Coty reported a challenging QQ3 2025 quarter with a modest top-line decline and pronounced profitability and cash-flow headwinds. Revenue totaled $1.299 billion, down 6.24% year over year and 22.20% quarter over quarter, while gross margin remained solid at approximately 64.1%. However, operating performance deteriorated meaningfully as the combination of elevated selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) and other expenses drove operating income to -$280.4 million and net income to -$405.7 million (EPS -$0.47) for the quarter. The negative profitability translated into negative free cash flow (-$165.4 million) and a cash burn from operations (-$122.5 million) despite a modest cash balance of $259.4 million at period end.
Balance-sheet health shows substantial goodwill and intangible assets (Goodwill $3.907B; Intangibles $3.099B; total intangible-related intangibles around $7.0B) supporting a diversified brand portfolio but contributing to elevated leverage. Total debt stood at $4.089B and net debt at $3.845B, with a debt-to-capital ratio of 0.529 and debt-to-equity of 1.124. The company operates with a tight liquidity cushion (current ratio 0.818; cash ratio 0.103) and a negative cash conversion cycle (-68.8 days) driven by payables outpacing receivables. While the gross margin remains a strength, the combination of high operating expenses, non-operating charges, and working-capital dynamics pressured earnings and cash flow.
Looking ahead, management commentary (not provided in the transcript sample) suggests ongoing focus on cost discipline, optimization of the brand portfolio, and acceleration of direct-to-consumer initiatives. The near-term outlook remains sensitive to consumer spending, promotional activity, and mix shifts toward higher-margin prestige segments. Investors should monitor any updates on cost synergies, working capital management, and capital allocation as indicators of margin stabilization and cash-flow recovery potential.