EL · 8-K · 20261102PR000057

Cash Flow and Liquidity

ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC · 2026-11-02 · Importance 57 · Surprise 64 · From source text

Cash and cash equivalents were $3.20 billion at September 30, 2026, compared with $2.22 billion a year earlier and $3.50 billion at June 30, 2026. Cash used in operating activities improved to $166 million from $340 million, and free cash flow improved to negative $235 million from negative $436 million. The company attributed the operating cash-flow improvement to higher earnings excluding non-cash items and a favorable change in operating assets and liabilities, partly offset by restructuring payments and working-capital investment. Full-year fiscal 2027 operating cash flow guidance increased to $1.4–$1.5 billion from $1.3–$1.4 billion, while the company expects higher restructuring payments and working-capital needs than in fiscal 2026.

Key facts

• The company expects fiscal 2027 net cash flows provided by operating activities of $1.4 billion–$1.5 billion, up from its prior $1.3 billion–$1.4 billion outlook. source
• Cash and cash equivalents were $3.20 billion at September 30, 2026, compared with $2.22 billion a year earlier. source
• Fiscal 2027 operating cash flow is expected to decrease from fiscal 2026 due to higher restructuring payments and increased working capital needs to support growth. source
• For the three months ended September 30, 2026, net cash used for operating activities was $166 million and capital expenditures were $69 million. source
• Net cash used for operating activities was $166 million, compared with $340 million in the prior year. source
• Free cash flow was negative $235 million, compared with negative $436 million in the prior year. source

Impact estimates