

• All divisions posted organic growth: Human Expression +3.0%, Flame for Life +1.7%, Blade Excellence +0.6%.

• Latin America led regional organic growth at +5.3%; North America and Europe both grew +1.6% organically.

• Volume declined by 1%, while price/mix was positive across all markets.

Outlook and guidance

• 2026 outlook remains unchanged: improving organic net sales trends, slight expansion in adjusted EBIT margin, and stable free cash flow year-over-year.

• Cautious stance maintained due to ongoing volatility, especially in the Middle East.

• Full strategy update to be presented in September; focus remains on delivering commitments and sustainable growth.