Core Viewpoint - The financial reports from major beauty groups indicate a recovery trend in China's high-end beauty market in the second half of 2025 [1] Group 1: Financial Performance and Market Trends - L'Oréal's sales growth in mainland China is projected to be 1% in the first half and 5% in the second half of 2025, contributing to growth in the North Asia region [2] - Estée Lauder and Shiseido have adjusted their financial reporting, with Estée Lauder separating mainland China from the Asia-Pacific market starting in Q2 2025, and Shiseido merging its China and travel retail businesses [2] - Estée Lauder's revenue growth in mainland China for Q2 to Q4 of 2025 is expected to be -2%, 9%, and 13% respectively, while Shiseido's comparable sales growth is projected at -14%, -7%, 8%, and 2% for the same quarters [2] - Bain & Company's report indicates that the beauty and personal care category will be the first to recover positive growth in 2025, while other luxury categories are still in a phase of decline [2] Group 2: Consumer Behavior and Market Dynamics - Increased consumer traffic in beauty sections of malls, particularly during the pre-Spring Festival period, indicates a rise in purchasing activity [3][4] - The beauty market is expected to rebound in 2025 after a slight decline in 2024, with a projected growth rate of 5.1% [7] - High-end brands are adjusting prices and inventory to facilitate recovery, with a notable shift of consumers from high-end to mass brands due to improved offerings and competitive pricing [11][17] Group 3: Product Innovation and Market Strategy - Major beauty brands are focusing on localized research and innovation in China, with L'Oréal, Estée Lauder, and Shiseido establishing R&D centers in Shanghai [19] - New product launches and collaborations, such as L'Oréal's partnership with Huashan Hospital and Shiseido's introduction of a new medical beauty brand, reflect a trend towards localized product development [20] - The market is shifting towards more specialized segments, such as scalp care and lip care, indicating a move from basic skincare to more refined personal care [12][13] Group 4: Long-term Market Outlook - The sustainability of current growth drivers, such as price reductions and niche market expansions, remains uncertain [14] - The beauty market is entering a phase of stock competition, with brands needing to enhance core competitiveness and adapt to changing consumer preferences [18] - The demand for high-end beauty products persists, but consumers are increasingly discerning, leading to a need for brands to align pricing with product value [17]

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].