Estee Lauder Surges 6.2%, Targets $170 After Upgrade

Quick Look:

• Estee Lauder (NYSE: EL) shares soared 6.2% on Thursday, hitting $154.10.
• Bank of America Securities upgrades Estee Lauder to Buy, raises target to $170.
• Strategic shift reduces reliance on China and travel retail, enhancing growth prospects.

Estee Lauder (NYSE: EL) captured the market’s attention with a remarkable 6.2% surge in its stock price. The company’s stock reached $154.10 on Thursday. A seasoned analyst, Bryan Spillane, has shifted his stance on the beauty giant. He upgraded it to “Buy” from the previous “Hold” rating and lifted the price target to $170 from $160. This adjustment reflects a confident 10.3% upside from the upgrade notice.

Shift Cuts China Reliance, Boosts Estee Lauder’s Outlook

The upgrade comes at a pivotal moment for Estee Lauder. The company aims to recuperate from a challenging year that lost more than a third of its value. However, its year-to-date performance has shown promising signs of recovery, with a 5.4% increase. Spillane’s optimism lies in the company’s robust growth potential. It reduced dependency on sales in China and the travel market. Besides, his narrative enhanced marketing strategies and a strong commitment to new product development.

The financial outlook for Estee Lauder appears promising, with FY26 earnings per share estimates revised upwards to $5.85 from $5.50. This upward revision is a testament to the company’s strategic adjustments, aiming for market-share growth and operating leverage. Moreover, these efforts are part of a broader strategy to diversify its distribution channels in the U.S., moving away from traditional department stores. Notably, the company has initiated the first-time sale of its Clinique brand on Amazon.com’s U.S. Premium Beauty store, a move that CEO Fabrizio Freda describes as strategic expansion in consumer reach in the U.S., with plans to expand product offerings on Amazon in the coming months.

Analysts Upbeat on Estee Lauder’s Forward Path

Analysts view Estee Lauder’s current direction with optimism, anticipating a rebound in sales and profit growth by the fiscal year ending June 30. The company’s savings targets and innovation efforts are a clear strategy to adapt to the declining Chinese market. Estee Lauder’s push for innovation targets reversing recent market-share softness. Especially in makeup from its MAC and Tom Ford brands.

The overall sentiment among analysts is bullish, based on Estee Lauder’s strategic adjustments, focus on innovation, and diversification of sales and marketing channels. The company’s ability to respond to trends and repair its brand portfolios is expected to bolster its position in the prestige category, achieving consistent growth across developed and emerging markets, excluding China.

Estee Lauder’s strategic pivot and the subsequent analyst upgrade underscore the company’s resilience and adaptability in a rapidly evolving beauty industry. Furthermore, with a clear focus on reducing its reliance on China and the travel retail segment, alongside a commitment to innovation and market diversification, Estee Lauder is poised for sustained growth, making it a stock to watch in the coming months.