Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding La Roche-Posay's "Soothing Thermal Water Spray" has sparked discussions online, with critics labeling it as a "smart tax" due to its ingredient list primarily consisting of "water" and questioning its high price point [1][3]. Company Overview - La Roche-Posay's thermal water spray is a flagship product under the L'Oréal Group, which has reported a sales revenue of €224.73 billion (approximately ¥1861.91 billion) in the first half of this year, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 3% [3][4]. - The product is available in three sizes: 50ml, 150ml, and 300ml, with the 300ml two-pack priced at ¥101.5 [3]. Financial Performance - In the first half of 2024, L'Oréal's sales reached €221.2 billion, marking a year-on-year increase of 7.5%, while operating profit grew by 8% to €45.99 billion, accounting for 20.8% of sales [4]. - The professional hair care division has emerged as a growth driver, achieving a 6.5% year-on-year increase in sales, with brands like Kérastase and Color Wow gaining consumer favor [4]. - The mass cosmetics division reported sales of €84.1 billion (approximately ¥697.8 billion), with a year-on-year growth of 2.8%, while the skin science beauty division saw sales of €38.6 billion (approximately ¥320.3 billion), growing by 3.1% [5].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the initiatives and events organized by the China Fragrance and Cosmetic Industry Association to promote safety in cosmetic use and enhance the industry's global standing through media collaboration and scientific communication [4][12]. Group 1: Events and Initiatives - The 2025 Safety Cosmetic Use Science Promotion Week will take place from September 1 to 7, with the theme "Safe Use of Cosmetics, Science to Safeguard" [5]. - The China Fragrance and Cosmetic Industry Association aims to strengthen public awareness of safe cosmetic use and establish a new social governance model [5][12]. - The association's annual media collaboration meeting focuses on building a better media cooperation ecosystem and enhancing scientific communication within the industry [14][17]. Group 2: Key Activities - The first execution plan for the Safety Cosmetic Use Science Promotion Week includes a "Full Media Science Promotion Action" with activities such as expert-written articles and engaging multimedia content [10]. - The second plan involves a "Consumer Safety Use of Cosmetics Public Welfare Action," encouraging companies to showcase their green and sustainable development practices [11]. - The third plan, "Green Action: Empty Bottle Recycling," aims to set up around 300 recycling points nationwide and promote consumer participation in sustainability efforts [11]. Group 3: 2025 CAME Highlights - The 2025 China Fragrance and Cosmetic Industry Annual Conference and Boutique Expo (2025 CAME) will be held from September 25 to 27 in Nanjing, focusing on "Technology and Brand Co-Progress" [21][23]. - The expo will feature over 115 exhibitors and more than 500 brands, showcasing innovations in the industry, including biotechnological advancements and sustainable packaging [25][27]. - The event will also host numerous thematic conferences, inviting over 100 influential guests to discuss key industry topics, enhancing the exchange of ideas and collaboration [28][30].

Core Viewpoint - La Roche-Posay is facing public scrutiny over its thermal water spray product, which is criticized for being perceived as overpriced due to its composition being primarily water [1] Group 1: Product Controversy - Consumers have labeled La Roche-Posay's thermal water spray as a "smart tax," questioning the justification for its high price when it contains only water [1] - The product is priced at 119 yuan for 150ml and starts at 129 yuan for 300ml, with claims of containing unique minerals and trace elements to soothe and enhance skin resilience [1] - Official representatives clarified that the water is sourced from a natural spring in France and undergoes rigorous processing to retain its mineral content [1] Group 2: Company Background - La Roche-Posay is a brand under L'Oréal, established in 1975, focusing on the development and sale of medical skincare products [1] - The brand has previously faced controversy, including a recall of its Effaclar Duo acne treatment due to the detection of trace amounts of benzene [2] Group 3: Financial Performance - L'Oréal reported a sales revenue of 22.473 billion euros for the first half of 2023, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 3% [3] - The operating profit for the same period was 4.74 billion euros, also showing a growth of 3.1% [3] - Sales growth varied across segments, with mass cosmetics at 8.41 billion euros (up 2.8%), professional hair products at 2.55 billion euros (up 6.5%), luxury cosmetics at 7.66 billion euros (up 2%), and skin science products at 3.86 billion euros (up 3.1%) [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence of a "Longevity Era" driven by advancements in life sciences and AI, highlighting L'Oréal's innovative project "The Beauty of Longevity" aimed at redefining beauty standards in the context of longevity [3][5][11]. Group 1: Project Overview - L'Oréal's "The Beauty of Longevity" project encompasses three dimensions: scientific health, cognitive reshaping, and cultural economy, aiming to revolutionize traditional longevity concepts [5][11]. - The project is metaphorically described as a "tree of life," where scientific health serves as the roots, cultural concepts as the branches, and social economy as the leaves, symbolizing a new understanding of beauty and age [5][11]. Group 2: Scientific Approach - L'Oréal's integration of longevity science into skincare has garnered significant attention, marking a pivotal shift in the beauty industry towards a longevity-driven paradigm [7][19]. - The company has published 43 research papers on longevity science over the past 15 years, indicating a strong commitment to this field [14][35]. Group 3: Market Trends and Demographics - The average human lifespan has increased by 30 years over the past century, with projections indicating that by 2040, 20% of the global population will be over 60 years old [11]. - The demand for healthy and fulfilling lives is driving the growth of the longevity industry, with skin health being a critical factor for quality longevity [11][12]. Group 4: Technological Innovations - L'Oréal has developed an AI-driven diagnostic tool, the Lancôme "Cell Bioprint," which analyzes skin biomarkers to provide personalized anti-aging solutions [26][27]. - The company has created a "Longevity AI Cloud" that maps over 267 skin longevity biomarkers, revealing complex mechanisms affecting skin vitality [25][26]. Group 5: Strategic Collaborations - L'Oréal collaborates with various biotech companies to innovate active ingredients and enhance product offerings, such as the partnership with Swiss biotech company Timeline [30][31]. - The company emphasizes the importance of integrating with China's vibrant tech ecosystem to accelerate the commercialization of longevity science [34][41]. Group 6: Cultural Resonance - The "New Age Beauty" concept aligns with traditional Chinese wellness philosophies, emphasizing a holistic approach to health and beauty [45][46]. - The naming of the project reflects a deep understanding of Chinese culture, focusing on biological age and lifelong beauty rather than just superficial aesthetics [46][47]. Group 7: Future Implications - L'Oréal's strategic focus on longevity science is expected to set a new standard in the beauty industry, promoting a model that prioritizes scientific-driven and proactive health solutions [41][42]. - The company's efforts in this domain are not only commercially driven but also aim to enhance the quality of life, merging beauty with overall life quality [47].

Summary of L'Oréal Conference Call Company Overview - L'Oréal has expanded into the cosmetics and skincare market through a series of acquisitions, including Lancôme, Helena Rubinstein, and Maybelline, forming four main product lines: professional products, consumer products, luxury products, and dermatological products [2][3][4] Key Insights - **Growth Performance**: Over the past decade, L'Oréal's consumer products have seen slow growth at approximately 4% annually, while professional care (dermatological) products have grown at 16%, and luxury products have approached 10% annual growth. This has led to an increase in gross margin from around 70% to 74%-75% [2][6][7] - **Research and Development**: L'Oréal maintains a consistent R&D expenditure rate of about 3%, spending approximately €1.3-1.4 billion (over 10 billion RMB) annually, which supports innovation and enhances overall gross sales margin [2][8][9] - **Market Dynamics**: In the first half of 2025, the European and American markets faced pressure, particularly in North America, while the Asia-Pacific region showed signs of recovery, with China achieving a positive growth rate of 3% [2][12] - **E-commerce Growth**: The share of online sales increased from 5% in 2015 to 28% in 2023, stabilizing since 2021. Offline counters have performed well, crucial for brand positioning and recognition [2][13] Additional Important Points - **Acquisition Strategy**: L'Oréal's annual acquisitions are a key growth strategy, allowing for business expansion and product matrix enhancement. Without acquisitions, the company would maintain a 7% annual growth in the European and American markets [2][11] - **Market Potential in China**: The global cosmetics market is approximately €250 billion (around 2 trillion RMB), with China's market size reaching 300-400 billion RMB. L'Oréal's Paris brand is the largest in China, valued at about 15 billion RMB [18][19] - **Competitive Landscape**: Chinese cosmetics brands have strong potential in international markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea, and Europe, but they lag in R&D investment compared to established brands [20] - **Long-term Valuation**: L'Oréal's high valuation is attributed to its global consumer goods positioning, continuous R&D investment, and successful acquisitions that adapt to local consumer needs [16] Conclusion L'Oréal's strategic focus on R&D, acquisitions, and market adaptation has positioned it well in the competitive cosmetics landscape, particularly in emerging markets like China, while maintaining robust growth in professional and luxury segments.

Core Insights - L'Oréal plans to discontinue the Gowoonsesang Cosmetics business acquired last year, focusing solely on the Dr.G brand [1][9] - The decision affects all Gowoonsesang brands except Dr.G, including the makeup brand Healus and the vegan brand Vivid Draw [3][9] Brand Focus - Healus, launched in February 2024, is a makeup brand that aimed to promote comfortable and healthy beauty [4][6] - The brand has been operational for less than two years before being discontinued [6] Acquisition Context - L'Oréal announced the acquisition of Gowoonsesang Cosmetics in December last year, and the focus on Dr.G comes less than a year after the acquisition [7][9] - The business line will be renamed to "L'Oréal Korea–Dr.G," simplifying the brand identity [9] Strategic Implications - L'Oréal's decision to focus on Dr.G aligns with its broader strategy of streamlining operations and concentrating on brands with the highest growth potential [10][13] - The company has previously shown a preference for Dr.G in its communications regarding the acquisition [10] Market Trends - The trend of discontinuing non-core brands is not unique to L'Oréal, as other major beauty companies like Unilever and Kao have also announced brand closures amid increasing competition and economic pressures [16]

Group 1 - The first China International Consumer Products Expo has announced its initial list of participating brands, featuring a range of international luxury brands [2] - The brands span various categories including high-end luxury goods, cosmetics, apparel, footwear, bags, watches, home goods, textiles, silk, kitchenware, and handicrafts [2] - Notable brands include Kering's jewelry brands Boucheron, Pomellato, and Qeelin, as well as L'Oréal, Richemont's watch brands such as Baume & Mercier, Panerai, Vacheron Constantin, and Roger Dubuis [2] Group 2 - Several brands are set to launch new products specifically for the expo, including a new watch from Swiss brand Rado and exclusive product launches from L'Oréal [2] - L'Oréal will showcase its 16 beauty brands, offering immersive experiences for attendees [2] - Johnson & Johnson will participate with eight brands across skincare, maternal and infant care, and personal care categories [2]

Core Viewpoint - Foreign beauty companies are focusing on profit recovery and operational efficiency through a series of transformation and restructuring plans from 2023 to 2024, with the common goal of restoring profits as they navigate a challenging market environment [1][4]. Summary by Sections Performance Results - Shiseido's sales in the first half of 2025 fell by 7.6% to 469.83 billion yen, but its core operating profit increased by 21.3% to 23.37 billion yen. L'Oréal's sales reached 22.473 billion euros, a 3% increase, while its operating profit was approximately 4.74 billion euros, up 3.1%, but lower than the previous year's growth of 8%. Estée Lauder's net sales dropped by 10% to 3.55 billion USD, with net profit declining by 52% to 159 million USD, although it turned a profit compared to the previous quarter [2][5]. Measures Taken - The companies have focused on three main strategies: 1. **Cost Control and Operational Efficiency**: Estée Lauder's restructuring plan includes layoffs affecting 1,800 to 3,000 employees, with further cuts of 5,800 to 7,000 jobs planned. L'Oréal has reduced advertising and promotional expenses to 7 billion euros and administrative costs to 4.2 billion euros, reflecting a commitment to cost control [6]. 2. **High-Margin Product Strategy**: Estée Lauder is expanding its high-end fragrance offerings, while L'Oréal has noted stronger growth in high-end brands compared to mid-range brands in the Chinese market [7]. 3. **Innovation and New Revenue Streams**: L'Oréal is implementing a "multi-polar model" to drive growth through technology, local supply chains, and forward-looking investments [8][9]. Market Transition - The shift towards profit recovery indicates a transition from growth-focused strategies to prioritizing profitability due to intensified market competition and shrinking profit margins. Companies like Estée Lauder have initiated profit recovery plans, emphasizing cost structure improvements and reduced high-risk innovations [11][12]. Future Goals - Shiseido aims to restore profitability by 2026, while Estée Lauder targets a return to double-digit profit margins by 2027. L'Oréal remains confident in maintaining high profit margins [14][15]. The companies are also adjusting their strategies to reduce reliance on the Chinese market, which has been a significant source of pressure due to declining sales [16].

Core Insights - Foreign beauty companies are focusing on "profit first" strategies, with significant changes being implemented as they approach the 2025 mid-year report [2][8] - Companies like Shiseido, L'Oréal, and Estée Lauder are experiencing varying degrees of sales and profit fluctuations, indicating a collective shift towards profit recovery [2][10] Financial Performance - Shiseido's sales fell by 7.6% to 469.83 billion yen in the first half of 2025, but core operating profit rose by 21.3% to 23.37 billion yen [2] - L'Oréal reported a 3% increase in sales to 22.473 billion euros, with operating profit growing by 3.1% to approximately 4.74 billion euros, although both figures were lower than the previous year's growth rates [2] - Estée Lauder's net sales dropped by 10% to 3.55 billion USD in the first three months of the year, with net profit down by 52% to 159 million USD, although it managed to turn a profit compared to the previous quarter [2] Strategic Initiatives - Companies are implementing cost control and operational efficiency measures, with Estée Lauder announcing significant layoffs as part of its restructuring plan [3][6] - L'Oréal has focused on strict management of operating expenses, resulting in a record operating profit margin of 21.1% in the first half of 2025 [4] - Shiseido's action plan aims to restore profits through cost reductions and improved operational efficiency, targeting a core operating profit margin increase from 4.97% to 7% by 2026 [8][10] Product Strategy - Estée Lauder is expanding its high-margin product offerings, including a new perfume line in collaboration with luxury brand Balmain [6] - L'Oréal's CEO noted that high-end brands are experiencing stronger growth compared to mid-range brands, indicating a strategic shift towards premium products [6] Innovation and Technology - Companies are leveraging technology and innovation to drive growth, with L'Oréal adopting a "multi-polar model" and investing in local supply chains [7] - All three major beauty companies are embracing AI for various applications, including virtual try-ons and data insights [7] Market Challenges - The shift towards profit recovery reflects the increasing market competition and pressure on profit margins faced by these companies [8][12] - L'Oréal's sales in the Chinese market have shown signs of recovery, but overall performance remains challenged by declining consumer sentiment and competition [11][12] - Estée Lauder has faced multiple quarters of declining sales in the Asia-Pacific region, prompting a strategic pivot to reduce reliance on the Chinese market [12]

Group 1 - Carriage Services (CSV) is currently outperforming its peers in the Consumer Staples sector with a year-to-date return of approximately 21.2%, compared to the sector average of 5.1% [4] - The Zacks Rank for Carriage Services is 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook and strong analyst sentiment, with a 3.3% increase in the full-year earnings estimate over the past quarter [3][4] - Carriage Services is part of the Funeral Services industry, which ranks 36 in the Zacks Industry Rank, and has performed better than the industry average return of about 1% this year [6] Group 2 - Another strong performer in the Consumer Staples sector is L'Oreal SA (LRLCY), which has returned 26% year-to-date and also holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [5] - The Consumer Products - Staples industry, which includes L'Oreal SA, is ranked 189 and has seen a decline of -3.7% since the beginning of the year [6] - Investors should monitor both Carriage Services and L'Oreal SA for potential continued strong performance in the Consumer Staples sector [7]