Summary of Conference Call Records Industry Overview - The high-end beauty market in mainland China is showing signs of recovery, with several foreign beauty brands such as La Perla, L'Oréal, and Estée Lauder reporting performance growth, reversing previous declines. This recovery is primarily driven by high-end consumer demand rather than currency fluctuations [1][2][4]. Key Insights and Arguments - **Market Recovery**: LVMH achieved mid-single-digit growth in mainland China for the first time in the third quarter, exceeding market expectations. La Perla reported double-digit growth, a performance not seen in years [2][3]. - **Long-term Trends**: Despite short-term uncertainties, companies like Shiseido and L'Oréal expect the trend of high-end beauty market recovery to continue. Shiseido has adjusted its business metrics to reflect double-digit growth when combining travel retail and domestic sales [1][4]. - **Consumer Demand**: The demand for beauty and health remains strong, with companies like L'Oréal and Puig seeing significant performance in medical-grade skincare and fragrance categories [1][5][6]. - **E-commerce Growth**: Online channels are crucial for sales growth, with L'Oréal's e-commerce channel in China experiencing double-digit growth. Offline sales in high-end malls are also showing signs of recovery [8]. Additional Important Points - **Promotional Strategies**: During the recent Double Eleven shopping festival, foreign brands like Lancôme and Helena Rubinstein achieved significant online growth, primarily through discount strategies, which impacted profit margins [9]. - **Local Brand Advantage**: Chinese local brands have advantages in supply chain responsiveness and understanding rapidly changing consumer demands. This positions them well for long-term market share growth [13][15]. - **Market Sentiment**: The overall market sentiment in 2024 is low, but the beauty sector shows resilience. Companies like L'Oréal have begun to recover after experiencing negative growth in previous quarters [5][11]. - **Competitive Landscape**: The competition between foreign and local brands is characterized by foreign brands leveraging online discounts while local brands focus on supply chain agility and consumer responsiveness. This dynamic is expected to continue without significantly hindering local brands' growth [15]. Conclusion - The high-end beauty market in China is on a recovery path, driven by strong consumer demand and effective sales strategies across various channels. While the overall market sentiment remains cautious, the resilience of the beauty sector and the competitive advantages of local brands suggest a promising outlook for future growth.

Core Viewpoint - Argus Research upgraded Estée Lauder's rating from "Hold" to "Buy" with a target price of $105 [1] Summary by Category - **Rating Change** - The rating for Estée Lauder has been increased from "Hold" to "Buy" [1] - **Target Price** - The new target price set for Estée Lauder is $105 [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant shift in international beauty companies' strategies from "deepening local presence" to "empowering global results," driven by China's innovation ecosystem and supply chain capabilities [3][6][32]. Group 1: L'Oréal - L'Oréal views China as a crucial market and innovation hub, celebrating the 20th anniversary of its R&D center in China, emphasizing that investing in China is investing in the future [5][6]. - The company announced three major achievements at the expo, including the release of a sociology book on beauty, a partnership for consumer rights protection, and a strategic collaboration with Alibaba Cloud [7]. Group 2: Procter & Gamble - Procter & Gamble emphasizes innovation as a means to enhance consumer lives, focusing on consumer-centered strategies to drive category growth and value creation [9][10]. - The company has seen positive market responses to its commitment to innovation and consumer needs, leading to a more sustainable growth path [9][11]. Group 3: Estée Lauder - Estée Lauder's participation in the expo marks a significant moment as it showcases all its brands in China, reflecting its commitment to deepening interactions with Chinese consumers [14]. - The company reported a 9% organic sales growth in mainland China, highlighting its strong performance in the high-end beauty market [14]. Group 4: Shiseido - Shiseido positions itself as an industry innovator, focusing on addressing core challenges in the beauty sector while expanding its scientific and sustainable practices [17][18]. - The launch of the RQ PYOLOGY brand at the expo signifies Shiseido's commitment to the future of the beauty industry in China [19]. Group 5: Amorepacific - Amorepacific views the expo as a strategic platform for deep dialogue with the Chinese market, focusing on local innovation and sustainable development [21][22]. - The company aims to enhance its local R&D capabilities and consumer engagement through various initiatives [25][24]. Group 6: Kao - Kao emphasizes its commitment to the Chinese market, showcasing a diverse range of products and innovations at the expo [28][29]. - The company highlights its collaborative approach between its Japanese headquarters and local R&D teams to meet Chinese consumer needs [30]. Group 7: Henkel - Henkel's participation in the expo reflects its long-term strategic planning and commitment to the Chinese market, showcasing new products and innovations [37][39]. - The company aims to transition from a multi-brand operator to a value chain leader, enhancing its local manufacturing capabilities [39].

Core Viewpoint - Estee Lauder Companies officially launched the 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign in Shanghai, emphasizing the importance of breast cancer prevention and treatment initiatives [1][4]. Group 1: Campaign Overview - The Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign is one of Estee Lauder's most representative corporate social responsibility projects, initiated in 1992 with the iconic pink ribbon designed by Evelyn Lauder and her friends [4]. - The campaign has raised over $144 million to support breast cancer research, education, screening, and treatment [4][9]. - In 2023, marking the 20th anniversary of the campaign in China, Estee Lauder announced a three-year partnership with the China Women's Development Foundation, committing to donate 10 million RMB to support the "Breast Health Care" project [4]. Group 2: Future Initiatives - In 2025, the campaign will continue to promote breast health awareness in a more sustainable and widespread manner, encouraging individuals to engage their friends and family in the cause [5]. - The campaign aims to create a "pink sky" of awareness and support for women's breast health [5]. Group 3: Collaboration and Impact - The China Women's Development Foundation plays a crucial role in promoting women's health and has reported positive social effects from the "Breast Health Care" project [7]. - Estee Lauder has appointed dancer Zhu Jiejing as the ambassador for the 2025 campaign, sharing her personal journey of battling breast cancer to inspire others [7]. Group 4: Long-term Commitment - The CEO of Estee Lauder Companies expressed the ongoing commitment to the fight against breast cancer, acknowledging the long road ahead while celebrating the achievements made so far [9].

Core Viewpoint - The skincare industry is shifting from a focus on "ingredients" to a deeper understanding of "full-chain value," exemplified by Clinique's UP302 approval for new whitening efficacy, marking a significant milestone in the efficacy skincare market [2][3][9]. Industry Trends - The efficacy skincare market in China is at a critical turning point in 2025, moving away from ingredient-driven marketing to a trust-based model where scientific validation is paramount [6][7]. - The implementation of the 2021 Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulation has ushered in a new era of scientific regulation, requiring efficacy claims to be backed by clinical or experimental data [7][9]. Clinique's Innovation - Clinique's UP302 (Dimethoxyphenyl Propyl Hydroxyphenol) is the first ingredient to receive regulatory approval for expanded whitening efficacy since the new regulations took effect, showcasing the brand's commitment to scientific innovation and regulatory compliance [3][9]. - The development of UP302 involved over 2,200 plant screenings, leading to a stable and effective formulation that enhances skin penetration and maintains high activity at low concentrations [15][17]. Mechanisms of Action - UP302 operates through a "three-dimensional regulatory system," targeting: 1. Source suppression of melanin through selective inhibition of tyrosinase activity [20]. 2. Glycation intervention to reverse "glycation-induced darkening" [20]. 3. Inflammation regulation to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) [21]. Clinical Integration - Clinique's "makeup-device combination" strategy integrates daily skincare with medical-grade products, providing a comprehensive management approach for patients undergoing aesthetic procedures [22][24]. - The brand has published the "2025 Aesthetic White Paper," which outlines a systematic care path centered around UP302, offering a replicable solution for medical institutions [28][30]. Future Outlook - The approval of UP302 and the establishment of a credible efficacy verification system signify a shift in the skincare market towards evidence-based competition, where scientific credibility will be the key differentiator [32][33]. - Clinique's approach emphasizes the importance of building a trust-based relationship with consumers through transparent scientific communication and evidence [32][33].

Group 1: Starbucks China Business Sale - Starbucks announced the sale of 60% of its China business to private equity firm Boyu Capital for an estimated valuation of $4 billion, bringing the overall valuation of Starbucks China to over $13 billion [2][3] - The partnership with Boyu Capital will focus on expanding the number of stores in China from nearly 8,000 to 20,000, targeting smaller cities and emerging regions [3] - Starbucks will retain its brand and intellectual property while Boyu Capital will lead local operations, digital transformation, and market expansion [4] Group 2: Kimberly-Clark Acquisition of Kenvue - Kimberly-Clark announced the acquisition of Kenvue for a total valuation of $48.7 billion, combining two companies with similar revenue sizes [5][6] - The merger is expected to reshape the global beauty and personal care market, creating a company with a comprehensive product line across various consumer health segments [6] - Kenvue has faced challenges since its spin-off from Johnson & Johnson, with a significant decline in net profit and sales [6] Group 3: SHEIN's Paris Store Opening - SHEIN opened its first physical store in Paris, attracting both shoppers and protesters, highlighting the brand's controversial presence in the market [7][8] - The French government has called for an investigation into SHEIN due to concerns over illegal products being sold on its platform [9][10] Group 4: Financial Performance of Brands - Coach reported a 22% increase in sales, solidifying its position in the high-end market, while Kate Spade experienced an 8% decline [23] - Estée Lauder's sales rebounded with a 3% organic growth, driven by recovery in the Chinese market and tourism retail [25] - Ralph Lauren's revenue reached $2.01 billion, with a notable 30% increase in the Chinese market despite price hikes [29]

Core Insights - The participation of American companies at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) reflects a strong commitment to the Chinese market, with over 50,000 square meters of exhibition space, marking the seventh consecutive year of leading participation [1][2] - American businesses view the CIIE as a platform for certainty amidst global trade uncertainties, emphasizing the importance of the Chinese market as a growth engine [1][3] Group 1: Market Participation - The American Food and Agriculture Pavilion, organized by the Shanghai American Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, features 19 exhibitors and spans 350 square meters, both record numbers for the event [1][2] - Dynamite, a U.S. pet food brand, signed agreements totaling $5.8 million during the expo, showcasing the potential for significant business transactions [2] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The CIIE provides certainty in three dimensions: the vast Chinese consumer market, the efficiency of the expo as a platform, and the consistent open signals from China, evidenced by the eight-year history of the event [3] - American companies are actively seeking new opportunities in China, with expectations for increased transaction volumes compared to previous years, which were $500 million and $700 million in the last two years [2] Group 3: Company Initiatives - Nike announced the opening of its first creative production center outside the U.S. in Shanghai, aimed at enhancing connections with Chinese consumers and supporting local sports culture [6] - Estée Lauder introduced over ten new products at the expo and secured a procurement intention order worth $480 million on the opening day, indicating strong market interest [6][7] Group 4: Long-term Commitment - American companies are not only focused on immediate sales but are also making long-term strategic investments in the Chinese market, recognizing its purchasing power and growing innovation capabilities [7]

Group 1: Industry Trends - The trend towards pharmaceutical and medical beauty products in the Chinese beauty market is becoming increasingly evident, with consumers focusing on ingredient research and clinical validation data [2] - Traditional beauty brands are enhancing the professionalism of their formulations, emphasizing collaboration with dermatology experts and conducting clinical tests [2] - Medical companies are entering the beauty sector, with a notable competition for medical device approvals for collagen products, reflecting the medicalization of beauty [2] Group 2: Product Innovations - Estee Lauder introduced products specifically designed for post-medical treatment skincare, showcasing a trend towards targeted skincare solutions [1] - Shiseido launched a new technology skincare brand, RQ PYOLOGY, aimed at Asian skin, featuring 14 globally debut products at the expo [1] - Amorepacific presented a new brand, Aestheran, targeting sensitive skin, previously sold through hospitals and pharmacies in South Korea [1] Group 3: Localization Strategies - Estee Lauder's Clinique brand launched a product inspired by Chinese medicinal plants, indicating a focus on local consumer needs [3] - Kao's brand, FuriFur, introduced a new cleansing oil based on market feedback, with plans to relocate its headquarters to China to enhance localization efforts [3] - L'Oreal China is deepening its collaboration with Alibaba Cloud to accelerate its "beauty technology" transformation, focusing on AI applications in marketing and consumer insights [3] Group 4: Fragrance Market Growth - Estee Lauder reported a 14% increase in net sales for its fragrance products, marking the highest growth among its categories [4] - Dolce & Gabbana showcased its fragrance line at the expo, marking its first full-scale entry into the Chinese market after previously operating under a licensing model [4] - The beauty business of Dolce & Gabbana has been integrated into the group’s long-term strategy, with plans to launch its makeup line in China by 2026 [4]

Core Insights - Estée Lauder Group participated in the 8th China International Import Expo with the theme "Reinventing Beauty, Embracing a Flourishing Future" [1] - The company showcased over 100 new products across various categories including skincare, makeup, and fragrance, with more than ten products making their debut [1] - A significant procurement intention order worth $480 million was signed between Estée Lauder (Shanghai) Trading Co., Ltd. and Estée Lauder International, Inc. on the opening morning of the expo [1] Company Strategy - The CEO of Estée Lauder Group's China region emphasized that the expo serves as a strong bridge connecting the company with Chinese consumers and is a vital platform for implementing the company's strategic vision of "Reinventing Beauty" [1] - The Chinese market is recognized as a crucial engine for the company's business development, with a long-term positive outlook [1] - The company plans to leverage the expo to deepen local research and technological innovation, aiming to provide products and services that better meet the needs of Chinese consumers [1]

Core Points - The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. will hold its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders virtually on November 13, 2025, starting at 9:00 a.m. (ET) [1] - Access to the webcast of the meeting can be found at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2025 [1] - Additional information regarding the meeting and proxy statement materials is available at www.elcompanies.com/investors [1]