Stéphane de La Faverie, chief executive officer of the Estée Lauder Cos., has officially completed building out his executive team with his latest appointment. René Lammers Ph.D. has been named executive vice president, chief research and innovation officer, effective Oct. 1, reporting directly to de La Faverie. More from WWD Lammers joins from PepsiCo, where he most recently served as executive vice president and chief science officer, overseeing global R&D. Prior to PepsiCo, he held senior leadership p ...

Core Points - As of August 31, 2025, EssilorLuxottica has a total of 463,145,529 shares outstanding [3] - The number of real voting rights, excluding treasury shares, is 461,157,737 [3] - The theoretical number of voting rights, including treasury shares, remains the same at 463,145,529 [3] - Voting rights for any shareholder are capped at 31%, as per the company's by-laws [3][2]

Company Overview - The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL) has a market cap of $31.9 billion and is a global leader in the beauty industry, offering a wide range of products including skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care under brands like Estée Lauder, Clinique, and M·A·C [1] - EL is classified as a "large-cap" stock, with products distributed globally through various channels including department stores, specialty retailers, and online platforms [2] Stock Performance - EL shares have decreased 14.3% from their 52-week high of $103.44, but have increased 28.6% over the past three months, outperforming the S&P 500 Index's gain of 8.4% during the same period [3] - Year-to-date, EL stock is up 18.3%, surpassing the S&P 500's return of 10.7%, but has only risen 2.1% over the past 52 weeks, lagging behind the S&P 500's 19% surge [4] Financial Performance - In Q4 2025, Estée Lauder reported an adjusted EPS of $0.09 and revenue of $3.4 billion, which was better than expected; however, shares fell 3.7% due to a full-year adjusted EPS forecast of $1.90 - $2.10 that was below analysts' expectations [5] - Management indicated that a $100 million tariff-related impact and elevated global trade costs would negatively affect margins, alongside weaknesses in key markets such as the U.S., China, and Europe [5] Competitive Landscape - Rival Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (CHD) has underperformed compared to EL, with CHD stock declining 9.4% year-to-date and 10.1% over the past 52 weeks [6] - Despite recent underperformance, analysts maintain a moderately optimistic outlook on Estée Lauder, with a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and a mean price target of $91.43, representing a 3.1% premium to current levels [6]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for international cosmetics and medical beauty companies [2]. Core Insights - The global beauty market is projected to grow at a rate of 4.5% in 2024, down from 8% in 2023, indicating a slowdown in growth [3][12]. - The European market outperformed the global average with a year-on-year growth of 7.5%, while the North Asia market saw a decline of 2% [3][12]. - Major international brands are facing challenges in the Chinese market, with a significant reliance on tourism retail channels, which have been underperforming [3][19]. - L'Oréal reported a 3% recovery in its Chinese market in Q2, while Estee Lauder and Shiseido continue to struggle with declining revenues [3][19]. Summary by Sections 1. Global Beauty Market Trends - The beauty market has shown a stable trend in 2024, with regional disparities in performance. The European market is robust, while North Asia is lagging [3][12]. - The overall performance of international groups is declining, with L'Oréal's growth slowing down [3][15]. 2. L'Oréal Performance - L'Oréal achieved a 3% growth in its Chinese market in Q2, despite ongoing challenges in tourism retail [3][19]. - The company's overall revenue growth for 25H1 was 1.6%, with a notable increase in operating profit by 3.1% [26][29]. 3. Estee Lauder Performance - Estee Lauder's revenue declined by 10.9% in 25H1, with the company facing significant operational challenges [3][44]. - The company has been undergoing a strategic restructuring to address its declining performance [44][48]. 4. Shiseido Performance - Shiseido's revenue fell by 7.6% in 25H1, with a focus on its ELIXIR brand for growth [3][44]. - The company is experiencing a K-shaped recovery, with some brands performing well while others struggle [3][44]. 5. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on companies with strong growth potential, such as Up Beauty and Maogeping, as well as established brands like Proya and Marubi [4][5]. - In the medical beauty sector, recommendations include Aimeike and Langzi [4].

Group 1 - The session included a video presentation that outlined the "5 pillars of Beauty Reimagined," which were initially shared externally in February [2] - The company has been aligning its strategies with previously identified needs, indicating a proactive approach to its business model [3] Group 2 - The discussion emphasized the importance of the forward-looking statements disclosure, suggesting a focus on transparency and future planning [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is entering fiscal 2026 with momentum, indicating a positive shift in performance [7] - The company has experienced a turnaround in market share, particularly in the U.S. and China, after years of decline [9] - The goal is to achieve a low single-digit growth in China, with a focus on gaining market share [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas organization has gained market share for the first time in a long time, attributed to consumer-facing investments and coverage [14] - The company aims for over 25% of total business to come from innovation, with a commitment to tripling innovation in less than a year [11][22] - The launch of brands on Amazon has been significant, with 11 brands now available in the U.S. and expansion into Canada, Mexico, and the U.K. [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Chinese market is stabilizing, with the company gaining market share across various brands, including La Mer and Tom Ford [32] - The competitive landscape in China shows international brands growing faster than local brands, with a significant portion of the market still held by international brands [34] - Emerging markets, particularly India and Southeast Asia, are critical to the company's growth strategy, with a goal of increasing their contribution to total business [37] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a transformation strategy called "Beauty Reimagined," which includes five pillars aimed at improving market share and operational efficiency [4][8] - There is a clear strategy to reposition products at more acceptable price points to attract new consumers and reengage lapsed ones [26][29] - The company is committed to investing efficiently across brands and regions to ensure balanced growth [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management is optimistic about the U.S. market's robustness and the potential for luxury beauty to perform well despite economic challenges [42] - There are concerns about consumer confidence in Continental Europe, particularly in France, Germany, and the U.K., which may pose risks [44] - The company is focused on creating an agile operating model to enhance speed and efficiency in decision-making [62] Other Important Information - The company is undergoing a significant operational transformation, which is the largest in its history, aimed at simplifying processes and improving decision-making [13] - The use of AI has been highlighted as a key factor in improving efficiency in product development and reducing risks [24][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for growth in China? - The company expects mid single-digit growth in China, with a focus on gaining market share and diversifying its portfolio [31][32] Question: How does the company view the competitive environment in China? - International brands are currently growing faster than local brands, with a significant market share still held by international brands [34] Question: What is the strategy for emerging markets? - The company aims to increase the contribution of emerging markets to at least mid double digits, with a focus on India and Southeast Asia [37][39] Question: How is the company balancing investment and margin restoration? - The company is focused on reinvesting to fuel growth while also aiming to restore and build margins through efficiency [70][72] Question: What does success look like for the company in the next year? - Success will be measured by consistent market share gains beyond the U.S. and China, and the ability to create an agile operating model [75][76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is entering fiscal 2026 with momentum and has made progress in transforming its operations, particularly in regaining market share in the Americas and China after years of decline [4][6] - The company aims for a significant improvement in adjusted operating margin, targeting a swing of 8% to 11% within one fiscal year, with a midpoint improvement of 165 basis points [65][66] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas region has seen a positive shift, with the company gaining market share for the first time in a long while, attributed to increased consumer-facing spend and investment [11][12] - The company plans for over 25% of its total business to come from innovation, indicating a strong focus on new product development [7][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Chinese market is stabilizing, with expectations of mid-single-digit growth, while the company is gaining market share across various brands, including La Mer and Tom Ford [28][29] - Emerging markets, particularly India and Southeast Asia, are critical to the company's strategy, with a goal to increase their contribution to total business from 10% to mid-double digits [33][34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a strategy called "Beauty Reimagined," which emphasizes consumer coverage and innovation, aiming to reposition products at more acceptable price points to attract new consumers and reengage lapsed ones [5][22][25] - The operational transformation is described as the largest in the company's history, aimed at simplifying processes and enhancing decision-making speed [9][60] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the U.S. market's robustness and the luxury beauty segment's resilience amid economic challenges, while cautioning about risks in Continental Europe due to subdued consumer confidence [39][41] - The company is committed to navigating external volatility and maintaining focus on its strategic goals, despite challenges such as tariffs and market fluctuations [70][71] Other Important Information - The company is leveraging AI to enhance efficiency in product development, significantly reducing the time required for stability testing and packaging risk [19][21] - There is an ongoing review of the product portfolio to ensure alignment with the new strategy, which may involve culling underperforming products or brands [61][62] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for growth in China? - The company expects mid-single-digit growth in China, with a focus on gaining market share across various brands, despite the market's maturation [28][29] Question: How is the company addressing the competitive environment in China? - Management noted that international brands are currently growing faster than local brands, with a focus on luxury segments [31][32] Question: What is the strategy for emerging markets? - The company aims to increase the contribution of emerging markets to total business, with significant investments planned for India and Southeast Asia [33][34] Question: How does the company balance investment and margin restoration? - The company is focused on reinvesting to fuel growth while also aiming to restore margins, with a clear strategy to improve efficiency and leverage in the P&L [66][68] Question: What does success look like for the company in the next year? - Success is defined by consistent market share gains beyond the U.S. and China, with a focus on agility and operational efficiency [70][71]

Consumer Staples Sector Overview - The consumer staples sector is currently facing challenges such as cost pressures from inflation, high commodity prices, and tariffs, which have negatively impacted profit margins [1] - Real average wages have declined, leading consumers to reduce spending [1] - Investor focus has shifted towards high-growth industries like AI, resulting in high valuations and limited upside for consumer staples companies [1][2] Constellation Brands - Constellation Brands is a major player in the alcoholic beverages market, with brands like Modelo and Corona, and has seen a year-to-date decline of nearly 29%, making it an attractive value play with a price/sales ratio of 2.56 [4][5] - The global alcohol market is projected to reach approximately $3 trillion by 2030, and Constellation's strong international presence positions it well, particularly among Hispanic and Latino consumers [5] - Despite a troubling dividend payout ratio of -170.7%, Constellation has maintained a dividend yield of 2.56% and analysts expect earnings to grow by about 7% in the coming year, indicating potential upside of over 33% for STZ shares [7] Estée Lauder - Estée Lauder has experienced mixed results in its latest fiscal quarter, with both EPS and revenue declining year-over-year, although EPS exceeded analyst expectations [8][9] - The company is implementing cost-cutting measures aimed at saving up to $1 billion annually, which has led to a gross margin expansion of 230 basis points to 74% [10] - Estée Lauder's strong market position in prestige beauty and improved value metrics make it well-positioned to navigate external challenges [11] Mondelez International - Mondelez International maintains a strong market presence in the snack food and beverage sector, leveraging pricing power and brand loyalty to counteract volume slippage [13] - Despite a year-over-year decline in EPS, Mondelez's revenue grew by about 8% due to strong performance in emerging markets [14] - The company has a sustainable dividend payout ratio and is expected to generate over $3 billion in free cash flow this year, with analysts projecting more than 17% upside potential for MDLZ shares [15]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the initiatives and events organized by the China Fragrance and Cosmetic Industry Association to promote safety in cosmetic use and enhance the industry's global standing through media collaboration and scientific communication [4][12]. Group 1: Events and Initiatives - The 2025 Safety Cosmetic Use Science Promotion Week will take place from September 1 to 7, with the theme "Safe Use of Cosmetics, Science to Safeguard" [5]. - The China Fragrance and Cosmetic Industry Association aims to strengthen public awareness of safe cosmetic use and establish a new social governance model [5][12]. - The association's annual media collaboration meeting focuses on building a better media cooperation ecosystem and enhancing scientific communication within the industry [14][17]. Group 2: Key Activities - The first execution plan for the Safety Cosmetic Use Science Promotion Week includes a "Full Media Science Promotion Action" with activities such as expert-written articles and engaging multimedia content [10]. - The second plan involves a "Consumer Safety Use of Cosmetics Public Welfare Action," encouraging companies to showcase their green and sustainable development practices [11]. - The third plan, "Green Action: Empty Bottle Recycling," aims to set up around 300 recycling points nationwide and promote consumer participation in sustainability efforts [11]. Group 3: 2025 CAME Highlights - The 2025 China Fragrance and Cosmetic Industry Annual Conference and Boutique Expo (2025 CAME) will be held from September 25 to 27 in Nanjing, focusing on "Technology and Brand Co-Progress" [21][23]. - The expo will feature over 115 exhibitors and more than 500 brands, showcasing innovations in the industry, including biotechnological advancements and sustainable packaging [25][27]. - The event will also host numerous thematic conferences, inviting over 100 influential guests to discuss key industry topics, enhancing the exchange of ideas and collaboration [28][30].

Summary of Key Points Core Viewpoint - As of July 31, 2025, EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, frames, and sunglasses, disclosed its outstanding shares and voting rights [2]. Group 1: Share Capital and Voting Rights - Total shares outstanding amount to 463,145,529 [3]. - The number of real voting rights, excluding treasury shares, is 461,156,230 [3]. - The theoretical number of voting rights, including treasury shares, remains at 463,145,529 [3]. - Voting rights are capped at 31% for any shareholder, as per the company's by-laws [3].