Estee-Lauder Co. (EL) Quarterly Valuation – April 2014
Benjamin Graham taught that Intelligent Investors must do a thorough fundamental analysis of investment opportunities to determine their intrinsic value and inherent risk.  This is best done by utilizing a systematic approach to analysis that will provide investors with a sense of how a specific company compares to another company.  By using the ModernGraham method one can review a company’s historical accomplishments and determine an intrinsic value that can be compared across industries.  What follows is a specific look at how Estee-Lauder Co. fares in the ModernGraham valuation model.
Company Profile (obtained from Google Finance): The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. is a manufacturer and marketer of skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The Company’s products are sold in over 150 countries and territories under a number of brand names, including Estee Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Origins, M.A.C, Bobbi Brown, La Mer and Aveda. It is also the global licensee for fragrances and/or cosmetics sold under brand names, such as Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Tom Ford and Coach. It sells its products principally through limited distribution channels to complement the images associated with its brands. These channels include over 30,000 points of sale, consisting of upscale department stores, specialty retailers, upscale perfumeries and pharmacies and prestige salons and spas.
Defensive Investor – must pass at least 6 of the following 7 tests: Score = 5/7
- Adequate Size of Enterprise – market capitalization of at least $2 billion – PASS
- Sufficiently Strong Financial Condition – current ratio greater than 2 – PASS
- Earnings Stability – positive earnings per share for at least 10 straight years – PASS
- Dividend Record – has paid a dividend for at least 10 straight years – PASS
- Earnings Growth – earnings per share has increased by at least 1/3 over the last 10 years using 3 year averages at beginning and end of period – PASS
- Moderate PEmg ratio – PEmg is less than 20 – FAIL
- Moderate Price to Assets – PB ratio is less than 2.5 or PB x PEmg is less than 50 – FAIL
Enterprising Investor – must pass at least 4 of the following 5 tests or be suitable for a defensive investor: Score = 5/5
- Sufficiently Strong Financial Condition, Part 1 – current ratio greater than 1.5 – PASS
- Sufficiently Strong Financial Condition, Part 2 – Debt to Net Current Assets ratio less than 1.1 – PASS
- Earnings Stability – positive earnings per share for at least 5 years – PASS
- Dividend Record – currently pays a dividend – PASS
- Earnings growth – EPSmg greater than 5 years ago – PASS
Valuation Summary
Key Data:
| Recent Price | $69.83 |
| MG Value | $91.17 |
| MG Opinion | Fairly Valued |
| Value Based on 3% Growth | $34.34 |
| Value Based on 0% Growth | $20.13 |
| Market Implied Growth Rate | 10.49% |
| Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) | $2.46 |
| PEmg | 29.49 |
| Current Ratio | 2.42 |
| PB Ratio | 7.00 |
Balance Sheet – 12/31/2013
| Current Assets | $4,925,600,000 |
| Current Liabilities | $2,039,100,000 |
| Total Debt | $1,322,900,000 |
| Total Assets | $7,841,200,000 |
| Intangible Assets | $1,053,300,000 |
| Total Liabilities | $3,972,600,000 |
| Outstanding Shares | 387,950,000 |
Earnings Per Share
| 2014 (estimate) | $2.81 |
| 2013 | $2.58 |
| 2012 | $2.16 |
| 2011 | $1.74 |
| 2010 | $1.19 |
| 2009 | $0.55 |
| 2008 | $1.20 |
| 2007 | $1.08 |
| 2006 | $0.75 |
| 2005 | $0.89 |
| 2004 | $0.81 |
Earnings Per Share – ModernGraham
| 2014 (estimate) | $2.37 |
| 2013 | $1.98 |
| 2012 | $1.58 |
| 2011 | $1.24 |
| 2010 | $0.98 |
| 2009 | $0.88 |
Dividend History
EL Dividend data by YCharts
Conclusion:
Estee Lauder is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the Defensive Investor. Â The company currently trades at PEmg and PB ratios that are too high for the Defensive Investor. Â The Enterprising Investor is very satisfied, though, because the company passes all of the investor type’s requirements. Â Therefore, the Enterprising Investor following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods will feel comfortable conducting further research into the company and comparing it to other opportunities through a review of ModernGraham’s valuation of International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) and a Glance at the Dow. Â From a valuation perspective, the company appears to be fairly valued, having demonstrated growth in EPSmg from $0.98 in 2010 to an estimated $2.37 for 2014. Â This level of historical growth supports the market’s implied estimate of 10.49% earnings growth and leads the ModernGraham valuation model to estimate an intrinsic value that is within a margin of safety relative to the price.
The next part of the analysis is up to individual investors, and requires discussion of the company’s prospects.  What do you think?  What value would you put on Estee Lauder Co. (EL)?  Where do you see the company going in the future?  Is there a company you like better?  Leave a comment on our Facebook page or mention @ModernGraham on Twitter to discuss.
If you like our valuations, why not check out ModernGraham Stocks & Screens?  It’s a great way to review the valuations while screening for things like low PE ratio, undervalued companies, etc.!
Disclaimer: Â The author did not hold a position in Estee Lauder Co. (EL) or any other company mentioned in the article at the time of publication and had no intention of changing that position within the next 72 hours.
Logo taken from wikipedia; this article is not affiliated with the company in any manner.
