Core Viewpoint - Brazilian cosmetics maker Natura has agreed to sell its Avon International unit to Regent, marking the end of uncertainty regarding this business segment and resulting in a more than 13% increase in Natura's shares traded in Sao Paulo [1]. Group 1: Strategic Moves - Natura is executing divestitures to simplify its structure, integrate business units, and focus on the Latin American market after facing profitability challenges in recent years [2]. - The company has previously divested brands such as Aesop and The Body Shop, and recently announced a deal to sell Avon's businesses in Central America to Grupo PDC [2]. Group 2: Details of the Sale - The sale of Avon International includes operations in Europe, Africa, and Asia, but excludes Avon's Russian business, which is still "held for sale," and its Latin American operations, which are central to Natura's strategy [3]. - The U.S. business of Avon, which was never owned by Natura, is also not included in this transaction [3]. Group 3: Financial Implications - Natura will receive a nominal consideration of 1.00 pound ($1.36) at closing, with contingent payments based on future results and certain liquidity events capped at 60 million pounds [4]. - Analysts at Santander noted that this move should alleviate concerns regarding the need for additional cash injections to sustain Avon's operations, as Avon International has been a cash-burning unit [4].

Core Viewpoint - Natura is simplifying its operations by selling Avon's businesses in several Central American countries to Grupo PDC for $1, as part of a broader organizational restructuring effort [1][2]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The deal includes Avon's operations in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Honduras, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic, collectively referred to as Avon CARD [1]. - An additional payment of $22 million is expected upon closing, which is a receivable from Avon Guatemala to Natura's subsidiary in Mexico [3]. - Natura will continue to supply finished goods to Avon CARD and will act as the licensor of the Avon brand in the region [3]. Group 2: Financial Impact and Market Reaction - Following the announcement of the Avon CARD deal, Natura's shares rose over 3%, outperforming the Bovespa index, which increased by 1.1% [2]. - Analysts estimate that the sale of Avon CARD could result in savings of approximately 60 million reais ($11.28 million) for the company [5]. Group 3: Strategic Alternatives - Natura is exploring strategic alternatives for the Avon International unit, which includes its Avon businesses outside Latin America, recently classified as an asset "held for sale" [4]. - The businesses in the Dominican Republic and Central America were also reclassified under this label in August [4]. - Analysts believe that the Avon CARD deal may enhance sentiment towards Natura's efforts to sell Avon International [4].

Core Viewpoint - L'Oréal's comparable growth accelerated between the first and second quarters of 2025, despite a noticeable slowdown in overall growth compared to previous years [1][2]. Summary by Division - **Professional Products**: Achieved a sales increase of 6.5% in the first half of 2025, with a notable 11.5% growth in the second quarter, reaching €1,269.4 million [1][3]. - **Consumer Products**: Recorded a 2.8% growth in the first half, with a modest 3.3% increase in the second quarter [1][3]. - **Luxe**: Experienced a decline of 1.9% in the second quarter, with a total growth of 2.0% in the first half [1][3]. - **Dermatological Beauty**: Grew by 3.1% in the first half, with a 3.5% increase in the second quarter [1][3]. Summary by Region - **Europe**: Contributed the highest sales in the first half, totaling €7,534.4 million, with a growth of 3.4% [2]. - **North America**: Sales reached €5,824.2 million, growing by 2% [2]. - **North Asia**: The only region with negative growth, down 1.1% in the first half, with sales of €5,392.7 million [2]. - **SAPMENA-SSA**: Sales increased by 10.4%, totaling €2,058.2 million [2]. - **Latin America**: Achieved a growth rate of 10.3%, with sales of €1,663.8 million [2]. Financial Performance - Total sales for the first half of 2025 amounted to €22,473.3 million, reflecting a 3% year-on-year growth [1][2]. - Operating profit reached €4,740 million, marking a 3.1% increase compared to the previous year [1][2]. - The second quarter revenue was €10,739 million, with a growth of 2.4%, slightly below analyst expectations of 2.9% [1][2]. Strategic Acquisitions - L'Oréal made three acquisitions in 2025, including the luxury perfume brand Amouage, skincare brand Medik8, and professional haircare brand Color Wow, focusing on enhancing its high-end cosmetics and professional hair product divisions [3][4]. - The acquisition of Color Wow is highlighted as a significant move to strengthen L'Oréal's position in the high-end hair and styling category [3][4].