Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on the international cosmetics and medical beauty industry, indicating a recovery trend in the Chinese market and a cautious approach towards North America due to economic factors [2][3]. Core Insights - The global beauty market is projected to grow at a rate of 4.5% in 2024, a decline from the 8% growth seen in 2023, with significant regional disparities in performance [3][13]. - The Chinese market showed signs of recovery in Q3 2025, with major international brands reporting positive revenue growth after a period of decline [3][19]. - Companies like L'Oréal and Estée Lauder are adjusting their strategies to enhance their market presence in China, with Estée Lauder reporting an 8.6% revenue growth in Q3 2025 [3][47]. Summary by Sections Global Market Overview - The global beauty market is experiencing a slowdown, with North America showing signs of weakness while Europe outperforms other regions with a 7.5% growth [3][13]. - The North Asia market, particularly China, has faced a decline of 2%, marking it as the weakest among major beauty markets [3][13]. L'Oréal - L'Oréal's revenue growth for the first three quarters of 2025 is 1.2%, with a slight improvement in Q3 2025, indicating a recovery from previous declines [3][27]. - The company is focusing on acquisitions and enhancing its brand portfolio, particularly in the Chinese market, where it aims to leverage online channels [3][24]. Estée Lauder - Estée Lauder's Q3 2025 revenue growth reached 8.6%, marking a significant turnaround after four consecutive quarters of decline [3][47]. - The company is implementing a strategic overhaul to address previous challenges, including inventory issues and competition from local brands [3][47]. Shiseido - Shiseido reported an 8% revenue growth in the Chinese market for Q3 2025, although it continues to face macroeconomic challenges [3][19]. - The company is experiencing a K-shaped recovery, with its premium brands performing better than its main brand [3][19]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on companies with strong channel and brand matrices, such as Mao Ge Ping and Shanghai Jahwa, as well as those expected to see marginal improvements in growth, like Marubi and Betaini [4][5]. - In the medical beauty sector, companies with high R&D barriers and strong profitability, such as Ai Meike, are highlighted as key investment opportunities [4][5].

Core Insights - Estée Lauder has shown signs of recovery in its performance, particularly in the China market and travel retail, which had previously been under pressure [1][4] - The company reported a net sales of $3.48 billion for Q1 of fiscal year 2026, marking a 3% organic sales growth and a net profit of $47 million, a turnaround from a loss of $156 million in the same period last year [1][2] Group 1: Financial Performance - The latest financial report indicates that Estée Lauder has ended five consecutive quarters of declining net sales, with a significant recovery in the China market contributing to this growth [1][4] - The China market is now the fastest-growing region for Estée Lauder, with net sales reaching $530 million, a 9% year-over-year increase [3][4] - The company has restructured its sales regions, now reporting China as an independent region, which reflects its growing importance in the overall business strategy [3][4] Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - In February, Estée Lauder announced a major operational transformation strategy called "Reimagining Beauty," aimed at restructuring, optimizing operations, and increasing investments to drive sales growth [2][4] - The company has focused on high-margin products, particularly in the fragrance category, which saw a 14% increase in sales, contributing to the overall positive performance [6][7] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The recovery in the China market is attributed to strong performance in the fragrance category and effective inventory management, with both online and offline channels showing growth [4][6] - Estée Lauder's management has noted a significant change in its brand lineup in China, with a shift towards high-end fragrance brands, indicating a strategic pivot to capture higher-margin opportunities [7][8] - The company anticipates continued positive sales performance in the second quarter, driven by key shopping events and a recovery in consumer confidence [7][8]