L'Oréal SA’s has posted a strong sourth-quarter as revenue rose 5.5% on a comparable basis.
The Paris based cosmetics company said with luxury products leading the way for the sixth consecutive quarter.
A global rebound in demand for luxury goods is a boon for L'Oréal as growth has faltered in the company’s mass-market division, which makes up nearly half of sales.
Consumers who used to pick up Garnier shampoos and L'Oréal Paris night cream at the drugstore are increasingly tempted by smaller brands.
Complementary Brands
L'Oréal Luxe “is delivering spectacular growth, particularly in Asia,” Chief Executive Officer Jean-Paul Agon said in a statement.
Sales in L'Oréal’s luxury division rose 9.8% in the fourth quarter, while the professional division - which sells to salons - lagged behind with 2% growth and the consumer division grew 3%.
"Growth in the Consumer Products Division is being slowed by the continuing difficulties of the American and French markets, while sales in the Professional Products Division improved at the end of the year," Agon added.
"Today more than ever, L'Oréal can rely on its unique portfolio of powerful and complementary brands, eight of which now have sales above one billion euros."
Full-year operating profit rose 3% to 4.7 billion euros ($5.8 billion) and the company posted a record operating margin of 18%.
News by Bloomberg edited by Checkout.
