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Key Takeaways NWL is improving efficiency through automation, supply-chain optimization and cost controls.Newell reported a 70-basis-point gross margin expansion in Q1 2026, supported by productivity and pricing. NWL is strengthening commercial capabilities through organizational realignment and innovation. Newell Brands Inc. (NWL - Free Report) continues to enhance operational efficiency and profitability through its ongoing productivity initiatives. The company is focused on driving productivity gains by expanding automation and implementing disciplined cost-control measures. Its strategy emphasizes optimizing category mix, strengthening revenue-growth management, rationalizing SKUs and enhancing supply-chain performance to improve efficiency and support sustainable growth.

Newell continues to benefit from its productivity initiatives and strategic pricing actions, which have been supporting margin expansion. In the first quarter of 2026, normalized gross margin increased 70 basis points (bps) year over year to 33.2%, as productivity improvements and favorable net pricing more than offset inflationary pressures, tariff costs and lower volumes. Normalized operating margin expanded 30 bps to 4.8%, driven by disciplined cost management despite higher advertising and promotional spending. Management expects 2026 normalized operating margin guidance of 8.6-9.2%.

The company has implemented a corporate strategy that prioritizes investments in innovation, brand-building and go-to-market excellence across its brands and markets. NWL is strengthening its commercial capabilities and improving organizational efficiency. Strategic pricing and productivity actions have successfully mitigated inflation and currency translation impacts, contributing to the company’s performance.

Newell’s organizational realignment is aimed at strengthening its front-end commercial capabilities, deepening consumer insights and reinforcing its brand portfolio. The initiative is expected to enhance accountability, improve operational efficiency, simplify the organizational structure and free up resources for strategic reinvestment.

Overall, the company continues to strengthen its competitive position through consumer-led innovation and disciplined execution of its productivity and simplification initiatives. Newell’s focus on automation, supply-chain optimization, SKU rationalization and strategic pricing is driving efficiency gains, while its organizational transformation is streamlining operations and supporting long-term profitable growth.

NWL’s Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesShares of Newell have gained 48.9% year to date compared with the industry’s growth of 5.8%.

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From a valuation standpoint, NWL trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 9.25X compared with the industry’s average of 18.9X.

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The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NWL’s 2026 EPS remains breakeven while that of 2027 indicates year-over-year growth of 11.3%. The company’s EPS estimates for 2026 and 2027 have been stable in the past 30 days.

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NWL stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Stocks to Consider in the Consumer Staples SpaceThe Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. (CHEF - Free Report) , which is a distributor of specialty food products in the United States, currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Chefs' Warehouse’s current financial-year sales indicates growth of 8.3% from the prior-year level. CHEF delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 28.9%, on average.

Nomad Foods Limited (NOMD - Free Report) , which manufactures and distributes frozen foods, currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

The consensus estimate for Nomad Foods’ current financial-year sales is expected to rise 0.5% from the year-ago reported figure. NOMD delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 8.6%, on average.

Medifast, Inc. (MED - Free Report) , which is a leading manufacturer and distributor of clinically-proven healthy living products and programs, currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2. MED delivered an average earnings surprise of 65.5% in the last reported quarter.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Medifast’s current financial-year sales indicates a decline of 26% from the year-ago number.

Key Takeaways Newell's core sales fell 3.5% in Q1 but improved sequentially and beat management's expectations.Six of Newell's top 10 brands gained share, while six delivered year-over-year POS growth in Q1.Newell plans 25 major innovations in 2026 and expects core sales growth to return in Q2. Newell Brands Inc.’s (NWL - Free Report) turnaround strategy appears to be gaining traction, supported by improving consumer demand, stronger point-of-sale trends and market share gains across several key brands. Although core sales remained negative in the first quarter, management’s commentary suggests that the company’s renewed focus on innovation, advertising investments and retail execution is beginning to translate into better business performance, raising the question of whether Newell is approaching a sustainable growth inflection point.

The numbers suggest meaningful progress. First-quarter core sales declined 3.5% year over year, but the result exceeded management’s expectations and marked a sequential improvement from prior quarters. Six of Newell’s top 10 brands gained market share during the quarter, while six brands also posted year-over-year point-of-sale growth for the first time in more than four years. The Learning & Development segment returned to growth, driven by a 4.9% increase in the Baby business. Additionally, the company benefited from a $25 million net pricing advantage tied to improved customer program management, helping normalize operating margin and expand it by 30 basis points to 4.8%.

A key driver behind the improving sales trajectory is Newell’s strengthened innovation pipeline. The company plans to launch 25 Tier 1 and Tier 2 innovations in 2026, up from 18 in the previous year, with products spanning all business segments. Management noted strong early consumer response to innovations such as Graco’s new car seats and Coleman’s Snap 'N Go cooler. Coupled with higher advertising and promotional spending, these initiatives are supporting stronger retailer relationships, distribution gains and shelf placement opportunities, which should provide additional sales momentum throughout the year.

Despite encouraging signs, challenges remain. Commodity inflation, particularly higher resin and transportation costs, continues to pressure profitability, while consumer spending trends remain uneven across income groups. Nevertheless, Newell’s reduced exposure to China sourcing, expanded domestic manufacturing capabilities and disciplined cost-management efforts position the company well to navigate these headwinds. With management now expecting a return to core sales growth in the second quarter and raising its full-year sales outlook, the turnaround story appears increasingly credible, though sustained execution will be critical to proving that the recovery is durable.

Newell’s Zacks Rank & Share Price PerformanceShares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have rallied 43.8% in the past three months, outperforming both the industry and the broader Consumer Staples sector, which rose 0.1% and 2.9%, respectively.

NWL Stock's Past Three-Month Performance
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Is NWL a Value Play Stock?Newell currently trades at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 8.59X, which is notably lower than the industry multiple of 17.84X and the sector average of 16.47X. This valuation positions the stock at a modest discount relative to both its direct peers and the broader consumer staples sector.

NWL P/E Ratio (Forward 12 Months)
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Stocks to ConsiderThe Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. (CHEF - Free Report) distributes specialty food and center-of-the-plate products in the United States, the Middle East and Canada. At present, CHEF sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. 

The consensus estimate for Chefs' Warehouse’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 8.3% and 24.7%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figures. CHEF delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 28.9%, on average.

United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI - Free Report) distributes natural, organic, specialty, produce and conventional grocery and non-food products in the United States and Canada. At present, United Natural carries a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy). UNFI delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 29.9%, on average.

The consensus estimate for United Natural’s current fiscal-year earnings implies growth of 254.9% from the year-ago figures.

Mama's Creations, Inc. (MAMA - Free Report) manufactures and markets fresh deli-prepared foods in the United States. At present, MAMA has a Zacks Rank of 2. Mama's Creations delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 129.2%, on average.

The consensus estimate for Mama's Creations’ current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 30% and 73.3%, respectively, from the year-ago figures.