Estée Lauder fourth quarter results show big growth

In the final quarter sales increased by 13%, up from $2.41bn to reach $2.73bn, a figure that was not impacted by foreign currency translation, but one that was given a positive boost from the effect of accelerated retail orders.

Excluding the positive impact of the retail orders, net sales increased by 5%.

The results also reflected double-digit gains in the US and travel retail segments, together with double-digit gains in many of the emerging markets in Europe.

Likewise net earnings exploded, increasing from $94.0m last year, to reach $257.7m.

Full year results​

Net sales for the 12 month period ending in June were up 8%, from $10.18bn to $10.97bn, which again was positively impacted by accelerated retail orders ahead of the implementation of the company’s Strategic Modernization Initiative, due to be implemented in July 2014.

The full-year net sales were also not negatively impacted by foreign currency translation, while net earnings for the period rose by 18% to reach $1.20bn.

 “Fiscal 2014 was another outstanding year for our Company. Our topline growth was nearly double that of prestige beauty and was broad-based across regions, product categories and channels, despite slower industry growth in some key countries,” said Fabrizio Freda, President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Our emerging markets, makeup and luxury brands, and our online, freestanding store and travel retail channels led our growth. At the same time, we made careful investment choices to support the fastest areas of growth, while continuing to eliminate non-value-added costs.“

Results by product category​

During the full year results were driven by the company’s make-up and fragrance category, which each recorded reported growth of 9%, to reach $4.21bn and $1.42bn, respectively.

In make-up higher sales for the year reflected double-digit growth for the company’s artist brands and a number of new launches, including Pur Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick. In fragrance double digit growth was recorded from luxury brands such as Tom Ford and Jo Malone.

The mainstay skin care category recorded annual reported growth of 7% to reach $4.77bn, while the hair care category recorded the slowest sales growth at 5% to reach $515.6m.

In skin care the growth was driven by the fact that the company gained market share in a number of strategic countries, while new product launches included the Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex.

Regional results​

On a regional basis, the strongest growth was seen in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, with reported annual sales leaping by 11% to reach $4.16bn, which reflected net sales increases in each product category in most countries, including double-digit growth in the UK, as well as Turkey and in Central Europe.

In the mainstay Americas market, annual net sales increased by 6% on a reported basis to reach $4.57bn, with increases reflecting strong sales of makeup artist and luxury brands, together with heritage and designer fragrances.

In the Asia Pacific region annual net sales increased by 5% on a reported basis to reach $2.23bn, reflecting increases in every country except Korea. Strongest growth was seen in China, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Outlook for fiscal 2015 and next quarter​

Looking ahead to the next financial year, the company says that it will beat expectations that the market for global prestige beauty will grow at 3% to 4%.

This growth is expected to be derived from highly innovative product launches and focusing on the fastest growing countries, product categories and channels.