Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

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Have you been searching for a stock that might be well-positioned to maintain its earnings-beat streak in its upcoming report? It is worth considering Estee Lauder (EL - Free Report) , which belongs to the Zacks Cosmetics industry.

When looking at the last two reports, this beauty products company has recorded a strong streak of surpassing earnings estimates. The company has topped estimates by 21.92%, on average, in the last two quarters.

For the most recent quarter, Estee Lauder was expected to post earnings of $0.66 per share, but it reported $0.91 per share instead, representing a surprise of 37.88%. For the previous quarter, the consensus estimate was $0.84 per share, while it actually produced $0.89 per share, a surprise of 5.95%.

Price and EPS Surprise

For Estee Lauder, estimates have been trending higher, thanks in part to this earnings surprise history. And when you look at the stock's positive Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction), it's a great indicator of a future earnings beat, especially when combined with its solid Zacks Rank.

Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Estee Lauder currently has an Earnings ESP of +2.72%, which suggests that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This positive Earnings ESP when combined with the stock's Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) indicates that another beat is possibly around the corner. We expect the company's next earnings report to be released on August 19, 2026.

With the Earnings ESP metric, it's important to note that a negative value reduces its predictive power; however, a negative Earnings ESP does not indicate an earnings miss.

Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, but that may not be the sole basis for their stocks moving higher. On the other hand, some stocks may hold their ground even if they end up missing the consensus estimate.

Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS | GS Price Prediction) is the acknowledged leader in the investment landscape on Wall Street and worldwide. The firm’s top-notch research department continues to provide institutional and high-net-worth clients with the best ideas across the investment spectrum and is likely to do so for years to come. Founded in 1869, Goldman Sachs is the world’s second-largest investment bank by revenue and is ranked 36th on the Fortune 500 list of the largest U.S. corporations by total revenue.

The Wall Street white-glove giant offers financing, advisory services, risk distribution, and hedging for the firm’s institutional and corporate clients. In addition, it provides advice, investing, and execution for institutions and individuals across public and private markets. At 24/7 Wall St., we have followed the company’s research for 15 years to bring our readers top stock ideas. One of our favorite avenues is the firm’s Conviction List of top picks, which is reviewed and often updated monthly. This month, the firm added two stocks that investors are very familiar with, and a third with massive upside potential.

Why we recommend Goldman Sachs Conviction List stocks

The Goldman Sachs Conviction List is a curated list of stocks that the firm’s research team believes are highly likely to outperform the market. It is a tool for investors to identify stocks with strong growth potential and is frequently updated to reflect changes in market conditions and company performance. The list aims to identify stocks where Goldman Sachs analysts have the “highest level of conviction” in their outperformance.

Estee Lauder The fragrance and makeup giant has been added to the list and also offers a 1.69% dividend. Estee Lauder (NYSE:EL) is a manufacturer, marketer, and seller of skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products.

Goldman Sachs analyst Bonnie Herzog noted this:

Following several years of execution challenges, it is heading into a positive, innovation-driven topline inflection that investors underappreciate in a prestige beauty market driven by innovation. Look for revenue growth, an improving business in China, and internal initiatives to drive 450bp of margin expansion over the next three years, alleviating investor concerns that the company will engage in value-dilutive M&A, and paving the way for multiple expansion as confidence returns to this historical high-end leader.

The company’s products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under several brand names, including:

Estee Lauder Aramis Clinique Lab Series Origins M.A.C Bobbi Brown Cosmetics La Mer Aveda Jo Malone London Bumble and bumble Darphin Paris TOM FORD Smashbox AERIN Beauty Le Labo Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle GLAMGLOW Kilian Paris Too Faced Dr.Jart+ The DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD It is a licensee for fragrances, cosmetics, and/or related products for AERIN, BALMAIN, and Dr. Andrew Weil. Its skin care products include moisturizers, serums, cleansers, toners, exfoliators, facial masks, body care products, sun care products, and more. The makeup products include lipsticks, lip glosses, mascaras, foundations, and others.

The Goldman Sachs price target is $100, which would be a 22% gain from current levels.

Nextpower While off the radar of some, this company, previously known as Nextracker, could attract more attention as power demand surges. Nextpower (NASDAQ:NXT) is a global provider of solar and energy technology solutions for utility-scale power plants. The company specializes in solar tracking systems.

Goldman Sachs analyst Brian Lee said this:

NXT’s business model is evolving from a pure-play utility-scale solar-tracking company into a power technology platform built around a solar core, with the potential to sustain long-term growth and a premium valuation vs. peers in the space. Over time, look for tracking revenue to fall to two-thirds of total revenue, while other, value-added, and margin-enhancing services, including electrical work, batteries, and software solutions, grow to a third of total revenue, driving a ~10% non-GAAP EPS CAGR through FY 2029 (ended March).

The company delivers an integrated suite of structural, electrical, and digital solutions across the full lifecycle of solar power plants, from design and construction through operations and maintenance. The company delivers intelligent power generation systems and services.

Nextpower has developed solar trackers that enable rows to move independently. Its TrueCapture energy yield management system addresses power production shortfalls due to the variability of real-world site conditions.

The company’s customers include engineering, procurement, and construction firms, as well as solar project developers and owners. Its products include trackers, foundations, software, eBOS, controls, and module frames. Its trackers include NX Horizon, NX Horizon-XTR, and NX Horizon Low Carbon. Its solutions include AgriPV and Risk and Resilience.

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The Goldman Sachs target price of $168 would represent a 63% gain.

Wells Fargo Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) operates in 35 countries and serves over 70 million customers worldwide. This money-center giant makes sense, given its 2.06% dividend, as many of the issues that have plagued the company over the last five years appear to be resolved. Wells Fargo is a financial services company that offers a diverse range of banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the United States and internationally.

Goldman Sachs analyst Richard Ramsden provided this:

 WFC continues to shift from defense to offense, as it is in the midst of a balance sheet expansion initiative while simultaneously benefiting from a very strong capital markets backdrop and strength in its credit card business. Look for a supportive US economy, a constructive environment, and concerted efforts to control costs to help drive 300bp+ of margin expansion, helping to fuel a 17.6% ROTCE by 2028.

The company operates through four segments:

Consumer Banking and Lending Commercial Banking Corporate and Investment Banking Wealth and Investment Management The Consumer Banking and Lending segment offers a diverse range of financial products and services tailored to meet the needs of consumers and small businesses. These include checking and savings accounts, credit and debit cards, as well as home, auto, personal, and small business lending services.

The Commercial Banking segment provides financial solutions to private, family-owned, and specific public companies. Its products and services include banking and credit products across various industry sectors and municipalities, as well as secured lending and lease products, and treasury management services.

The Corporate and Investment Banking segment offers a suite of capital markets, banking, and financial products and services, such as:

Corporate banking Investment banking Treasury management Commercial real estate lending and servicing Equity and fixed-income solutions Sales, trading, and research capabilities services to corporate, commercial real estate, government, and institutional clients The Wealth and Investment Management provides wealth management, brokerage, financial planning, lending, private banking, and trust and fiduciary products and services to affluent, high-net-worth, and ultra-high-net-worth clients.

Wells Fargo also operates through financial advisors in brokerage and wealth offices, consumer bank branches, independent offices, and digitally through WellsTrade and Intuitive Investor.

The $93 Goldman Sachs price target would represent a 6% gain, so this is more of a total return idea.

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Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE: EL) today announced the appointment of Madeleine Boyd as Senior Vice President, Global Brand Communications, effective July 20, 2026.

As part of the company’s continued efforts to strengthen how its brands better connect with consumers, Ms. Boyd will establish and lead a newly integrated Global Brand Communications team. In this role, she will ensure the company’s diverse portfolio is anchored by a cohesive enterprise communications strategy, while accelerating bold, consumer-first storytelling that drives earned media, cultural relevance, and brand desirability. She will also strengthen creator engagement, helping the company’s brands gain attention where culture is being shaped.

Ms. Boyd brings extensive experience spanning brand strategy, communications, consumer engagement, and cultural insights across the beauty, luxury, and lifestyle sectors. Most recently, she served as Global Senior Vice President, Beauty & Wellness at Together Group, where she led the Group’s Beauty & Wellness division across its portfolio of 15 leading agencies and consultancies, driving strategy, growth, and market positioning.

Prior to Together Group, Ms. Boyd spent nearly seven years at Karla Otto, one of the industry’s leading luxury communications agencies, where she held a series of senior leadership roles, ultimately serving as Senior Vice President, Global Beauty & Wellness. Earlier in her career, Ms. Boyd held roles across brand marketing, digital content, and editorial at MECCA and Vogue Australia.

Throughout her career, she has partnered with some of the world’s most influential beauty and luxury brands, helping them navigate evolving consumer behaviors, cultural trends, and new communications channels to build relevance and long-term brand equity.

“Madeleine brings a powerful combination of strategic communications expertise, cultural fluency, and a deep understanding of today’s beauty consumer,” said Meridith Webster, Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer, The Estée Lauder Companies. “As we continue to evolve how our brands engage consumers and shape conversations globally, Madeleine will lead a best-in-class Global Brand Communications organization that elevates our storytelling, strengthens collaboration across our portfolio, and helps our brands earn relevance, resonance, and long-term desirability.”

About The Estée Lauder Companies

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products, and is a steward of luxury and prestige brands globally. The Company’s products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, M·A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD, and BALMAIN Beauty.

More News From The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.

Featuring daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.

Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.

What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores is a unique set of guidelines that rates stocks based on three popular investing types, and were developed as complementary indicators for the Zacks Rank. This combination helps investors choose securities with the highest chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

Each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics. Just like in school, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on -- that means the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

Value ScoreFor value investors, it's all about finding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value before the broader market catches on. The Value Style Score utilizes ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to help pick out the most attractive and discounted stocks.

Growth ScoreGrowth investors, on the other hand, are more concerned with a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score examines things like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will experience sustainable growth over time.

Momentum ScoreMomentum trading is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook, and these investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." The Momentum Style Score can pinpoint good times to build a position in a stock, using factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates.

VGM ScoreWhat if you like to use all three types of investing? The VGM Score is a combination of all Style Scores, making it one of the most comprehensive indicators to use with the Zacks Rank. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, which helps narrow down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.

#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, which is more than double the S&P 500's performance over the same time frame. However, the Zacks Rank examines a ton of stocks, and there can be more than 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, and another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.

That's where the Style Scores come in.

To maximize your returns, you want to buy stocks with the highest probability of success. This means picking stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you find yourself looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, make sure they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.

The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.

For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.

Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.

Stock to Watch: Estee Lauder (EL - Free Report) New York-based The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The company’s products are sold through department stores, mass retailers, company-owned retail stores, hair salons and travel-related establishments.

EL is a #2 (Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.

Momentum investors should take note of this Consumer Staples stock. EL has a Momentum Style Score of B, and shares are up 1% over the past four weeks.

Eight analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.15 to $2.41 per share. EL also boasts an average earnings surprise of +39.1%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, EL should be on investors' short list.

The EstÃe Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE: EL) and Jo Malone London today announced the launch of Scent Scanner, a first-of-its-kind experience available exclusiv

It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.

The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.

It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.

What are the Zacks Style Scores? Developed alongside the Zacks Rank, the Zacks Style Scores are a group of complementary indicators that help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

Value ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.

Growth ScoreGrowth investors, on the other hand, are more concerned with a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score examines things like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will experience sustainable growth over time.

Momentum ScoreMomentum trading is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook, and these investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." The Momentum Style Score can pinpoint good times to build a position in a stock, using factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates.

VGM ScoreIf you like to use all three kinds of investing, then the VGM Score is for you. It's a combination of all Style Scores, and is an important indicator to use with the Zacks Rank. The VGM Score rates each stock on their shared weighted styles, narrowing down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.

Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +24% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.

That's where the Style Scores come in.

You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.

As mentioned above, the Scores are designed to work with the Zacks Rank, so any change to a company's earnings outlook should be a deciding factor when picking which stocks to buy.

For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.

Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.

Stock to Watch: Estee Lauder (EL - Free Report) New York-based The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The company’s products are sold through department stores, mass retailers, company-owned retail stores, hair salons and travel-related establishments.

EL is a #2 (Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.

Momentum investors should take note of this Consumer Staples stock. EL has a Momentum Style Score of A, and shares are up 11.7% over the past four weeks.

10 analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.18 to $2.41 per share. EL also boasts an average earnings surprise of +39.1%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, EL should be on investors' short list.

Estee Lauder Companies Inc (NYSE:EL, XETRA:ELAA) shares rose about 10% on Wednesday after the company confirmed it has ended discussions with Puig regarding a potential business combination, removing uncertainty around a deal that had been under consideration since March.

In a statement, Estée Lauder said both parties have terminated talks on the proposed transaction, noting there is no agreement in place.

The company said that it will continue to operate independently and focus on executing its “Beauty Reimagined” strategy.

“We are grateful for the conversations we have had with Puig,” Estée Lauder CEO Stéphane de La Faverie said in a statement.

He reiterated confidence in Estée Lauder’s brand portfolio and its ability to generate long-term value as a standalone business.

The company highlighted ongoing progress under its strategic overhaul, including its “One ELC” operating model aimed at improving agility, accelerating innovation, and strengthening global execution across its prestige beauty brands.

Estée Lauder said it will continue to assess portfolio opportunities, including both acquisitions and divestitures, as part of its broader growth strategy. Management also reaffirmed its focus on driving sustainable revenue growth and expanding profitability over time.

Shares of Spain-listed Puig (BME:PUIG) fell about 14% on the update. 

Item 1 of 2 An Estee Lauder cosmetics counter is seen in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 19, 2019. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File Photo

[1/2]An Estee Lauder cosmetics counter is seen in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 19, 2019. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab

SummaryCompaniesCharlotte Tilbury stake proved a stumbling block, sources sayEstée Lauder shares rise after deal collapses, Puig fallsTalks had continued for months and agreed on some issuesLONDON/NEW YORK, May 22 (Reuters) - U.S. cosmetics maker Estée Lauder (EL.N), opens new tab and Spanish perfume group Puig (PUIGb.MC), opens new tab had ​been finalising the details of a deal when talks fell apart late on Thursday, preventing a merger that would ‌have created a $40 billion luxury beauty giant.

The merged company would have put together brands such as Tom Ford, Clinique and MAC with Carolina Herrera and Charlotte Tilbury, popular with TikTok influencers and affluent millennials.

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But leaks, disagreements between the powerful controlling families, and demands, including from make-up magnate Charlotte Tilbury, led the talks ​to collapse, five people with direct knowledge of the deal told Reuters.

On Thursday evening in Barcelona, and morning in New ​York, Puig grandee Marc Puig got on the phone with Estée Lauder chairman William Lauder to assess the ⁠deteriorating situation, one of the sources said.

Shortly afterwards, advisers on both sides began exchanging messages, according to a second source with knowledge ​of the discussions. One of the messages included a skull emoji meaning the deal was dead.

Spokespeople at Puig and Estée Lauder declined to ​comment.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY'S MINORITY STAKEThe latest stumbling block had been demands linked to Charlotte Tilbury, the founder of the eponymous beauty brand majority-owned by Puig, regarding the terms of her minority stake, all five sources said.

Charlotte Tilbury's firm declined to comment.

The five sources, close to both sides of the talks, spoke on condition of ​anonymity because the process was confidential.

Three of the people said the two groups had repeatedly been about to announce a merger.

Estée Lauder ​had assembled a team of advisers who worked through last weekend on a valuation of Puig, requested by Spain's stock market regulator as part of the ‌proposed ⁠transaction, according to one of the sources.

MONTHS OF NEGOTIATIONS ACROSS CONTINENTSDiscussions between the two sides began late last year, one of the sources said.

When they became public knowledge in March, investors viewed the prospect of a deal as better for Puig than Estée Lauder. Puig's shares spiked and the U.S. company's shares fell.

The reverse happened after the talks collapsed as Estée Lauder rose around 10% on Friday, while Puig fell 13%.

Estee Lauder and Puig sharesEstée ​Lauder investors' dislike of the ​deal was another factor that ⁠hindered the talks, according to three sources.

The company's return to stronger earnings growth in its most recent quarter meanwhile increased its confidence in remaining independent, the three sources added.

The months of negotiations included meetings in ​Paris, New York and Barcelona, and achieved apparent agreement in principle on issues such as the ​governance of the ⁠new entity.

Other points discussed included a possible dual listing in New York and Madrid, retaining Barcelona as the headquarters for the combined fragrances business, and details on how to reach the synergies of the combined company, two of the people said.

Both founding families, Lauder and Puig, wanted to keep ⁠a say ​in the new group, according to two sources with knowledge.

The companies also struggled ​to resolve how to structure assets such as Charlotte Tilbury and sun care brand Isdin - two of Puig's main profit-drivers, in which the group does not hold full ownership, ​two of the sources said.

Reporting by Andres Gonzalez and Abigail Summerville; Editing by Adam Jourdan, Anousha Sakoui and Barbara Lewis

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

Andres Gonzalez covers M&A for Reuters, based in London. With over 12 years of experience as a correspondent in Spain, he has reported on diverse sectors, including banking, TMT, energy, infrastructure and real estate. Andres has also reported on significant breaking news events, such as the Barcelona attacks and several general elections, showcasing his versatility and ability to handle critical and time-sensitive stories Andres' journalism career began at Reuters in Spain, where he honed his expertise in financial reporting. Seeking new challenges, he ventured into the world of Public Relations, working for Banco Santander with a particular focus on Wealth Management and Investment Banking divisions. His experience in both journalism and PR has provided him with a well-rounded perspective on the financial industry.

Abigail is on the M&A team and writes about consumer and retail deals. She joined Reuters in 2022 from Debtwire where she covered leveraged finance and the primary debt market for three years. Previously, her work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, CNBC and the Boston Business Journal. She majored in business journalism at Washington and Lee University.

Estee Lauder (EL - Free Report) reached a significant support level, and could be a good pick for investors from a technical perspective. Recently, EL broke through the 20-day moving average, which suggests a short-term bullish trend.

The 20-day simple moving average is a popular investing tool. Traders like this SMA because it offers a look back at a stock's price over a shorter period and helps smooth out price fluctuations. The 20-day can also show more trend reversal signals than longer-term moving averages.

The 20-day moving average can show signals that are similar to other SMAs as well. If a stock's price is moving above the 20-day, the trend is considered positive. When the price falls below the moving average, it can signal a downward trend.

EL has rallied 13.5% over the past four weeks, and the company is a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at the moment. This combination suggests EL could be on the verge of another move higher.

Looking at EL's earnings estimate revisions, investors will be even more convinced of the bullish uptrend. There have been 10 revisions higher for the current fiscal year compared to none lower, and the consensus estimate has moved up as well.

With a winning combination of earnings estimate revisions and hitting a key technical level, investors should keep their eye on EL for more gains in the near future.

On Friday, AbbVie announced a positive CHMP opinion for Maviret to treat acute hepatitis C infection.

On Thursday, GE Vernova signed an agreement to acquire Robotech Automation, a specialized robotics and automation company based near Montreal, Quebec.

Archer-Daniels-Midland reported better-than-expected first-quarter financial results on May 5 and raised its FY26 adjusted EPS guidance, with the midpoint above estimates.

Don't forget to check out our premarket coverage here

Jenny Van Leeuwen Harrington, chief executive officer of Gilman Hill Asset Management, LLC, said Millrose Properties, Inc. (NYSE:MRP) has an 11% dividend yield.

On the earnings front, Millrose Properties reported worse-than-expected first-quarter financial results on May 6.

Stephanie Link, chief investment strategist, head of investment solutions, and portfolio manager at Hightower Advisors, recommended The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL).

Estée Lauder shares jumped on Friday after the company announced it terminated discussions regarding a potential business combination with Puig.

Price Action AbbVie shares gained 0.6% to close at $215.70 on Friday. GE Vernova fell 0.5% to settle at $1,038.74 during the session. Archer-Daniels-Midland shares gained 05% to close at $77.52 on Friday. Millrose Properties shares rose 0.3% to close at $27.63. Estée Lauder shares jumped 11.9% to settle at $88.32 on Friday. Photo via Shutterstock

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Key Takeaways EL posted 2% organic sales growth and 360-bps adjusted operating margin expansion in Q3.Estee Lauder saw double-digit online sales growth from Amazon, TikTok Shop and Sephora in Q3.EL is simplifying operations and reducing non-consumer-facing costs under its Profit Recovery and Growth Plan. The Estee Lauder Companies Inc.’s (EL - Free Report) Beauty Reimagined strategy is showing early traction, with management positioning fiscal 2026 as a pivotal year for restoring growth and expanding margins. In the third quarter of fiscal 2026, Estee Lauder delivered 2% organic sales growth alongside a 360-basis-point expansion in adjusted operating margin, reflecting early success from its broad transformation efforts.

At the center of the strategy is Estee Lauder’s effort to modernize consumer reach and improve execution across channels, innovation and operations. The company has accelerated expansion on platforms like Amazon Premium Beauty, TikTok Shop and Douyin while increasing specialty-multi exposure through M·A·C’s U.S. Sephora rollout. These initiatives helped drive double-digit online organic sales growth in the fiscal third quarter.

Innovation has also become a more focused growth lever under Beauty Reimagined. Strong momentum in fragrance, which grew double digits in the quarter, was fueled by launches from Le Labo, TOM FORD, KILIAN PARIS and BALMAIN Beauty. Meanwhile, Estee Lauder’s revamped Double Wear foundation and La Mer’s eye-care innovation supported share gains in key markets such as Mainland China and the United States.

Importantly, the strategy is not solely growth-oriented. Estee Lauder is restructuring its operating model to improve efficiency and fund reinvestment in high-return areas. Through its Profit Recovery and Growth Plan, the company is reducing non-consumer-facing expenses, simplifying operations and increasing digital capabilities through partnerships with Shopify, Accenture and WPP.

Management now expects fiscal 2026 to be a pivotal year for the company, marked by the restoration of organic sales growth and its first operating-margin expansion in four years. While macroeconomic and geopolitical risks remain, Beauty Reimagined appears to be creating a more agile, digitally focused and consumer-centric operating model for Estee Lauder.

Estee Lauder’s Zacks Rank & Share Price PerformanceShares of this Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) company have gained 20.1% in the past month compared with the broader Consumer Staples sector and the industry’s growth of 4.7% and 15.3%, respectively. EL has also outperformed the S&P 500 index’s growth of 5.8% during the same period.

EL Stock's Past Month Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Is Estee Lauder a Value Play Stock?EL currently trades at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 29.21 compared with the industry average of 23.24. This valuation places the stock at a premium relative to peers, indicating broader market expectations around its business stability and ability to navigate current cost and demand dynamics.

EL P/E Ratio (Forward 12 Months)
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Other Stocks to ConsiderThe Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. (CHEF - Free Report) distributes specialty food and center-of-the-plate products in the United States, the Middle East and Canada. At present, CHEF sports a Zacks Rank of 1. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The consensus estimate for Chefs' Warehouse’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 8.3% and 24.7%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figures. CHEF delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 28.9%, on average.

The Vita Coco Company, Inc. (COCO - Free Report) develops, manufactures, markets and distributes coconut water products under the Vita Coco brand name in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia Pacific. COCO currently flaunts a Zacks Rank #1. The company delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 11.7%, on average.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Vita Coco’s 2026 sales and earnings indicates growth of 21.4% and 47.9%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.

Tyson Foods, Inc. (TSN - Free Report) operates as a food company worldwide. It operates through four segments: Beef, Pork, Chicken and Prepared Foods. TSN currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). TSN delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 18.1%, on average.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Tyson Foods’ current fiscal-year sales and earnings indicates growth of 4.5% and 0.5%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.

The beauty industry is undergoing a shift as digital and physical retail merge into a single consumer experience. This leaves many investors wondering whether they should favor Ulta Beauty (ULTA 1.82%) or The Estée Lauder Companies (EL +1.89%).

The beauty sector remains a resilient corner of the consumer market, yet these two companies approach the opportunity from opposite ends of the supply chain. One thrives as a massive retail platform while the other operates as a global brand manufacturer. Understanding their different business models is essential for any investor weighing a position in the beauty space.

The case for Ulta BeautyUlta Beauty operates as a premier destination for beauty enthusiasts, combining luxury and mass-market products under one roof. The company maintains more than 1,500 store locations and offers everything from cosmetics and fragrance to professional salon services. By catering to diverse price points and offering a popular loyalty program, it has established itself as a leading player among U.S. retail stocks.

In FY 2025, the company reported revenue of nearly $12.4 billion, which represented a growth of approximately 9.7% over the previous year. This expansion helped generate net income of roughly $1.2 billion for the period. While the net margin decreased slightly to about 9.3% from 10.6% in the prior year, the business remained consistently profitable despite a more cautious consumer environment.

As of its January 2026 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio was roughly 0.8x, a measure of total debt relative to what shareholders own in the company. The current ratio, which compares short-term assets to liabilities, stood at approximately 1.4x, indicating a healthy liquidity position. The company also generated free cash flow of nearly $1.1 billion during the fiscal year, providing capital for further store expansions and technological upgrades.

The Estée Lauder Companies is a global powerhouse that manufactures and markets prestige skin care, makeup, and fragrances. Its portfolio includes world-renowned brands sold across 150 countries, with a heavy presence in department stores and international travel retail hubs. The company relies on its high-end brand equity and long-standing history to maintain a dominant position in the global beauty market.

For the income period of FY 2025, revenue reached nearly $14.3 billion, a decline of roughly 8.5% compared to the prior year. This drop contributed to a net loss of approximately $1.1 billion, compared to a net income of $390.0 million in the previous year. The net margin for this period was roughly negative 7.9%, highlighting the significant challenges the company faced in key markets like Mainland China.

According to its June 2025 balance sheet, the company carries a debt-to-equity ratio of nearly 2.4x, which compares its total debt to its total shareholder equity. Its current ratio, indicating the ability to cover short-term obligations with current assets, is roughly 1.3x. Free cash flow for the year was approximately $670.0 million, though stock-based compensation accounted for roughly 23.9% of operating cash flow, which inflates reported cash generation because SBC is a non-cash expense added back in the cash flow statement.

Risk profile comparisonUlta Beauty faces vigorous competition from mass merchandisers like Target and online marketplaces such as Amazon. The company also deals with significant vendor concentration, as products from its top 10 partners accounted for roughly 51% of net sales in FY 2025. Any disruption in supply chain infrastructure or a failure to adapt to emerging artificial intelligence technologies could further impact its competitive standing.

The Estée Lauder Companies is sensitive to the ongoing decline in foot traffic at department stores, which has increased its dependence on a shrinking number of key retailers. It competes globally against large firms like L'Oreal as well as emerging indie brands that often capture younger consumers more effectively. Furthermore, the company faces risks related to international operations and the complexities of managing data privacy within its digital infrastructure.

Valuation comparisonUlta Beauty appears to offer a more conservative valuation based on its Forward P/E and P/S ratio, while Estée Lauder carries a higher premium.

MetricUlta BeautyThe Estée Lauder CompaniesSector BenchmarkForward P/E17.6x36.7x31.2xP/S ratio1.8x2.3xSector benchmark uses the SPDR XLY sector ETF.
Valuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.

Which stock would I buy in 2026?Ulta Beauty and Estée Lauder both operate in the beauty industry, but they offer investors very different opportunities. One operates a popular retail business while the other sells its products in other companies’ retail locations. Which stock will beautify your portfolio this year?

Ulta shops are standalone retail locations, often in strip malls, that sell a wide range of products from inexpensive mass-market brands to luxury cosmetics. It has a popular loyalty program and also sells online. By selling products at a range of price points, it remains resilient even during economic downturns because shoppers often continue buying beauty products.

Estée Lauder owns a portfolio of luxury beauty brands. But it sells in other companies’ retail locations, including department stores, which have fallen out of favor in recent years. Weaker international markets have resulted in stock price declines. Its management is making plans to restructure and improve efficiency, and if they succeed, the stock could see substantial growth.

I would choose Ulta Beauty because its retail model seems much more resilient than Estée Lauder’s. It has strong customer engagement across a wide variety of products at every price point, from a $2 lip gloss to a $200 bottle of perfume, for example. By contrast, Estée Lauder -- while very well known and respected -- depends on a narrower customer base and distribution channels. While Estée Lauder could generate higher returns if its turnaround strategy succeeds, Ulta appears to offer a better balance of stability, growth, and risk.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL) Presents at 23rd annual dbAccess Global Consumer Conference Transcript

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, /PRNewswire/ -- Halper Sadeh LLC, an investor rights law firm, is investigating whether certain officers and directors of The Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. (NYSE: EL) breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders.

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PETERSFIELD, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As The Estée Lauder Companies’ (NYSE: EL) Whitman manufacturing facility celebrates its 60th anniversary, the company today announced a strategic investment that will strengthen its UK manufacturing network, further reinforcing its long-standing commitment to British craftsmanship, innovation, and growth in prestige fragrance.

Established in 1966, Whitman is a strategic part of The Estée Lauder Companies’ global manufacturing network, producing skin care and fragrance products for brands including Jo Malone London, Estée Lauder, Clinique, and La Mer. Today, the site produces more than 90 million units annually for distribution across the UK, Europe, and other select markets worldwide.

“For sixty years, Whitman has reflected the craftsmanship, quality, and innovation that have defined The Estée Lauder Companies since my grandparents founded the business,” said William P. Lauder, Chair of the Board of Directors, The Estée Lauder Companies. “When my family established our manufacturing footprint here in 1966, we recognized the remarkable depth of British artisanal skill, and we are proud to continue investing in that legacy today.”

As The Estée Lauder Companies continues to invest in Whitman’s future, the company will integrate select luxury candle and home fragrance capabilities from long-standing partner and creator of luxury candles and scent diffusers, Contract Candles, into its UK manufacturing operations. This includes assuming the lease of one of Contract Candles’ two UK facilities, welcoming approximately 50 employees into the organization over time, and adding new research and development and quality capabilities.

Following the integration, the UK will serve as the primary manufacturing base for candles across The Estée Lauder Companies’ prestige brand portfolio worldwide, including the Jo Malone London, TOM FORD and AERIN brands. The investment enhances operational control and long-term resilience in a strategically important category while reinforcing the UK as a center of excellence for fragrance craftsmanship and manufacturing.

Speaking during Whitman’s 60th anniversary celebration, Roberto Canevari, Executive Vice President, Chief Value Chain Officer, The Estée Lauder Companies, said: “The UK plays a significant role in our global manufacturing network, and this investment in candle and home fragrance manufacturing reflects our continued commitment to British craftsmanship and innovation. Bringing these activities more closely into our manufacturing network will strengthen resilience and support our ability to continue delivering the exceptional quality and artistry that define our brands."

Home fragrance continues to represent a growth opportunity across The Estée Lauder Companies’ portfolio of fragrance brands, driven by expanding consumer interest in premium scent experiences and elevated home environments. This is particularly notable for Jo Malone London, a quintessentially British brand and the number-one luxury home fragrance brand in the UK across home scents and fragrance ancillaries. Six of the UK’s top 10 home fragrance franchises also belong to Jo Malone London.* The brand’s iconic candles are expertly crafted in the UK — reflecting a longstanding commitment to British craftsmanship and artisanal expertise.

The integration of these activities further strengthens The Estée Lauder Companies’ manufacturing ecosystem and reinforces the company’s commitment to resilient, high-quality UK manufacturing within its broader global manufacturing network.

Since fiscal 2020, The Estée Lauder Companies has invested $72 million in its Whitman facility across automation, quality systems, sustainability initiatives, and advanced manufacturing capabilities, alongside apprenticeship and STEM outreach programs in partnership with local universities.

About The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products, and is a steward of luxury and prestige brands globally. The Company’s products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, M·A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD, and BALMAIN Beauty.

*Source: Circana, LLC, UK Prestige Beauty, Fragrance Category, Fragrance Home Scents and Fragranced Ancillaries Combined, (Excluding Non-Branded Home Scents) Parent Brand, ELC Luxury Definition 2026, Sterling Sales, April 2025 – March 2026.

ELC-C

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