L'Oréal Marks Growth in Key Areas

L'Oréal has reported a sales increase of 14.1% for the first quarter of 2015, with sales totaling 6.44 billion euros.

The results come following L'Oréal's acquisition of Niely in Brazil its integration of Magic, NYX, Decléor and Carita.

The company notes that it is stepping up its e-commerce development and other digital initiatives.

"With like-for-like growth of +4%, the group has made an encouraging start to the year, with performances remaining contrasted by Division," said Jean-Paul Agon, chairman and CEO of L'Oréal. "In an economic context that is still volatile, we confirm that we are confident in our ability to outperform the market this year once again, and to achieve growth in sales and profit."

Luxe

The company noted that L'Oréal Luxe performed well, growing 20.1%. The division recorded good growth overall, and outperformed the worldwide market, especially in Western Europe and in Asia.

Yves Saint Laurent recorded strong double-digit growth, led by Black Opium, Volupté Tint-in-Oil and Volume Effet Faux Cils mascara.

Giorgio Armani grew in beauty and women's fragrance, in part due to , as well as the launch of the men's fragrance Acqua di Giò Profumo.

Lancôme started the year well in Europe with the women's fragrances La vie est belle and La Nuit Trésor, the launch of its Miracle Cushion foundation, and the continuing success of Visionnaire skincare cream.

Kiehl's and Urban Decay continued their strong international expansion.

Professional Products

The professional products division saw improvement, growing 16.0% based on reported figures. In geographic terms, the United States and Western Europe continued to grow. In emerging markets, the largest contributors to growth were India and Brazil.

Haircare was boosted by the success of Serioxyl at L'Oréal Professionnel, Chronologiste at Kérastase, Cérafill at Redken and Biolage Cleansing Conditioner at Matrix.

Hair color benefited from the strong momentum of Redken and the solid sales of Inoa at L'Oréal Professionnel.

Essie grew strongly in Western Europe and the United States.

The integration of Carita and Decléor continued.

Consumer Products

The consumer products division met forecasts, with moderate gains in North America and a slight decline in Western Europe. Sales overall grew 11.6% based on reported figures.

According to the company, the division is hampered by weakness in the European market. However, it is gaining market share in North America, Eastern Europe and Spanish-speaking Latin America.

Highlights included Infallible Matte foundation by L'Oréal Paris, Lash Sensational mascara by Maybelline, the strength of NYX, the Extraordinary Oils range, Ultra Doux by Garnier and its forthcoming launch of Olive Mythique, Revitalift Filler at L'Oréal Paris and the success of Micellar Cleansing Waters at Garnier.

The Body Shop

The Body Shop recorded growth of 9.1% based on reported figures. A focus on skin care has boosted results in Europe, the Middle East, North America and Latin America, though there have been challenges in some Asian markets.

The launch of Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask was one of the growth drivers in the quarter.

Active Cosmetics

The active cosmetics division grew 10.2% based on reported figures, driven by successes with Liftactiv Supreme and the launch of Ideal Body.

La Roche-Posay posted double-digit growth on all continents, boosted by the launch of Toleriane Ultra Yeux.

SkinCeuticals grew based on the launch of the corrector Metacell Renewal B3.

Emerging Markets

Asia-Pacific grew 26.6% based on reported figures, with good performance by L'Oréal Luxe, especially in Greater China, driven by Kiehl's, Yves Saint Laurent and Giorgio Armani.

The consumer products division, meanwhile, was lead by its performance in Southern Asia and e-commerce in China.

Active cosmetics results were boosted by La Roche-Posay.

Latin America grew 12.0% based on reported figures. The professional products division, active cosmetics and L'Oréal Luxe recorded double-digit growth, driven by L'Oréal Professionnel, Lancôme, Giorgio Armani, Vichy and La Roche-Posay.

Growth in the consumer products division benefited from the performance of Elvive by L'Oréal Paris, and Nutrisse and BI-O by Garnier.

Eastern Europe grew 9.2% on a like-for-like basis. Growth was driven by Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and Poland. The consumer products and professional products divisions and L'Oréal Luxe increased market share in the region. The active cosmetics division won market share in Russia and Turkey, based on the positive performance of La Roche-Posay.

Africa and the Middle East grew 31.8% based on reported figures, driven by Elvive by L'Oréal Paris and Ultra Doux by Garnier. Kérastase had good momentum in the professional products division. Giorgio Armani fragrances grew strongly, as are all the brands in the active cosmetics division.

Mature Markets

Western Europe recorded first quarter growth of 1.3% like-for-like.

The consumer products division gained market share, driven by the skincare and haircare segments.

L'Oréal Luxe won market share

North American sales grew 2.4% on a like-for-like basis. Growth brands in the region included Kiehl's, Giorgio Armani and La Roche-Posay. The consumer products division was led by haircare and make-up, while achieving strong growth from NYX and Carol's Daughter.

CO2 Reductions

The company also recently announced that it had made a reduction of CO2 emissions of the group’s production by 50% in absolute terms, from a 2005 baseline; that 67% of its new products screened have an improved environmental or social profile; and that 54,000 jobs have been created for people from underprivileged communities in social or financial difficulty.

Gender Equality

Finally, the company has announced that L’Oréal Russia is the first company in Russia to be certified with the EDGE (Economic Dividends for Gender Equality) global standard for workplace gender equality. The EDGE assessment is the leading business certification for gender equality in the workplace that is universally applicable across industries and countries.

 

 

 

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