Core Insights - Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. reported stronger-than-expected quarterly results driven by broad-based demand across its prestige beauty portfolio, despite shares trading lower ahead of the open [1] Quarterly Metrics - The company reported second-quarter adjusted earnings per share of 89 cents, exceeding the analyst consensus estimate of 83 cents [2] - Quarterly sales reached $4.229 billion, reflecting a 6% year-over-year increase, surpassing the Street view of $4.219 billion [2] - Organic net sales grew by 4% year-over-year [2] Regional Performance - Mainland China experienced a second consecutive quarter of double-digit retail sales growth, with share gains led by La Mer, TOM FORD, and Le Labo [3] - Japan and the U.S. also saw share gains, with Makeup and Fragrance leading in Japan, while Skin Care/Hair Care and DTC Fragrance increased mid-single digits in the U.S. [3] - Western Europe posted Fragrance share gains across France, Spain, and the U.K., with the company gaining share across categories and channels for full-year 2025 [3] Product Category Performance - Skin Care sales rose 7% to $2.054 billion, Makeup increased 1% to $1.164 billion, and Fragrance advanced 9% to $812 million [4] - Quarterly adjusted gross profit increased by 6% year-over-year to $3.235 billion, with adjusted gross margin expanding to 76.5% from 76.1% [4] - Adjusted Operating Income jumped 32% to $608 million, while adjusted operating margin expanded to 14.4% from 11.5% [4] - The company exited the quarter with cash and equivalents worth $3.082 billion [4] Restructuring Program - The company is executing a significant operational, leadership, and cultural transformation under its global restructuring plan, Beauty Reimagined [6] - The restructuring is expected to incur pre-tax charges of $1.2 billion to $1.6 billion and generate annual gross benefits of $0.8 billion to $1.0 billion [7]

Core Viewpoint - Estée Lauder Companies reported strong second-quarter results for fiscal year 2026, exceeding market expectations and continuing positive growth from the first quarter [3][4]. Financial Performance - The company raised its full-year guidance for fiscal year 2026, expecting organic net sales growth of 1%-3% and adjusted operating margin of 9.8%-10.2% [4]. - Net sales reached $4.229 billion (approximately 260.08 billion RMB), a 6% year-over-year increase [4]. - Adjusted operating margin expanded significantly by 290 basis points to 14.4%, with adjusted EPS rising 43% to $0.89 [4][5]. Market Performance - The skincare and fragrance segments were the main growth drivers, with skincare sales increasing by 7% to $2.054 billion (approximately 126.32 billion RMB) and fragrance sales growing by 9% to $812 million (approximately 49.94 billion RMB) [6][8]. - The China market showed double-digit growth, significantly contributing to the overall performance, driven by strong brand performance during key shopping events [6][13]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is undergoing a comprehensive restructuring under the "Beauty Reimagined" strategy, focusing on operational efficiency and digital transformation [26][30]. - The "Profit Recovery and Growth Plan" (PRGP) aims to optimize global operations and reduce costs, with over 6,000 positions cut to enhance profitability [27][30]. Future Outlook - Despite the strong performance, the company anticipates slower growth in the second half of the fiscal year due to increased consumer-facing investments and external tariff pressures [16][31]. - The focus will shift from recovery to building a sustainable growth model, emphasizing product innovation and market expansion [30][31].

Key Takeaways EL delivered Q2 EPS of 89 cents and sales of $4.23B, topping estimates with year-over-year growth.Estee Lauder saw Skin Care and Fragrance gains, PRGP cost efficiencies and improved operating results.EL raised fiscal 2026 outlook, forecasting 3-5% sales growth and EPS of $2.05-$2.25.The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (EL) reported second-quarter fiscal 2026 results, wherein both top and bottom lines beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate and increased year over year.The company reported strong second- ...

The Estée Lauder Companies (NYSE:EL) Q2 2026 Earnings call February 05, 2026 08:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsAkhil Shrivastava - EVP and CFODara Mohsenian - Morgan StanleyFilippo Falorni - Director of Equity ResearchRainey Mancini - SVP of Investor RelationsStéphane de La Faverie - President and CEOConference Call ParticipantsBonnie Herzog - Managing Director and Senior Consumer AnalystChris Carey - Senior Equity Analyst and Head of Consumer Staples ResearchLauren Lieberman - Managing Director and Senior U. ...

Core Insights - Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (EL) has shown strong performance with a 21.9% increase in shares over the past three months, significantly outperforming the broader market and its key peers [1][2][10] Company Performance - Estee Lauder's stock reached a 52-week high of $119.43 before settling at $115.37, trading above both its 50 and 200-day moving averages, indicating a positive technical setup [6] - The company has returned to organic sales growth with a 3% increase in net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, alongside a 300 basis point expansion in adjusted operating margin to 7.3% [8][10] - Adjusted gross margin improved by 60 basis points to 73.3%, driven by procurement efficiencies and better inventory management, which helped offset inflationary pressures [9] Market Position - Estee Lauder is gaining market share in the prestige beauty segment across key markets, including Mainland China, the United States, and parts of Western Europe, with strong performances from brands like La Mer and TOM FORD [10][11] - The company is enhancing consumer reach through expanded distribution channels, including Amazon Premium Beauty and TikTok Shop, which positions it well to capitalize on changing consumer buying patterns [11] Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings per share has been revised upward, with fiscal 2026 and 2027 estimates increasing by 2 cents each to $2.16 and $2.93, indicating expected year-over-year growth rates of 43.1% and 35.9% respectively [12] Valuation - Estee Lauder's forward price-to-earnings ratio stands at 44.76X, significantly higher than the industry average of 29.87X, reflecting investor expectations for improved performance [13] - Despite the elevated P/E ratio, Estee Lauder is viewed as an attractive investment opportunity due to its brand leadership and potential for earnings recovery [16][17]

Group 1: Company Performance - Estée Lauder reported a 4% year-over-year increase in net sales to $3.48 billion, with a 9% growth in the China market [4][5] - Puma's third-quarter sales declined by 15.3%, with plans to cut 1,400 jobs by the end of 2026 due to ongoing sales challenges [6][7] - Moncler’s revenue for the first three quarters remained stable at €1.8413 billion, with direct-to-consumer channels showing slight improvement [8] Group 2: Corporate Actions and Changes - Prada denied rumors of acquiring Giorgio Armani, focusing instead on strengthening its own brand matrix, reporting a net revenue of €4.07 billion, an 8.9% increase year-over-year [2] - The Outnet was sold for $30 million, indicating a shift in strategy for LuxExperience, which acquired it through the purchase of YNAP [7] - Gucci continues to adjust its management structure, appointing new executives to enhance brand strategy and customer experience [11] Group 3: Market Developments - Eight Horses Tea Company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, closing its first day at HK$92 per share, an 84% increase from its IPO price, achieving a market capitalization of HK$7.9 billion [10] - Viking Cruises launched new Mediterranean routes tailored for Chinese tourists, enhancing its European offerings after ten years in the Chinese market [13]

Core Insights - Estee Lauder exceeded Wall Street expectations for Q1 sales and profit, driven by strong demand for Le Labo and Tom Ford fragrances, alongside a recovery in China demand [1][5] Group 1: Financial Performance - The company reported quarterly sales of $3.48 billion, surpassing analysts' estimates of $3.38 billion [5] - Adjusted profit for the quarter ending September 30 was 32 cents per share, significantly above the estimated 18 cents per share [5] - Organic net sales increased by 3% compared to a 5% decline a year ago [3] Group 2: Market Trends and Consumer Sentiment - There is an improvement in consumer sentiment in China, although it remains subdued and has not fully recovered from historical lows [3] - The fragrance category experienced a 13% growth in organic sales, with a 9% increase in the China and Asia Pacific regions [4] Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - Under CEO Stephane de La Faverie, the company is focusing on luxury launches, streamlining its supply chain, and enhancing innovation and marketing efforts to revive sales [2] - The company is shifting production closer to key markets to adapt to changing trade policies affecting the retail industry [2] Group 4: Industry Context - Other luxury brands, including L'Oreal, LVMH, and Hermes, have also reported improvements in China, indicating a potential revival in the luxury market [4] - Despite the positive trends, sales in the Americas continue to slow down [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported organic sales growth of 3% in the first quarter, a significant improvement from a 13% decline in the previous quarter [4][16] - Gross margin expanded by 60 basis points to 73.3%, driven by sales growth and benefits from the Profit Recovery and Growth Plan (PRGP) [17] - Operating margin increased by 300 basis points to 7.3% compared to 4.3% last year, reflecting operational efficiencies and reduced non-consumer facing expenses [17][19] - Diluted EPS more than doubled to $0.32 from $0.14 last year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fragrance category saw double-digit growth, while skincare experienced low single-digit growth [16] - Makeup and hair care categories declined, contributing to a low single-digit decrease in the Americas [16] - Retail sales in skincare grew 8%, outperforming the category growth of 6% [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mainland China contributed positively to the return to growth, with double-digit retail sales growth, significantly outperforming the prestige beauty market [5][42] - Emerging markets, particularly Mexico, Turkey, and India, showed double-digit growth [4] - The U.K. market saw nearly 10% industry sales growth, with strong sequential improvement in retail sales trends [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its "Beauty Reimagined" action plan, which includes enhancing consumer coverage, driving innovation, and increasing consumer-facing investments [5][12] - A new partnership with Shopify aims to modernize and scale the direct-to-consumer business [14] - The company plans to expand its presence in various channels, including Amazon and TikTok Shop, to better connect with younger consumers [9][78] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the fiscal 2024 outlook, aiming for sustainable sales growth and rebuilding operating margins to solid double digits in the coming years [5][24] - The macroeconomic environment remains dynamic, with ongoing challenges and opportunities, particularly in the East [22][44] - The company anticipates a non-linear growth path due to macro volatility and tougher comparisons in the second half of the fiscal year [22][23] Other Important Information - The company opened 14 net new freestanding stores, enhancing its brand portfolio [12] - The fiscal 2025 Social Impact and Sustainability Report highlighted achievements in climate, water, waste, and social investment [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Volume trends versus price mix - Management noted significant share gains driven by volume, with strategic price adjustments contributing to new consumer acquisition [26][28] Question: Clarity on full-year guidance - Management explained that while Q1 showed strong growth, the full-year guidance remains cautious due to macro volatility and challenging comparisons in the second half [40][46] Question: Margin outlook for the year - Management reaffirmed guidance for gross and operating margins, indicating confidence in maintaining progress despite potential tariff impacts [52][56] Question: Asia travel retail inventory levels - Management confirmed that travel retail inventory is now appropriately sized relative to demand, with positive momentum in certain markets [62][67] Question: Opportunities in new channels - Management emphasized the importance of moving quickly into new channels and enhancing existing ones, with ongoing efforts to expand distribution and consumer engagement [76][80]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported organic sales growth of 3% in Q1 2026, a significant improvement from a 13% decline in Q4 2025 [4][16] - Gross margin expanded by 60 basis points to 73.3%, while operating margin increased by 300 basis points to 7.3% compared to the previous year [17][19] - Diluted EPS more than doubled to $0.32, up from $0.14 last year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fragrance category saw double-digit growth, while skincare grew low single-digit [16][17] - The Ordinary brand contributed significantly to skincare share gains, while Aveda led share gains in hair care [6][17] - The Estée Lauder brand achieved its third consecutive quarter of overall share gain in the U.S. across skincare, makeup, and fragrance [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mainland China contributed positively to the return to growth, with double-digit retail sales growth, outperforming the Prestige Beauty market [5][6] - The Americas experienced low single-digit sales decline, driven by makeup and hair care categories [16][17] - Travel retail showed improvement, particularly in Asia Pacific, with double-digit growth in Japan [60] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its "Beauty Reimagined" action plan, which includes enhancing consumer coverage, driving innovation, and increasing consumer-facing investments [5][12] - A new partnership with Shopify aims to modernize and scale the direct-to-consumer business [13] - The company plans to expand its presence in various online channels, including TikTok Shop and Amazon [8][72] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the fiscal 2026 outlook, despite macroeconomic volatility and challenges in certain markets [15][21] - There is optimism regarding consumer sentiment in mainland China, although it remains subdued compared to historical levels [21][43] - The company anticipates a challenging second half of the fiscal year due to tougher comparisons from the previous year [21][22] Other Important Information - The company has achieved several sustainability goals since 2019 and is committed to advancing women's and girls' health, education, and leadership [14][15] - The company recorded $697 million in cumulative restructuring charges primarily related to employee costs [19] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Volume trends versus price mix - Management noted significant share gains from volume, driven by price adjustments and new product launches, particularly in the U.S. market [24][28] - The focus is on driving unit growth and bringing new consumers to the brand [30][32] Question: Short-term clarity on guidance - Management explained that while Q1 results were strong, the full-year guidance remains cautious due to macroeconomic challenges [39][41] - There is confidence in sustaining share gains in mainland China, with a focus on maintaining momentum [41][43] Question: Margin outlook - Management reaffirmed guidance for gross and operating margins, indicating confidence in achieving targets despite potential tariff impacts [50][52] - The focus remains on consumer-facing investments while managing non-consumer-facing expenses [51][53] Question: Travel retail inventory and demand trends - Travel retail remains volatile, but there are signs of recovery, particularly in Japan and other emerging markets [58][60] - Inventory levels are now aligned with demand, and management is optimistic about future retail activations [63][64] Question: Opportunities in new channels - The company is actively pursuing new distribution channels and enhancing existing ones, including partnerships with platforms like TikTok and Shopify [71][72] - There is a commitment to moving quickly to meet consumer demands across various regions [75] Question: Phasing of margin expansion - Management indicated that while Q1 showed strong performance, it is too early to change the phasing of margin expectations for the year [80][81] - The focus remains on building consistent sales while investing in growth opportunities [82][86]

Core Insights - Estee Lauder exceeded Wall Street expectations for Q1 sales and profit, driven by strong demand for Le Labo and Tom Ford fragrances, alongside a recovery in China [1][4] - The company's shares rose approximately 7% in premarket trading following the announcement [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - Estee Lauder reported quarterly sales of $3.48 billion, surpassing analysts' estimates of $3.38 billion [4] - The adjusted profit for the quarter ending September 30 was 32 cents per share, significantly above the estimated 18 cents per share [4] - Organic net sales increased by 3% after a decline of 5% in the previous year [3] Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - Under CEO Stephane de La Faverie, the company has focused on luxury product launches, supply chain optimization, and enhanced marketing efforts to revive sales [2] - The company is shifting production closer to key markets to adapt to changing trade policies that have impacted the retail industry [2] Group 3: Market Trends - The fragrance category experienced a notable organic sales growth of 13% in the latest quarter [3] - Sales in China and the Asia Pacific regions rose by 9%, indicating a positive trend in these markets [3] - Analysts suggest that the worst of the luxury slump in China may be over, positioning the company for long-term growth [4]