e.l.f. Beauty Stock Just Got Hammered. Is This a Buying Opportunity?

Core Viewpoint - e.l.f. Beauty's strong sales growth is insufficient to counteract the negative impact of tariffs on profits, leading to a significant decline in share value following a disappointing full-year outlook [1][3][5]. Financial Performance - For the fiscal second quarter, e.l.f. reported a 14% increase in net sales to $343.9 million, marking the 27th consecutive quarter of growth [3]. - Adjusted diluted earnings per share fell to $0.68 from $0.77 year-over-year, attributed to rising operating expenses and a contraction in gross margin [3]. - Gross margin decreased by approximately 165 basis points to 69%, primarily due to higher tariff costs [3][6]. Guidance and Projections - Management anticipates full-year fiscal 2026 net sales between $1.55 billion and $1.57 billion, reflecting an 18% to 19% growth compared to the previous year, but below analysts' expectations [4][5]. - Adjusted earnings per share for fiscal 2026 are projected to be between $2.80 and $2.85, significantly lower than last year's $3.39 [5]. Supply Chain and Tariff Impact - Approximately 75% of e.l.f.'s global production is sourced from China, making the company vulnerable to tariff-related challenges [6]. - The reliance on a China-dependent supply chain has shifted from an advantage to a disadvantage, raising concerns about future profitability [7][8]. Market Valuation - Despite impressive growth, e.l.f.'s shares are trading at a premium valuation, comparable to other growth stocks with sustainable competitive advantages [8]. - The current price-to-earnings ratio is in the mid-forties, suggesting that the stock may be overvalued given the ongoing challenges [7][10].