After a difficult stretch, Estée Lauder is starting to find its footing again, and the turnaround is beginning to show in the numbers.

The luxury beauty brand has reported stronger-than-expected quarterly sales and is now forecasting steady growth for the year, a sign that its reset strategy is gaining traction.

At the heart of the shift is Chief Executive Officer Stéphane de La Faverie’s “Beauty Reimagined” plan, a push to refresh the brand through more premium product launches, sharper marketing, and a more efficient supply chain.

It’s a move that’s resonating, particularly in key markets like China and Europe, where demand for high-end beauty is picking up again.

The company posted quarterly sales of $3.71 billion, slightly ahead of expectations, and now expects organic sales growth of around 3% this year.

Behind the scenes, Estée Lauder is also exploring expansion opportunities, including talks with Puig, the company behind brands like Jean Paul Gaultier.

But the recovery is not without its pressures. The company has raised its job-cut target to between 9 000 and 10 000 roles as part of efforts to streamline operations.

And like many global brands, its outlook depends on a stable global environment, from geopolitical tensions to shifts in consumer confidence.

For shoppers, the changes may already be visible in the form of more polished product launches and renewed energy across its brands.

–Reuters/ChannelAfrica–