French cosmetics major L'Oréal recorded sales of €23.77bn ($27.27bn) in the first half of 2026. The company’s like-for-like sales growth reached 6.8% during the period, while reported growth stood at 5.8%. Adjusted like-for-like growth, excluding IT transformation phasing, was 6.5%.
Operating profit rose 6.8% to €5.06bn, representing 21.3% of sales. Net profit excluding non-recurring items, after non-controlling interests, totalled €3.95bn, up 4.7%. Earnings per share on the same basis were €7.40, an increase of 4.8%.
Divisional and regional performance
All four of L'Oréal's divisions posted growth in the half year. Professional products recorded adjusted like-for-like growth of 11.6%, while dermatological beauty grew 10.6%. L'Oréal Luxe increased 5.1%, and consumer products rose 4.3%.
Geographically, SAPMENA-SSA (South Asia Pacific, the Middle East, North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa) delivered growth of 13.8%. North America grew 6.7%, Europe grew 6.1%, Latin America grew 5.2%, and North Asia grew 4.6%.
Strategic agreements and acquisitions
L'Oréal confirmed a licensing arrangement with Kering for the creation, development and distribution of Gucci-branded fragrance and beauty products. The agreement will run for 50 years on an exclusive worldwide basis and is due to start on 1 July 2027, subject to regulatory clearance. L'Oréal and Kering will continue to work together in the period before the start date for continuity.
Creed, Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga have been brought into L'Oréal's financial statements since the start of April, following their transfer from Kering. Additionally, L'Oréal signed an agreement last month to acquire a majority holding in Innovist, an India-based personal care company.
This article was prepared with the assistance of artificial intelligence.