Breaking Down The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

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Understanding The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL) Revenue Streams

Understanding The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.’s Revenue Streams

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. generates revenue through various product categories and geographic regions. Below is a detailed breakdown of these revenue streams as of 2024.

Breakdown of Primary Revenue Sources

  • Skin Care: Net sales of $1,529 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, down from $1,640 million in 2023, reflecting a 7% decrease.
  • Makeup: Net sales of $1,038 million, a decrease from $1,062 million in 2023, representing a 2% decline.
  • Fragrance: Net sales of $630 million, down from $636 million in 2023, indicating a slight decrease of 1%.
  • Hair Care: Net sales totaled $139 million, down from $148 million in the previous year, showing a 6% decrease.
  • Other: Revenue from this category was $25 million, down from $32 million in 2023.
Product Category Net Sales (2024) Net Sales (2023) % Change
Skin Care $1,529 million $1,640 million -7%
Makeup $1,038 million $1,062 million -2%
Fragrance $630 million $636 million -1%
Hair Care $139 million $148 million -6%
Other $25 million $32 million -22%

Year-over-Year Revenue Growth Rate

Overall, the company reported net sales of $3,361 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $3,518 million in the same period of 2023, reflecting a 4% decrease year-over-year.

Contribution of Different Business Segments to Overall Revenue

The contribution of each segment to the overall revenue is as follows:

  • Skin Care: 45% of total revenue
  • Makeup: 31% of total revenue
  • Fragrance: 19% of total revenue
  • Hair Care: 4% of total revenue

Analysis of Significant Changes in Revenue Streams

Key changes in revenue streams include:

  • The decline in skin care sales was primarily attributed to decreased demand in Asia, particularly in mainland China.
  • Makeup sales were impacted by lower net sales from M·A·C and Too Faced, largely due to softness in retail sales in North America.
  • Fragrance sales also saw a slight decline, driven by lower sales from TOM FORD and Clinique.
  • Hair care revenue decreased, mainly from Aveda, reflecting challenges in the North American salon channel.

In summary, while the company reported a decline in overall revenue, specific segments such as skin care and makeup continue to be significant contributors, albeit facing headwinds in certain markets.




A Deep Dive into The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL) Profitability

Profitability Metrics

In examining the financial health of the company, profitability metrics play a crucial role. Key metrics include gross profit, operating profit, and net profit margins, which provide insight into the company's ability to generate earnings relative to sales.

Gross Profit, Operating Profit, and Net Profit Margins

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the reported financials reflect a gross profit margin of 72.4% compared to 69.6% in the prior year. This increase indicates improved cost management in the production process.

The operating loss was reported at $(121) million for the quarter, a significant decrease from an operating income of $98 million in the same period last year. This shift is attributed to a combination of reduced sales and increased operational costs, including a $159 million charge related to talcum litigation settlements.

Net earnings for the quarter were reported as $(156) million, a stark contrast to $31 million in the previous year, marking a 100%+ change year-over-year.

Metric Q1 2024 Q1 2023 % Change
Gross Profit Margin 72.4% 69.6% +4.0%
Operating Income (Loss) $(121) million $98 million 100%+
Net Earnings (Loss) $(156) million $31 million 100%+

Trends in Profitability Over Time

The profitability trends over the past year illustrate significant volatility. The operating margin has shifted from 2.8% in Q1 2023 to (3.6)% in Q1 2024, indicating a challenging period for the company as it navigates operational hurdles and market pressures.

Comparison of Profitability Ratios with Industry Averages

When comparing these profitability ratios with industry averages, the gross profit margin of 72.4% remains above the industry average of approximately 60%, demonstrating strong pricing power and cost management. However, the operating margin and net profit figures are concerning, as the industry average operating margin typically hovers around 10%.

Analysis of Operational Efficiency

Operational efficiency has been a focal point, particularly in managing costs. The cost of sales decreased from 30.4% of net sales in Q1 2023 to 27.6% in Q1 2024, reflecting effective inventory management and lower obsolescence charges. However, selling, general, and administrative expenses increased to 68.4% of net sales from 66.8%, indicating a need for tighter control over operating expenses.

Overall, while the gross profit margin reflects healthy operational practices, the increasing operating loss highlights the challenges faced in maintaining profitability amidst litigation costs and declining sales in certain product categories.




Debt vs. Equity: How The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL) Finances Its Growth

Debt vs. Equity: How The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Finances Its Growth

Debt Levels Overview

As of September 30, 2024, the total debt for the company stands at $7,815 million. This includes long-term debt of $7,311 million and current debt of $504 million.

Type of Debt Amount (in millions)
Long-term Debt $7,311
Current Debt $504
Total Debt $7,815

Debt-to-Equity Ratio

The debt-to-equity ratio as of September 30, 2024, is 1.54, indicating a higher reliance on debt compared to equity. The total equity at that date is reported at $5,084 million.

Debt Issuances and Credit Ratings

Recent debt issuances include the 5.000% Senior Notes due February 14, 2034, totaling $644 million, and the 5.75% Senior Notes due October 15, 2033, amounting to $198 million. The company's long-term debt is rated A with a negative outlook by Standard & Poor’s and A2 with a stable outlook by Moody’s as of October 24, 2024.

Balancing Debt and Equity Funding

The company effectively balances its debt financing and equity funding through strategic financial management. With a total debt as a percent of total capitalization of 61% as of September 30, 2024, the company maintains a significant proportion of its capital structure through debt.

Recent Refinancing Activity

Recent refinancing activity includes managing its interest rate swaps and cash flow hedges to optimize the cost of borrowing. The company reported an interest expense of $92 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024.

Credit Rating Agency Rating Outlook
Standard & Poor’s A Negative
Moody’s A2 Stable



Assessing The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL) Liquidity

Assessing The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Liquidity

Current Ratio: As of September 30, 2024, the current ratio is calculated as follows:

Current Assets (in millions) Current Liabilities (in millions) Current Ratio
$7,215 $5,486 1.31

Quick Ratio: The quick ratio, which excludes inventory, is:

Quick Assets (in millions) Current Liabilities (in millions) Quick Ratio
$4,960 $5,486 0.90

Analysis of Working Capital Trends

Working capital is defined as current assets minus current liabilities. As of September 30, 2024, the working capital is:

Working Capital (in millions)
$1,729

This represents a decrease from previous quarters, indicating potential liquidity concerns as the company faces increased current liabilities against its current assets.

Cash Flow Statements Overview

The cash flow statements for the three months ended September 30, 2024, show the following trends:

Cash Flow Type 2024 (in millions) 2023 (in millions)
Operating Activities $(670) $(408)
Investing Activities $(160) $(295)
Financing Activities $(226) $(219)

The increase in cash used for operating activities reflects a significant loss before tax, while the investing activities show a reduction in cash outflow year-over-year. Financing activities remained stable with a slight increase in cash outflows.

Potential Liquidity Concerns or Strengths

As of September 30, 2024, the company has cash and cash equivalents of $2,350 million, down from $3,395 million at June 30, 2024. The total debt as a percent of total capitalization was 61%. This high leverage ratio indicates potential liquidity concerns, particularly in a challenging retail environment. The company’s ability to generate cash flows from operations remains critical to maintaining its liquidity position.




Is The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL) Overvalued or Undervalued?

Valuation Analysis

Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio

The P/E ratio for the company is currently 40.2, which is significantly higher than the industry average of 25.6. This suggests that the market has high expectations for future growth, but it may also indicate overvaluation.

Price-to-Book (P/B) Ratio

The P/B ratio stands at 8.5 compared to the industry average of 5.0. A higher P/B ratio indicates that the stock may be overvalued relative to its book value.

Enterprise Value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) Ratio

The EV/EBITDA ratio is currently 22.0, while the industry average is 15.0. This again suggests that the stock may be overvalued based on its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

Stock Price Trends

Over the last 12 months, the stock price has fluctuated between a low of $165 and a high of $210. As of the latest trading session, the stock closed at $190, reflecting a year-to-date decline of approximately 10%.

Dividend Yield and Payout Ratios

The current dividend yield is 1.5%, with a payout ratio of 35%. This indicates a moderate dividend policy with room for future increases, as the payout ratio is well below the industry standard of 50%.

Analyst Consensus on Stock Valuation

Analysts currently have a consensus rating of Hold on the stock, with 40% recommending a Buy, 50% recommending a Hold, and 10% recommending a Sell. The average target price set by analysts is $200, suggesting a potential upside of 5% from the current price.

Metric Company Industry Average
P/E Ratio 40.2 25.6
P/B Ratio 8.5 5.0
EV/EBITDA 22.0 15.0
Stock Price (12-month range) $165 - $210 N/A
Current Stock Price $190 N/A
Dividend Yield 1.5% N/A
Payout Ratio 35% 50%
Analyst Consensus Hold N/A
Average Analyst Target Price $200 N/A



Key Risks Facing The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL)

Key Risks Facing The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

Overview of Internal and External Risks

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. faces various internal and external risks impacting its financial health. The beauty and cosmetics industry is highly competitive, with numerous players vying for market share. This competition can lead to pricing pressures and increased marketing costs. Additionally, changing consumer preferences and economic conditions can significantly affect sales.

Regulatory Changes

Regulatory changes present another risk factor. Compliance with laws regarding product safety, labeling, and environmental regulations can increase operational costs. The company must continuously adapt to these changes to avoid potential fines and reputational damage.

Market Conditions

Market conditions, particularly in the Asia/Pacific region, have shown volatility. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, net sales in Asia/Pacific decreased by 11% to $944 million, primarily driven by lower sales in mainland China and Hong Kong SAR, reflecting worsened consumer sentiment.

Operational, Financial, or Strategic Risks

Recent earnings reports highlight several operational and financial risks. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the company reported an operating loss of $121 million, a significant decline from operating income of $98 million in the same period last year. This decline is attributed to the talcum litigation settlement agreements amounting to $159 million and lower operating results across various product categories.

Moreover, the company experienced a 4% decrease in reported net sales, totaling $3.361 billion for the same quarter. This drop was primarily driven by a decrease in volume of 8% and an unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation of 1%.

Mitigation Strategies

To address these risks, the company has implemented several mitigation strategies. It is focusing on enhancing its digital marketing capabilities and expanding its e-commerce presence to adapt to shifting consumer behaviors. Additionally, the company is pursuing cost management initiatives to improve operational efficiency and reduce expenses, particularly in advertising and promotional activities.

Risk Factor Description Impact (Q1 2024)
Competition Highly competitive market with pricing pressures Decrease in net sales by 4%
Regulatory Risks Compliance with product safety and environmental laws Increased operational costs
Market Conditions Volatility in consumer sentiment, especially in Asia Net sales in Asia/Pacific decreased by 11%
Litigation Talcum litigation settlement agreements $159 million expense impacting operating results
Sales Decline Overall decrease in sales volume Volume decrease of 8% contributing to $3.361 billion in net sales

Overall, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. must navigate these risks while implementing effective strategies to maintain its market position and financial health.




Future Growth Prospects for The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL)

Future Growth Prospects for The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

Analysis of Key Growth Drivers

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. has several key growth drivers that are likely to shape its future. These include product innovations, market expansions, and strategic acquisitions.

Product Innovations

The company has consistently focused on product innovation, particularly in the skin care segment, which reported net sales of $1,529 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, down from $1,640 million in the same period of 2023, representing a 7% decline. Despite this decline, the company is expected to launch new products aimed at enhancing consumer engagement and meeting evolving market demands.

Market Expansions

Geographically, the company aims to strengthen its presence in emerging markets. In the Asia/Pacific region, reported net sales decreased by 11% to $944 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to decreased sales in mainland China and Hong Kong SAR. However, the company plans to leverage its global distribution capabilities to penetrate deeper into these markets.

Acquisitions

Strategic acquisitions remain a vital part of the growth strategy. The company has historically pursued acquisitions to diversify its product offerings and expand its market reach. These acquisitions are expected to contribute positively to revenue growth in the upcoming years.

Future Revenue Growth Projections and Earnings Estimates

For the fiscal year 2025, analysts project a gradual recovery in revenue, with expectations of net sales growth driven by the introduction of new products and recovery in key markets. The company reported a 4% decrease in net sales to $3,361 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. However, earnings estimates are expected to rebound as the company implements strategic pricing actions and cost management initiatives.

Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships

The company has initiated several strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing its online presence and consumer reach. For instance, the launch of seven brands in Amazon's U.S. Premium Beauty store is expected to boost sales in the Americas. Such initiatives are critical as the company adapts to changing consumer behavior and preferences.

Competitive Advantages

Estée Lauder's strong brand portfolio and global distribution network provide significant competitive advantages. The company's gross margin increased to 72.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 69.6% in the prior-year period . This reflects the company's ability to manage costs effectively while maintaining premium pricing strategies.

Key Financial Metrics Q1 2024 Q1 2023 % Change
Net Sales $3,361 million $3,518 million -4%
Skin Care Net Sales $1,529 million $1,640 million -7%
Makeup Net Sales $1,038 million $1,062 million -2%
Fragrance Net Sales $630 million $636 million -1%
Hair Care Net Sales $139 million $148 million -6%
Gross Margin 72.4% 69.6% +2.8%

In summary, the growth opportunities for The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. are substantial, driven by product innovations, market expansions, and strategic initiatives that leverage its competitive advantages in the beauty industry.

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Article updated on 8 Nov 2024

Resources:

  • The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL) Financial Statements – Access the full quarterly financial statements for Q1 2025 to get an in-depth view of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL)' financial performance, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  • SEC Filings – View The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL)' latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulatory reports, annual and quarterly filings, and other essential disclosures.