Core Viewpoint - Estée Lauder is facing significant challenges in its recovery path, with a decline in net sales and operating income amid economic downturns and geopolitical factors [1][3]. Financial Performance - For the fiscal year 2025, Estée Lauder reported a net sales decline of 8% year-over-year, totaling $14.33 billion (approximately ¥1028.01 billion) [1][2]. - The company's gross profit decreased by 5% to $10.60 billion, with a gross margin of 74.0% [2]. - Operating income turned into a loss of $785 million, marking a significant decline from a profit of $970 million in the previous year [2][6]. - The diluted net loss per share was $3.15, compared to earnings of $1.08 per share in the prior year [2]. Business Segment Performance - The only category to show growth was the fragrance segment, which remained flat with a slight increase, while skincare, makeup, and hair care categories experienced declines of 12%, 6%, and 10% respectively [4][6]. - The skincare segment's decline was attributed to decreased sales of brands like Estée Lauder and La Mer, alongside a drop in Asian travel retail sales [7][11]. - The makeup segment's downturn was primarily due to poor performance from brands like M·A·C and Too Faced [7][8]. Regional Performance - All regions reported declines in net sales, with the EMEA region experiencing the largest drop of 12%, followed by Asia/Pacific at 7% and the Americas at 4% [10][11]. - In mainland China, net sales fell by 6%, influenced by a challenging retail environment and low consumer sentiment [11][14]. Strategic Initiatives - Estée Lauder is undergoing a restructuring plan (PRGP) aimed at restoring profitability, which has already led to over 3,200 job cuts, with projections of total cuts reaching between 5,800 to 7,000 positions [19][22]. - The company anticipates that the restructuring will incur pre-tax costs between $1.6 billion to $3.3 billion [19]. Future Outlook - Despite current challenges, Estée Lauder's management expressed confidence in achieving organic sales growth in fiscal year 2026 and aims to rebuild operational profitability [3][22]. - The company plans to report its financials based on a new geographical structure starting Q1 of fiscal year 2026, which will include China as a separate reporting region [11][19].

Core Insights - The letter discusses the emotional turmoil experienced in a long-term friendship that has become strained, highlighting feelings of confusion and self-doubt regarding the relationship [1][2] - The author seeks to understand the reasons behind the shift from intimacy to aversion in the friendship, questioning whether this is a natural evolution or a sign of irreconcilable differences [2][3] Group 1: Emotional Dynamics - The concept of "familiarity" in friendships can lead to "aversion" due to psychological mechanisms such as the mere exposure effect, where overexposure can result in emotional numbness and misinterpretation of neutral behaviors as negative [3][4] - Attachment theory suggests that when a close relationship loses its comforting role, defensive mechanisms may trigger feelings of aversion as a way to protect oneself from perceived emotional neglect [3][4] - Value conflicts may also contribute to feelings of aversion, as differing perspectives on social validation can create tension and resentment within the friendship [3][4] Group 2: Assessing Relationship Status - Evaluating the emotional value of the relationship is crucial; healthy relationships allow for conflict resolution and understanding, while deteriorating ones often lead to silence and unresolved tension [4][5] - Growth potential in friendships is another indicator; healthy relationships foster new perspectives and acceptance of differences, whereas failing ones become rigid and focused on changing each other [4][5] - Respecting personal space is essential; healthy relationships maintain a balance of independence, while deteriorating ones may exhibit excessive dependence or control, leading to feelings of suffocation [4][5] Group 3: Navigating Change - Accepting the legitimacy of conflicting emotions is important; acknowledging feelings of loss can facilitate the process of distancing oneself from the friendship [5][6] - Establishing gentle boundaries can help manage the transition; practical steps like reducing social media interactions and communicating feelings without blame can ease the process [5][6] - Focusing on self-reconstruction through new social experiences can help fill emotional voids and reshape memories of the old relationship, promoting personal growth [6][7]