| Item 2.05. | Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities |
On May 24, 2023, Newell Brands Inc. (the “Company”) committed to a restructuring and savings initiative that is intended to simplify and streamline its North American distribution network (the “Network Optimization Project”) in order to improve the Company’s cost structure and operating margins while maintaining focus on customer and consumer fulfillment. The Company expects to initiate the Network Optimization Project during fiscal year 2023 and for it to be substantially implemented by the end of fiscal year 2024. The Network Optimization Project incorporates a variety of initiatives, including a reduction in the overall number of distribution centers, an optimization of distribution by location, and completion of select automation investments intended to further streamline the Company’s cost structure and to maximize operating performance.
The Company expects to realize annual pre-tax cost savings of $25 million to $35 million, including real estate savings and other bought cost reductions, in connection with the Network Optimization Project when it is fully implemented.
The Company estimates that it will incur approximately $37 million to $49 million in restructuring and restructuring-related charges associated with execution of the Network Optimization Project and expects that the costs incurred will be substantially complete by the end of 2024. This estimate of charges consists primarily of $8 million to $11 million in charges related to cash severance payments and other termination benefits and approximately $29 million to $38 million in charges associated with industrial site reductions. Of the aggregate amount of charges that the Company estimates it will incur in connection with the Network Optimization Project, the Company expects that approximately $35 million to $44 million will be in future cash expenditures. The Company also expects to incur $30 million to $40 million in capital expenditures related to the Network Optimization Project.
The estimates of the charges and expenditures that the Company expects to incur in connection with the Network Optimization Project and the timing thereof, are subject to a number of assumptions and actual amounts may differ materially from estimates. In addition, the Company may incur other charges or cash expenditures not currently contemplated due to unanticipated events that may occur, including in connection with the implementation of the Network Optimization Project.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Current Report on Form 8-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements related to the expected savings and other benefits, expected capital expenditures, the timing of initiation and completion of the Network Optimization Project, and the expected costs, cash expenditures and charges. These forward-looking statements are based upon the Company’s current plans, assumptions, beliefs, and expectations. Forward-looking statements are subject to the occurrence of many events outside of the Company’s control. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the risks and uncertainties included in the Company’s reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K and in other filings the Company makes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, available at www.sec.gov. Forward-looking statements should be considered in light of these risks and uncertainties. Investors and others are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date hereof. The Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
