Key Takeaways ELF gained 140 basis points of market share as brand demand stayed strong in Q2 FY26.ELF invests 24%-26% of sales in marketing, lifting brand awareness across the United States and abroad.ELF expects 18%-20% net sales growth in FY26, supported by innovation and value pricing.Brand-led innovation is emerging as a critical driver of e.l.f. Beauty Inc.’s (ELF) growth momentum in fiscal 2026, enabling the company to outperform a slow-growing mass beauty category. In the second quarter of fiscal 20 ...

Revenue Performance - e.l.f. Beauty reported a 14% year-over-year increase in net sales for FY26Q2, reaching $344 million, driven by the Rhode brand acquisition contributing approximately $52 million (about 17 percentage points) to sales growth[2][9] - Excluding Rhode, comparable sales decreased by approximately 3% due to a temporary halt in shipments to some retailers following a price increase effective August 1[2][9] Profitability and Margins - Gross margin for the quarter was 69%, down 190 basis points year-over-year, primarily impacted by increased tariffs on imported goods from China[2][9] - Adjusted EBITDA was $66.2 million, with a margin of 19%, reflecting a 4% decline year-over-year; adjusted net income was $41.7 million, with diluted earnings per share at $0.68, down from $0.77 in the same period last year[2][9] Full-Year Guidance - For FY26, the company projects net sales between $1.55 billion and $1.57 billion, representing an 18%-20% year-over-year growth, with Rhode expected to contribute approximately $200 million[3][10] - Management anticipates gross margin improvement to approximately 71% in the second half, up roughly 200 basis points sequentially, driven by pricing adjustments and Rhode's contribution[3][10] Tariff and Supply Chain Challenges - Approximately 75% of products sourced from China are subject to a 45% tariff rate, with each 10-percentage-point increase in tariffs estimated to impact annual gross profit by about $17 million[4][11] - Despite facing significant tariff headwinds, the company expects full-year gross margin to decline by only about 100 basis points due to price increases and product mix optimization[4][11] Market Position and Brand Growth - The core e.l.f. brand continues to gain market share, with consumption growth of 7% in Q2, approximately three times the category growth rate, and a market share increase of 140 basis points[5][12] - e.l.f. ranked as the top favorite teen makeup brand for the eighth consecutive time in Piper Sandler's survey, indicating strong brand recognition and loyalty[5][12] International Expansion - International sales grew by 2% year-over-year in Q2, with plans to launch in new markets including Rossmann Poland and Sephora in GCC countries[5][12] - Current international sales account for approximately 20% of total sales, suggesting significant growth potential compared to peers[5][12] Brand Building and Operational Efficiency - e.l.f. has enhanced brand influence through a "disruptive marketing engine," with unaided brand awareness increasing significantly over the past five years[6][13] - The successful transition to a new SAP system is expected to improve operational efficiency and support future scaling[6][13]

Core Insights - e.l.f. Beauty has officially launched its products at ULTA Beauty in Mexico, expanding its market presence and accessibility for consumers [1][2] - The partnership with ULTA Beauty aims to make beauty products affordable and available to a wider audience, reflecting the companies' shared mission [2] Company Overview - e.l.f. Beauty (NYSE: ELF) is committed to making beauty accessible to all, with a focus on positivity, inclusivity, and clean, vegan products [3] - The company operates several brands, including e.l.f. Cosmetics and e.l.f. SKIN, and is recognized for its Fair Trade Certified facilities [3] Product Highlights - Key products from e.l.f. Cosmetics and e.l.f. SKIN include: - Power Grip Primer: A gel-based primer for long-lasting makeup wear [4] - Halo Glow Liquid Filter: A liquid glow booster for a soft-focus effect [4] - Glow Reviver Lip Oil Glimmer: A nourishing lip oil with shimmer [4] - Sheer For It Blush Tint: A buildable blush tint with a hydrating texture [4] - Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops: A hydrating gel serum for a radiant complexion [4] - Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm: A solid cleansing balm that transforms into oil [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2, net sales increased by 14% year-over-year, reaching $344 million, following a 40% growth in the same quarter last year [20][22] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $66 million, down 4% compared to the previous year [22] - Adjusted net income was $41 million, or 68 cents per diluted share, compared to $45 million, or 77 cents per diluted share a year ago [22] - Gross margin for Q2 was 69%, down approximately 165 basis points year-over-year, primarily due to increased tariff costs [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The acquisition of Rhode contributed $52 million, or approximately 17 percentage points, to net sales in Q2 [20][22] - Organic net sales, excluding Rhode, were down approximately 3% this quarter [3][20] - e.l.f. brand grew 7% in Q2, significantly outpacing the overall category growth of approximately 2% [2][3] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. net sales grew 18% year-over-year in Q2, while international net sales grew 2% [20][21] - e.l.f. Beauty gained 140 basis points of market share in Q2, marking the 27th consecutive quarter of market share gains [2][3] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for full-year net sales growth of 18%-20% year-over-year, building on the 28% growth achieved in fiscal 2025 [4][25] - The addition of Rhode is expected to enhance long-term growth, with projected contributions of about $200 million in net sales for fiscal 2026 [5][26] - The company is focused on expanding its international presence, with launches planned in Poland and the Gulf Cooperation Council [13][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing strength of consumption trends and market share gains, indicating a positive outlook for fiscal 2026 [4][27] - The company anticipates that shipments will remain below consumption in fiscal 2026, particularly as they cycle through significant distribution gains from the previous year [4][27] - Management noted that the pricing strategy is designed to maintain price sanctity across retailers, which has been successfully resolved after initial delays [38] Other Important Information - The company has successfully transitioned to SAP for its ERP system, marking a significant milestone in its operational capabilities [23] - The marketing and digital investment for Q2 was 23% of net sales, slightly down from 24% in the previous year [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more insight into the corporate top-line guidance and the impact of shipments versus underlying consumption? - Management noted that consumption outperformed category growth, with e.l.f. brand growing 7% compared to the category's 2% [34] - The disconnect between consumption and shipments was primarily due to pricing issues, which are expected to normalize in the second half [34][35] Question: What are the expectations for organic growth in the second half? - Management expects organic growth of 2%-5% in the second half, driven by strong consumption trends [35][36] Question: How does the company view tariffs and their impact on inventory? - Management indicated that tariffs have been reduced to 45%, which is expected to improve gross margins in the second half [44][45] Question: What is the strategy for Rhode's distribution between wholesale and DTC? - The company plans to focus on both wholesale and DTC channels, with exclusive drops on their DTC site to drive sales [57] Question: Can you elaborate on the expected slowdown in organic growth for the core business? - Management highlighted that while consumption remains strong, the expected slowdown is due to cycling space expansions from the previous year [72][74]