Olaplex (OLPX) Q1 Loss Per Share Rekindles Debate Around Turnaround Narratives

Olaplex Holdings (OLPX) opened Q1 2026 with revenue of US$99.4 million and a basic EPS loss of US$0.01, while trailing 12 month figures show revenue of US$425.4 million and a basic EPS loss of US$0.02, keeping the company in loss making territory. Over recent quarters, revenue has moved between US$96.98 million and US$114.6 million with EPS swinging from a profit of US$0.02 in Q3 2025 to losses in several periods, highlighting how sensitive margins remain as the business works through its current earnings profile. For investors, the latest print keeps the spotlight firmly on whether management can lift profitability and stabilize margins from here.

See our full analysis for Olaplex Holdings.

With the headline numbers on the table, the next step is to see how these results compare with the prevailing stories around growth, risks, and valuation that have been building over the past year.

See what the community is saying about Olaplex Holdings

LTM losses of US$15.0 million keep profitability under pressure

• On a trailing 12 month basis, Olaplex reported revenue of US$425.4 million and a net loss of US$15.0 million, compared with quarterly net income that has swung between a profit of US$11.1 million in Q3 2025 and a loss of US$13.1 million in Q4 2025.
• Bulls point to forecasts for roughly 134.56% annual EPS growth and a move back to profit within three years, yet the current loss profile and modest 1.9% revenue growth over the last year leave that turnaround thesis needing confirmation in future numbers.
  • Consensus narrative highlights plans for margin improvement, but EBITDA margins have been described as falling from 33.3% to 24.7%, which sits awkwardly beside expectations for higher profitability.
  • Analysts also talk about stronger direct to consumer and international channels, while trailing figures show overall earnings still in the red, so the financial impact of those efforts is not yet visible in net income.

DCF fair value sits above a richer 3.2x P/S

• The stock trades on a P/S of 3.2x compared with peer and industry averages of 0.4x and 1.0x, even though an internal model puts DCF fair value at about US$3.48 per share versus a current share price of US$2.04.
• Supporters of the bullish view see that gap to DCF fair value as important, but the richer sales multiple and ongoing losses give you a clear checklist of things to track across future reports.
  • The analyst price target of about US$1.98 is below the DCF fair value figure, which shows that different valuation methods are pointing in different directions even with the same underlying business data.
  • With revenue over the last year rising only 1.9%, the premium P/S suggests the market is already paying up for potential earnings recovery rather than current growth.

On this set of numbers, bulls are effectively betting that earnings catch up to the premium multiple rather than the multiple drifting down to match current growth and loss levels. 🐂 Olaplex Holdings Bull Case

High volatility and insider selling back the cautious case

• Recent trading has been marked by high share price volatility and insider selling within the last three months, at the same time as the company remains loss making on a trailing 12 month basis.
• Bears argue that flat to low single digit revenue growth and thinner margins make the current P/S hard to justify, and the recent pattern in the data gives that argument some weight.
  • Guidance and commentary describe specialty retail sales as down double digits year over year and year to date sales as roughly flat after prior declines, which fits with the 1.9% trailing revenue growth figure.
  • The move in EBITDA margins from about 33.3% to 24.7%, alongside higher sales and marketing spend, lines up closely with the bearish concern that heavier investment is eating into profitability while top line growth stays modest.

If you are weighing the more cautious view, this mix of high volatility, insider selling, and slower growth gives you very specific data points to track in upcoming quarters. 🐻 Olaplex Holdings Bear Case

Next Steps

To see how these results tie into long-term growth, risks, and valuation, check out the full range of community narratives for Olaplex Holdings on Simply Wall St. Add the company to your watchlist or portfolio so you'll be alerted when the story evolves.

With bulls and bears both finding support in the current data, it makes sense to look through the details yourself and decide where you land. If you want a clear snapshot of the main positives and pressure points before you act, start with these 2 key rewards and 2 important warning signs.

See What Else Is Out There

Olaplex is working through LTM losses of US$15.0 million, thinner EBITDA margins, modest 1.9% revenue growth and a relatively rich 3.2x P/S multiple.

If you want ideas where pricing may better reflect current fundamentals rather than a debated turnaround story, compare this setup with our 47 high quality undervalued stocks.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com