The Estee Lauder Companies China Fulfillment Center in Shanghai's Minhang district. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The Estee Lauder Companies closed fiscal 2026 with its strongest quarter of the year, as its Chinese mainland business gained market share for a sixth consecutive quarter and organic net sales rose nine percent, outpacing the broader prestige beauty market in China.
The earnings report, released on Wednesday, showed full-year organic sales up three percent, with fourth-quarter growth accelerating to five percent — the fourth straight quarter of expansion. Growth was broad-based across regions and nearly all categories, with fragrance a standout, rising 10 percent organically to rank among the industry's best performers.
The company's China growth was driven by a dual dynamic of brand diversification and digital channel expansion.
In the fourth quarter, 11 of the company's brands posted retail sales growth in the Chinese mainland, six of them at double-digit rates. La Mer continued its strong performance, while Le Labo grew more than 50 percent for the full year.
