A well-known beauty brand is under fire for its inclusion of a controversial comedian in its latest campaign.E.L.F. Cosmetics released a new ad on August 11 that featured drag queen Heidi N Closet as “e.l.f.ino” and comedian Matt Rife as “schmarnes”.The legal-themed advertisement builds on a Superbowl 2024 campaign, and sees Heidi N Closet and Rife try to defend their clients from overpriced beauty products. 5 E.L.F. Cosmetics is under fire for its inclusion of controversial comedian Matt Rife in its late ...

Company Overview & Strategy - E l f Beauty initially sold affordable makeup products online and grew into a multi-million dollar company, partnering with retailers like Target [6] - The company's strategy is fueled by marketing and offering dupes of popular prestige products at bargain prices [8] - E l f adapts and creates new products based on customer feedback monitored on social media [12][13] - The company shifted production away from China to diversify its supply chain, moving from 100% to 75% sourced from China [15] Financial Performance & Market Position - E l f posted its first billion-dollar year in May 2024 after sales spiked 77% [3] - In fiscal year 2025, net sales grew by 28% to $13 billion, with international sales also growing by 28% [21] - E l f was the number one color cosmetics brand by units sold and number two by dollar share in 2024 [21] Acquisition & Expansion - E l f acquired Hailey Bieber's skincare brand Rhode in a $1 billion deal [2][23] - Rhode grew to $212 million in net sales in three years and more than doubled its customer base in fiscal year 2025 [24] - The Rhode deal was financed with $600 million of debt [26] Challenges & Risks - Heavy reliance on China caused profits to drop 30% in Q1 2026 [4] - Tariffs are expected to increase the cost of goods sold by at least $50 million annually, potentially causing net income and profits to each fall 30% [28]

[Music] When I was scrolling through YouTube one day, I stumbled upon a video that horrified me. It was a rabbit wearing makeup. It was wearing lipstick.Hi, my name is Kira Wong Chu from Ya Guangjo School. I have a deep love for animals and today I hope to inspire all of you to stop the cruelty of animal testing. I was horrified to learn that humans test products on animals like creams, cosmetics, makeup, and medication on innocent animals such as mice and rabbits.The injuries they get are skin irritation, ...

Core Insights - Ulta Beauty, Inc. (ULTA) reported a 2.9% increase in comparable sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2025, driven by higher average ticket values and slight growth in transactions [1][7] - The growth was primarily supported by strong performance in fragrance and wellness categories, with double-digit growth in fragrance and high-single-digit gains in body care and sun care [1][7] - However, the haircare segment remained flat overall, with declines in mass hair and tools, while the makeup category experienced slightly negative comparable sales due to weakness in mass makeup [1][7] Sales Performance - Both digital and store channels contributed to the comparable sales growth, with e-commerce sales rising approximately 10% and comparable store sales increasing in the low single digits [2] - The average ticket value grew by 2.3%, mainly due to higher average selling prices, although this was partially offset by a decline in units per transaction [2] - Promotional activities were more disciplined, with the elimination of overlapping offers and targeted member data usage enhancing operational execution [2] Future Outlook - Ulta Beauty anticipates comparable sales growth for fiscal 2025 to range from flat to up 1.5%, with the second half projected to vary from down low-single digits to modest growth [3] - Leadership emphasized a cautious approach to guidance, highlighting the need for strength in select categories and channels to broaden for steady comparable sales performance [3] Stock Performance - Ulta Beauty's shares have risen 39.3% over the past three months, outperforming the industry growth of 28.7% and the broader Retail and Wholesale sector and S&P 500 index growth of 18% and 23.3%, respectively [4] - The stock closed at $477.79, trading 2.9% below its 52-week high of $491.98, with technical indicators showing strong performance above its 50 and 200-day simple moving averages [8][12] Valuation Metrics - Ulta Beauty currently trades at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 19.57, which is above the industry average of 17.94, indicating a premium valuation relative to peers [9] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EPS has seen downward revisions, with current quarter estimates declining by 4 cents to $4.87 and fiscal year estimates down by 16 cents to $23.39 per share [11]

[Music] When I was 17, my friends and I were excited to go to prom. It was an immense coming of age moment, and I needed makeup. Now, I was newer to the world of beauty, but I was surprised when I couldn't find a foundation shade at the beauty store that matched my skin tone.My only options were high-end makeup companies that I couldn't even afford. I eventually left the store empty-handed, and I ended up going to prom with my mom's makeup on my face. But it wasn't just makeup where I had experienced a scen ...

Industry Overview - The beauty and cosmetics industry has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar global market, driven by changing consumer preferences, cultural influences, and technological advancements [2] - Skincare has become a significant focus, with increased demand for products featuring natural ingredients and dermatologist-approved solutions, influenced by K-beauty and J-beauty trends [3] - Sustainability is shaping the future of the industry, with consumers prioritizing eco-friendly practices and transparency in ingredient sourcing [4] Technological Innovations - Technology is revolutionizing consumer interactions with beauty products through AI diagnostics, augmented reality try-ons, and biotech formulations [5] - The rise of dermocosmetics combines pharmaceutical-grade research with skincare, offering clinically proven results [5] Company Highlights Coty Inc. - Coty is strategically transforming its operations to enhance innovation and consumer-centric growth, focusing on prestige fragrances and skincare [7] - The company is expanding its fragrance offerings and targeting demographics like Gen Z and multicultural consumers, with a strong pipeline for fiscal 2026 [8] - E-commerce now represents nearly 20% of Coty's total sales, supported by partnerships with Amazon and initiatives on platforms like TikTok Shop [9] Ulta Beauty - Ulta Beauty leads the U.S. market through brand curation, digital innovation, and experiential retail, focusing on enhancing core operations and customer experiences [10] - The company is experiencing strong performance across fragrance, skincare, and wellness categories, with notable product launches and a growing interest in K-beauty [11] - Ulta's loyalty program and digital capabilities drive customer engagement, with over 45 million active loyalty members [12] Sally Beauty - Sally Beauty is adapting to market challenges through innovation and digital expansion, focusing on product innovation and omnichannel retail [13] - The company is enhancing its e-commerce presence through partnerships with major delivery services and offering virtual consultations [14] - Product innovation remains central to Sally Beauty's strategy, with new launches and revamped store formats to meet modern beauty trends [15]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the first quarter, net sales increased by 4.5% to $2.8 billion, with operating profit at 14.1% of sales and diluted earnings per share at $6.70 [6][25][29] - Comparable sales rose by 2.9%, driven by a 2.3% increase in average ticket and a 0.6% increase in transactions [25] - Gross margin decreased by 10 basis points to 39.1%, primarily due to deleverage of store and supply chain fixed costs [27] - SG&A expenses increased by 6.7% to $711 million, with SG&A as a percentage of sales rising to 24.9% [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fragrance was the strongest performing category, delivering double-digit growth, while skincare and wellness saw high single-digit growth [10] - Hair care was roughly flat, with growth in hair color and accessories offset by declines in hair care tools [11] - Makeup category experienced a slight decrease in comp sales, driven by mass makeup, while prestige makeup remained flat [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer engagement with beauty remains strong, with beauty and wellness prioritized by consumers despite economic pressures [7] - The beauty category is expected to normalize growth rates, projected at 2% to 5% over the next few years [56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing the Ulta Beauty Unleashed plan to accelerate performance and maintain leadership [7][19] - Strategic priorities include scaling new businesses, enhancing digital capabilities, and optimizing cost structures [17][19] - The company plans to open stores in Mexico City, Kuwait City, and Dubai later this year, alongside launching an online marketplace [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the operating environment, acknowledging ongoing consumer pressures and macroeconomic uncertainties [31][32] - The company updated its sales expectations for the year, projecting net sales between $11.5 billion and $11.7 billion, with comp sales growth expected to be flat to up 1.5% [31][32] Other Important Information - The company launched 19 new brands during the quarter, many of which are exclusive to Ulta Beauty [15] - The active loyalty member base reached a record 45 million, up 3% year over year [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the Ulta Beauty Unleashed plan - Management highlighted improved in-store execution and marketing efforts as key contributors to the success of the Ulta Beauty Unleashed plan [36][40] Question: Full year outlook and promotional strategies - Management discussed expectations for comp sales growth and the rationality of promotions, emphasizing a cautious approach due to market dynamics [42][45] Question: Newness and innovation pipeline - Management expressed confidence in a balanced pipeline of new products across categories, with a focus on exclusivity [48][50] Question: Demand improvements and competitive intensity - Management noted that competitive intensity remains high, but the company is well-positioned to drive market share through its initiatives [51][54] Question: E-commerce growth drivers - Management attributed the 10% growth in e-commerce to enhancements in digital capabilities and a focus on app engagement [92][93]

Core Viewpoint - Ulta Beauty, Inc. is expected to report its first-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings on May 29, with a consensus estimate for revenues at $2.79 billion, reflecting a 2.2% increase year-over-year, while earnings per share are projected to decline by 11.1% to $5.75 [1][2]. Group 1: Earnings Predictions - The Zacks Model predicts an earnings beat for Ulta Beauty, supported by a positive Earnings ESP of +0.23% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3][4]. - Ulta Beauty has historically delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of nearly 9% on average [2]. Group 2: Growth Drivers - The company continues to lead the beauty retail sector by integrating mass, prestige, and luxury brands, enhanced by a strong omni-channel strategy that combines physical retail expansion with digital innovation [5]. - Investments in marketing and social platforms are increasing brand visibility, while a focus on product assortment and loyalty engagement is driving customer traffic [5]. - The skincare segment, particularly brands like Sol de Janeiro and TATCHA, is contributing to growth, positioning the company favorably for the upcoming quarter [6]. Group 3: Challenges - Ulta Beauty faces pressure from rising selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses, which are expected to increase by 220 basis points to 26.6% of net sales for the fiscal first quarter [7]. - Margin performance is likely to be affected by lower merchandise margins and increased supply chain expenses [7]. - The ongoing decline in the Makeup category presents a risk to the company's growth momentum [7]. Group 4: Stock Performance and Valuation - Ulta Beauty's stock has increased by 12.8% over the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Retail - Miscellaneous industry's decline of 7.1% [9]. - The stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 17.25, slightly above the industry average of 16.12 [9]. Group 5: Investment Outlook - Despite near-term challenges such as rising SG&A expenses and margin pressure, Ulta Beauty's long-term fundamentals remain solid, suggesting a balanced risk-reward profile for investors [10].

Core Viewpoint - Coty Inc. (COTY) is currently undervalued, trading at a forward P/E ratio of 10.57, significantly below its historical median of 13.30 and the industry average of 23.01, indicating potential for long-term growth and investment opportunity [1]. Financial Performance - Coty's shares have declined by 11.9% over the past three months, underperforming the industry and S&P 500, which saw declines of 8.6% and 0.9% respectively, suggesting challenges in the current market environment [4]. - The company achieved approximately $40 million in cost savings in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, with a target of $120 million in total productivity savings for the full fiscal year [7]. Growth Strategy - Coty is focusing on six strategic pillars for sustainable growth, including stabilizing Consumer Beauty brands, accelerating luxury fragrances, expanding into skincare, enhancing e-commerce capabilities, growing in China, and leading in sustainability [5]. - E-commerce now accounts for about 20% of Coty's total sales, with plans to launch a new brand on Amazon in fiscal 2026 and engage with emerging platforms like TikTok Shop [6]. Challenges - The U.S. operations have been a significant headwind, contributing to a decline in like-for-like sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, prompting leadership changes and organizational restructuring [10]. - The Prestige division faced multiple challenges, including a slowdown in the prestige fragrance market, lack of major product launches, and elevated inventory levels at retailers [11]. - Increased advertising and consumer promotions spending has remained high, potentially impacting margins and profitability if not managed effectively [12].

Core Insights - Estee Lauder reported $3.55 billion in revenue for the quarter ended March 2025, a year-over-year decline of 9.9% with an EPS of $0.65 compared to $0.97 a year ago, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.51 billion by 1.22% and delivering an EPS surprise of 124.14% against a consensus estimate of $0.29 [1] Revenue Performance - Net sales in the Americas were $1.05 billion, below the average estimate of $1.08 billion, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 5.8% [4] - Net sales in Asia/Pacific reached $1.14 billion, surpassing the average estimate of $1.02 billion, but still showing a year-over-year decrease of 3.1% [4] - Net sales in Europe, the Middle East & Africa totaled $1.36 billion, slightly below the average estimate of $1.40 billion, with a significant year-over-year decline of 17.6% [4] - Skin Care net sales were $1.81 billion, compared to the average estimate of $1.87 billion, marking a year-over-year decline of 12.3% [4] - Makeup net sales were $1.04 billion, below the average estimate of $1.07 billion, reflecting an 8.9% year-over-year decline [4] - Other net sales were $25 million, exceeding the average estimate of -$38.46 million, with a year-over-year change of -3.9% [4] - Hair Care net sales were $126 million, below the average estimate of $134.79 million, representing an 11.9% year-over-year decline [4] - Fragrance net sales were $557 million, slightly below the average estimate of $574.19 million, with a year-over-year decline of 3.1% [4] Operating Income Analysis - Hair Care reported an operating loss of $13 million, worse than the average estimate of -$7.17 million [4] - Skin Care achieved an operating income of $361 million, slightly above the average estimate of $354.08 million [4] - Other segments reported an operating income of $9 million, significantly better than the average estimate of -$220.82 million [4] - Makeup reported an operating income of $14 million, below the average estimate of $53.44 million [4] Stock Performance - Estee Lauder shares have returned -12.8% over the past month, compared to a -0.7% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite, with a current Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) indicating potential performance in line with the broader market [3]