12 Large-Cap Stocks Insiders Were Buying in Q1 2025 Before Trump’s Tariff Shockwave

2. The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL)

Market cap: $19.59 billion

The Estée Lauder Companies manufactures and sells skincare, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products worldwide. Its brands include Estée Lauder, Clinique, M·A·C, and La Mer, among others. The company distributes products through department stores, specialty retailers, salons, and online platforms. It is also considered one of the 12 best cosmetics stocks to buy for 2025.

During the first quarter of the year, two insiders, including the company’s CFO, purchased around $8.73 million worth of Estée Lauder shares at an average price of $66.16 per share. Year-to-date, the stock is down 29.3.63% and is trading at $57.26. Over the past 12 months, Estée Lauder shares have lost 61.14%.

Estée Lauder reported a 6% drop in net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, totaling $4.0 billion. Despite lower sales, the gross margin improved to 76.1% due to cost-saving efforts. However, operating margin fell to -14.5% because of impairment and restructuring charges. The company also reported a loss per share of $1.64, compared to earnings per share of $0.87 last year. Cash flow from operations declined to $387 million, and capital spending was at $273 million. The company also paid $366 million in dividends.