Estee Lauder Companies (EL) risk factors, FY2026 10-K

Risks related to our Business and our Industry

1. 01The beauty business is highly competitive, and if we are unable to compete effectively our business will suffer53% rewritten
2. 02Our ability to compete also depends on the continued strength of our brands, our ability to attract and retain key talent and other personnel, the efficiency of our manufacturing and distribution network, and our ability to maintain and protect our intellectual property and those other rights used in our businessNew
3. 03Our inability to anticipate and respond to market trends and changes in consumer preferences could adversely affect our business
4. 04Our future success depends, in part, on our ability to achieve our long-term strategy
5. 05Acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic actions may expose us to additional risks
6. 06Our business could be negatively impacted by social impact and sustainability matters36% rewritten
7. 07We use AI, and challenges with properly managing its use could have an adverse impact on our business
8. 08A general economic downturn, or disruption in business conditions may adversely affect our business including consumer purchases of discretionary items and/or the financial strength of our customers that are retailers
9. 09Events that impact consumers’ willingness or ability to travel or purchase our products while traveling may impact our business, including travel retail, a significant contributor to our overall results, and our strategy to market and sell products to international travelers at their destinations
10. 10Our success depends, in part, on the quality, efficacy and safety of our products
11. 11Our success depends, in part, on our key personnel
12. 12We are subject to risks related to the global scope of our operations
13. 13A disruption in our operations, including supply chain, could adversely affect our business
14. 14As we outsource functions and consolidate service providers, we become more dependent on the entities performing those functions and services

Risks related to Legal and Regulatory Matters

1. 15Changes in laws, regulations and policies could adversely affect our business
2. 16Disputes and other legal or regulatory proceedings could adversely affect our business34% rewritten
3. 17Government reviews, inquiries, investigations and actions could harm our business

Risks related to Technology and Cybersecurity Matters

1. 18The compromise or interruption of, or damage to, our information technology (including our operational technology and websites) by cybersecurity incidents, data security breaches, other security problems, design defects or system failures could have a material negative impact on our business

Risks related to our Securities and our Ownership Structure

1. 19The trading prices of our securities periodically may rise or fall based on the accuracy of predictions of our financial performance
2. 20We are controlled by the Lauder family. As a result, the Lauder family has the ability to prevent or cause a change in control or approve, prevent or influence certain actions by us