L'Oréal's Q3 sales jump 11.9%, beating forecasts
The move
L'Oréal reported third-quarter 2026 sales of about €11.6 billion, up 11.9% as reported and 7.2% like-for-like, beating analysts' forecast of about 5.9% like-for-like growth. The company said demand was strong across all its divisions and in all regions, including China, with its luxury division accelerating. CEO Nicolas Hieronimus said "the global beauty market has once again demonstrated its resilience in a challenging environment."
Why it matters
It shows the world's largest cosmetics group returning to stronger growth after a slower start to the year, even as China's luxury demand has been weak elsewhere.
The bear case
Favorable currency moves and easy comparisons from a weak year-ago quarter flatter some of the reported growth.
What to watch
L'Oréal's full-year 2026 results, expected in February 2027.