Core Insights - e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. is focusing on gross margin recovery while managing elevated tariff pressures and investing in growth for fiscal 2026 [1][5] - The company reported a gross margin of 69% in the fiscal second quarter, a decrease of approximately 165 basis points year-over-year due to higher tariffs on production in China [2][11] - Management anticipates improving profitability in the latter half of the fiscal year, with a projected gross margin increase to 71% [5][11] Financial Performance - The fiscal second quarter gross margin decline was attributed to tariffs, with 75% of e.l.f.'s global sourcing coming from China, making margins sensitive to trade policy changes [2][3] - Tariff rates have moderated since peaking earlier in the year, with every 10-percentage-point change in tariffs impacting annualized costs by $17 million [3][11] - A $1 price increase implemented on August 1 has helped offset higher costs, with core brand consumption growing about 7% in the fiscal second quarter [4][11] Future Outlook - e.l.f. Beauty expects a gross margin improvement to 71% in the second half of fiscal 2026, indicating a 200-basis-point increase from the first half [5][11] - The overall gross margin for the fiscal year is projected to decline by 100 basis points, primarily due to tariff pressures in the first half [5] - The favorable mix from the Rhode acquisition is expected to contribute positively to gross margins despite increased wholesale exposure [4][5] Market Position - e.l.f. Beauty's shares have declined by 37.3% over the past six months, contrasting with the industry's growth of 7.8% [10] - The company's forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio stands at 23.51, lower than the industry's average of 29.00 [13] - Earnings estimates for fiscal 2026 indicate a year-over-year decline of 15.9%, while fiscal 2027 shows a growth expectation of 25% [15]

智通财经APP获悉，东吴证券发布研报称，林清轩(02657)以山茶花为核心原料，差异化定位高端护肤赛 道，线上渠道放量叠加大单品表现突出，2023年以来业绩快速增长。公司预计于2025/12/30上市，IPO 募资净额约为9.97亿港元，约合人民币8.97亿元，主要用于渠道拓展、品牌建设等。基于林清轩处于品 牌势能释放与渠道红利叠加的成长期，建议投资者积极关注。 东吴证券主要观点如下： 高端国货护肤标杆，山茶花抗老修护专家 林清轩成立于2003年，是以自主研发的山茶花精华油为核心的高端国货护肤品牌，定位抗皱紧致细分领 域。截至2025H1，林清轩拥有554家线下门店（95%以上进驻高端购物商场），2024年在中国高端国货 护肤品牌中排名第一，也是高端护肤品牌TOP15中唯一国货品牌，门店规模居国产高端护肤品牌之首。 业绩高速增长，盈利结构持续优化 2024年公司营收/净利润分别为12.1/1.9亿元，同比分别+50%/+121%；25H1公司营收达10.52亿元，同比 增长98%；净利润1.82亿元，同比增长110%，呈现翻倍式增长。从产品端看，大单品表现强势，核心单 品山茶花精华油自推出以来连续11年位居全 ...

Industry Overview - The Zacks Cosmetics industry is facing challenges due to softer consumer spending, uneven retail restocking, and persistent cost pressures, which are squeezing margins and reshaping demand trends [1][4]. - Companies in this industry manufacture and market a variety of beauty and personal care products, including skincare, fragrance, makeup, and hair care items [3]. Current Challenges - Rising costs for packaging, ingredients, logistics, and promotional activities are impacting profit margins, while trade tensions and potential supply chain disruptions add uncertainty [1][4]. - Consumers are prioritizing essential purchases over discretionary spending, leading to decreased demand for cosmetics [4]. Long-term Growth Drivers - Despite near-term pressures, long-term fundamentals are supported by innovation and digital transformation, with companies investing in product innovation and enhanced e-commerce capabilities [2][6]. - The demand for organic and clean beauty products is growing, prompting companies to innovate and expand their offerings [6]. Industry Performance - The Zacks Cosmetics industry currently holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 177, placing it in the bottom 27% of over 243 Zacks industries, indicating dull near-term prospects [7][8]. - The industry has underperformed the S&P 500, returning 10% over the past year compared to the S&P 500's growth of 18.3% [11]. Valuation Metrics - The industry is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 28.99X, higher than the S&P 500's 23.45X and the sector's 16.42X [14]. Notable Companies - **The Estee Lauder Companies**: Focused on restoring profitability and driving long-term growth through innovation and digital channels, with a Zacks Rank of 1 [17]. The consensus estimate for its EPS has increased by 0.5% to $2.15 [18]. - **Coty Inc.**: Currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3, focusing on stabilizing its Consumer Beauty segment and enhancing e-commerce capabilities. The EPS estimate remains unchanged at 42 cents [21][22]. - **Helen of Troy Limited**: Also holds a Zacks Rank of 3, pursuing sustainable growth through its Leadership Brands and strategic investments. The EPS estimate has decreased by 1.2% to $4.05 [29][24]. - **European Wax Center, Inc.**: Positioned for long-term expansion with a Zacks Rank of 3, focusing on customer acquisition and operational productivity. The EPS estimate has decreased by 4.7% to 61 cents [27][28].

Core Insights - The company is reducing its product development timeline to better align with rapidly changing consumer demand [1] Company Strategy - The maker of Sally Hansen nail polishes and Marc Jacobs perfumes is adapting its strategy to respond to market trends more effectively [1]

Core Insights - Three stocks with buy rank and strong income characteristics are highlighted for investors to consider on December 26th Group 1: J&J Snack Foods Corp. (JJSF) - J&J Snack Foods Corp. has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a dividend yield of 3.5%, significantly higher than the industry average of 0.0% [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 6.5% over the last 60 days [1] Group 2: Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (EXPD) - Expeditors International has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a dividend yield of 1.0%, compared to the industry average of 0.0% [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 6.9% over the last 60 days [2] Group 3: The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL) - The Estée Lauder Companies has a Zacks Rank of 1 and has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increase by 4.9% over the last 60 days [2]

Core Insights - Pat McGrath Labs, once valued at $1 billion, is undergoing a formal asset sale managed by Hilco Global due to operational challenges [1][3] - The sale includes the brand's intellectual property, trademarks, and associated assets, with bids due by January 26, 2026 [2][3] - The brand's rapid global expansion has led to operational issues, resulting in a significant decline in valuation after its peak in 2018 [3][4] Company Overview - Pat McGrath Labs is recognized for its high-performance formulas and luxurious collections, but has faced logistical and management challenges [3][4] - The brand's operational friction has led to management restructures that failed to stabilize its financial performance [4] Strategic Context - The auction is strategically timed as founder Pat McGrath has been appointed Creative Director for Louis Vuitton's La Beauté makeup line, enhancing her influence in the industry [5] - The brand's unique positioning at the intersection of high fashion and retail accessibility makes it an attractive acquisition target for potential investors [6] Market Dynamics - The prestige beauty sector is witnessing increased competition from celebrity-backed labels, making the acquisition of a legacy brand like Pat McGrath Labs a rare opportunity [6]

On December 8th, L'Oréal S.A. ( LRLCF ) announced it is raising its stake in Galderma Group AG ( GALDY ) ( GDERF ) from 10% to 20%. We wanted to check the value behind the move. What we have found isThere are many ways sell-side analysts try to find a company’s “fair” value — some useful, others pure illusion. The DCF method is like a massive LEGO set: every tiny assumption has to fit just right, and it opens the door to bias — overconfidence, hindsight, and anchoring. The multiples approach seems easier — ...

All right, welcome back. Let's do some calls of the day. First solar is called a top pick today at Mizuo.Joe, you own the stock. What do you think. >> I do.Look at that reversal in the stock today. It's now down 6%. It was up this morning.Up yesterday. Yesterday was up on the back of the deal that was announced between Alphabet and Intersect Power. Understand Intersect is a customer of First Solar, so they should benefit there um as Alphabet moves into clean energy.It's a recent addition to the ETF for us. ...

Nestle views its stake in L'Oreal as a financial investment, and while it is regularly reviewed, there is nothing new to report on the matter, Nestle CEO Philipp Navratil was quoted as saying on Tuesd... ...

Evercore ISI sets a price target of $7 for Coty Inc. (NYSE:COTY), indicating a potential increase of about 120% from its current price.Markus Strobel is set to become the executive chair and interim CEO, marking a significant leadership transition for Coty.Coty's shares have lost over half their value since the start of the year, reflecting the impact of macroeconomic uncertainty and higher tariffs.Coty Inc. (NYSE:COTY) is a prominent player in the cosmetics industry, owning well-known brands like CoverGirl ...