Publicly Traded US Beauty Companies Market Analysis

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The US beauty industry is a massive market, with many publicly traded companies vying for a share of the pie. According to the article, the global beauty market is projected to reach $1.2 trillion by 2025.

Some of the largest publicly traded US beauty companies include Estee Lauder, Procter & Gamble, and L'Oreal. These companies have a significant presence in the market and are known for their high-quality products.

Estee Lauder, for instance, operates a portfolio of 25 brands, including MAC Cosmetics and Clinique. Procter & Gamble, on the other hand, owns a range of popular beauty brands, including Pantene and Olay.

Company Profiles

Let's take a look at some of the publicly traded US beauty companies. Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. is a global leader in the beauty industry with a portfolio of 25 brands, including MAC Cosmetics and Clinique.

Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. was founded in 1946 by Estee Lauder and her husband Joseph.

The company's brands are sold in over 150 countries worldwide, with a strong presence in the US, China, and Europe.

Estée Lauder

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Estée Lauder is an industry stalwart with a rich history dating back to the postwar era. The company has evolved to become an industry powerhouse with a wide range of attractive brands.

One of Estée Lauder's notable brands is La Mer, which has found a booming market for its high-end skincare products. Estée Lauder's portfolio also includes Bumble and Bumble and Aveda.

Estée Lauder's financial performance has been impacted by a slowdown in China, leading to a 2% decline in revenue for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Adjusted earnings per share was down 22% to $2.69.

To address these challenges, Estée Lauder has announced a profit recovery and growth plan aimed at improving gross margin, lowering costs, and accelerating growth.

The company's goal is ambitious, but a turnaround will be difficult to achieve as long as China is struggling.

Brands

The Estée Lauder Companies have a diverse portfolio of brands across various categories. Their cosmetics brands include a range of products, from foundation to lipstick. The company's fragrance and haircare brands also offer a variety of options for consumers.

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Here's a breakdown of some of the notable brands under the Estée Lauder Companies umbrella:

  • Cosmetics
  • Fragrance
  • Haircare

Coty, another prominent player in the cosmetics industry, has also made significant moves in recent years. They acquired a majority stake in Kylie Jenner's beauty company, Kylie Cosmetics, forming a strategic partnership with the Kardashian family member.

Investment Analysis

e.l.f. Beauty Inc. (ELF) and Ulta Beauty Inc. (ULTA) are two publicly traded US beauty companies that have shown impressive growth in recent quarters.

e.l.f. Beauty Inc. has a 12-month trailing total return of 31.8%, making it one of the top performers in the cosmetics industry. This is likely due to its successful launch of new products, such as the Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer.

Ulta Beauty Inc. has a market cap of $21.6 billion, making it a significant player in the industry. However, its 12-month trailing total return is lower than e.l.f.'s, at 11.2%.

Here are some key statistics for these two companies:

Best Value Stocks

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When evaluating stocks, it's essential to consider their value. One way to do this is by looking at their price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio.

A low P/E ratio indicates that you're paying less for each dollar of profit generated. For example, Ulta Beauty Inc. has a 12-month trailing P/E ratio of 19.7, which is relatively low.

Ulta Beauty Inc. operates a chain of beauty stores throughout the U.S., selling cosmetics, skin and hair care products, fragrances, and salon services. Its strong consumer demand and momentum across its businesses helped fuel gains in Q2 FY 2022.

Here are some of the best value stocks in the cosmetics industry, listed by their 12-month trailing P/E ratio:

Beiersdorf AG, a German-based beauty company, focuses primarily on developing, manufacturing, and marketing skin and personal care products. Its major skin-care product brands are Nivea, Eucerin, and La Prairie.

Olaplex Holdings Inc. is a beauty company providing premium hair-care products, which saw strong growth in both domestic and international revenue and across all channels, with its Specialty Retail business growing at the fastest pace.

Top Performing Stocks

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When it comes to finding top performing stocks, it's essential to look at companies that have shown consistent growth and stability. e.l.f. Beauty Inc. (ELF) is a great example, with a 12-month trailing total return of 31.8%.

Their innovative products, such as the new Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer, have helped them stay ahead of the game. This moisturizer is the first SPF skincare offering from the Keys Soulcare brand, created by artist and author Alicia Keys.

Ulta Beauty Inc. (ULTA) is another top performer, with a 12-month trailing total return of 11.2%. Their wide range of products and strong brand loyalty have contributed to their success.

Coty Inc. (COTY), on the other hand, has experienced a decline of 6.4% in the past 12 months. Despite this, they plan to double their skincare sales to between $500 million and $600 million by FY 2025.

Here's a comparison of the top performing stocks:

The Russell 1000 and S&P 500 Consumer Staples Sector Index have also shown declines in the past 12 months, with returns of -12.5% and 3.6%, respectively.

Risks of Stocks

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Publicly traded US beauty companies face various risks that can impact their earnings, revenue, and stock performance. These risks include sourcing raw materials, which can be difficult, and potential liabilities from environmental damage or customer safety issues.

One example of a company facing these risks is Ulta Beauty Inc. According to their second quarter fiscal 2022 results, they may be exposed to various liabilities.

Manufacturing processes can also pose risks, such as environmental damage. This is a concern for cosmetics companies, as they need to balance their operations with environmental responsibility.

Companies like Olaplex Holdings Inc. have reported on their second quarter 2022 results, which may include information on their manufacturing processes and potential environmental risks.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also had an impact on the beauty industry, with changes in purchasing patterns and a decrease in makeup sales. According to the National Library of Medicine, this has led to a shift in the market.

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Some cosmetics stocks, like Coty Inc., have a comprehensive strategy to address these risks and changes in the market. Their goal is to double skincare sales by FY25.

Here are some risks that cosmetics manufacturers need to be aware of:

  • Sourcing raw materials
  • Potential liabilities from environmental damage or customer safety issues
  • Changes in purchasing patterns and market trends

Company Information

L'Oreal USA has named a President of Acquisitions, marking a significant move in their business strategy.

Nancy Twine has transitioned from CEO to Founder role at Briogeo, a change that reflects the company's growth and evolution.

Here are some key leadership changes in the US beauty industry:

  • Mary Kay Inc. has appointed Dr. Lucy Gildea as Chief Brand and Scientific Officer, bringing science-backed expertise to the company.
  • AS Watson has named Clarice Au as CEO of Retail Hong Kong, a move that highlights the company's commitment to leadership development.
  • Allergan Aesthetics has introduced new AMI Training Centers Across the US, providing education and training for professionals in the industry.

L'Oreal

L'Oreal is the biggest cosmetics company in the world, with a global reach and a diverse array of brands, including licensing deals with Diesel, Giorgio Armani, and Yves Saint Laurent.

The company has been aggressively investing in e-commerce, a channel that has been gaining share in the overall cosmetics market.

Sales rose 6% in the third quarter of 2024, a testament to the company's solid growth in various segments, including professional products used in hair care and hair color, and consumer and skin care segments.

L'Oreal continues to deliver strong margins, a result of its brand strengths, smart management, and balanced diversification strategy.

History

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Our company has its roots dating back to 1995, when it was founded by a group of entrepreneurs who saw an opportunity to revolutionize the industry.

The company's early success was largely due to its innovative approach to product development, which allowed it to quickly gain market share and establish itself as a major player.

In 2005, the company launched its first product, which was an instant hit with customers. This product remains one of our best-selling items to this day.

The company's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has been a key factor in its growth and success over the years.

By 2010, we had expanded our operations to include multiple locations across the country, allowing us to better serve our customers and increase our production capacity.

Our company's dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction has enabled us to stay ahead of the competition and continue to thrive in a rapidly changing industry.

Finances

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Estée Lauder Companies achieved net sales of $11.26 billion in fiscal year 2016, a 4% increase from the prior year.

This significant growth in sales translated to a 2% increase in net earnings for the year, reaching $1.11 billion.

The company's financial performance also led to a 5% rise in diluted net earnings per common share, reaching $2.96.

By 2018, Estée Lauder Companies had climbed to 258 on the Fortune 500 list of the largest United States corporations by revenue.

Jobs & People

L'Oreal USA has appointed a President of Acquisitions, but unfortunately, the article doesn't mention who it is.

Mary Kay Inc. has elevated Dr. Lucy Gildea to the role of Chief Brand and Scientific Officer, bringing her scientific expertise to the company.

Allergan Aesthetics has introduced new training centers across the US, called AMI Training Centers, but the article doesn't provide more information on what AMI stands for or what the training centers entail.

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Nancy Twine has transitioned from CEO to Founder at Briogeo, marking a significant change in her role with the company.

Here are the latest appointments and transitions in the industry:

Buying and Selling Stocks

You can buy and sell stocks through a brokerage account, which can be opened online or through a financial institution.

Many publicly traded US beauty companies, such as Estee Lauder and L'Oréal, are listed on major stock exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ.

To buy stocks, you'll typically need to deposit money into your brokerage account, then use that money to purchase shares of a specific company.

The price of a stock is determined by supply and demand in the market, and it can fluctuate constantly throughout the trading day.

L'Oréal, for example, has a market capitalization of over $200 billion, which is a measure of the total value of its outstanding shares.

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You can sell your stocks at any time, but keep in mind that the market price may be different from the price you paid for them.

Estee Lauder, on the other hand, has a more stable stock price history, with a relatively low volatility compared to other beauty companies.

It's essential to do your research and understand the risks involved in buying and selling stocks before making any investment decisions.

The stock market can be unpredictable, and even the most successful companies can experience fluctuations in their stock prices.

Industry Insights

Allergan Aesthetics is expanding its training capabilities with the introduction of new AMI Training Centers across the US.

These centers will provide professionals with hands-on experience and knowledge to help them master the latest techniques and technologies in the beauty industry.

Sally Beauty, on the other hand, delivered flat Q4 sales but surprised investors with its performance, showing that even in a challenging market, some companies can still deliver.

Here are some key players in the US beauty industry:

  • Allergan Aesthetics
  • Sally Beauty
  • Hugel

Hugel is celebrating a record 2024 earnings and is setting its sights on global expansion, indicating a strong presence in the market.

Fastest Growing Stocks

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If you're looking for the fastest growing stocks in the cosmetics industry, you'll want to check out the top performers. Olaplex Holdings Inc. is one of them, with a 70.7% EPS growth and 38.6% revenue growth.

Olaplex Holdings Inc. has a market cap of $7.7 billion and a price of $11.81 per share. The company's growth is impressive, but it's worth noting that Ulta Beauty Inc. has a much higher market cap of $21.6 billion.

Ulta Beauty Inc. has a price of $421.47 per share, but its growth is slower, with a 25.0% EPS growth and 16.8% revenue growth. e.l.f. Beauty Inc. falls somewhere in between, with a 80.0% EPS growth and 26.3% revenue growth.

Here's a quick rundown of the top 3 fastest growing cosmetics stocks:

e.l.f. Beauty Inc. is also worth noting for its new product launch, the Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer, which offers SPF protection for the skin.

Animal Testing

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The Estée Lauder Companies perform non-animal and human volunteer testing to assess product safety and efficacy. However, they do conduct animal testing where required by law in certain countries.

The Chinese government has laws that require testing on animals for many cosmetic products, which can cause controversy for smaller brands that claim to be "cruelty free" but were acquired by Estée Lauder.

Estée Lauder Companies was founded in 1946 in New York City, and its initial public offering was in 1995. This makes it a large and well-established company in the cosmetics industry.

Animal testing is a complex issue, and companies like Estée Lauder must navigate different laws and regulations around the world to ensure compliance.

Professional Beauty

Allergan Aesthetics is expanding its training program with the introduction of new AMI Training Centers across the US.

These centers will provide professionals with the latest knowledge and skills in aesthetic medicine.

Sally Beauty, on the other hand, had a flat Q4 sales period but surprised investors with its results.

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Credit: pexels.com, A flat lay of skincare tools and products for a rejuvenating beauty routine.

Hugel is celebrating a record 2024 earnings and is now setting its sights on global expansion.

Hydrinity Accelerated Skin Science is also making moves, heading to the UK and Ireland to bring its innovative skin care solutions to a wider audience.

Biosphere has launched in Abu Dhabi, marking its entry into the Middle Eastern market.

Here are some key developments in the professional beauty industry:

  • Allergan Aesthetics: new AMI Training Centers across the US
  • Hugel: record 2024 earnings and global expansion plans
  • Sally Beauty: flat Q4 sales but surprising results
  • Hydrinity Accelerated Skin Science: expansion into the UK and Ireland
  • Biosphere: launched in Abu Dhabi

Company Specific

Coty, a company that's been through a rough patch since its $12.5 billion acquisition of Procter & Gamble's beauty business in 2015, is now showing signs of a promising turnaround.

The company sold off a majority stake in Wella, its professional hair care business, to raise money to pay down debt, making it more profitable and financially nimble.

Coty's new CEO and partnership with Kylie Jenner's beauty company, Kylie Cosmetics, has helped fuel its growth, with the company returning to growth in fiscal 2024 with 11% organic revenue, driven by the prestige segment.

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E.l.f. Beauty, on the other hand, has been a breakout winner, posting dramatic growth and capitalizing on a new Gen Z customer base that's looking for quality at an affordable price.

The company's commitment to vegan and cruelty-free products resonates with the younger generation, with revenue jumping 40% in the fiscal second quarter of 2025.

Coty

Coty has been on a rollercoaster ride since its $12.5 billion acquisition of Procter & Gamble's beauty business in 2015. The company struggled to adapt to the shift in consumer demand from mass-market to prestige brands.

Coty sold off a majority stake in Wella, its professional hair care business, to raise money and pay down debt. This move helped make the company more profitable and financially nimble.

German conglomerate JAB Holdings now has a majority stake in Coty, indicating they believe the stock will be a winner. Coty has also brought in a new CEO and leveraged social media to fuel its growth.

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Coty's strategic partnership with Kylie Jenner's beauty company, Kylie Cosmetics, has been a key factor in its turnaround. The company acquired a 51% stake in Kylie Cosmetics and has seen growth in the prestige segment.

Here are some key statistics that highlight Coty's growth:

  • Coty returned to growth in fiscal 2024 with 11% organic revenue.
  • The company posted solid growth on the bottom line as well.

Investors are still skeptical about Coty's recovery, but if the company maintains its current momentum, the stock should respond positively.

Elf Beauty

Elf Beauty is a standout in the cosmetics industry with its commitment to vegan and cruelty-free products resonating with the younger generation.

The company's growth has been dramatic, with revenue jumping 40% in the fiscal second quarter of 2025.

Elf has reported its 23rd consecutive quarter of market share gains and sales growth, a remarkable achievement in the competitive cosmetics market.

The company's wide gross margins are a significant advantage, but it does spend aggressively on marketing and digital expenses, as well as other operating expenses.

Despite being expensive, Elf's numbers make it the most exciting growth story in the cosmetics industry today.

Response to COVID-19

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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Estée Lauder Companies took a significant step to reduce their workforce by 1,500 to 2,000 personnel worldwide, which is about 3 percent of their total employees.

Most of the reductions will be support workers and store employees.

The company also announced that they would be closing approximately 10 to 15 percent of their stores.

They will also be closing in-store beauty counters and focusing more on digital operations.

Alvin Chereskin, the founder of AC&R, was a long-time creative partner of the company.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the biggest publicly traded beauty companies?

The top three publicly traded beauty companies are L'Oréal, Unilever, and Estée Lauder Cos., according to our annual top 20 global beauty companies list. These industry leaders are poised for a strong rebound in the beauty market.

Timothy Gutkowski-Stoltenberg

Senior Writer

Timothy Gutkowski-Stoltenberg is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he has established himself as a versatile and reliable voice in the industry. His writing portfolio showcases a breadth of expertise, with a particular focus on the freight market trends.

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