The Estée Lauder Cos.’ Sales Rise 6 Percent to $4.2 Billion in Q2

The Estée Lauder Cos.’ fortunes continue to improve.

For the second quarter ended Dec. 31, net sales increased 6 percent to $4.2 billion, while organic net sales rose 4 percent.

Adjusted diluted net earnings per common share increased to 89 cents, or 43 percent, compared with 62 cents year earlier.

As a result, the company nudged up the lower end of its net sales full year forecasts to range between 1 percent and 3 percent, from the previous outlook of flat to 3 percent.

“We delivered excellent second quarter results to solidify a strong first half of fiscal 2026,” said Stéphane de La Faverie, president and chief executive officer. “In this pivotal year, Beauty Reimagined has invigorated our business as we execute the biggest operational, leadership, and cultural transformation in our history. On its one-year anniversary, we raise our fiscal 2026 outlook confident in the strength of our turnaround, even as our second half reflects previously-expected headwinds and now-greater consumer-facing investments, as we expect to restore organic sales growth and expand our operating margin for the first time in four years.”

Skin care net sales increased 6 percent; makeup net sales decreased 1 percent; fragrance rose 6 percent, and hair care was up 5 percent.

On a geographical basis, Mainland China saw the second consecutive quarter of double-digit retail sales growth of 13 percent, while the Americas was up 1 percent.

The company has been working to turn around its fortunes via its new Beauty Reimagined strategy and Profit Recovery and Growth Plan.