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10-Q2025-11-10· merged:deepseek-v4-flash

ELF · e.l.f. Beauty, Inc.

0001600033-25-000058

SEC filing

Summary

e.l.f. Beauty's Q3 FY26 revenue grew 14% to $343.9M, but gross margin declined due to tariffs and SG&A surged from rhode acquisition, crushing operating income.

Key takeaways

Full analysis

Period Performance

Period Performance

For the three months ended September 30, 2025, e.l.f. Beauty reported net sales of $343.9 million, a 14% increase from $301.1 million in the prior-year quarter. The growth was driven by a $62.2 million benefit from higher average item price and favorable mix, partially offset by a $19.4 million decline from lower unit volume. Retailer channels contributed $22.3 million (9% growth) and e-commerce added $20.6 million (39% growth). Gross profit rose 12% to $238.8 million, but gross margin contracted 165 basis points to 69% primarily due to tariffs, though pricing and mix provided some offset. SG&A expenses surged 24% to $231.1 million, or 67% of sales (up from 62%), driven by increased marketing ($23.0M), depreciation and amortization ($7.9M) from the rhode acquisition, compensation ($10.4M), and professional fees ($2.8M). Consequently, operating income tumbled 72% to $7.7 million. Net income dropped 84% to $3.0 million, including a $0.7 million loss on debt extinguishment and a higher effective tax rate benefit (175.1% vs. 31.9%) due to discrete tax items.

Segment Dynamics

The MD&A does not report segment-level financials. The company operates as a single reporting segment. Channel-level performance showed retailer and e-commerce growth, with e-commerce outpacing at 39% versus 9% for retailers. The rhode brand, acquired in August 2025, is included but not broken out separately.

Forward View

Management highlighted ongoing tariff risks, with a global price increase enacted on August 1, 2025, and plans to shift production outside China. The rhode acquisition is expected to contribute to future growth. Cash flow from operations was $50.6 million for the first six months, and the company had $194.4 million cash and $243.3 million available under its revolving credit facility. No specific numerical guidance was provided. Key priorities include managing tariff exposure, integrating rhode, and sustaining sales momentum through innovation and marketing.

Notes & Operating Detail

Balance Sheet & Liquidity

As of September 30, 2025, e.l.f. Beauty held $194.4M in cash and equivalents, up from $148.7M at March 31, 2025, primarily due to debt proceeds from the rhode acquisition. Total assets surged to $2.32B from $1.25B, driven by $511.2M in goodwill and $380.9M in acquired intangible assets from rhode. Total debt rose to $856.7M (gross), including a $600M term loan and $256.7M drawn on the revolver. The company maintains compliance with financial covenants, with an unused revolver capacity of $243.3M. Stockholders' equity increased to $1.14B from $760.9M at March 31, 2025, bolstered by $300.3M in equity issued for rhode and retained earnings improvement.

Commitments & Contractual Obligations

The notes disclose no material purchase commitments beyond normal operations. Legal contingencies include two consolidated securities class actions and three derivative lawsuits, all in early stages; the company believes it has substantial defenses. Operating lease obligations total $86.0M in undiscounted payments, with $63.8M recognized as lease liabilities, weighted-average remaining term of 8.4 years and discount rate of 6.1%.

Capital Allocation (buybacks, dividends, debt, capex)

No share repurchases occurred in the current quarter; $450M remains authorized under the 2024 program. No dividends are paid. The company issued $600M in new term debt to fund the rhode acquisition, increasing total debt by $600M net. Capital expenditures for the six months were $13.9M, primarily for property and equipment. The company also incurred $7.2M in acquisition-related transaction costs expensed in SG&A.

Segment / Geographic Mix (if disclosed at note level)

The company operates as a single reportable segment, with the CODM evaluating performance based on consolidated net income. Geographic disaggregation for Q3 2025: U.S. net sales $278.2M (80.9% of total) and international $65.7M (19.1%). International sales grew marginally (+2% YoY) while U.S. sales increased 17.6% YoY. The rhode acquisition contributed $52.4M in net sales and $15.1M in net income post-acquisition (from August 5, 2025).