Group 1 - Bank of America lowered Coty Inc.'s price target to $3 from $3.50 and maintained an Underperform rating, citing uncertainty in consumption growth as a primary concern for consumer staples heading into 2026 [1] - TD Cowen also reduced Coty's price target to $3.75 from $4 with a Hold rating, highlighting headwinds such as post-holiday inventory destocking and a saturated promotional environment that may compress margins [2] - Rothschild & Co Redburn initiated coverage of Coty with a Neutral rating and a price target of $3.60, noting potential upside but an unattractive risk-reward profile at current levels due to uncertainty in broader category growth [3] Group 2 - Coty Inc. operates in the beauty products sector, manufacturing and distributing branded products through its Prestige and Consumer Beauty segments [4]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Cosmetics industry is facing challenges due to softer consumer spending, uneven retail restocking, and persistent cost pressures, which are squeezing margins and reshaping demand trends [1][4]. - Companies in this industry manufacture and market a variety of beauty and personal care products, including skincare, fragrance, makeup, and hair care items [3]. Current Challenges - Rising costs for packaging, ingredients, logistics, and promotional activities are impacting profit margins, while trade tensions and potential supply chain disruptions add uncertainty [1][4]. - Consumers are prioritizing essential purchases over discretionary spending, leading to decreased demand for cosmetics [4]. Long-term Growth Drivers - Despite near-term pressures, long-term fundamentals are supported by innovation and digital transformation, with companies investing in product innovation and enhanced e-commerce capabilities [2][6]. - The demand for organic and clean beauty products is growing, prompting companies to innovate and expand their offerings [6]. Industry Performance - The Zacks Cosmetics industry currently holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 177, placing it in the bottom 27% of over 243 Zacks industries, indicating dull near-term prospects [7][8]. - The industry has underperformed the S&P 500, returning 10% over the past year compared to the S&P 500's growth of 18.3% [11]. Valuation Metrics - The industry is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 28.99X, higher than the S&P 500's 23.45X and the sector's 16.42X [14]. Notable Companies - **The Estee Lauder Companies**: Focused on restoring profitability and driving long-term growth through innovation and digital channels, with a Zacks Rank of 1 [17]. The consensus estimate for its EPS has increased by 0.5% to $2.15 [18]. - **Coty Inc.**: Currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3, focusing on stabilizing its Consumer Beauty segment and enhancing e-commerce capabilities. The EPS estimate remains unchanged at 42 cents [21][22]. - **Helen of Troy Limited**: Also holds a Zacks Rank of 3, pursuing sustainable growth through its Leadership Brands and strategic investments. The EPS estimate has decreased by 1.2% to $4.05 [29][24]. - **European Wax Center, Inc.**: Positioned for long-term expansion with a Zacks Rank of 3, focusing on customer acquisition and operational productivity. The EPS estimate has decreased by 4.7% to 61 cents [27][28].

Core Insights - The company is reducing its product development timeline to better align with rapidly changing consumer demand [1] Company Strategy - The maker of Sally Hansen nail polishes and Marc Jacobs perfumes is adapting its strategy to respond to market trends more effectively [1]

Core Viewpoint - Coty has appointed Markus Strobel as the interim CEO starting January 1, 2026, succeeding Sue Nabi, as the company aims to strengthen its leadership in the beauty sector and drive profitability growth and expansion [1][3] Leadership Change - Markus Strobel brings 33 years of experience from Procter & Gamble, where he led the global skin and personal care business, recognized for revitalizing the SK-II brand [1] - Coty expresses confidence in Strobel's ability to lead the company during a critical period, particularly with a strategic review of its consumer beauty business [3] Business Restructuring - Coty is adjusting its product portfolio, having sold the remaining 25.8% stake in Wella to KKR, completing a plan initiated in 2020 to simplify its operations and maximize the value of its Wella business [3] - The proceeds from this transaction will primarily be used to repay short-term and long-term debt, marking a significant milestone in Coty's transformation and long-term deleveraging commitment [3] Impact of Brand Loss - The recent deal between Kering and L'Oréal, valued at over €4 billion, affects Coty's operations of the Gucci brand, which is crucial to Coty's revenue, accounting for approximately 8% of total sales and 11% of profits [4][5] - Losing the Gucci brand is expected to significantly impact Coty's high-end strategy and brand competitiveness in the beauty market [5] Financial Performance - Coty reported a net revenue of $5.893 billion for fiscal year 2025, a decline of 3.68%, resulting in a loss of $381 million, marking a shift from profit to loss [5] - In the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, Coty experienced an 8% revenue decline, with both the high-end beauty and mass beauty segments seeing decreases of 6% and 11%, respectively [5] Strategic Initiatives - In response to challenges, Coty is focusing on its high-end lines, including Hugo Boss and Burberry, with Hugo Boss's new fragrance performing well in Europe [6] - Coty has signed beauty licensing agreements with brands like Etro and Marni, and is launching its own fragrance brand, Infiniment Coty Paris, in 2024, aiming to innovate in the fragrance market [6]

Core Insights - Coty has appointed Markus Strobel as the interim CEO starting January 1, 2026, succeeding Sue Nabi, indicating a significant leadership change at a critical time for the company [1][3] Leadership Change - Markus Strobel brings 33 years of experience from Procter & Gamble, where he was the president of global skin and personal care, overseeing a multi-billion dollar portfolio [3] - Coty expresses strong confidence in Strobel's ability to lead the company through a strategic review of its consumer beauty business, aiming to enhance its leadership position and drive profitability [3] Product Portfolio Adjustment - Coty announced the sale of its remaining 25.8% stake in Wella to KKR-managed capital accounts, completing a plan initiated in 2020 to simplify its portfolio and operations [4] - The proceeds from this sale will primarily be used to repay short-term and long-term debt, marking a key milestone in Coty's transformation and long-term deleveraging commitment [4] Impact of Brand Loss - The recent deal between Kering and L'Oréal, valued at over €4 billion, affects Coty's management of the Gucci brand, which is crucial to its strategy, as Gucci accounts for approximately 8% of Coty's total sales and 11% of its profits [5] - The loss of Gucci's authorization is expected to significantly impact Coty's high-end strategy and brand competitiveness in the beauty market [5] Financial Performance Challenges - Coty reported a net revenue of $5.893 billion for fiscal year 2025, a decline of 3.68%, and a loss of $381 million, marking a shift from profit to loss [6] - In the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, Coty experienced an 8% revenue decline, with both high-end and mass beauty segments seeing decreases of 6% and 11%, respectively [6] Strategic Initiatives - In response to challenges, Coty is focusing on its high-end brands, including Hugo Boss and Burberry, with Hugo Boss's new fragrance performing well in Europe [6] - Coty has signed beauty licensing agreements with Italian luxury brands Etro and Marni, as well as Swarovski, and is launching its own fragrance brand, Infiniment Coty Paris, in 2024 [6]

Core Viewpoint - Evercore ISI analyst Robert Ottenstein downgraded Coty (COTY) to In Line from Outperform with a price target of $7, citing a lack of visibility on timing and catalysts for potential value unlock despite the shares appearing undervalued [1] Summary by Category - **Analyst Downgrade**: Coty has been downgraded by Evercore ISI from Outperform to In Line [1] - **Price Target**: The new price target for Coty is set at $7 [1] - **Investment Thesis**: CEO Nabi has been central to Coty's investment thesis, but the firm now lacks visibility on potential catalysts for value unlock [1] - **Stock Valuation**: Evercore expects Coty's stock to remain undervalued and considers outperformance as "unlikely" [1]

Core Insights - Coty Inc. has been downgraded by Santander to a Neutral rating, with the stock price currently at $3.14, amidst significant strategic changes within the company [1] - The company has sold its remaining 25.8% stake in Wella to KKR & Co. Inc. for $750 million in cash, which is part of its strategy to concentrate on core beauty and fragrance businesses [2][5] - The sale is expected to enhance Coty's financial flexibility and reduce its net leverage to approximately three times by the end of 2025 [3][5] - Following the announcement of the Wella stake sale, Coty's stock saw an increase, indicating a positive market reaction despite the downgrade [4] Financial Position - The sale of the Wella stake is anticipated to provide Coty with the ability to reduce both short- and long-term debt [2] - Coty's market capitalization is approximately $2.74 billion, with a trading volume of 7,709,091 shares on the NYSE [4]

Upgrades - CFRA upgraded Pool Corp. (POOL) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $304 [2] - Piper Sandler upgraded SEI Investments (SEIC) to Overweight from Neutral with a price target of $102, increased from $93, citing SEI as a "clear beneficiary" of the expanding alternatives landscape [2] - TD Cowen upgraded Ametek (AME) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $230, up from $180, noting that backlog remains near highs and is expected to grow [3] Downgrades - TD Cowen downgraded Janus Henderson (JHG) to Hold from Buy with a price target of $49 after the company agreed to be acquired for $7.4 billion or $49.00 per share [4] - Piper Sandler downgraded Clearwater Analytics (CWAN) to Neutral from Overweight with a price target of $24.55, down from $27, following its agreement to be acquired for $24.55 per share in cash [4] - BMO Capital downgraded Brown & Brown (BRO) to Market Perform from Outperform with a price target of $88, down from $90, due to lower consensus organic growth estimates for 2026 [5] - Evercore ISI downgraded Coty (COTY) to In Line from Outperform with a price target of $7, citing a lack of visibility on timing and catalysts for potential value unlock [6] Initiations - Oppenheimer initiated coverage of Spruce Biosciences (SPRB) with an Outperform rating and a price target of $283, supported by FDA confirmation of compelling clinical biomarker data [7] - LifeSci Capital initiated coverage of Sionna Therapeutics (SION) with an Outperform rating and a price target of $60, highlighting multiple quality shots on goal with its therapies [7] - Oppenheimer initiated coverage of Aardvark Therapeutics (AARD) with an Outperform rating and a price target of $35, noting the company's differentiated obesity franchise [7] - JonesResearch initiated coverage of Septerna (SEPN) with a Buy rating and a price target of $43, forecasting $2.5 billion in unadjusted U.S. peak sales in 2035 [7] - Loop Capital initiated coverage of Malibu Boats (MBUU) with a Buy rating and a price target of $34, indicating the marine industry is in the late stages of inventory rationalization [7]

Core Viewpoint - Coty Group is undergoing a significant leadership change with Markus Strobel appointed as Executive Chairman and Interim CEO, marking a strategic shift aimed at restructuring and enhancing the company's market position in high-end fragrances and mass beauty sectors [1][2][3]. Leadership Transition - Markus Strobel, a veteran from Procter & Gamble with over 30 years of experience, will lead Coty during a critical phase of strategic review and business transformation [1][2]. - Strobel's dual role as Executive Chairman and Interim CEO indicates he will have substantial authority to drive change during the transition period, despite the CEO title being temporary [3][4]. Background of New Leadership - Strobel's career at Procter & Gamble includes various roles across multiple sectors, with notable success in revitalizing the SK-II brand, particularly in the Chinese market [4][5]. - His leadership at SK-II resulted in 18 consecutive quarters of growth, with a 30% sales increase in 2018, showcasing his capability in brand rejuvenation and digital transformation [4][5]. Strategic Context - The leadership change reflects Coty's transition from a phase of "repair and stabilization" to one of "strategic restructuring and accelerated growth," indicating a potential overhaul in strategic focus, operational models, and organizational culture [8][10]. - Coty faces structural challenges post-pandemic, with approximately 60% of its net revenue derived from high-end fragrance business, which is increasingly vulnerable due to reliance on a few key licensed brands [12][20]. Financial Performance and Challenges - Coty's financial performance has been under pressure, with a reported net revenue of $1.577 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, down 8% year-over-year, and a market capitalization around $2.9 billion against a debt of $3.8 billion [20]. - The company is also experiencing a decline in its mass beauty segment, with a reported 11% drop in net revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, continuing a trend from the previous fiscal year [20]. Strategic Initiatives - To mitigate risks from core license losses, Coty is expanding its brand portfolio by signing new beauty licensing agreements and launching its own fragrance brand, INFINIMENT COTY PARIS, which aims to innovate in the fragrance sector [16][18]. - The new leadership is expected to introduce a more targeted strategy, potentially focusing on high-end skincare and re-evaluating Coty's approach in the color cosmetics sector [23][25]. Future Outlook - The appointment of Strobel signifies a new strategic cycle for Coty, with expectations for a systematic approach to brand management and operational efficiency, leveraging his extensive experience from Procter & Gamble [21][27]. - The beauty industry will closely monitor how Coty adapts its market strategies, particularly in key markets like China, under Strobel's leadership [27].

Core Insights - Coty has appointed Markus Strobel as executive chairman of the board and interim CEO, effective January 1, 2026, following the planned departures of Peter Harf and Sue Nabi [1][4] Group 1: Leadership Transition - Markus Strobel brings over 30 years of experience from Procter & Gamble, where he led the global skin and personal care division and oversaw various beauty categories [1][2] - Strobel's appointment comes at a critical time as Coty conducts a strategic review of its Consumer Beauty division [3] Group 2: Company Background and Recent Developments - Coty, founded in Paris in 1904, operates in the beauty sector, offering fragrance, cosmetics, and skin and body care products in over 120 countries [5] - Under Sue Nabi's leadership, Coty launched new fragrances and reduced its financial net leverage to approximately 3 times [5] - Recently, Coty agreed to sell its remaining 25.8% stake in professional haircare group Wella to KKR-managed investment funds [5]