Ulta Beauty raised its annual sales and profit forecast on Thursday, betting on strong demand for its makeup and skincare products going into the holiday season. ...

This story was originally published on Retail Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Retail Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Sunscreen brand Supergoop has named Melis del Rey its new chief executive officer and board director, which will be effective come Monday, according to a company press release. A veteran beauty executive, del Rey was most recently general manager of Amazon U.S. Health and Beauty and spent over 10 years with the retail giant. Del Rey also spent more tha ...

Core Insights - Elf Beauty forecasted annual sales and profit below Wall Street estimates due to higher tariff costs and cautious consumer spending, resulting in a 26% drop in shares during extended trading [1] - The company missed expectations for second quarter sales and provided a fiscal 2026 forecast after previously pulling it in May [1] Financial Performance - Elf Beauty expects over $50 million in annual costs from higher U.S. tariffs on imports in fiscal 2026, with China accounting for about 75% of its global production [2] - Gross margin fell approximately 165 basis points to 69% for the quarter ended September 30 [2] - Quarterly adjusted earnings per share were 68 cents, exceeding estimates of 57 cents, following a $1 price increase in August, with no additional price increases planned [3] - Quarterly sales totaled $343.9 million, missing expectations of $366.4 million [4] Market Position and Strategy - The company is streamlining its supply chain and diversifying operations to mitigate tariff impacts, as lower-income shoppers are seeking cheaper alternatives and reducing non-essential purchases [3] - CEO Tarang Amin noted a lack of major product launches compared to the previous year, which had significant success with lip oils [5] Future Outlook - Full-year net sales are expected to be between $1.55 billion and $1.57 billion, below analysts' estimates of $1.65 billion [6] - Adjusted profit is estimated to be in the range of $2.80 to $2.85 per share, also below estimates of $3.58 per share [6]

Industry Focus - Beauty industry addresses challenges faced by individuals with mobility issues or shaky hands [1] - Beauty brands are innovating with easier-to-apply makeup and clever brushes [1]

Industry Focus - Beauty brands are developing easier-to-apply makeup and innovative brushes [1] - The industry is addressing the needs of consumers with mobility challenges or shaky hands [1]

Shaky hands? Mobility challenges? These beauty brands are making easier-to-apply makeup and clever brushes. https://t.co/jRuCtGcaqR ...

Core Insights - Ulta Beauty, Inc. is recognized as the largest beauty retailer in the US, operating a network of 1,400 stores that also function as salons [1][2] - Despite a challenging retail environment, Ulta Beauty was nearing new highs recently but has since experienced a significant pullback [1] Company Overview - Ulta Beauty provides a wide range of products including cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrances, along with in-store beauty services such as hair, makeup, brow, and skin treatments [2] Market Position - The company is noted for its resilience in the retail sector, with a focus on escaping the gravitational pull of broader market challenges [1]

Core Insights - Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is a prominent global beauty and cosmetics firm with a market capitalization of approximately $34.2 billion, headquartered in New York City [1] Financial Performance - The company is expected to report a profit of $0.14 per share for Q1 2026, consistent with the same quarter last year [2] - For fiscal 2026, analysts project a profit of $2.05 per share, representing a 35.8% increase from $1.51 in fiscal 2025, with further growth anticipated in fiscal 2027 to $2.80, a 36.6% year-over-year rise [3] Stock Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, Estée Lauder's stock has increased by 4.2%, underperforming the S&P 500 Index's 14.7% gain but outperforming the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund's 4% decline [4] - The stock has faced challenges due to slowing demand in China, weakness in travel-retail channels, and disappointing earnings, prompting the company to implement significant cost-cutting measures, including job reductions [5] Analyst Sentiment - Recently, there has been a shift towards a more positive outlook, with Goldman Sachs upgrading the stock to a "Buy" rating, citing optimism regarding its performance on platforms like Amazon and TikTok, as well as improving sales trends in key regions [6] - Overall, Wall Street analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" rating for Estée Lauder, an upgrade from a previous "Hold" rating, with a mean price target of $95.43 and a Street-high target of $115, suggesting a potential rally of up to 20.7% [7]

Core Insights - Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is recognized as a top stock in Michael Burry's portfolio, with a year-to-date gain of 25%, outperforming the S&P 500's 14% gain [1] Group 1: Company Performance - The company is establishing itself as a leader in the prestige beauty market, supported by a portfolio of 25 brands and operations in over 150 countries [2] - Estée Lauder boasts a gross profit margin of 74%, reinforcing its position as the second-largest player in the $160 billion prestige beauty market [2] Group 2: Analyst Ratings - Analysts at Bank of America Securities maintain a 'Buy' rating on Estée Lauder stock with a price target of $110, reflecting confidence in the company's recovery in Asia and its restructuring plan [3] - The 'Beauty Reimagined' plan is showing positive results, contributing to the company's strong performance [3] Group 3: Product Portfolio - Estée Lauder manufactures, markets, and sells a range of prestige beauty products, including skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care, under a diverse portfolio of luxury brands [4] - The company emphasizes innovation, quality, and end-to-end execution to create transformative beauty products and experiences for consumers globally [4]

Beauty Scene: “We had an insane amount of makeup in our house,” Sheena Zadeh says of her childhood. “I thought the bathroom was meant to be used for [storage].” https://t.co/hErPs7EfWC (Photo: Kosas Beauty) https://t.co/YjT7JCbODG ...