Why Is Estee Lauder Stock Down Today?

The Financial Times reported on Monday that Estée Lauder is looking to combine with the Spanish group Puig, to create a company that would be valued at more than $40 billion.

Billboard of Estee lauder american parfume products at Magasin du Nord 24 Oct. 2011. (Photo by Francis Dean/Corbis via Getty Images)

Anan Ashraf · Stocktwits

Published Mar 23, 2026, 3:53 PM ETD

EL
  • The deal could be announced as soon as Monday, according to The Financial Times. 
  • According to a separate report from The Wall Street Journal, there is no guarantee that an agreement will be reached as the talks are continuing.
  • A potential deal could involve a mix of cash and stock, sources told WSJ.

Cosmetic company Estée Lauder (EL) is reportedly nearing a deal to combine with Spanish beauty group Puig.

The Financial Times reported on Monday, citing sources familiar with the matter, that the company, behind brands including Clinique, M.A.C, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and Le Labo, is looking to combine with the Spanish group that owns Jean Paul Gaultier, Dries Van Noten, Rabanne and Charlotte Tilbury, to create a company that would be valued at more than $40 billion. The deal could be announced as soon as Monday, the report added.  

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EL shares traded 7% lower at the time of writing.

Potential Deal Details

According to a separate report from The Wall Street Journal, there is no guarantee that an agreement will be reached as the talks are continuing. A potential deal could involve a mix of cash and stock, WSJ said, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Puig currently has a market value of about $10 billion. In 2025, the company reported solid net revenue growth, delivering €5,042 million ($5855.85 million) in 2025, up +7.8% like-for-like, at the top end of its outlook range.

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Earlier this month, the company also announced the separation of the roles of Chairman and CEO, and appointed Jose Manuel Albesa as CEO, while Marc Puig continues in the role of Executive Chairman.

How Did Stocktwits Users React?

On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around EL stock jumped from ‘bearish’ to ‘bullish’ territory, while message volume increased from ‘low’ to ‘normal’ levels.

EL stock has gained about 18% over the past 12 months.

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Exchange Rate: €1= $1.16
 

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