L'Oréal USA Overview - L'Oréal USA is the 1 beauty manufacturer in the U S [8, 23] - L'Oréal USA represents 27% of subsidiary sales in the North America zone [9] - Over 75% of L'Oréal USA's units are produced in North America [10] - L'Oréal USA has experienced 7X growth since 1995 [15] Market Position and Growth - L'Oréal has a 16% share of market (SOM) in the total beauty market, which is more than 2X larger than the 2 competitor [24] - The U S is the 1 beauty market in size and growth worldwide, accounting for 27% of the global market with a +5% change [38, 39] - L'Oréal is accelerating faster than the market, gaining major momentum with a +5% increase in Q3 [50, 52] Category Performance - L'Oréal's haircare is growing 3X the market rate [56] - In makeup, all of L'Oréal's CPD brands are outperforming the market year-to-date [64] - L'Oréal has a 34% share of market in mass makeup [73] Channel Strategy - E-commerce accounts for 26% of L'Oréal's business and is accelerating at +2X the market rate year-to-date [92] - B&M (Brick and Mortar) remains a priority, representing 65% of the total market [98]

Core Insights - L'Oréal is establishing one of its largest global capability centres in Hyderabad to support global technology, innovation, and research [1][2] - The initiative was discussed during a visit by L'Oréal's global board in October 2025, led by CEO Nicolas Hieronimus [2] - L'Oréal India's growth has slowed to 5% in fiscal year 2025, down from 14% the previous year, due to increased competition [3] Company Developments - The new centre in Hyderabad will be separate from existing research facilities in Mumbai and Bengaluru [1] - L'Oréal is currently seeking senior management for the Hyderabad project, including candidates from its Paris headquarters [1] - Jacques Lebel was appointed as India country manager in July 2025, succeeding Aseem Kaushik [3] Market Position - India contributes just over 1% of L'Oréal's annual sales, which exceed Rs41 billion ($462 million), making it the 15th-largest market for the company [4] - L'Oréal aims to elevate India into its top ten markets, projecting annual revenue of Rs1 billion in the coming years [4] - The company holds an 8% share of India's face-care market [3] Strategic Acquisitions - In October 2025, L'Oréal acquired Kering's beauty business for €4 billion ($4.65 billion), which includes the House of Creed and beauty licenses for Kering's luxury brands [4][5] - The acquisition grants L'Oréal a 50-year exclusive license to create and distribute fragrance and beauty products for Gucci after the current agreement with Coty ends [5]

Core Viewpoint - Kering SA is in negotiations to sell its beauty business to L'Oréal SA for approximately €4 billion ($4.7 billion), marking a strategic move by new CEO Luca de Meo to address challenges facing the luxury brand [1][2]. Group 1: Company Actions and Leadership Changes - The potential sale of Kering's beauty division would be the first major strategic decision under CEO Luca de Meo, who recently took over from Francois-Henri Pinault [2]. - Kering's beauty division was launched in 2023, following the acquisition of cologne maker Creed for an estimated €3.5 billion, aimed at enhancing its beauty platform [4]. - The previous CEO, Francois-Henri Pinault, announced his resignation after a series of profit warnings, with the Pinault family holding a 42% stake and 59% of voting rights in Kering [3]. Group 2: Market Context and Challenges - The discussions for the sale come amid a slump in Chinese demand and the potential impact of higher US tariffs on Kering's business [2]. - The deal could be announced as early as next week, although there is a possibility that negotiations may not reach a conclusion [1].

Core Insights - L'Oréal USA has appointed Alexis Perakis-Valat as CEO, succeeding David Greenberg, who will take on the newly created role of chairman of L'Oréal USA, effective January 1, 2026 [1][2][3] Leadership Changes - Alexis Perakis-Valat is currently the president of L'Oréal's Consumer Products division, which is the largest within the group, and will be succeeded by Fabrice Megarbane [2] - David Greenberg, who has been with L'Oréal for 32 years, led the division to nearly 12 billion euros in sales, up from around 8 billion euros in 2021 [3][4] Market Strategy - The creation of the chairman role highlights the strategic importance of the U.S. market for L'Oréal's future growth [3] - Greenberg emphasized the need for agility and a culture that feels small despite the company's size, focusing on external relations and public affairs in his new role [5] Consumer Trends - Greenberg noted that consumer confidence has improved throughout 2025, with a need to cater to a diverse range of consumers with varying spending abilities [6][7] - The Consumer Products Division has seen significant growth, particularly in emerging markets, which accounted for 50% of its growth in 2024 [11] Financial Performance - The Consumer Products Division reported a 1.1% rise in sales on a reported basis and a 2.8% increase in like-for-like terms, reaching 8.41 billion euros in the first half of 2025 [15] Innovation and Sustainability - Perakis-Valat has driven innovation within the division, launching key products and enhancing beauty services powered by technology [10] - The division has also made strides in sustainability, redesigning product ranges and launching refill pouches with 60% less plastic [14]