Group 1: Company Performance - Hardman Johnston Global Advisors reported that its portfolio underperformed in Q3 2025, returning 5.02% net of fees compared to 7.62% for the MSCI AC World Net Index [1] - The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL) experienced a one-month return of 13.66% and a 52-week gain of 45.10%, closing at $107.65 per share with a market capitalization of $38.793 billion on December 26, 2025 [2] - The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. saw a 3% year-over-year increase in net sales in Q3 2025, driven by double-digit growth in fragrance and modest low single-digit growth in skincare [4] Group 2: Investment Thesis - The investment thesis for The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is supported by solid industry dynamics, with global beauty growing mid-single digits and luxury beauty growing faster [3] - The company is implementing "self-help" measures, recovering approximately 600 basis points in gross margin and over 1,000 basis points in operating margin, which is expected to drive strong double-digit earnings growth [3] - Despite the potential of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. as an investment, there are opinions that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk [4] Group 3: Market Position - The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 45 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock at the end of Q3 2025, down from 48 in the previous quarter [4] - The company is recognized as a leading player in a structurally attractive beauty industry that has been under-managed in recent years [3]

Group 1: Core Insights - Three stocks with strong momentum and buy rank are highlighted for investors: Expeditors International of Washington, Inc., Innovative Aerosystems, Inc., and The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. [1][2][3] Group 2: Company Summaries - **Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (EXPD)**: This logistics services company has a Zacks Rank 1, with a 6.9% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days. Its shares gained 24.2% in the last three months, while the S&P 500 declined by 4.4%. The company has a Momentum Score of B [1]. - **Innovative Aerosystems, Inc. (ISSC)**: This avionics solutions provider also holds a Zacks Rank 1, with a 14.3% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days. Its shares surged by 60.4% over the past three months, compared to the S&P 500's decline of 4.4%. The company possesses a Momentum Score of A [2]. - **The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL)**: This cosmetics company has a Zacks Rank 1, with a 4.9% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days. Its shares increased by 21.0% in the last three months, while the S&P 500 fell by 4.4%. The company has a Momentum Score of B [3].

Industry Overview - The Zacks Cosmetics industry is facing challenges due to softer consumer spending, uneven retail restocking, and persistent cost pressures, which are squeezing margins and reshaping demand trends [1][4]. - Companies in this industry manufacture and market a variety of beauty and personal care products, including skincare, fragrance, makeup, and hair care items [3]. Current Challenges - Rising costs for packaging, ingredients, logistics, and promotional activities are impacting profit margins, while trade tensions and potential supply chain disruptions add uncertainty [1][4]. - Consumers are prioritizing essential purchases over discretionary spending, leading to decreased demand for cosmetics [4]. Long-term Growth Drivers - Despite near-term pressures, long-term fundamentals are supported by innovation and digital transformation, with companies investing in product innovation and enhanced e-commerce capabilities [2][6]. - The demand for organic and clean beauty products is growing, prompting companies to innovate and expand their offerings [6]. Industry Performance - The Zacks Cosmetics industry currently holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 177, placing it in the bottom 27% of over 243 Zacks industries, indicating dull near-term prospects [7][8]. - The industry has underperformed the S&P 500, returning 10% over the past year compared to the S&P 500's growth of 18.3% [11]. Valuation Metrics - The industry is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 28.99X, higher than the S&P 500's 23.45X and the sector's 16.42X [14]. Notable Companies - **The Estee Lauder Companies**: Focused on restoring profitability and driving long-term growth through innovation and digital channels, with a Zacks Rank of 1 [17]. The consensus estimate for its EPS has increased by 0.5% to $2.15 [18]. - **Coty Inc.**: Currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3, focusing on stabilizing its Consumer Beauty segment and enhancing e-commerce capabilities. The EPS estimate remains unchanged at 42 cents [21][22]. - **Helen of Troy Limited**: Also holds a Zacks Rank of 3, pursuing sustainable growth through its Leadership Brands and strategic investments. The EPS estimate has decreased by 1.2% to $4.05 [29][24]. - **European Wax Center, Inc.**: Positioned for long-term expansion with a Zacks Rank of 3, focusing on customer acquisition and operational productivity. The EPS estimate has decreased by 4.7% to 61 cents [27][28].

Core Insights - e.l.f. Beauty and Estée Lauder represent contrasting segments of the beauty market, with e.l.f. being a fast-growing mass-market player and Estée Lauder a large prestige company undergoing a cyclical recovery [1] Company Overview - e.l.f. Beauty focuses on affordable pricing, rapid product launches, and strong social media engagement, with brands like e.l.f. Cosmetics and Naturium [2] - Estée Lauder is a global leader in prestige beauty, offering a diversified portfolio across various categories, including skincare and makeup, supported by a broad distribution network [2] Market Position and Strategy - e.l.f. Beauty has a market capitalization of approximately $4.76 billion and is gaining market share through value-driven innovation [3] - Estée Lauder, with a market capitalization of $38.7 billion, is focused on stabilizing sales and rebuilding margins through its Beauty Reimagined strategy [3] Competitive Advantages - e.l.f. Beauty's competitive edge lies in its digitally native marketing approach, leveraging social media and influencer campaigns to drive product discovery while maintaining low advertising costs [5] - Estée Lauder benefits from a strong global prestige beauty portfolio, with flagship brands that support long-term demand despite industry volatility [11] Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for e.l.f. Beauty suggests a 19.2% year-over-year increase in sales for the current fiscal year, while earnings are expected to decrease by 15.9% [16] - For Estée Lauder, the consensus estimates imply a 4.5% increase in sales and a 42.4% increase in earnings for the current fiscal year [19] Stock Performance - Over the past year, e.l.f. Beauty shares have decreased by 39.1%, while Estée Lauder shares have increased by 43.3%, outperforming the industry's growth of 8.6% [21] Valuation - e.l.f. Beauty trades at a forward price-to-earnings multiple of 23.71, which is below its median level and the industry's multiple [22] - Estée Lauder has a higher forward P/E of 42.48, indicating a more expensive valuation compared to e.l.f. Beauty [22] Investment Outlook - e.l.f. Beauty's strong brand momentum and value-focused growth model are notable, but Estée Lauder's diversified business and recovery potential make it a more attractive choice at this stage [25]

Core Insights - Three stocks with buy rank and strong income characteristics are highlighted for investors to consider on December 26th Group 1: J&J Snack Foods Corp. (JJSF) - J&J Snack Foods Corp. has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a dividend yield of 3.5%, significantly higher than the industry average of 0.0% [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 6.5% over the last 60 days [1] Group 2: Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (EXPD) - Expeditors International has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a dividend yield of 1.0%, compared to the industry average of 0.0% [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 6.9% over the last 60 days [2] Group 3: The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL) - The Estée Lauder Companies has a Zacks Rank of 1 and has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increase by 4.9% over the last 60 days [2]

Group 1: Crybaby Exhibition - The "Letting Go... Holding On..." Crybaby exhibition, presented by Pop Mart and Molly Factory, officially opened on December 20, 2025, in Shanghai, marking Crybaby's first appearance in China and its largest exhibition to date [1] - The exhibition spans nearly 2,000 square meters, designed as a "soft world" that invites visitors to embark on an emotional journey centered around tears [1] - Key features include the "tear ball pool," which covers 864 square meters and connects three main pools, symbolizing a journey from overcoming obstacles to self-liberation [2] Group 2: Emotional Themes and Interactivity - The exhibition's design translates abstract emotions into tangible, interactive scenes, showcasing classic characters Crybaby, Crybunny, and Cryteddy [2] - Interactive elements such as finding "tear drop" lucky balls, lighting up emotional icons, and creating personalized Crybaby figures enhance the exploration and engagement of visitors [2]

文 | 侃见财经 成功穿越周期，企业才能走得更远。 过去两年，全球化妆品行业遭遇了较大的挑战，由于市场环境的变化，曾经高溢价且吸流的热门行业， 核心关键词变成了"下滑"以及"亏损"。 在这种背景下，行业的龙头也没能抵抗住逆周期的"困境"。统计显示，2021年底至2025年中旬，全球化 妆品巨头雅诗兰黛市值最高跌幅超过了85%，市值蒸发超过了1100亿美元。值得注意的是，2025财年雅 诗兰黛还出现了亏损，亏损金额超过了11亿美金。 面对复杂的行业状况，雅诗兰黛开始积极调整企业架构。 三年多逆周期的对抗，雅诗兰黛终于走出了"谷底"，重回增长赛道。 根据统计，4月中旬至今，雅诗兰黛股价涨幅超过了120%，市值增长超过210亿美元。尽管其距离巅峰 时期依旧跌幅较大，但暴涨的股价已经证明，雅诗兰黛阶段性地走出了谷底，并且业绩方面也已经有了 积极且正面的反馈。 根据其此前发布的2026财年第一季度的财报，雅诗兰黛本季度净销售额34.81亿美元，上年同期为33.61 亿美元，同比增长4%；季度营业利润1.69亿美元，上年同期营业亏损1.21亿美元；季度归属公司的净利 润4700万美元，上年同期净亏损1.56亿美元；毛利率 ...

Industry Overview - The U.S. beauty and cosmetics industry remains resilient, continuing to attract consumer spending even during slower economic periods, as beauty is viewed as an affordable form of self-care [1] - The sector's attractiveness for investors is driven by its ability to evolve, integrating aesthetics with wellness, personalization, and lifestyle trends that support long-term demand [1] Growth Drivers - Key growth drivers include a focus on skincare and hair care, with consumers increasingly prioritizing routines and preventative care [2] - There is a rising interest in premium and professional-grade products, while clean beauty has transitioned from a niche to a mainstream expectation [2] - Social media and digital channels are enhancing product discovery and accelerating the time for new launches to achieve scale [2] Consumer Behavior - Consumer behavior is becoming more planned, with shoppers researching ingredients and seeking expert-backed solutions [3] - Trust in brands and retailers is crucial, with loyalty programs and omnichannel access playing significant roles in repeat purchases [3] Company Insights - Sally Beauty Holdings (SBH) focuses on salon-quality hair care, catering to steady demand from both stylists and consumers, aligning with the trend towards higher-quality and cleaner formulations [4] - Ulta Beauty (ULTA) serves as a leading beauty destination, leveraging a broad assortment across price points and a strong loyalty base to drive repeat traffic [4] Market Trends - The beauty and cosmetics industry benefits from structural tailwinds such as skincare-led demand, digital engagement, clean beauty adoption, and wellness-focused consumption, offering defensive characteristics and long-term growth potential [5] - Notable companies positioned to capitalize on these trends include The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (EL), Coty Inc. (COTY), and Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. (NUS) [5] Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (EL) - Estee Lauder is positioned as a long-term compounder in prestige beauty, focusing on core brands and emphasizing skincare, which is the most resilient segment [7] - The company is enhancing digital engagement through AI tools and personalized diagnostics to improve conversion and repeat purchases [8] - Despite near-term pressures, Estee Lauder's focus on innovation and premium pricing positions it well for future demand stabilization [9] Coty Inc. (COTY) - Coty is reshaping its portfolio to focus on categories with stronger growth, particularly prestige and mass fragrances, while improving operational efficiency [10] - The company faces execution risks related to leadership transitions and competitive intensity, but its strategic pivot reflects alignment with consumer trends [12] Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. (NUS) - Nu Skin combines skincare science with technology and a direct-selling model, focusing on device-enabled skincare solutions [13] - The company is refreshing product lines and expanding science-backed claims to resonate with modern consumers [14] - Nu Skin's focus on skin health and subscription-style consumption provides a differentiated exposure to the beauty category, albeit with higher risks [15]

Core Viewpoint - EssilorLuxottica and Burberry have renewed their licensing agreement for eyewear, extending the partnership until December 31, 2035, which highlights the strength and longevity of their collaboration since 2006 [2][3]. Group 1: Partnership Details - The existing licensing agreement, which was set to expire on December 31, 2025, has been extended for an additional ten years [2]. - This renewal emphasizes a shared legacy of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation between EssilorLuxottica and Burberry [3]. Group 2: Leadership Comments - Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO of EssilorLuxottica, expressed excitement about deepening the collaboration with Burberry, focusing on crafting eyewear that embodies Burberry's sophistication and British allure [4]. - Joshua Schulman, CEO of Burberry, highlighted the importance of craftsmanship, design, and innovation in their partnership, aiming to deliver more iconic Burberry eyewear collections globally [5].

Group 1: Company Overview - Estee Lauder (EL) is a stock within the Consumer Staples sector, which consists of 185 individual stocks and currently holds a Zacks Sector Rank of 16 [2] - Estee Lauder has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a favorable earnings outlook based on earnings estimates and revisions [3] Group 2: Performance Metrics - Over the past 90 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Estee Lauder's full-year earnings has increased by 5.2%, reflecting improved analyst sentiment [4] - Year-to-date, Estee Lauder has returned approximately 39.2%, significantly outperforming the average gain of 0% in the Consumer Staples group [4] - Estee Lauder is part of the Cosmetics industry, which includes 9 companies and has gained an average of 7.6% this year, indicating that EL is performing better than its industry peers [6] Group 3: Comparative Analysis - Another strong performer in the Consumer Staples sector is Monster Beverage (MNST), which has returned 43.3% year-to-date and also holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [5] - The Beverages - Soft drinks industry, which includes Monster Beverage, has a Zacks Industry Rank of 167 and has gained 9.1% since the beginning of the year, showing a contrast in performance compared to the Cosmetics industry [6] Group 4: Future Outlook - Investors interested in Consumer Staples stocks should monitor both Estee Lauder and Monster Beverage for potential continued strong performance [7]