Oppenheimer analysts provided their outlook on The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL) ahead of the company’s earnings results, expected to be announced on Aug 18. The analysts anticipate a softish Q4 delivery driven by significant COVID-19 challenges in Mainland China, reduced travel to the Hainan corridor, and now material FX headwinds.
The analysts assume management can still deliver within its prior implied Q4 EPS guidance range of $0.23-0.33 even with more material FX headwinds. With Q4 severely impacted by mostly transitory headwinds, the analysts believe the focus is primarily on the upcoming guide.
The analysts continue to feel comfortable with management’s ability to drive at least 6-8% constant-currency sales growth and over 10% constant-currency EPS growth in 2023. The analysts believe management could guide 2023 closer to $7.40-7.70, well below an $8.05 Street estimate.