Core Viewpoint - The acquisition of Rhode by e.l.f. Beauty is expected to significantly enhance the company's market position and growth potential in the cosmetics industry, particularly through increased distribution and product expansion opportunities [3][5][12]. Company Overview - e.l.f. Beauty has successfully gained substantial market share in the mass cosmetics category, resonating well with younger consumers and expanding its retail presence [2]. - The company has seen its stock price more than double since earlier purchases, indicating strong market confidence following the acquisition of Rhode [3]. Acquisition Details - The acquisition of Rhode, valued at $1 billion, closed in August and is seen as a transformative move for e.l.f. Beauty, providing access to a high-end skincare brand with impressive sales of $212 million in under three years [5][6]. - Rhode's brand, backed by celebrity Hailey Bieber, has only a limited product range, presenting significant opportunities for e.l.f. to expand its offerings [7]. Distribution Strategy - Distribution gains are identified as a critical growth driver for consumer products, and e.l.f. is poised to leverage its existing strengths in influencer marketing to promote the Rhode brand [8][11]. - Rhode has already begun entering Sephora stores, with plans to expand into U.K. locations and potentially other retailers like Ulta Beauty and Target, which could further enhance its market presence [9][10]. Financial Outlook - e.l.f. Beauty's stock is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 42, with a price/earnings-to-growth (PEG) ratio of 0.5, suggesting that the stock may be undervalued given its growth prospects [12].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - EBITDA was roughly flat in the first half of the year, with a projected growth of 8.5% for the full year, implying high teens growth in the second half [6][19] - EPS guidance was revised from 10-15% growth to 7-10% growth, with a midpoint impact of about 3 cents due to increased interest expense and accelerated depreciation [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Significant growth was observed in potato chips, while tortilla chips and pretzels were below trend, with specific brands performing variably [23][26] - Boulder Canyon brand is expected to continue strong growth, with distribution gains across both core and expansion markets [71][72] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Distribution gains were noted across all 30 expansion geographies, with strong retailer support from national chains [33][34] - The convenience store channel is showing improvement, with expectations to reach flattish performance by year-end [65] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on westward expansion and infrastructure investments to support distribution gains [11][35] - Marketing strategies include increased spending in retail media and social media to support geographic expansion and brand introduction [91][92] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident in achieving productivity savings and margin expansion, with a positive outlook for the second half of the year [9][56] - The company believes the category will continue to grow, driven by household penetration and repeat purchases [107][109] Other Important Information - The company is nearing the end of its manufacturing optimization efforts, with significant productivity improvements already realized [85][87] - CapEx spending is expected to peak in 2025, with a focus on automation and efficiency improvements [21][88] Q&A Session Summary Question: What gives confidence in the EBITDA growth outlook despite flat performance in the first half? - Management cited investments in infrastructure and productivity savings as key drivers for expected growth in the second half [7][9] Question: Can you clarify the changes in EPS guidance? - EPS growth was revised down due to increased interest expenses and accelerated depreciation from higher CapEx spending [19][20] Question: What is driving the strong top-line results? - The company attributed growth to distribution gains, improved volume and value share in core markets, and investments in westward expansion [10][11] Question: How is the company addressing the performance of tortilla chips and pretzels? - Management noted that tortilla chips faced promotional overlaps, while pretzel performance varied by brand, with some brands performing well [26][27] Question: What is the outlook for the convenience store channel? - The company expects the convenience store channel to improve and reach flattish performance by year-end, supported by better product assortment [65] Question: How is the company managing supply chain and manufacturing efficiency? - The company has made significant strides in optimizing manufacturing and is now focusing on automation and efficiency improvements [85][87] Question: What is the long-term outlook for category growth? - Management remains bullish on long-term category growth, citing strong household penetration and repeat purchases as positive indicators [107][109] Question: How is the company addressing consumer interest in protein products? - The company is exploring opportunities in the protein segment while ensuring that products meet consumer taste preferences [111][112]