Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales declined by 9%, with a sequential improvement from a 4% decline in the second quarter to a 3% decline excluding Travel Retail [6][30] - Diluted earnings per share decreased by 33% to $0.65, which was better than anticipated [6][30] - Gross margin expanded by over 300 basis points for the fourth consecutive quarter, driven by the Profit Recovery and Growth Plan (PRGP) [6][30] - Operating margin contracted by 270 basis points to 11.4%, influenced by increased consumer-facing spending [6][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Travel Retail experienced a significant decline of 28% organically, continuing to shrink as a percentage of the overall business [6][30] - The U.S., China, and Japan saw share gains, with Clinique, The Ordinary, and Bumble and Bumble driving gains in the U.S. market [8][9] - Clinique gained share for eleven consecutive months through March, while La Mer and Estee Lauder fueled growth in China [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company outperformed in the U.S., China, and Japan, marking the first share gains in the U.S. in many years [8][9] - In China, share gains were achieved in three of the last four quarters, indicating a strong brand presence [9][10] - The company is focused on expanding gains in key markets while reigniting share gains in the UK, Korea, and Mexico [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to transforming its operating model to be leaner and more agile through the Beauty Reimagine strategic vision [5][30] - The PRGP aims to restore sustainable sales growth and achieve a solid double-digit adjusted operating margin over the next few years [5][30] - The company is exploring expansion with various retailers and focusing on innovative product launches to attract new consumers [10][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged elevated macroeconomic challenges but expressed confidence in returning to sales growth in fiscal 2026 [25][30] - The company expects continued softness in the Travel Retail business and tighter inventory management due to weakened consumer sentiment [25][30] - Management is closely monitoring external conditions, including tariffs and consumer sentiment, to navigate potential risks [39][40] Other Important Information - The company has approved initiatives to reduce over 2,600 net positions as part of the PRGP restructuring plan [23][30] - Capital expenditures were reduced by 44% compared to last year, reflecting a strong focus on optimizing capital expenditures [36][30] - The company is actively working on regionalizing its supply chain to mitigate tariff impacts and enhance supply chain agility [37][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inventory alignment across categories and geographies - Management noted significant progress in reducing inventory levels, particularly in Travel Retail, and emphasized ongoing monitoring of retail inventory [45][47] Question: FY26 planning assumptions and market trends - Management expressed confidence in returning to positive growth in FY26, citing market share gains in key regions and ongoing strategic initiatives [56][58] Question: Tariff regime and sourcing strategies - Management indicated plans to reduce product sourced from China to below 10% by the end of the fiscal year, leveraging manufacturing capabilities in Japan and Europe [72][74] Question: PRGP savings expectations and reinvestment - Management highlighted ongoing progress in the PRGP, with a focus on operational efficiencies and potential savings in fiscal 2025 and beyond [82][84]

The Estée Lauder Companies (EL) Q3 2025 Earnings Call May 01, 2025 08:30 AM ET Company Participants Rainey Mancini - SVP, IRStéphane de La Faverie - President and Chief Executive OfficerAkhil Shrivastava - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial OfficerBonnie Herzog - Managing Director Lauren Lieberman - Managing DirectorFilippo Falorni - Director - Equity ResearchDara Mohsenian - Managing Director - US Beverage/Household Products Sectors Conference Call Participants Steve Powers - Equity Research Analys ...