L'OREAL : L'Oréal: News Release: "First quarter 2014 sales"

 Clichy, April 14^th, 2014 at 6 p.m.

First quarter 2014 sales 
 

AN ENCOURAGING AND CONTRASTED FIRST QUARTER

• Sales: 5.64 billion euros
  • +3.5% like-for-like
  • +2.8% at constant exchange rates
  • -2.2% based on reported figures
• L'Oréal Luxe and Active Cosmetics continue their very good momentum
• Professional Products Division accelerates
• Consumer Products Division held back by North America
• Renewed vitality in Western Europe

Commenting on the figures, Mr Jean-Paul Agon, Chairman and CEO of L'Oréal, said:

"L'Oréal has made an encouraging start to the year.

The divisions have posted contrasted performances: L'Oréal Luxe and the Active Cosmetics Division are maintaining their very good momentum. The Professional Products Division is confirming its recovery and has returned to growth in Western Europe and the United States.
Lastly, the Consumer Products Division is, as we had forecast and announced, being held back by North America, because of a high comparison base in the first quarter of 2013, linked to two major launches, and a sluggish trend in the mass-market channel over the first few months of the year.

In geographic terms, Western Europe, L'Oréal's historic foothold, is confirming its renewed vitality, particularly in the countries of Southern Europe, which are in growth for the first time in six years, but also in countries such as Germany, where the Group has posted a good performance.
In the New Markets, L'Oréal is recording good growth, particularly in Africa, Middle East and in Latin America.

In an economic context that is still marked by uncertainties, particularly on the monetary front, the start of this year confirms our confidence in our ability to outperform the market once again in 2014 and to achieve another year of sales and profit growth."

A - First quarter 2014 sales

Like-for-like, i.e. based on a comparable structure and identical exchange rates, the sales growth of the L'Oréal group was +3.5%.
The net impact of changes in consolidation was -0.7%.
Currency fluctuations had an impact of -5.0%.
Growth at constant exchange rates was +2.8%. If end of March current exchange rates (€1 at $1.379) are extrapolated up to December 31^st, the impact of currency fluctuations would be -4.3% for the whole of 2014.
Based on reported figures, the Group's sales at March 31^st, 2014 amounted to 5.64 billion euros, a change of -2.2%.

Sales by operational division and geographic zone

In accordance with IFRS 11 accounting rules at January 1^st, 2014, Innéov has been consolidated under the equity method.
In addition, the announcement on February 11^th, 2014, of the disposal of 50% stake in Galderma lead to consolidate this business as a discontinued operation, in accordance with IFRS 5 accounting rule.
Therefore, Innéov and Galderma's sales are no longer included in our reported turnover and data for earlier periods have been restated accordingly.

(1) As of July 1^st, 2013, Turkey and Israel, which were previously included in the Africa, Middle East zone, were transferred to the Eastern Europe zone. All figures for earlier periods have been restated to allow for this change.

1) Cosmetics sales

PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS

At end-March, the Professional Products Division posted growth of +3.7% like-for-like and -2.3% based on reported figures. It has returned to growth in Western Europe and the United States.

• In the luxury haircare segment which remains dynamic, Kérastase is maintaining its growth momentum thanks to the relaunch of Nutritive which is confirming its global success. Haircare is growing thanks to the promising start made by the new Biolage from Matrix. Growth in the pillar lines Inoa and Majirel at L'Oréal Professionnel is contributing to the solid performance of hair colourant. Styling sales are growing strongly, driven by Tecni Art from L'Oréal Professionnel and the styling products of Redken.
   
• The Division is growing in all zones. In the mature markets, the countries of Southern Europe have returned to growth. In the New Markets, the Division remains very dynamic. The main contributors to growth are the United States, Brazil, Russia and India.
   

CONSUMER PRODUCTS

In the first quarter, the Consumer Products Division posted growth of +1.2% like-for-like and -5.5% based on reported figures, held back in North America by a high launch-related comparison base and a slowing market.

• The Division is reinforcing its haircare growth with L'Oréal Paris, thanks to Elvive Fibrology in Europe, Volume Filler in the United States, and a strong increase in China. Meanwhile, Olia hair colourant by Garnier is continuing its roll-out, posting a record market share in Europe, and gaining ground in the New Markets.
  In facial skincare, the very good start made by Garnier Miracle Skin Cream is complementing the continuing global success of Revitalift Laser by L'Oréal Paris.
  In make-up, L'Oréal Paris is launching its Mega Volume Miss Manga mascara and Maybelline is innovating in foundations with SuperStay Better Skin.

L'ORÉAL LUXE

L'Oréal Luxe advanced by +7.2% like-for-like and +2.7% based on reported figures in the first quarter of 2014, and is continuing to make worldwide market share gains.

• The Division's five top brands - Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent, Biotherm and particularly Giorgio Armani and Kiehl's - are growing. L'Oréal Luxe is accelerating in make-up, in face make-up with Lancôme and Shu Uemura, with the lip make-up of Yves Saint Laurent and Giorgio Armani, and thanks to Urban Decay which has performed exceptionally well with its Naked 3 palette. Skincare is being driven by Kiehl's, Blue Therapy by Biotherm and the worldwide expansion of Clarisonic. The fragrances Sì by Giorgio Armani and "La vie est belle" by Lancôme are continuing to prove highly successful. Viktor&Rolf is launching the women's fragrance Bonbon.

• L'Oréal Luxe is winning market share in a more dynamic Western Europe and in its traditional growth areas: China, the United States and Travel Retail.

ACTIVE COSMETICS

At end-March, the Active Cosmetics Division is maintaining its momentum with sales at +8.7% like-for-like and +3.9% based on reported figures.

• Vichy is confirming its renewal, with significant growth, particularly in Western Europe, thanks to the launch of Neovadiol Elixir, and is moving on to the offensive in the face make-up segment with Teint Idéal. La Roche-Posay has made a very good start to the year with strong growth in Asia and in Europe. The same is true of SkinCeuticals, with a major antioxidant segment innovation: Revesratrol BE, antioxidant night concentrate.

• Across the zones, results are very positive in Europe, while Asia, and China in particular, are maintaining the momentum generated in the second half of 2013.

Multi-division summary by geographic zone

WESTERN EUROPE
The Group ended the first quarter with growth of +2.8% like-for-like and +1.8% based on reported figures. L'Oréal Luxe and the Active Cosmetics Division are outperforming the European markets with good sell-out figures over recent months.
The Group is returning to growth in Southern Europe, with a strong market share gain in Spain. In Northern Europe, Germany and the United Kingdom are maintaining their good momentum.

NORTH AMERICA
L'Oréal posted like-for-like sales of -0.6% and -5.6% based on reported figures. The Professional Products Division, Active Cosmetics and L'Oréal Luxe have started the year well and are winning market shares. Urban Decay, with double-digit growth, is confirming its strong dynamism. As anticipated, the Consumer Products Division contracted in the first quarter, because of the high comparison base in the first quarter of 2013 and the flat mass-market trend at the start of this year. Advanced Hair Care by L'Oréal Paris and Fructis by Garnier are growing strongly and winning market share in hair, while L'Oréal Paris make-up is reinforcing its position thanks to the new Butterfly mascara.

NEW MARKETS

• Asia-Pacific: L'Oréal has posted growth of +6.8% like-for-like and -1.9% based on reported figures.
  Market trends in this zone, except in South Korea and Thailand, remain favourable, and the Group is continuing to make market share gains. The first quarter was marked by the very good performance of L'Oréal Luxe, particularly in Greater China, driven by Kiehl's, Clarisonic and Giorgio Armani in particular. The Consumer Products Division is expanding in China, thanks to the strong growth in hair and the rapid development of e-commerce, as well as in India and Australia where it started the year well. 

• Latin America: L'Oréal recorded figures of +8.2% like-for-like and -10.0% based on reported figures. The Consumer Products Division is recording good growth, driven by Elsève from L'Oréal Paris and Fructis by Garnier, along with L'Oréal Paris skincare. L'Oréal Luxe has posted a good first quarter thanks to the success of its launches. The Active Cosmetics Division has made a strong start in Brazil. 

• Eastern Europe: This zone has posted growth of +6.3% like-for-like and -6.0% based on reported figures, with a strong momentum in Turkey. L'Oréal Luxe is continuing to win market share, thanks to the success of the women's fragrances, particularly Sì by Giorgio Armani and "La vie est belle" by Lancôme. The Professional Products Division is posting strong growth thanks to Matrix and winning over new salons. The Consumer Products Division, although feeling the impact of a slowdown in Russia and the situation in Ukraine, is advancing in hair colourants, with Olia by Garnier, and in deodorants thanks to the launch of Neo by Garnier. 

• Africa, Middle East: This zone has recorded growth of +14.9% like-for-like, and +10.8% based on reported figures, thanks in particular to strong growth in Saudi Arabia and in the Gulf states. L'Oréal Luxe is making market share gains in the Middle East with a good performance in fragrances, and the Active Cosmetics Division's brands are growing strongly. In the Consumer Products Division, Maybelline is accelerating in this region with its accessible and aspirational offering.

2) The Body Shop sales

At end-March, The Body Shop recorded sales of -3.4% like-for-like and -3.0% based on reported figures.
Business in North America, Eastern Europe and the Nordic countries has made a good start, but in Asia and the United Kingdom the beginning of the year has been difficult.
The greater priority given to facial skincare, along with the success of the Serum-in-Oil launch in the Vitamin E range, have accelerated growth in this key category in all the countries where the product has already been launched.
At March 31^st, 2014, The Body Shop has 3,031 points of sale, including those of Emporio Body Store.

B - Important events during the period 01/01/14 to 03/31/14

• On January 9^th, L'Oréal obtained the approval of the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China to proceed with the acquisition of all the shares of Magic Holdings International Ltd., a company listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange.
   
• On February 11^th, L'Oréal and Nestlé announced a strategic transaction under which L'Oréal is to buy 48.5 million of its own shares from Nestlé (representing 8% of L'Oréal shares), under the suspensive condition of the sale by L'Oréal of its stake in the pharmaceutical laboratory Galderma. The transaction may be closed before the end of the first half of 2014.
   
• On February 19^th, L'Oréal and Shiseido signed the contract for the acquisition by L'Oréal of Decléor and Carita. The transferral of ownership will be effective on April 30^th, pending remaining approvals from competition authorities.
   
• On March 20^th, L'Oréal's Board of Directors authorised the sale of Galderma to Nestlé after the employee representative bodies issued their opinion. The share purchase agreement was signed on March 21^st. The completion of the sale is conditional upon the approval of the sale by the competition authorities.
   
• On March 24^th, the General Meeting of Magic Holdings shareholders approved the acquisition by L'Oréal of all the shares in Magic Holdings International Ltd. The transaction was completed on April 7^th.

"This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy L'Oréal shares. If you wish to obtain more comprehensive information about L'Oréal, please refer to the public documents registered in France with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers, also available in English on our Internet site www.loreal-finance.com:
http://www.loreal-finance.com.
This news release may contain some forward-looking statements. Although the Company considers that these statements are based on reasonable hypotheses at the date of publication of this release, they are by their nature subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated or projected in these statements."

This a free translation into English of the First quarter 2014 sales news release issued in the French language and is provided solely for the convenience of English speaking readers. In case of discrepancy, the French version prevails.

Contacts at L'Oréal (switchboard: +33 1 47 56 70 00)

Individual shareholders and market authorities
Mr Jean Régis CAROF
Tel: +33 1 47 56 83 02
jean-regis.carof@loreal.com:
mailto:jean-regis.carof@loreal.com 

Financial analysts and Institutional investors
Mrs Françoise LAUVIN
Tel: +33 1 47 56 86 82
francoise.lauvin@loreal.com:
mailto:francoise.lauvin@loreal.com

Journalists 
Mrs Stephanie CARSON-PARKER
Tel: +33 1 47 56 76 71
stephanie.carsonparker@loreal.com:
mailto:stephanie.carsonparker@loreal.com

For more information, please contact your bank, broker or financial institution (I.S.I.N. code: FR0000120321), and consult your usual newspapers, and the Internet site for shareholders and investors, http://www.loreal-finance.com:
http://www.loreal-finance.com, alternatively, call +33 1 40 14 80 50.

C - Appendix

L'Oréal group sales 2013/2014 (€ millions)

In accordance with IFRS 11 accounting rules at January 1^st, 2014, Innéov has been consolidated under the equity method.
In addition, the announcement on February 11^th, 2014, of the disposal of 50% stake in Galderma lead to consolidate this business as a discontinued operation, in accordance with IFRS 5 accounting rule.
Therefore, Innéov and Galderma's sales are no longer included in our reported turnover and data for earlier periods have been restated accordingly.

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