2020 Half-Year Results

Resilient business

and solid results

• Sales: 13.07 billion euros
  
  -11.7% like-for-like ^[1] and based on reported figures
• Growth continues in China: +17.5% ^[1]
• Strong growth in e-commerce: +64.6% ^[2]
• Operating margin at 18%
• Earnings per share ^[3] at 3.82 euros

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

“The L’Oréal group has shown great resilience during this first half of 2020, marked by the crisis of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Group’s first priority during this period was to ensure the health and welfare of its employees everywhere in the world, to protect its small clients and suppliers with credit and payment facilities, and to be in solidarity with healthcare workers with the donation of more than 15 million units of hand sanitiser gel and moisturising hand cream.

The consumption of beauty products over the period was strongly impacted by the closure of millions of points of sale (hair salons, perfumeries, department stores, airport stores, etc.) which caused a real crisis of supply, rather than demand, with consumers temporarily unable to purchase products and services.

In these exceptionally difficult circumstances, each Division of L’Oréal has demonstrated great business resilience. The Active Cosmetics Division has managed to maintain good growth. The Consumer Products Division limited the impact on sales despite its heavy weight in makeup, which was the category that slowed the most. The L’Oréal Luxe and Professional Products Divisions were remarkably successful at maintaining relatively solid activity, thanks to e-commerce, despite the closure of almost all of their points of sale. As a result, the Group overall has managed to outperform the beauty market over the period. It has seen its activity accelerate month after month since April, and is progressively returning to growth.

This business resilience was made possible by several key strengths of the Group. First of all, our lead in the field of digital and e-commerce, which proved to be crucial during the crisis and is now even bigger, with e-commerce growing by +64.6% ^[2] over the first half. L’Oréal's performance in mainland China was also decisive, with growth in the second quarter of +30% ^[1]. Finally, the power of our brands and our major products, which are a true refuge for consumers in these troubled times. We must also underline the tremendous mobilisation and remarkable agility of our teams throughout the world.

At the same time, the Group was able to deliver results that demonstrate solid resistance: profitability at 18% close to the annual level of 2019, limited decline in earnings per share, and overall a very well preserved profit and loss account, with a high gross margin, lower costs, and investment in research and business drivers maintained in relative value.

We approach this second half with lucidity, confidence and resolve. Lucidity because the global health crisis is unfortunately not over. Confidence because consumers' appetite for beauty is intact, access to points of sale should be easier going forward, and e-commerce will continue to get stronger. And finally resolve because in this second half of the year, we are embarking on an aggressive plan of new product launches and business drivers to stimulate, in partnership with our retail partners, the return of the consumption of beauty products. We are therefore determined to outperform the market, find again the path to growth if the sanitary conditions allow it, and deliver solid profitability.” 

2020 Half-Year sales

Like-for-like, i.e. based on a comparable structure and identical exchange rates, sales of the L’Oréal group was at -11.7%.

The net impact of changes in the scope of consolidation was +0.3%.

Evolution at constant exchange rates amounted to -11.4%.

Currency fluctuations had a negative impact of -0.3%. If the exchange rates at 30 June 2020, i.e.

€1 = $1.121, are extrapolated until 31 December 2020, the impact of currency fluctuations on sales would be approximately -1.5% for the whole of 2020.

Based on reported figures, the Group's sales at 30 June 2020 amounted to 13.07 billion euros, i.e. -11.7%.

Sales by Division and geographic Zone

Summary by Division

PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS

At the end of June, the Professional Products Division is at -21.3% like-for-like and -21.7% reported.

After a good start to the year, particularly with its biggest brand, L’Oréal Professionnel, the Professional Products Division saw its activity penalised by the health crisis, with the sudden closure of hair salons worldwide. Towards the end of the quarter, the Division’s performance progressively improved. With the gradual reopening of hair salons, many countries returned to growth, particularly the United States, Germany and China. Kérastase continued to outperform the market, thanks to the successful launch of Genesis and its omni-channel development.

E-commerce posted record growth in the first half, confirming the acceleration of the Division’s digital transformation. The support provided to hairdressers during the crisis, by freezing debts, providing online education and making masks and hand sanitiser gels available, has strengthened L’Oréal’s position as both the market and industry leader.  

CONSUMER PRODUCTS

The Consumer Products Division is at -9.4% like-for-like and -10.4% reported in the first half.

The health crisis triggered a sharp deceleration in the makeup market, with a negative impact on the performance of Maybelline New York and NYX Professional Makeup in particular. The Division’s business overall is stable excluding makeup. In haircare, Fructis maintained its strong growth thanks to Fructis Hair Food. In face care, L’Oréal Paris continued to grow and outperformed the market, thanks to the launch of serums in the Revitalift range. Furthermore, the Division made market share gains in the highly dynamic home-use hair colour market. The Division delivered an excellent performance in China, particularly with 3CE Stylenanda in makeup, and made market share gains in most of the major European countries. The good performance in Brazil, which ended the first half in positive territory, is also worth noting.

The Group’s digital leadership has enabled it to make the most of e-commerce all over the world, in China for example, but also in the United States, where online sales more than doubled in the first half.

All the geographic Zones have drawn up a powerful acceleration plan for the second half, focused on three priorities: accelerating the pace of innovation, major “Back to Beauty“ initiatives, and the intensification of media investments to stimulate demand.

L’ORÉAL LUXE

The L’Oréal Luxe Division ended the first half at -16.8% like-for-like and -14.9% reported, in a luxury beauty market that contracted by some 23%.

The Division continued to make market share gains, harnessing the power of its top brands, especially those with strong positions in skincare, such as Kiehl’s, Lancôme and Helena Rubinstein. The latest fragrance launches, such as Libre by Yves Saint Laurent, also performed strongly, alongside the historic pillars. Makeup remains the category most affected by the crisis.

L’Oréal Luxe is making market share gains across all Zones, with the sole exception of North America. At the end of the first half, the first encouraging signs of upturn were confirmed in the major luxury markets, particularly in Asia and especially in China, where the Division returned to growth of more than 30% ^[1]. But this is also true of Western Europe (France, Germany) where Mother’s Day and Father’s Day triggered an upturn in consumption.

The Division has continued to see very strong growth in e-commerce, which worldwide has increased by more than 65% ^[2]. Travel Retail however continues to be severely affected by the low level of air traffic.

The gradual reopening of brick-and-mortar outlets and the sustained plan of major global launches in the second half should enable L’Oréal Luxe to benefit from the rebound in business and to outperform the market.

ACTIVE COSMETICS

In a sluggish dermocosmetics market, the Active Cosmetics Division posted sustained growth at +9.0% like-for-like and +6.0% reported, at the end of June.

In the second quarter, the Division produced a robust performance at +4.3% ^[1]. This was the result of the strong mobilisation of the teams, who used digital leverage to intensify brand activation and strengthen relationships with prescribers and consumers. The Division benefited from its expertise in e-commerce, which became the number one growth driver in all Zones. The Division’s performance was particularly strong in Asia and in North America, where CeraVe, SkinCeuticals, and La Roche-Posay posted double-digit growth and new market share gains.

These same brands have also produced an excellent performance on a global level. CeraVe, in particular, the number one brand in terms of contribution to the Division’s growth, posted double-digit growth in all Zones.

Summary by geographic Zone

WESTERN EUROPE

The Zone is at -16.1% like-for-like and -15.6% reported. The market in Western Europe has been heavily impacted by lockdown measures, and by the closure of hair salons, department stores and perfumeries in almost all countries. Since mid-May, the market has started to pick up, particularly in the haircare and skincare categories. The upturn is however more gradual in makeup and sun care. The southern countries, such as Spain and Italy, have felt the strongest impact, because the lockdown there was longer and e-commerce structurally less developed, while Germany, the Netherlands, and the Scandinavian countries proved more resilient.

In this difficult context, the Consumer Products Division doubled its online sales, and performed very strongly in home-use hair colour. Garnier strengthened its positions, with a particularly good start for the Fructis Hair Food line. L’Oréal Luxe outperformed its market, especially in fragrances and in skincare with Biotherm. At the end of June, the Active Cosmetics Division posted growth for its brands La Roche-Posay and SkinCeuticals. CeraVe accelerated very strongly, but Vichy has been held back by a contraction in the anti-ageing market. The Professional Products Division has been hit by hair salon closures, but the recovery is encouraging. E-commerce was very dynamic in the second quarter at +91% ^[2], even after lockdown measures were eased.

NORTH AMERICA

The Zone is at -15.2% like-for-like and -13.1% reported. The second quarter was severely impacted by lockdown measures. If the market is showing encouraging signs of recovery since the progressive re-opening of points of sale, uncertainty remains due to a contrasted sanitary situation between different States in the United States. The most notable achievement is the considerable e-commerce acceleration in all Divisions that remains very dynamic even after point of sales reopening.

The Consumer Products Division was penalised by its strong footprint in makeup. It reinforced its leadership in hair colour and accelerated in skincare thanks to L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Serum and 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum. The Division had strong market share gains online with triple digit growth. L’Oréal Luxe mitigated the impact of store closures with an acceleration of its skincare, thanks to Kiehl’s, Lancôme and IT Cosmetics, and e-commerce which more than doubled in the second quarter. The Professional Products Division suffered during April and May, but saw a rebound in June with the reopening of the hair salons. The Division reinforced its partnership with hair salons through financial support during the crisis, especially through SalonCentric with double-digit growth in June. The Active Cosmetics Division continued to record double-digit growth and significant market share gains. CeraVe had great momentum at more than 50%, supported by digital investment. SkinCeuticals also posted double-digit growth.

NEW MARKETS

Asia Pacific: the Zone is at -3.9 % like-for-like and -3.4 % reported, most countries still being impacted by the pandemic during the second quarter.

Mainland China is at +17.5% like-for-like and +16.2% reported.

The Chinese beauty market rebounded into positive territory in the second quarter. The appetite of Chinese consumers for big brands, quality, and products they can trust, remains very strong. Various shopping festivals, online and offline, also helped to stimulate the rapid recovery of the market. L’Oréal China accelerated its growth in the second quarter, outperforming the market, and gained market shares in all Divisions and in the skincare, makeup and haircare categories. Following a strong first quarter, online sales remained dynamic. Since May, sales in department stores and boutiques also returned to growth. During the important online shopping festival on 18 June, L’Oréal gained significant market share, thanks to its expertise in digital activation. L’Oréal Paris and Lancôme took the top two positions in the Tmall shopping day ranking.

In the rest of the Asia Pacific Zone, the situation remains contrasted in most countries. The countries and regions least hit by the pandemic such as South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand and Vietnam, were back to growth in the month of June, while Japan and South Asia were still affected by their high exposure to the makeup category. Due to the total absence of tourism, Hong Kong (SAR) remains significantly under the 2019 sales. The evolution of the pandemic in India remains progressive and is affecting consumption significantly.

Despite this overall difficult situation, the L’Oréal Luxe and Active Cosmetics Divisions gained market share in all major markets, especially in the skincare category. 

E-commerce is, for all the Divisions and markets, another strong growth driver achieving close to 60% ^[2] growth across the Zone.

Latin America: the Zone is at -13.9% like-for-like and -25.0% reported, with contrasted situations by country. It is worth noting the good performance of the Consumer Products Division in Brazil, and the Active Cosmetics Division, driven by CeraVe. After a widespread lockdown in April and May, there were signs of recovery in all of the Zone’s markets in June. This was driven by a gradual reopening of points of sale, but also by the acceleration of e-commerce in the second quarter, which posted triple-digit growth. Skincare growth was strong. Hair colour recorded sustained growth in the Consumer Products Division, whilst the Professional Products Division was held back by the closure of hair salons in most countries throughout the second quarter. The Active Cosmetics Division was stable. L’Oréal Luxe continued to gain market shares in the Zone.

Eastern Europe: the Zone is at -12.1% like-for-like and -14.2% reported. While the health situation is improving in Central Europe, where most retail channels are open, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine are still facing an acceleration of the pandemic, and have threfore been more impacted by the crisis. Only the Active Cosmetics Division posted growth in the second quarter, while the other Divisions saw sales decrease, especially the Professional Products Division following the closure of hair salons. In June however, there were very encouraging signs of an upturn, especially for the L’Oréal Luxe and Active Cosmetics Divisions which both increased sales. E-commerce was dynamic, accounting for more than 16% of sales.

Africa, Middle East: the Zone is at -17.4% like-for-like and -19.1% reported. The Middle East continues to be affected by the pandemic, particularly Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan, where retail outlets have been facing recurring point of sales closures. The pandemic started later in Sub-Saharan Africa, but accelerated strongly in May and June. All the Divisions are feeling its impact, with Active Cosmetics being the one least affected.

Important events during the period 1/4/20 to 30/6/20

• On 14 May, L’Oréal announced the appointment of Myriam Cohen-Welgryn, who joined the Group as President of the Active Cosmetics Division and thus became a member of the Executive Committee. She succeeds Brigitte Liberman, who elected to retire at the end of the year, following 34 years within the Group.

• On 18 June, L’Oréal announced the signing of an agreement to acquire Thayers Natural Remedies, a US-based natural skincare brand, from Henry Thayer Company. The brand will be integrated into L’Oréal’s Consumer Products Division.

• On 25 June, L’Oréal launched its new sustainability programme “L’Oréal for the Future”, laying down the Group’s latest set of ambitions for 2030. In view of increasingly urgent environmental and social challenges, L’Oréal is accelerating its transformation in the fields of sustainability and inclusion.

• On 29 June, L’Oréal finalised the sale of the Roger & Gallet brand to the French investment holding Impala, following the announcement on 4 February 2020

• On 30 June, the Annual General Meeting of L’Oréal was held behind closed doors. All the resolutions were approved, including the dividend at 3.85 euros per share, the same as 2019.

2020 Half-Year 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 18.0% of sales

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

Gross profit, at 9,564 million euros, came out at 73.1% of sales, stable compared to the first half of 2019.

Research and Development expenses, at 455 million euros, came out at 3.5% of sales.

Advertising and promotion expenses came out at 30.5% of sales, an increase of 30 basis points.

Selling, general and administrative expenses, at 21.1% of sales, have increased by 80 basis points compared to the 2019 first half.

Overall, operating profit came out at 2,357 million euros, an increase of 150 basis points compared to the 2019 first half, at 18.0% of sales.  

Operating profit by Division

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 has gone from 19.1% to 10.4%.

The profitability of the Consumer Products Division improved by 60 basis points at 21.3%.

L’Oréal Luxe posted a profitability of 20.4% compared to 23.8% in the first half of 2019.

The profitability of the Active Cosmetics Division increased again to achieve a very high level at 28.9%.

Net profit excluding non-recurring items

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

Overall financial expenses came out at 36.5 million euros.  

Sanofi dividends amounted to 372 million euros.

Income tax excluding non-recurring items came out at 547 million euros, i.e. a tax rate of 20.3%, lower than the 2019 first half.

Net profit excluding non-recurring items after non-controlling interests came out at 2,144 million euros.

Earnings per share, at 3.82 euros, has decreased by -12.7% compared with the first half of 2019.

Net profit

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

Operating cash flow and balance sheet

Gross cash flow amounted to 2,668 million euros. Its evolution is in line with the net profit.

The change in working capital amounted to 889 million euros.

Investments, at 504 million euros, represented 3.8% of sales.

Operating cash flow amounted to 1,274 million euros.

At 30 June 2020, after taking into account finance lease liabilities for 1,858 million euros, net cash amounted to 2,161 million euros.

“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.”

Contacts at L'Oréal

Individual shareholders and market authorities

Mr Christian MUNICH

Tel.: +33 1 47 56 72 06

[email protected]

Financial analysts and Institutional investors

Ms Françoise LAUVIN

Tel: +33 1 47 56 86 82

[email protected]

Journalists 

Ms Domitille FAFIN

Tel: +33 1 47 56 76 71

[email protected]

Switchboard: +33 1 47 56 70 00

For further information, please contact your bank, stockbroker or financial institution (I.S.I.N. code: FR0000120321), and consult your usual newspapers or magazines or the Internet site for shareholders and investors, www.loreal-finance.com,the L’Oréal Finance app or call the toll-free number from France: 0 800 66 66 66.

Appendices

Appendix 1: L’Oréal group sales 2019/2020 (€ million)