The Estée Lauder Companies Delivers Outstanding Fiscal 2020 First Quarter Results

Press Release, 31 Oct 2019

Net Sales Increased 11% and Diluted EPS Rose 21%

Net Sales Increased 12% and Adjusted Diluted EPS Rose 20% in Constant Currency

Full Year Net Sales and EPS Guidance Raised in Constant Currency

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE: EL) today reported outstanding financial results for its first quarter ended September 30, 2019. Net sales of $3.90 billion increased 11% from $3.52 billion in the prior-year period. Excluding the impact of currency translation, net sales increased 12%.

Net earnings rose 19% to $595 million, compared with $500 million last year. Diluted net earnings per common share increased 21% to $1.61, compared with $1.34 reported in the prior-year period. Adjusted diluted earnings per common share, which excludes items detailed below, rose 19% to $1.67, or grew 20% in constant currency.

Fabrizio Freda, President and Chief Executive Officer said, “We have started fiscal year 2020 with terrific results. Our winning strategy based on multiple engines of growth helped us deliver an extraordinary performance, especially in light of the volatile global environment, reflecting the agility and resiliency we have created in our business model.

“Our sales growth was led by excellent results from our international markets, particularly in China and our other emerging markets, the skin care category, the travel retail and online channels globally, our Estée Lauder brand and several luxury brands, all of which grew double digits. In addition, all four of our biggest brands, each with annual sales well over $1 billion, grew globally. This demonstrates the enduring consumer interest in established brands and their proven, desirable products.

“Improved data analytics and consumer insights fueled our successful innovations and digital marketing, and our hero franchises continued to power our portfolio. We broadened our growth engines, activated new ones and invested in the best opportunities across our global strategic priorities.”

Freda added, “By leveraging our sales gains and maintaining a disciplined operational and financial focus, adjusted diluted earnings per share rose significantly. At the same time, we increased our advertising spending. With this strong start and continued confidence in our ability to execute effectively, we are raising our full year net sales and EPS guidance in constant currency.”

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Adjusted diluted earnings per common share excludes restructuring and other charges and adjustments as detailed in the following table.

Net sales and operating income in the Company’s product categories and regions outside of the United States were unfavorably impacted by a stronger U.S. dollar in relation to most currencies.

Total reported operating income was $779 million, a 19% increase from $652 million in the prior year. Operating income increased 20% excluding the unfavorable impact of currency translation of $4 million and restructuring and other charges and adjustments of $25 million, compared to $36 million in the prior-year period. This largely reflected higher net sales and disciplined cost management throughout the business while increasing advertising investment.

Skin Care

• Skin care net sales grew across all regions, led by Estée Lauder and La Mer. Clinique and Origins also grew globally.
• The Estée Lauder brand delivered double-digit growth in all regions, reflecting continued strength in certain of its core product franchises, such as Advanced Night Repair, Micro Essence and Revitalizing Supreme, supported by successful innovations, including the launch of Advanced Night Repair Intense Reset Concentrate.
• Double-digit growth at La Mer, the luxury skin care brand, was broad based, with net sales increasing across every region and major channel, driven by higher net sales of existing products, including The Treatment Lotion and The Concentrate, as well as the relaunch of The Regenerating Serum. Expanded targeted consumer reach also contributed to growth.
• Clinique’s growth was driven by increases in its hero moisturizers, including Moisture Surge, the Dramatically Different Moisturizing franchise and Smart Clinical, which drove growth in North America and travel retail.
• Operating income increased sharply, primarily from La Mer and Estée Lauder, reflecting higher net sales, that was partially offset by higher expenses to support strategic investments in technology and other select corporate functions.

Makeup

• Net sales growth in makeup was primarily driven by increases from Estée Lauder, M•A•C, Tom Ford Beauty and La Mer. These increases were partially offset by lower net sales from Too Faced, BECCA and Clinique.
• Estée Lauder generated solid double-digit growth, driven by strength from its Double Wear line of products.
• M•A•C’s growth was led by double-digit sales increases in Greater China, Japan, Southeast Asia and Latin America, as well as targeted expanded consumer reach that supported strong growth in travel retail and online. M•A•C’s sales from innovation grew mid-single digits, led by several new lip and foundation launches.
• Net sales from Tom Ford Beauty increased double digits, primarily driven by its lip color, eye shadow and cushion compact products in Asia/Pacific, as well as targeted expanded consumer reach, including the brand’s highly successful launch on Tmall this quarter.
• La Mer’s strong double-digit growth across international markets was largely driven by the continued success of The Luminous Lifting Cushion Foundation, as well as expanded targeted consumer reach.
• Makeup operating income declined, primarily reflecting lower net sales from Too Faced, Bobbi Brown and BECCA, as well as planned investments to support new product launches.

Fragrance

• Net sales decreased slightly in constant currency, as growth at Jo Malone London and Tom Ford Beauty was offset by lower net sales of certain designer fragrances. Additionally, the Estée Lauder brand had a difficult comparison due to the launch of Beautiful Belle in the prior-year period.
• Jo Malone London’s net sales increase primarily reflected growth in hero products and franchises as well as the launch of Poppy & Barley and targeted expanded consumer reach.
• Increased net sales from Tom Ford Beauty reflected the continued success of certain Private Blend fragrances and the launch of Metallique.
• Fragrance operating income increased at Jo Malone London and Tom Ford Beauty, and also benefitted from expense management.

Hair Care

• Hair care net sales declined, reflecting lower net sales from Bumble and bumble, primarily in North American salon and specialty-multi channels, and difficult comparisons at Aveda, due to the successful launch of Cherry Almond Softening Shampoo and Conditioner in the prior-year period.
• Hair care operating income declined, reflecting the lower net sales.

During the fiscal 2020 first quarter, changes were made to reflect certain Leading Beauty Forward enhancements made to the capabilities and cost structure of our travel retail business, which are primarily centralized in The Americas region, and resulted in a change to the royalty structure of the travel retail business to reflect the value created in The Americas region. Accordingly, the fiscal 2019 operating income of The Americas was increased by $201 million, with a corresponding decrease in Europe, the Middle East & Africa to conform with the current year presentation. The impact of such activities in the fiscal 2020 first quarter was comparable, so there was no material year-over-year change in operating results of either region attributable to such change.

The Americas

• The North America beauty industry decelerated from the prior-year period, driven primarily by soft color cosmetics sales.
• In North America, skin care continued to grow. Sales of our hero products increased double-digits across all categories, and several brands gained share in key sub-categories, including mascara, moisturizers and serums.
• Fragrance declined in North America due, in part, to lower net sales at the Estée Lauder brand related to a difficult comparison from a launch in the prior-year period.
• While brick-and-mortar stores in North America remained challenged, net sales online continued to grow across brand.com and retailer.com.
• Net sales in Latin America grew double-digits in constant currency, led by gains in Mexico and Brazil.
• Operating income in The Americas declined, primarily reflecting lower net sales in North America, particularly in makeup, which was partially offset by higher results in Latin America.

Europe, the Middle East & Africa

• The Company generated strong net sales growth in the region, primarily due to strong double-digit gains in travel retail and online. Every market in the region contributed to growth in constant currency. Developed markets grew, led by double-digit increases in the Balkans and Switzerland, and emerging markets in the region grew, led by double-digit growth in Russia and the Middle East.
• Net sales growth from the Company’s travel retail business was broad-based, with double-digit growth in many of the brands, led by Estée Lauder, La Mer, Origins, Jo Malone London and Bobbi Brown. Growth also reflected the increase in international passenger traffic, improved conversion and strategic investments to support both new and existing products. In addition, successful innovations and expanded targeted consumer reach contributed to growth.
• The decline in travel retail in Hong Kong was offset by an acceleration in other Asian markets due to strong consumer demand for our products.
• Operating income increased, primarily reflecting strong double-digit growth in travel retail and disciplined cost management across the region.

Asia/Pacific

• The growth was broad-based, with nearly every market in the region growing and more than half growing double digits in constant currency.
• Greater China, Japan, Korea and the emerging markets in Southeast Asia each delivered double-digit net sales growth. Within Greater China, growth accelerated in mainland while net sales in Hong Kong declined as a result of the events impacting key shopping areas.
• Nearly all brands generated double-digit net sales growth.
• Net sales in every product category and major channel increased double digits.
• Operating income increased, reflecting the higher net sales, partially offset by planned investments in advertising to support net sales growth.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

• For the three months ended September 30, 2019, net cash flows used for operating activities were $170 million, compared with net cash flows used for operating activities of $119 million in the prior-year period.
• The increase resulted from an unfavorable net change in working capital, primarily accounts payable due to the timing of payments, but was partially offset by an increase in net earnings.

Outlook for Fiscal 2020 Second Quarter and Full Year

The Company continues to see strong consumer demand for its high-quality products, and for the fiscal year expects to grow ahead of the industry and to continue building global share. The Company expects global prestige beauty to grow approximately 5-6% during the fiscal year, assuming no additional geopolitical risks materialize. However, the Company is mindful of risks related to social, economic and political issues, including geopolitical tensions, regulatory matters, global security issues, currency volatility and economic challenges that could affect consumer spending in certain countries and travel corridors.

Given the current environment, the Company has reflected the following risks in its outlook:

• Continued softness of brick and mortar retail in the United States and United Kingdom impacting overall prestige beauty industry growth, especially in the makeup category.
• Costs associated with continued uncertainty related to Brexit in the United Kingdom.
• Risks associated with ongoing negotiations on trade agreements between the United States and several other countries.
• The expectation for a gradual moderation of net sales growth in China and travel retail from recent levels.
• Continued challenges in Hong Kong impacting key shopping areas.

Second Quarter Fiscal 2020

Sales Outlook

• Reported net sales are forecasted to increase between 7% and 8% versus the prior-year period, including a 1% unfavorable impact from currency translation. Excluding the currency impact, net sales are forecasted to grow 8% to 9%.

Earnings per Share Outlook

• Reported diluted net earnings per common share are projected to be between $1.75 and $1.79. Excluding restructuring and other charges and adjustments, diluted net earnings per common share are projected to be between $1.83 and $1.86.
• Currency exchange rates are volatile and difficult to predict. Using September 30, 2019 spot rates, the negative currency impact equates to about $.02 of diluted earnings per common share.
• On a constant currency basis, before restructuring and other charges and adjustments, diluted earnings per common share are expected to increase between 6% and 7%, reflecting increased spending to support innovation, holiday programs and key shopping moments to build share and acquire new consumers.
• The Company expects to take charges associated with Leading Beauty Forward of approximately $35 million to $40 million, equal to $.07 to $.08 per diluted common share.

Full Year Fiscal 2020

Sales Outlook

• Reported net sales are forecasted to increase between 7% and 8% versus the prior-year period, which includes a 1% unfavorable impact from currency translation. Excluding the currency impact, net sales are forecasted to grow between 8% and 9%, above the high-end of the Company’s long-term growth goal of 6% to 8% and an increase from the previous estimate.

Earnings per Share Outlook

• Reported diluted net earnings per common share are projected to be between $5.58 and $5.69. Excluding restructuring and other charges and adjustments, diluted net earnings per common share are projected to be between $5.85 and $5.93.
• Currency exchange rates are volatile and difficult to predict. Using September 30, 2019 spot rates for the remaining quarters of fiscal 2020, the negative currency impact equates to about $.05 of diluted earnings per common share.
• On a constant currency basis, before restructuring and other charges, diluted earnings per common share are expected to increase between 10% and 12%, an increase from the previous estimate.
• The Company expects to take charges associated with previously approved restructuring and other activities relating to Leading Beauty Forward in fiscal 2020 of approximately $110 million to $125 million, equal to $.24 to $.27 per diluted common share.

Conference Call The Estée Lauder Companies will host a conference call at 9:30 a.m. (ET) today, October 31, 2019 to discuss its results. The dial-in number for the call is 888-294-4716 in the U.S. or 706-902-0101 internationally (conference ID number: 7996338). The call will also be webcast live at http://www.elcompanies.com/investors/events-and-presentations.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release, in particular those in “Outlook for Fiscal 2020 Second Quarter and Full Year,” as well as remarks by the CEO and other members of management, may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may address our expectations regarding sales, earnings or other future financial performance and liquidity, other performance measures, product introductions, entry into new geographic regions, information technology initiatives, new methods of sale, our long-term strategy, restructuring and other charges and resulting cost savings, and future operations or operating results. These statements may contain words like “expect,” “will,” “will likely result,” “would,” “believe,” “estimate,” “planned,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “projected,” “forecast,” and “forecasted” or similar expressions.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements include the following:

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The Company’s products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Prescriptives, Lab Series, Origins, Tommy Hilfiger, M•A•C, Kiton, La Mer, Bobbi Brown, Donna Karan New York, DKNY, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Michael Kors, Darphin, Tom Ford, Smashbox, Ermenegildo Zegna, AERIN, Tory Burch, RODIN olio lusso, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, By Kilian, BECCA and Too Faced.

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(A) In May 2016, we announced a multi-year initiative (“Leading Beauty Forward”) to build on our strengths and better leverage our cost structure to free resources for investment to continue our growth momentum. Leading Beauty Forward is designed to enhance our go-to-market capabilities, reinforce our leadership in global prestige beauty and continue creating sustainable value. As of June 30, 2019, we concluded the approvals of all major initiatives under Leading Beauty Forward related to the optimization of select corporate functions, supply chain activities, and corporate and regional market support structures, as well as the exit of underperforming businesses, and expect to substantially complete those initiatives through fiscal 2021. Inclusive of approvals from inception through June 30, 2019, we estimate that Leading Beauty Forward may result in related restructuring and other charges totaling between $950 million and $990 million, before taxes, consisting of employee-related costs, asset write-offs and other costs to implement these initiatives. After its full implementation, we expect Leading Beauty Forward to yield annual net benefits, primarily in Selling, general and administrative expenses and, to a lesser extent, Cost of sales, of between $425 million and $475 million, before taxes. These savings can be used to improve margin, mitigate risk and invest in future growth initiatives.

(B) The Company recorded $11 million of income within Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2018, to reflect changes in the fair value of its contingent consideration related to certain of its fiscal 2015 and 2016 acquisitions. Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration was immaterial for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

(C) During the three months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recorded a net credit of $1 million equal to $.01 per common share related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”).

This earnings release includes some non-GAAP financial measures relating to charges associated with restructuring and other activities and the changes in the fair value of contingent consideration, the Transition Tax and the establishment of a net deferred tax liability related to foreign withholding taxes on certain foreign earnings resulting from the TCJA. The following is a reconciliation between the non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable GAAP measures for certain consolidated statements of earnings accounts before and after these items. The Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures, among other financial measures, to evaluate its operating performance, which represent the way the Company conducts and views its business. Management believes that excluding certain items that are not comparable from period to period, or do not reflect the Company’s underlying ongoing business, provides transparency for such items and helps investors and others compare and analyze operating performance from period to period. In the future, the Company expects to incur charges or adjustments similar in nature to those presented below; however, the impact to the Company’s results in a given period may be highly variable and difficult to predict. Our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by, or determined in a manner consistent with, other companies. While the Company considers the non-GAAP measures useful in analyzing its results, they are not intended to replace, or act as a substitute for, any presentation included in the consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP.

The Company operates on a global basis, with the majority of its net sales generated outside the United States. Accordingly, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates can affect the Company’s results of operations. Therefore, the Company presents certain net sales, operating results and diluted earnings per share information excluding the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations to provide a framework for assessing the performance of its underlying business outside the United States. Constant currency information compares results between periods as if exchange rates had remained constant period-over-period. The Company calculates constant currency information by translating current-period results using prior-year period weighted average foreign currency exchange rates and adjusting for the period-over-period impact of foreign currency cash flow hedging activities.

(A) During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 842 – Leases (“ASC 842”) using the modified retrospective transition approach permitted under the new standard for leases that existed at July 1, 2019, and, accordingly, the prior comparative periods were not restated. The adoption of this standard impacted the Company’s consolidated balance sheet due to the recognition of right-of-use assets and associated lease liabilities related to operating leases as compared to the previous accounting. The accounting for finance leases under ASC 842 is consistent with the prior accounting for capital leases. The impact of the adoption of this standard on the Company’s consolidated statement of earnings and consolidated statement of cash flows was not material.

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Investors: Rainey Mancini

(212) 284-3049

Media: Alexandra Trower

(212) 572-4430

Source: The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.