Newell Brands (NYSE: NWL) reported Q3 EPS of $0.81, $0.16 better than the analyst estimate of $0.65. Revenue for the quarter came in at $2.28 billion versus the consensus estimate of $2.35 billion.

“Our third quarter results reflect solid progress in a number of areas as we continue to execute the Accelerated Transformation Plan announced in January of this year,” said Michael Polk, President and Chief Executive Officer of Newell Brands. “Our focus on margins and operating cash flow has begun to pay off as we generated strong sequential improvement on both metrics resulting from organization restructuring and diligent cost and working capital management. Core sales results in our continuing business improved sequentially in all segments and regions and we expect that trend to continue into the fourth quarter. We were particularly pleased with the improved trajectory in our Learning & Development segment. Writing core sales returned to growth and we made good financial progress despite the continued impact of the Toys “R” Us bankruptcy on Baby. We passed more than $600 million back to investors in share repurchase and dividends, deployed about $900 million against debt repayment during the quarter and completed a tender offer for another $1 billion in debt reduction in October. We are laser focused on strengthening the operating performance and financial flexibility of the company and are confident that the Accelerated Transformation Plan will create significant value and a return of capital for shareholders.”

GUIDANCE:

Newell Brands sees FY2018 EPS of $2.55-$2.75, versus the consensus of $2.46. Newell Brands sees FY2018 revenue of $8.7-9 billion, versus the consensus of $8.8 billion.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Newell Brands (NWL) click here.