Morgan Stanley Upgrades Estee Lauder (EL) Ahead of Q4 Earnings

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL) is one of the defensive stocks billionaires are buying amid US trade tariff uncertainty. On July 25, Morgan Stanley upgraded Estée Lauder to “Overweight” and added the cosmetics giant to its Positive Catalyst Watch, anticipating strong fourth-quarter results on August 20.

Analysts cited robust online performance, better-than-expected results from China’s 6.18 shopping event, and a potential global like-for-like sales uptick in December 2025.

The firm highlighted operational improvements, margin expansion, and upcoming cost savings from Estée Lauder’s Profit Recovery and Growth Plan, expected to boost earnings by fiscal 2027. The recent appointment of Aude Gandon as Chief Digital and Marketing Officer further supports its digital growth strategy, with projected EPS reaching $3.41 in FY27.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL) is a leading American multinational specializing in the creation and distribution of premium beauty products—from makeup and skincare to fragrances and hair care. Operating across more than 150 countries, the company boasts a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Estée Lauder, Clinique, and Aramis, each contributing to its reputation for innovation, luxury, and global reach.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.