L’Oreal recently reported its 2011 Annual Result with sales up +5.1% like-for-like, to 20.34 billion euros and a strong improvement in operating margin. The Board of Directors has decided to propose to the Annual General Meeting of April 17th, 2012 the payment of a dividend of 2 euros per share, an increase of +11% compared with 2010.

“2011 was a solid year of development, which has made the group even stronger. In a cosmetics market whose global trend was favorable, L’Oreal achieved sustained sales growth and confirmed its position as the world leader in beauty,” said Jean-Paul Agon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of L’Oreal. “All divisions are expanding. L’Oreal Luxury in particular posted a very good year, especially thanks to Lancome, Giorgio Armani and Kiehl’s.”

He said that internationalization is continuing across all divisions. The group is pursuing its conquest of the New Markets, with Asia and Latin America leading the way, and is making progress in North America. 2012 will be a symbolic year, as the New Markets are set to become the group’s number one geographic zone, Agon added.

In a generally sluggish market, the Professional Products Division achieved 2011 growth of +2.5% like-for-like and +3.6% based on reported figures. Growth based on constant exchange rates, including the impact of acquisitions, came out at +5.1%. Initiatives in hair colorants and haircare enabled the division to win market share in all zones. In the New Markets, the division is growing fast, particularly in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

The Consumer Products Division achieved growth of +4.5% like-for-like and +3.2% based on reported figures at end-2011. Maybelline posted another year of strong growth and L’Oreal Paris is accelerating. L’Oreal Paris is launching strong initiatives in all categories. In the New Markets, the division is performing well in all zones, with the exception of Eastern Europe.

L’Oreal Luxury recorded 2011 sales up by +8.2% like-for-like and +6.5% based on reported figures. Lancome posted a year of strong growth, with the high-profile launch of Visionnaire, the skin corrector. Meanwhile, the brand is continuing to grow thanks to its flagship products, Genifique, Renergie and Teint Miracle. The new mascara Hypnose Doll Eyes and the launch of the fragrance Tresor Midnight Rose also reflect the brand renewal now under way. L’Oreal Luxury enjoyed an excellent year in facial skincare, with strong performances from Lancome, the rapid expansion of Kiehl’s on all continents, and the introduction of Regenessence skincare by Giorgio Armani, along with the initiatives of Biotherm. In North America, the division recorded strong growth with its brands Lancome, Yves Saint Laurent, Kiehl’s, Giorgio Armani and Viktor & Rolf.

In 2011, the Active Cosmetics Division (La Roche Posay, but also of SkinCeuticals and Roger&Gallet) grew by +3.2% like-for-like and +2.6% based on reported figures. With strong dynamism in Latin America, the United States and Africa, Middle East, the division is strengthening its position as number one in the worldwide dermocosmetics market.