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Estee Lauder (EL) Up 14% Since Earnings Report: Can It Continue?
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A month has gone by since the last earnings report for The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (EL - Free Report) . Shares have added about 14% in that time frame.
Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is EL due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.
Estee Lauder Raises View on Solid Q3 Earnings & Sales
Estee Lauder reported third-quarter fiscal 2018 results. The company posted adjusted earnings per share of $1.17 that surged 30% year over year and beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.07. On a currency-neutral basis, earnings improved 17%.
After including certain one-time items, earnings came in at 99 cents, up from 80 cents reported in the year-ago quarter.
Estee Lauder’s net sales of $ 3,370 million surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3,234 million. Moreover, sales increased 18% from the prior-year quarter. Further, sales advanced 13% on a constant-currency (cc) basis.
Performance during the quarter was mainly driven by sturdy travel retail and online businesses along with strong brand growth in the Asian markets. Further, robust global demand in majority of the company’s brands also fueled results.
Gross profit increased 18.6% to $2,687 million and gross margin expanded 40 basis points (bps) to 79.7% on the back of improved revenues. Adjusted operating income came in at $588 million, surging 21% year over year, while adjusted operating margin improved 40 bps.
Product Based Segment Results
On the basis of product category, Skin Care reported sales growth of 31% year over year (up 25% at cc) to $1,447 million, owing to double-digit improvements in brands including GLAMGLOW, La Mer, Origins and Estee Lauder. The segments’ top line also gained from sturdy business progress in Asia, driven by innovations, benefits from hero products and deamnd surge among younger consumers.
Makeup revenues were up 9% (up 5% at cc) to $ 1,388 million on the back of robust performance of brands such as Tom Ford, Estée Lauder, Clinique and MAC. These were partially offset by reduced sales of makeup products in the United States, stemming from lower store traffic.
Fragrance category reported revenue growth of 14% (up 7% at cc) to reach $382 million driven by increased sales of luxury brands such as Jo Malone London, Tom and Ford reflect amongst many others. These upsides were partially countered by declines in few of Estee Lauder fragrances.
Hair Care sales amounted $139 million that advanced 10% (7% at cc), driven by higher sales of Aveda as well as Bumble and bumble brands. Aveda brand gained from solid travel retail and online performance along with of contributions from new product launches. Bumble and bumble brand sales were backed by its launch in Ulta Beauty. These were somewhat countered by lower salon sales in North America.
Regional Results
Sales in the Americas increased 1% at cc to $1,181 million. North American sales benefitted from growth across brands such as La Mer and certain other luxury brands. The company’s online and specialty-multi channels also registered strong growth in the region. Sales in Latin America and Canada also witnessed noteworthy improvements. These were partially offset by soft retail traffic in few U.S. brick-and-mortar stores.
Sales in Europe, the Middle East & Africa region improved 26% (up 17% at cc) to $1,416 million. On a constant-currency basis, the segments sales growth mainly stems from improved retail travel sales and strong performance witnessed in Italy. Moreover, emerging markets like Russia, India and Turkey contributed to sales growth. However, the Middle East region registered lower sales owing to macroeconomic challenges.
In the Asia/Pacific region sales soared 38% (up 30% at cc) to $773 million. The upside was driven by spectacular performance in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and the Philippine
Other Financial Updates
The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $ 2,140 million, long-term debt of $3,363 million and total equity of $4,737 million.
Net cash flows from operating activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2018 came in at $1,931 million, while the company incurred capital expenditures of $368 million.
Estee Lauder announced a quarterly dividend of 38 cents per share, which is payable on Jun 15, 2018 to shareholders of record as of May 31, 2018.
Fiscal 2018 Guidance
Estee Lauder expects continued growth opportunities in the global prestige beauty industry, which is expected to grow 6-7% in fiscal 2018, from the previous guidance of 5%. Additionally, acquisitions, better-quality products, innovation and improved market reach are expected to positively impact sales during the year. Moreover, the company expects to continue reaping benefits from its digital-first approach as well as its emphasis on high growth potency markets and brands. However, economic challenges, social and political issues affecting consumer behavior in certain countries keeps management somewhat cautious. The company also remains watchful regarding soft store traffic in the United States.
Nevertheless, the growth drivers, solid performance in the first three quarters and expected gain from the recently enacted tax reforms keeps management encouraged about continuing with its above-industry improvement — in fiscal 2018. That said, management raised its sales and earnings outlook for fiscal 2018.
For fiscal 2018, Estée Lauder now expects net sales to grow 15-16%, from the previous expectation of 12.5-13.5%. Foreign currency is expected to positively impact sales by 4% during the year. On a constant currency basis, net sales are now expected to jump 11-12%, up from previous guidance of 10-11%. The company’s acquisitions of Too Faced and BECCA are expected to contribute approximately 2 percentage points to the company’s overall sales growth.
The company now envisions fiscal 2018 adjusted earnings in a range of $4.38-4.42, compared with the previously expected range of $4.27-$4.32. The revised earnings view reflects a growth of 26-27% from the prior-year figure. On a constant-currency basis, adjusted earnings are now expected to grow 20-21%, up from the previous forecast of 19-20%.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?
In the past month, investors have witnessed a downward trend in fresh estimates. There have been two revisions higher for the current quarter compared to six lower.
The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Price and Consensus
At this time, EL has a great Growth Score of A, though it is lagging a bit on the momentum front with a B. However, the stock was allocated a grade of D on the value side, putting it in the bottom 40% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of B. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
Our style scores indicate that the stock is more suitable for growth investors than momentum investors.
Outlook
Estimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Notably, EL has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
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Estee Lauder (EL) Up 14% Since Earnings Report: Can It Continue?
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (EL - Free Report) . Shares have added about 14% in that time frame.
Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is EL due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.
Estee Lauder Raises View on Solid Q3 Earnings & Sales
Estee Lauder reported third-quarter fiscal 2018 results. The company posted adjusted earnings per share of $1.17 that surged 30% year over year and beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.07. On a currency-neutral basis, earnings improved 17%.
After including certain one-time items, earnings came in at 99 cents, up from 80 cents reported in the year-ago quarter.
Estee Lauder’s net sales of $ 3,370 million surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3,234 million. Moreover, sales increased 18% from the prior-year quarter. Further, sales advanced 13% on a constant-currency (cc) basis.
Performance during the quarter was mainly driven by sturdy travel retail and online businesses along with strong brand growth in the Asian markets. Further, robust global demand in majority of the company’s brands also fueled results.
Gross profit increased 18.6% to $2,687 million and gross margin expanded 40 basis points (bps) to 79.7% on the back of improved revenues. Adjusted operating income came in at $588 million, surging 21% year over year, while adjusted operating margin improved 40 bps.
Product Based Segment Results
On the basis of product category, Skin Care reported sales growth of 31% year over year (up 25% at cc) to $1,447 million, owing to double-digit improvements in brands including GLAMGLOW, La Mer, Origins and Estee Lauder. The segments’ top line also gained from sturdy business progress in Asia, driven by innovations, benefits from hero products and deamnd surge among younger consumers.
Makeup revenues were up 9% (up 5% at cc) to $ 1,388 million on the back of robust performance of brands such as Tom Ford, Estée Lauder, Clinique and MAC. These were partially offset by reduced sales of makeup products in the United States, stemming from lower store traffic.
Fragrance category reported revenue growth of 14% (up 7% at cc) to reach $382 million driven by increased sales of luxury brands such as Jo Malone London, Tom and Ford reflect amongst many others. These upsides were partially countered by declines in few of Estee Lauder fragrances.
Hair Care sales amounted $139 million that advanced 10% (7% at cc), driven by higher sales of Aveda as well as Bumble and bumble brands. Aveda brand gained from solid travel retail and online performance along with of contributions from new product launches. Bumble and bumble brand sales were backed by its launch in Ulta Beauty. These were somewhat countered by lower salon sales in North America.
Regional Results
Sales in the Americas increased 1% at cc to $1,181 million. North American sales benefitted from growth across brands such as La Mer and certain other luxury brands. The company’s online and specialty-multi channels also registered strong growth in the region. Sales in Latin America and Canada also witnessed noteworthy improvements. These were partially offset by soft retail traffic in few U.S. brick-and-mortar stores.
Sales in Europe, the Middle East & Africa region improved 26% (up 17% at cc) to $1,416 million. On a constant-currency basis, the segments sales growth mainly stems from improved retail travel sales and strong performance witnessed in Italy. Moreover, emerging markets like Russia, India and Turkey contributed to sales growth. However, the Middle East region registered lower sales owing to macroeconomic challenges.
In the Asia/Pacific region sales soared 38% (up 30% at cc) to $773 million. The upside was driven by spectacular performance in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and the Philippine
Other Financial Updates
The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $ 2,140 million, long-term debt of $3,363 million and total equity of $4,737 million.
Net cash flows from operating activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2018 came in at $1,931 million, while the company incurred capital expenditures of $368 million.
Estee Lauder announced a quarterly dividend of 38 cents per share, which is payable on Jun 15, 2018 to shareholders of record as of May 31, 2018.
Fiscal 2018 Guidance
Estee Lauder expects continued growth opportunities in the global prestige beauty industry, which is expected to grow 6-7% in fiscal 2018, from the previous guidance of 5%. Additionally, acquisitions, better-quality products, innovation and improved market reach are expected to positively impact sales during the year. Moreover, the company expects to continue reaping benefits from its digital-first approach as well as its emphasis on high growth potency markets and brands. However, economic challenges, social and political issues affecting consumer behavior in certain countries keeps management somewhat cautious. The company also remains watchful regarding soft store traffic in the United States.
Nevertheless, the growth drivers, solid performance in the first three quarters and expected gain from the recently enacted tax reforms keeps management encouraged about continuing with its above-industry improvement — in fiscal 2018. That said, management raised its sales and earnings outlook for fiscal 2018.
For fiscal 2018, Estée Lauder now expects net sales to grow 15-16%, from the previous expectation of 12.5-13.5%. Foreign currency is expected to positively impact sales by 4% during the year. On a constant currency basis, net sales are now expected to jump 11-12%, up from previous guidance of 10-11%. The company’s acquisitions of Too Faced and BECCA are expected to contribute approximately 2 percentage points to the company’s overall sales growth.
The company now envisions fiscal 2018 adjusted earnings in a range of $4.38-4.42, compared with the previously expected range of $4.27-$4.32. The revised earnings view reflects a growth of 26-27% from the prior-year figure. On a constant-currency basis, adjusted earnings are now expected to grow 20-21%, up from the previous forecast of 19-20%.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?
In the past month, investors have witnessed a downward trend in fresh estimates. There have been two revisions higher for the current quarter compared to six lower.
The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Price and Consensus
The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Price and Consensus | The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Quote
VGM Scores
At this time, EL has a great Growth Score of A, though it is lagging a bit on the momentum front with a B. However, the stock was allocated a grade of D on the value side, putting it in the bottom 40% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of B. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
Our style scores indicate that the stock is more suitable for growth investors than momentum investors.
Outlook
Estimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Notably, EL has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.