ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES Business Summary

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL) is a global titan in the prestige beauty sector, generating revenue through the manufacture, marketing, and sale of high-end skincare, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products. As of February 2026, the company is executing its "Beauty Reimagined" strategic vision and a comprehensive Profit Recovery and Growth Plan (PRGP) to restore organic sales growth and expand operating margins. Revenue is primarily driven by four business segments: Skincare (49% of sales), Makeup (29%), Fragrance (17%), and Hair Care (5%), with a distribution network spanning over 150 countries across department stores, travel retail, and direct-to-consumer digital channels. ELC holds the second-largest global market share in prestige beauty, positioning itself as a premium alternative to L'Oréal while competing directly with luxury conglomerates LVMH, Shiseido, and Coty through a portfolio of over 20 iconic brands including La Mer, Clinique, and M·A·C. Founded in 1946 by Estée and Joseph Lauder, the company maintains strong family governance with William P. Lauder serving as Chair of the Board. The current leadership team is led by President and CEO Stéphane de La Faverie, an industry veteran with over 25 years of experience in prestige beauty who previously held senior roles at L'Oréal. The executive suite includes Akhil Shrivastava as EVP and CFO, Jane Hertzmark Hudis as EVP and Chief Brand Officer, and Brian Franz, the Chief Technology, Data & Analytics Officer, who joined from State Street to spearhead the firm's digital and AI transformation. Other critical executives include Aude Gandon as Chief Digital & Marketing Officer and Roberto Canevari as Chief Value Chain Officer. The board of directors is bolstered by high-profile members such as Jennifer Hyman (CEO of Rent the Runway), Dana Strong (CEO of Sky Group), and Annabelle Yu Long (Managing Partner of BAI Capital), reflecting a strategic emphasis on digital innovation and Asia-Pacific market expertise.