e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. (ELF)

1. Valuation Metrics (Rating: 4/10)
- P/E Ratio: ELF’s P/E ratio is relatively high compared to many peers in the cosmetics/beauty industry. Recent strong price performance has stretched valuation multiples, suggesting the stock is trading at a premium.
- P/B Ratio: Also elevated, reflecting the market’s optimism about growth prospects.
- Dividend Yield: ELF does not pay a dividend, so there’s no yield or payout ratio to analyze here.
Overall: The company’s valuation is on the pricier side, which lowers the score.
2. Financial Health (Rating: 8/10)
- Debt-to-Equity Ratio: ELF’s debt levels are fairly modest, and the company has managed leverage well.
- Current Ratio: Generally above 1.5, indicating good short-term liquidity and ability to cover immediate liabilities.
- Profit Margins: Gross margins and net margins have been healthy and show stability or improvement over time.
Overall: Strong liquidity and controlled leverage improve its financial health score.
3. Growth Potential (Rating: 9/10)
- Revenue & EPS Growth: ELF has delivered impressive top-line growth and improving EPS in recent years, outpacing many industry peers.
- Forward Guidance: Analysts have been raising growth estimates, buoyed by strong brand momentum and expanded retail distribution.
Overall: The company’s ability to continue growing market share (particularly in the affordable, cruelty-free segment) supports a high score for growth.
4. Cash Flow Strength (Rating: 8/10)
- Free Cash Flow (FCF): ELF generates positive free cash flow, a good sign for reinvestment or potential debt reduction.
- FCF Yield: Not extremely high given the company’s increased valuation, but still healthy enough to be a positive indicator.
Overall: Good FCF generation and adequate reinvestment capacity support a solid score.
5. Industry Position (Rating: 8/10)
- Competitive Moats: ELF’s niche is affordable, cruelty-free, and vegan cosmetics. That brand positioning has gained strong traction, giving it a “moat” with younger, value-conscious consumers.
- Market Share: Rising in a highly competitive sector (cosmetics/personal care). Continues to expand store presence and DTC channels.
Overall: A recognized brand and expanding shelf space yield a robust industry-position score.
6. Management & Governance (Rating: 9/10)
- Track Record: Current leadership has executed well, growing the brand and expanding profitability.
- ESG/Governance: ELF’s cruelty-free and vegan positioning aligns with strong ESG trends; no major governance red flags reported.
Overall: Management execution and alignment with ESG values boost this category.
7. Risk Factors (Rating: 6/10)
- Beta/Volatility: The stock has shown higher volatility (beta often >1), reflecting market sentiment swings on growth stocks.
- Sector Risks: Consumer discretionary spending can be sensitive to economic slowdowns. A beauty/cosmetics slowdown could impact ELF more than staple-like products.
Overall: Some heightened volatility and reliance on consumer trends keep the risk score moderate.
8. Market Sentiment (Rating: 9/10)
- News/Events: Mostly positive coverage; strong sales and brand buzz have propelled the share price.
- Technical Indicators (e.g., RSI): The stock has often traded in or near “overbought” territory, but the bullish momentum has persisted.
Overall: Sentiment is very favorable; analysts and investors have rewarded ELF’s growth.
9. Margin of Safety (Rating: 3/10)
- Intrinsic Value vs. Current Price: Given high multiples (P/E, EV/EBITDA) and robust share price appreciation, the margin of safety is slim if growth disappoints.
- Valuation Premium: The premium may be justified by growth, but it does limit downside protection.
Overall: The stock’s elevated valuation lowers the margin of safety score.
10. Peer Comparison (Rating: 7/10)
- Key Multiples: Compared with traditional beauty giants (e.g., Estée Lauder, L’Oréal), ELF trades at a premium but also has faster growth.
- ROE and Growth vs. Peers: ELF’s returns and top-line growth are strong, but you are paying for that growth.
Overall: Outperforms peers on growth; trades at higher multiples—netting a solid (though not perfect) comparison score.
Total Score: 71 / 100
- Strengths: Growth trajectory, financial health, brand momentum, and strong management execution.
- Weaknesses: High valuation, limited margin of safety, and above-market volatility.
Bottom Line: e.l.f. Beauty scores strongly on growth, brand strength, and operational metrics. However, the stock is not cheap. For investors focused on value or margin of safety, current valuations may be a deterrent. Growth-oriented investors may still find the story compelling, but should be aware of the premium they are paying.
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