Press release 27 July 2017

First-half 2017 results

 

Solid organic growth momentum: +4.3%1 

Performances driven by Luxury and the New Markets 

Significant increase in profits

  • Sales: 13.4 billion euros

    o   +4.3% like-for-like1

    o   +4.0% based on reported figures2

    As of 30 June 2017, The Body Shop is accounted for a business held for sale.3
  • Strong double-digit growth for L'Oréal Luxe
  • Sustained growth in New Markets

    and leadership position strengthened in Western Europe
  • Operating profit up +7.1%

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Commenting on these figures, Mr Jean-Paul Agon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of L'Oréal, said:

 

"In a beauty market which, as in the first quarter, turned out to be highly contrasted and atypical, the Group has continued to expand, with solid organic growth and differentiated performances across the Divisions. L'Oréal Luxe delivered excellent double-digit growth, substantially outperforming its market. The Consumer Products Division is improving its growth, but is being held back by slowdowns in certain markets worldwide: the United States, Brazil, India and the Middle East. The Active Cosmetics Division accelerated significantly in the second quarter, and sales in the Professional Products Division, although still sluggish, are gradually improving.

Across the geographic Zones, Western Europe remains dynamic despite persistent difficulties in the French market, and the New Markets as a whole are posting sustained growth, thanks to the strong contribution of Asia Pacific and solid sales in Eastern Europe.

The Group's digital breakthrough is continuing, particularly in e-commerce4, which posted +29.5% growth in the first half and represents 7.0% of total sales.

 

The Group's results are up significantly across the board: operating profit, earnings per share and cash flow. Results by Division are differentiated, logically reflecting the highly contrasted sales in the first half, and our choice to continue investing regularly in each Division so as to build up our positions.

Over the full year, the sale of The Body Shop3, and the accretive effect this has on profitability, mean that we will be able to strongly increase our profitability, which for the first time could reach 18% of sales, and also to take the opportunity to strengthen our business drivers in order to accelerate our market share gains and thus our future growth.

This strategic choice, combined with the good first-half results, strengthens our confidence in our ability to once again outperform the cosmetics market in 2017, and to achieve growth in both our sales and profits."

 

First-half 2017 sales

Like-for-like, i.e. based on a comparable structure and identical exchange rates, sales growth of the L'Oréal Group was +4.3%.

The net impact of changes in the scope of consolidation was -2.1%, corresponding to:

  • +1.0% from acquisitions,
  • -3.1% from the sale of The Body Shop.

Currency fluctuations had a positive impact of +1.8%. If the exchange rates at 30 June 2017, i.e. €1 = $1.1425, are extrapolated until 31 December 2017, the impact of currency fluctuations on sales would be approximately -0.4% for the whole of 2017.

Based on reported figures, the Group's sales at 30 June 2017 amounted to 13.4 billion euros, up by +4.0%.

 

Sales by operational Division and geographic Zone

The announcement, on 27 June 2017, of the signing of the contract for the sale of The Body Shop, means that the IFRS 5 accounting rule applies to the discontinued operations at 30 June 2017. 
  2nd quarter 2017   1st half 2017
  Growth   Growth
  €m Like-for-like Reported €m Like-for-like Reported
By operational Division            
Professional Products 881.1  +0.3%  +1.3% 1,739.3  -0.7%  +0.9%
Consumer Products 3,160.0  +2.4%  +3.6% 6,389.3  +1.9%  +3.8%
L'Oréal Luxe 1,991.4  +8.9%  +12.9% 4,148.5  +10.5%  +15.4%
Active Cosmetics 531.7  +6.7%  +15.4% 1,134.9  +4.6%  +11.1%
Operational Divisions total 6,564.2  +4.3%  +6.8% 13,411.9  +4.3%  +7.3%
By geographic Zone             
Western Europe 5 2,066.1  +3.1%  +1.7% 4,202.8  +3.0%  +1.6%
North America 1,907.8  +2.4%  +9.4% 3,824.8  +3.1%  +10.5%
New Markets, of which: 2,590.2  +6.9%  +9.4% 5,384.4  +6.2%  +9.9%
Asia, Pacific 5 1,463.9  +9.2%  +10.0% 3,135.4  +8.1%  +9.4%
Latin America 510.3  +7.1%  +12.3% 985.1  +5.9%  +14.1%
Eastern Europe 427.1  +6.0%  +11.5% 908.5  +9.4%  +17.4%
Africa, Middle East 188.9  -7.6%  -5.5% 355.4  -13.2%  -10.9%
Operational Divisions total 6,564.2  +4.3%  +6.8% 13,411.9  +4.3%  +7.3%
Group total 6,564.2  +4.3%  +3.5% 13,411.9  +4.3%  +4.0%

In the second quarter of 2016 and the first half of 2016, reported Group sales included The Body Shop sales in respective amounts of 198.5 million euros and 398.6 million euros.

PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS

At the end of June, the Professional Products Division posted -0.7% like-for-like and +0.9% based on reported figures.

Growth has improved slightly, driven by Eastern Europe and Latin America.

Hair colour has benefited from the launch of Colorfulhair at L'Oréal Professionnel and the solid performance of Shades EQ at Redken. In haircare, the natural lines Aura Botanica by Kérastase and Biolage R.A.W. by Matrix are maintaining their positive momentum, while the roll-out of new "bonder6" services is continuing.

CONSUMER PRODUCTS

In the second quarter, the Division posted growth of +2.4% like-for-like. It ended the first half at +1.9% like-for-like, and +3.8% based on reported figures.

In a market affected by a clear growth slowdown in the United States, the Division is continuing to win market share in several regions of the world, especially in Western Europe.

Make-up remains dynamic, thanks to the success of Infallible Total Cover foundation by L'Oréal Paris, Colossal Big Shot mascara by Maybelline, and NYX Professional Makeup. Hair colour growth is continuing, reflecting the very strong start made by Colorista at L'Oréal Paris, which is reinventing hair colour for Millennials7. Facial skincare is accelerating, thanks to Hydra Genius by L'Oréal Paris, which takes its inspiration from Asia's liquid moisturisers, and the ongoing success of Micellar Cleansing Waters by Garnier.

The dynamism of new retail channels such as e-commerce is continuing, opening up new growth opportunities.

L'ORÉAL LUXE

L'Oréal Luxe is confirming its excellent start to the year, driven by make-up and facial skincare, and has posted first-half growth of +10.5% like-for-like and +15.4% based on reported figures.

Lancôme, besides the successful launch of Monsieur Big mascara, is adding to its successes in lip make-up with L'Absolu Rouge and the recent launch of Matte ShakerLancôme anti-ageing is growing thanks to its iconic lines Génifique, Absolue and Rénergie. Yves Saint Laurent is expanding, especially in make-up with Volupté Tint-in-Balm, the extension of the Vernis à Lèvres lip make-up range, and the phenomenal Cushion Encre de Peau foundation, and in fragrances with the women's perfume Mon ParisGiorgio Armani is accelerating its growth, and launching the Emporio Armani fragrance duo. Kiehl's, which is posting double-digit growth, is driven by its Calendula line. The recently acquired brands IT Cosmetics and Atelier Cologne are growing rapidly.

The Division is enjoying strong growth in the Asia Pacific Zone, driven by the rebound in China, where its brands are firmly established. It recorded a good first half in Western Europe, especially in Great Britain and Spain. Growth is solid in North America and accelerating in Latin America. L'Oréal Luxe has posted double-digit growth in Travel Retail, and is continuing to forge ahead in e-commerce.

ACTIVE COSMETICS

At the end of June, the Active Cosmetics Division accelerated at +11.1% based on reported figures and +4.6% like-for-like.

Growth at La Roche-Posay is still very dynamic, thanks to the success of its sun protection campaign and the good performances of its franchises Effaclar, Lipikar and Cicaplast. Vichy has launched Minéral 89, its new everyday fortifying repulp booster, with highly promising results a few weeks after launch. SkinCeuticals is continuing to post double-digit growth, with outstanding performances in China, the United Kingdom, France, Russia and Brazil.

North America is the number one contributor to the Division's growth, reflecting the successful integration of CeraVe into the Division's portfolio, and the dynamism of the SkinCeuticals and La Roche-Posay brands.

 

Summary by geographic Zone

WESTERN EUROPE

Western Europe posted growth of +3.0% like-for-like and +1.6% based on reported figures. Growth is particularly sustained in the United Kingdom, Germany and Spain, but sales in France are still being held back by the difficult market conditions. The Consumer Products and L'Oréal Luxe Divisions are outperforming their respective markets.

NORTH AMERICA

The Zone recorded growth of +3.1% like-for-like and +10.5% based on reported figures. In a mass market sector that has slowed very substantially in the United States, the Consumer Products Division is winning market share in make-up, hair colour and facial cleansing, with key launches in make-up removers at L'Oréal Paris and Garnier and the continuing success of NYX Professional Makeup. At L'Oréal Luxe, IT Cosmetics and Yves Saint Laurent perfumes are posting double-digit growth. The Active Cosmetics Division is also recording double-digit growth, driven by La Roche-Posay, SkinCeuticals and the recent acquisition of CeraVe.

NEW MARKETS

Asia, Pacific: growth in this Zone amounted to +8.1% like-for-like and +9.4% based on reported figures. In Northern Asia, particularly China and Hong Kong, L'Oréal Luxe is growing strongly, thanks to the brands Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent and Giorgio Armani. In Southern Asia, growth remains strong across all Divisions, especially in Thailand and Indonesia. In India, sales are being held back by retailer destocking just ahead of the introduction of GST (Goods & Services Tax).

Latin America: the Zone recorded growth of +5.9% like-for-like and +14.1% based on reported figures. Growth is particularly strong in Mexico and Argentina. The Brazilian market is still proving difficult. The make-up brands NYX Professional Makeup, Lancôme and Urban Decay are winning market share. The Active Cosmetics Division accelerated in the second quarter in a dynamic market.

Eastern Europe: growth in this Zone came out at +9.4% like-for-like and +17.4% based on reported figures. Turkey and Central Europe are posting good growth, with market share gains for most of the Divisions. Russia is slowing, reflecting the trend in its market, with growth at a lower level than last year. 

Africa, Middle East: sales were down by -13.2% like-for-like and -10.9% based on reported figures. In Saudi Arabia, where the market is still very difficult, the situation of our businesses is gradually improving. The dynamism in Egypt is continuing.

Important events during the period 1/4/17 to 30/6/17

 

  • On 20 April 2017, the Annual General Meeting of L'Oréal appointed Mr Paul Bulcke as a Director, and renewed the tenure as Directors of Mrs Françoise Bettencourt Meyers and Mrs Virginie Morgon. Furthermore, the Annual General Meeting decided on the distribution of a dividend of €3.30 per share, with a payment date of 3 May 2017.
  • The Board of Directors' meeting, held at the close of the Annual General Meeting, decided, pursuant to the authorisation voted by the Annual General Meeting on 20 April 2016, on the cancellation of 2,846,604 L'Oréal shares acquired within the scope of the share buyback programme decided by the Board of Directors on 9 February 2017. The shares were cancelled on 31 May 2017. The share capital of L'Oréal at 30 June 2017 amounts to 111,993,452 euros, divided into 559,967,260 shares, each with a par value of 0.2 euro.
  • On 20 April 2017, L'Oréal announced the appointment of Mr Nicolas Hieronimus as Deputy CEO, in charge of Divisions. Mr Nicolas Hieronimus will also continue in his role as President of the L'Oréal Luxe Division.
  • On 2 May 2017, L'Oréal USA announced the acquisition of key assets from Four Star Salon Services, a full-service wholesale distributor of products to hair salons in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. This acquisition will provide SalonCentric with expanded distribution coverage in the United States.
  • On 9 June 2017, L'Oréal announced that it had received a firm offer from Natura Cosmeticos SA to acquire The Body Shop and had entered into exclusive discussions. The offer values The Body Shop at an enterprise value of 1.0 billion euros and, after consultation with the Employee Representative Bodies, remains subject to regulatory approval, notably in Brazil and in the United States.
  • On 27 June 2017, L'Oréal announced the signing of the contract for the sale of The Body Shop to Natura. The proposed sale remains subject to clearance by anti-trust authorities, notably in Brazil and in the United States.

 

First-half 2017 results

The limited review procedures of the half-year consolidated accounts have been completed. The limited review report is being prepared by the Statutory Auditors.

Operating profitability at 18.9% of sales

Consolidated profit and loss account: from sales to operating profit.

 

The announcement, on 27 June 2017, of the signing of the contract for the sale of The Body Shop, means that the IFRS 5 accounting rule applies to the discontinued operations at 30 June 2017. See the compared 2016 consolidated profit and loss accounts in the appendix.

 
In € million 30/06/16

REPORTED2
As % of sales 31/12/16

REPORTED2
As % of sales 30/06/17 As % of sales Change H1-2017 vs. H1-2016
Sales  12,894.6 100.0%  25,837.1 100.0%  13,411.9 100.0% +4.0%
Cost of sales  -3,561.2 27.6%  -7,341.7 28.4%  -3,780.5 28.2%  
Gross Profit  9,333.4 72.4%  18,495.4 71.6%  9,631.4 71.8% +3.2%
R&D expenses  -414.2 3.2%  -849,8 3.3%  -425.1 3.2%  
Advertising and promotion expenses  -3,790.9 29.4%  -7,498.7 29.0%  -3,913.5 29.2%  
Selling, general and administrative expenses  -2,764.7 21.4%  -5,607.0 21.7%  -2,762.4 20.6%  
Operating profit  2,363.6 18.3%  4,539.9 17.6%  2,530.4 18.9% +7.1%

Gross profit, at 9,631 million euros, has come out at 71.8% of sales, representing a 60-basis-point decline due to the exchange rate impact in the first half. 

Research and Development expenses, at 425 million euros, have risen by +2.6%. Their relative level is stable at 3.2% of sales. 

Advertising and promotion expenses have come out at 29.2% of sales, a level slightly below that of the first half of 2016. 

Selling, general and administrative expenses, at 20.6% of sales, decreased significantly by 80 basis points compared with the first half of 2016, mainly due to the impact of the sale of The Body Shop. 

Overall, operating profit, at 2,530 million euros, is up by 60 basis points and amounted to 18.9% of sales.  

Operating profit by operational Division

The announcement, on 27 June 2017, of the signing of the contract for the sale of The Body Shop, means that the IFRS 5 accounting rule applies to the discontinued operations at 30 June 2017. See the compared 2016 consolidated profit and loss accounts in the appendix.

 
  30/06/16 - Reported 31/12/16 - Reported 30/06/17
  €m % of sales €m % of sales €m % of sales
By operational Division            
Professional Products  338.2 19.6%  688.6 20.3%  319.9 18.4%
Consumer Products  1,306.8 21.2%  2,417.1 20.2%  1,267.5 19.8%
L'Oréal Luxe  767.3 21.3%  1,622.8 21.2%  970.2 23.4%
Active Cosmetics 283.3 27.7%  431.5 23.2%  303.5 26.7%
Total Divisions before non-allocated  2,695.5 21.6%  5,160.0 20.7%  2,861.1 21.3%
Non-allocated8  -309.8 -2.5%  -653.9 -2.6%  -330.7 -2.5%
Total Divisions after non-allocated  2,385.7 19.1%  4,506.1 18.1%  2,530.4 18.9%
The Body Shop  -22.2 -5.6%  33.8 3.7%    
Group  2,363.6 18.3%  4,539.9 17.6%  2,530.4 18.9%

 

The L'Oréal Group is managed on an annual basis. This means that half-year operating profits cannot be extrapolated for the whole year. 

The profitability of the Professional Products Division declined from 19.6% to 18.4%. 

The Consumer Products Division's profitability decreased from 21.2% to 19.8%. 

L'Oréal Luxe experienced a very strong improvement in its profitability, with an increase from 21.3% to 23.4%, i.e. +210 basis points. 

The Active Cosmetics Division remains at a very high profitability level at 26.7%, compared with 27.7% in the first half of 2016.

Net profit excluding non-recurring items 

Consolidated profit and loss account: from operating profit to net profit excluding non-recurring items.

The announcement, on 27 June 2017, of the signing of the contract for the sale of The Body Shop, means that the IFRS 5 accounting rule applies to the discontinued operations at 30 June 2017. See the compared 2016 consolidated profit and loss accounts in the appendix. 

 

 

In € million 30/06/16

Reported
31/12/16

Reported
30/06/17 Change H1-2017 vs. H1-2016
Operating profit  2,363.6  4,539.9  2,530.4 +7.1%
Financial revenues and expenses excluding dividends received  1.8  -19.3  -9.9  
Sanofi dividends  346.5  346.5  350.0  
Profit before tax and associates excluding non-recurring items  2,711.9  4,867.1  2,870.5  +5.8%
Income tax excluding non-recurring items  -684.1  -1,216.8  -687.5  
Net profit excluding non-recurring items of equity consolidated companies  -0.1  -0.1  -  
Non-controlling interests  -2.4  -3.0  2.8  
Net profit excluding non-recurring items, after non-controlling interests9  2,025.4  3,647.2  2,185.8  +7.9%
EPS10 (€)  3.5911  6.4611  3.8812  
Diluted average number of shares  564,258,226  564,509,135  563,423,701  

Overall finance costs were close to 10 million euros. 

Sanofi dividends amounted to 350 million euros. 

Income tax excluding non-recurring items amounted to 687 million euros, i.e. a tax rate of 24.0% slightly below that of the first half of 2016, which was 25.2%.

Net profit of continuing operations excluding non-recurring items came out at 2,185 million euros, an increase of +7.9% compared with reported net profit excluding non-recurring items at 30 June 2016. 

Earnings per share, at 3.88 euros, has risen by +8.1% compared with the first half of 2016.    .

Net profit

Consolidated profit and loss account: from net profit excluding non-recurring items to net profit.

The announcement, on 27 June 2017, of the signing of the contract for the sale of The Body Shop, means that the IFRS 5 accounting rule applies to the discontinued operations at 30 June 2017. See the compared 2016 consolidated profit and loss accounts in the appendix. 

 

In € million 30/06/16

Reported
31/12/16

Reported
30/06/17 Change H1-2017

VS. H1-2016
Net profit excluding non-recurring items, after non-controlling interests 9 2,025.4 3,647.2 2,185.8 +7.9%
Non-recurring items, of which: -545.9  -541.5  -119.1  
   -   other income and expenses -522.3 -543.7 -96.2  
   -   tax effect -23.6 +2.2 -22.8  
Impact of applying the IFRS 5 accounting rule relating to discontinued operations on net profit after non-controlling interests     -29.1  
Net profit after non-controlling interests 1,479.5 3,105.8 2,037.5 +37.7%

 

After having taken into account the non-recurring items and the impact of the IFRS 5 accounting rule with regards to The Body Shop, net profit after non-controlling interests amounted to 2,037 million euros, a strong increase of +37.7% compared to the first half of 2016. 

Operating cash flow and balance sheet

 

Gross cash flow amounted to 2,634 million euros, up by +6.8% compared with the first half of 2016. 

The change in working capital amounted to 362 million euros. As in the first half every year, it increased slightly, particularly because of the impact of the seasonality of part of our business on trade receivables. 

Investments, at 641 million euros, represented 4.8% of sales. 

Operating cash flow, at 1,629 million euros, increased significantly by +23%.

 After payment of the dividend, share buybacks and the acquisition of CeraVe in the United States, the residual cash flow has come out at -1,954 million euros. 

At 30 June 2017, net debt amounted to 1,492 million euros, compared with a debt of 344 million euros at 30 June 2016.

 

"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.

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-half 2017 results 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

Individual shareholders and market authorities

Mr Jean Régis CAROF

Tel.: +33 1 47 56 83 02

[email protected] 



Financial analysts and institutional investors 

Mrs Françoise LAUVIN

Tel.: +33 1 47 56 86 82

[email protected] 

 

Journalists

Mrs Stephanie CARSON-PARKER

Tel.: +33 1 47 56 76 71

[email protected]

Switchboard

Tel.: +33 1 47 56 70 00

 

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, www.loreal-finance.com, or the L'Oréal Finance app, alternatively, call +33 1 40 14 80 50.



Appendices

Appendix 1: L'Oréal Group sales 2016/2017 (€ million)

 

  2016 13 2017 14
First quarter:    
Operational Divisions 6,352.4 6,847.8
The Body Shop 200.1 197.2
First quarter total 6,552.4 7,045.0
Second quarter:    
Operational Divisions 6,143.6  6,564.2
The Body Shop 198.5  
Second quarter total 6,342.2  6,564.2
First half:    
Operational Divisions 12,496.0  13,411.9
The Body Shop 398.6  
First half total 12,894.6  13,411.9
Third quarter:    
Operational Divisions 5,952.2  
The Body Shop 200.9  
Third quarter total 6,153.2  
Nine months:    
Operational Divisions 18,448.2  
The Body Shop 599.5  
Nine months total 19,047.8  
Fourth quarter:    
Operational Divisions 6,468.1  
The Body Shop 321.3  
Fourth quarter total 6,789.3  
Full year:    
Operational Divisions 24,916.3  
The Body Shop 920.8  
Full year total 25,837.1  

 

Appendices 2 - 6:

 

Extracts of the Consolidated Financial Statements (PDF)

 





 

 

1. Like-for-like: based on a comparable structure and constant exchange rates, see details on page 2.

2. In the second quarter of 2016 and the first half of 2016, reported Group sales included The Body Shop sales in respective amounts of 198.5 million euros and 398.6 million euros.

3. The announcement, on 27 June 2017, of the signing of the contract for the sale of The Body Shop means that the IFRS 5 accounting rule applies to the discontinued operations at 30 June 2017. See the compared 2016 consolidated profit and loss accounts in the appendix.

4. Sales achieved on our brands' websites + estimated sales achieved by our brands corresponding to sales through our retailers' websites (non-audited data); like-for-like growth.

5. As of 1 July 2016, the Asian Travel Retail business of the Consumer Products Division, previously recorded under the Western Europe Zone, was transferred to the Asia, Pacific Zone. All figures for earlier periods have been restated to allow for this change.

6. A formula that protects keratin bonds inside the hair fibre.

7. Generation born between 1980 and 2000.

8. Non-allocated expenses = Central Group expenses, fundamental research expenses, stock options and free grant of shares expenses and miscellaneous items. As a % of total Divisions sales.

9. Net profit excluding non-recurring items after non-controlling interests, does not include capital gains and losses on disposals of long-term assets, impairment of assets, restructuring costs, tax effects and non-controlling interests. At 30 June 2017, net profit excluding non-recurring items of continuing operations.

10. Diluted earnings per share, excluding non-recurring items, after non-controlling interests.

11. Reported for the first half of 2016 and for the full-year 2016.

12. Diluted net profit per share of continuing operations, excluding non-recurring items, after non-controlling interests.

13. In the second quarter of 2016 and the first half of 2016, reported Group sales included The Body Shop sales in respective amounts of 198.5 million euros and 398.6 million euros.

14. In the first quarter 2017, reported Group sales included The Body Shop sales, which amounted to 197.2 million euros. 

THE HALF-YEAR FINANCIAL INFORMATION CONFERENCE CALL

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