e.l.f.(ELF) - 2026 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3, the company achieved a net sales growth of 38% year-over-year and an adjusted EBITDA growth of 79% [3][29] - The Q3 net sales growth was supported by the acquisition of Rhode, which contributed approximately $128 million, or about 36 percentage points, to the growth [29] - Adjusted net income for Q3 was $74 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, compared to $43 million, or $0.74 per diluted share a year ago [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The e.l.f. Cosmetics brand grew 8% in the U.S., outperforming the category by two times [3][4] - e.l.f. Skin consumption grew 16% in the U.S., also outperforming the category by two times [4] - Naturium, acquired two years ago, continues to drive strong growth, while Rhode achieved the No. 1 brand ranking in Sephora North America [4][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company increased its market share by 130 basis points, the largest share gain among over 700 cosmetics brands tracked by Nielsen [4] - U.S. net sales grew 36% year-over-year, while international net sales grew 44% in Q3 [30] - International sales accounted for approximately 20% of net sales, compared to legacy peers with over 70% of their sales outside the U.S. [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to democratize access to beauty with a value proposition that offers products at accessible price points, with 75% of its portfolio priced at $10 or less [6][7] - The company plans to expand its retail presence, including launching Naturium in Walmart and increasing space within Ulta Beauty [25][28] - The marketing strategy includes disruptive campaigns and collaborations, such as the partnership with Liquid Death and H&M [12][15][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to continue gaining market share and delivering growth, despite some softness in the UK and Germany [29][30] - The company raised its fiscal 2026 outlook for net sales growth to approximately 22%-23% year-over-year, up from 18%-20% previously, primarily driven by Rhode's outperformance [33][34] - Management noted that global consumption growth is expected to be around 6%, with some headwinds from pipeline dynamics [35][69] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $197 million in cash, compared to $74 million a year ago, and repurchased approximately $50 million of its outstanding common stock [32] - The company plans to debut a commercial during the Super Bowl, aiming for a campaign reach of nearly 300 million [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you unpack your approach to spending and guidance? - Management indicated that the adjusted EBITDA margin for the second half is expected to be around 19%, up from 17% previously, due to timing shifts in costs and increased marketing spend [41][42] Question: What is the path forward for Rhode's expansion? - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining quality in Rhode's launches and noted significant pent-up demand for the brand [43][44] Question: What are the plans for driving growth in the core e.l.f. brand? - Management highlighted the strategy of leveraging existing strengths and expanding shelf space, particularly in international markets [46][47] Question: Can you provide an update on the e.l.f. Cosmetics business in the U.S.? - Management reported that the e.l.f. brand is healthy, with a successful execution of a recent price increase and strong innovation pipeline for the spring [52][54] Question: What drove the decision to return to a Super Bowl ad this year? - Management explained that the marketing spend remains targeted at 24%-26% for the year, with a focus on timing shifts and additional campaigns planned for Q4 [80][81] Question: Can you clarify the full-year guidance and the implications for e.l.f. brand growth? - Management noted that the raised guidance reflects a lower expected growth for the e.l.f. brand due to a decrease in the global consumption rate [84][86]