Mar 31, 2020

Estee Lauder Q3 2020 Earnings Report

Net sales decreased and diluted loss per share was reported, but adjusted diluted EPS showed a decrease in constant currency, with the company observing growth in online sales and recovery in mainland China.

Key Takeaways

The Estée Lauder Companies reported a decrease in net sales and a net loss for the third quarter of fiscal 2020, impacted by COVID-19 related retail store closures. However, the company saw strong growth in online sales and a recovery in mainland China, while also implementing cost control measures and enhancing liquidity.

Net sales decreased by 11% to $3.35 billion, or 9% excluding currency translation impacts.

The company reported a net loss of $(6) million, with a diluted loss per share of $(.02).

Adjusted diluted EPS fell 45% to $.86, excluding currency translation and other items.

Global online sales rose strong double-digits, and sales in mainland China and global travel retail increased.

Total Revenue
$3.35B
Previous year: $3.74B
-10.7%
EPS
$0.86
Previous year: $1.28
-32.8%
Gross Profit
$2.51B
Previous year: $2.93B
-14.2%
Cash and Equivalents
$4.88B
Previous year: $2.9B
+68.0%
Free Cash Flow
$513M
Previous year: $334M
+53.6%
Total Assets
$18.4B
Previous year: $12.9B
+42.0%

Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder Revenue by Segment

Estee Lauder Revenue by Geographic Location

Forward Guidance

Due to the uncertainty around the timing, speed, and duration of the recovery from the adverse impacts of COVID-19, the Company is not providing specific sales and EPS guidance for the fiscal 2020 fourth quarter and full year.

Positive Outlook

  • Strong consumer demand for high-quality products remains intact despite temporary challenges related to COVID-19.
  • The Company expects to continue to build global share, even in a declining market.
  • Actions to control costs during this very volatile moment are expected to help it emerge strongly when the global recovery begins.
  • Maintaining the flexibility to make strategic investments in the areas of greatest opportunity.
  • Stands ready to facilitate the recovery in fiscal 2021 as soon as the market dynamics support it.

Challenges Ahead

  • The majority of retail stores will remain closed for most of the fiscal 2020 fourth quarter.
  • Traffic will rebuild gradually when stores reopen around the world.
  • Global prestige beauty to continue to be adversely impacted during that period.
  • Some retail locations in certain markets may not reopen.
  • Likely to be lingering adverse global economic and social impacts.

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income