e.l.f. Beauty has been one of the fastest-growing names in mass-market beauty, and its second-quarter report is a key check on whether that momentum can continue at scale. Coming off a first quarter that included a one-time boost from tariff refunds, investors were watching closely to see how underlying demand was holding up, particularly for the acquired rhode brand and for e.l.f.'s newest category launches such as hair care. The quarter also tested management's ability to expand margins while reinvesting in marketing and pricing. With the stock trading near its 52-week high heading into the release, the results served as an important signal on both top-line durability and the company's multi-brand growth strategy.
For the second quarter of fiscal 2027, e.l.f. Beauty posted net sales of $520.8 million, a 51% increase from $343.9 million a year earlier and well above consensus estimates of roughly $469 million. Adjusted EPS of $1.21 more than doubled the consensus forecast of about $0.57, while GAAP net income was $30.0 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, compared with $3.0 million, or $0.05 per share, in the prior-year period.
Gross margin expanded approximately 160 basis points to 71%, helped by lower year-over-year tariffs and favorable product mix, partially offset by pricing investments. Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) climbed 86% to $123.4 million, or 24% of net sales. The quarter included a $17.7 million fair-value adjustment tied to contingent consideration from the rhode acquisition, reflecting that brand's outperformance.
Management raised its full-year fiscal 2027 guidance, now targeting net sales growth of 22%–24% (up from 18%–20%), adjusted EBITDA of $421–$427 million, and adjusted EPS of $3.82–$3.86.
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Investors responded positively to the release, with shares rising in after-hours trading as the results exceeded consensus on the top and bottom lines and came alongside an upward revision to full-year guidance. Sentiment heading into the report had been constructive but cautious, reflecting questions about rhode's growth durability and the level of reinvestment required to sustain momentum. The broad-based beat—driven by U.S. and international strength, a 165% jump in international net sales, and improved organic trends—helped reassure the market that the company's multi-brand playbook remains intact. That said, a jump in selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses remained a point of focus for investors weighing near-term profitability against continued reinvestment for growth.
Looking ahead, investors will be watching whether the company's raised fiscal 2027 guidance can be delivered as the base of comparison gets tougher. Management now expects organic net sales growth of 9%–11% for the full year, up from its prior 6%–7% outlook, with second-half growth of roughly 7%–10%.
The performance of the rhode brand will remain a central theme. Its expansion into Sephora Europe and its role in driving international growth will be closely scrutinized, as will the earn-out payments tied to the acquisition, which can introduce volatility into GAAP results.
Cost discipline is another factor to monitor. Marketing and digital investment ran below expectations in the quarter because of timing, and management has signaled it plans to reinvest tariff refunds into pricing and marketing. How those reinvestments flow through margins in the back half of the year will be important.
Finally, watch category expansion. The company's new e.l.f. Hair line, launched through TikTok Shop and Target, represents its first major category entry since skincare in 2022, and its early traction could shape the next leg of the growth story.
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a holding company
Industry HouseholdPersonalCare