MIRA INFORM REPORT

 

 

Report Date :

24.05.2008

 

IDENTIFICATION DETAILS

 

Name :

LOREAL INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

 

 

Registered Office :

2nd Floor, Peninsula Corporate Park, Ganpatrao Kadam Marg, Lowerparel, Mumbai- 400013, Maharashtra

 

 

Country :

India

 

 

Financials (as on) :

31.12.2006

 

 

Year of Establishment :

19.02.1991

 

 

Com. Reg. No.:

11-60363

 

 

CIN No.:

[Company Identification No.]

U85190MH1991PTC060363

 

 

TAN No.:

[Tax Deduction & Collection Account No.]

MUML01908E

 

 

PAN No.:

[Permanent Account No.]

AAACC0738K

 

 

Legal Form :

Private Limited Liability Company

Subject is a wholly owned subsidiary of L’Oreal S. A., France

 

 

Line of Business :

Manufacturing, importing and exporting of cosmetics, toiletries, personal and healthcare products such as hair shampoos, hair dyes, face creams, etc.

 

 

RATING & COMMENTS

 

MIRA’s Rating :

Ba

 

41-55

Ba

Overall operation is considered normal. Capable to meet normal commitments.

Satisfactory

 

Maximum Credit Limit :

USD 4330000

 

 

Status :

Satisfactory

 

 

Payment Behaviour :

Slow but Correct

 

 

Litigation :

Clear

 

 

Comments :

The company is engaged in manufacturing and marketing of Hair Shampoos, Hair Dyes and Face Creams. It has some accumulated losses. Trade relations are reported as fair. Payments are reported as slow but correct.

 

However, the company can be considered normal for business dealings at usual trade terms and conditions.

 

 

LOCATIONS

 

Registered Office :

2nd Floor, Peninsula Corporate Park, Ganpatrao Kadam Marg, Lowerparel, Mumbai- 400013, Maharashtra

Tel. No.:

91-22-24935398 / 24983000

Fax No.:

91-22-24933283 / 24953798

E-Mail :

plmishra@in.loreal.com

info@loreal.co.in

advisor@lorealindia.com

plmishra@in.loreal.com

Website :

http://www.loreal.co.in

http://www.loreal-finance.com

 

 

Administrative Office:

2nd Floor, Peninsula Park , Ganpatrao Kadam Marg, lower parel, Mumbai – 400 013, Maharashtra

Tel. No.:

91-22 - 24983000

Fax No.:

91-22-24953798

E Mail:

plmishra@in.loreal.com

 

 

Factory 1 :

Umbergaon, Gujarat

 

 

Factory 2 :

Gut No. 426, Chakan Talegaon Road, Mahalunge Ingle, Pune – 410 501, Maharashtra

 

DIRECTORS

 

Name

Mr. Didier F. Villamyeus (Foreign)

Designation

Managing Director

Address

Malabar Court, 3rd Floor, 14, BG Kher Marg, Mumbai – 400026, Maharashtra, India

Date of Birth :

23.06.1964

Date of Appointment

08-06-2001

DIN / PAN No. :

00502625

 

                                                                                    

Name

Mr. Dinesh Dayal

Designation

Wholetime Director

Address

73, Maker Tower 'A’ Cuffee Parade, Mumbai – 400 005, Maharashtra

Date of Appointment

08-06-2001

Date of Ceasing

12-06-2002

 

                

Name

Mr. Abhey Yograj

Designation

Director

Address

N-94, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi – 110 017, India

Date of Appointment

17-03-1995

 

 

Name

Mr. Husson Claude (Foreign)

Designation

Director

Address

104, Rue D. Aguesseau 92100, Boulogue

Date of Appointment

27-09-1996

Date of Ceasing

30.05.2005

 

 

Name

Mr. Evard Alain (Foreign)

Designation

Chairman cum Director

Address

6, Hemeau Du Golf 78590, Noisy Le R 01, France

Date of Appointment

31-12-1997

 

 

Name

Mr. Eric Delamare (Foreign)

Designation

Managing Director

Address

24, Rue Agrippa D’Aubigne 80 000, Amines, France

Date of Ceasing

31-05-2001

 

 

Name

Mr. Laurent Henri Schmitt

Designation

Director

Address

11 BD, Du General, Koenig, Neuilly – 92200

Date of Appointment:

30.05.2005

 

 

KEY EXECUTIVES

 

Name :

Mr. Padmalochan Mishra

Designation :

Secretary

Address :

EMP 1 / 403 Sector –I, moon Co –op-housing society, Thakur Village, Kandivali (East), Mumbai – 400 001

Date of Appointment :

01.02.2003

 

 

 

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS / SHAREHOLDING PATTERN

 

Names of Shareholders

No. of Shares

Mr. Loreal SA Body Corporate 

229500050

Laboratories Garnier (ET CIE)

50

 

Equity Shares Breakup (Percentage of Total Equity):

 

Sr No.

Category

Percentage

1

Foreign holdings (Foreign Institutional investor(s), foreign Companie(s), foreign financial institution(s), Non – resident (s) or Overseas corporate bodies or others.

100.00

 

 

BUSINESS DETAILS

 

Line of Business :

Manufacturing, importing and exporting of cosmetics, toiletries, personal and healthcare products such as hair shampoos, hair dyes, face creams, etc.

 

 

Products :

  • Hair Shampoos               
  • Hair Dye                        
  • Face Creams    

 

Item Code No. (ITC Code)

330510-90

Product Description:

Hair Shampoo

 

 

Item Code No. (ITC Code)

330590-40

Product description:

Hair Dye

 

 

Item Code No. (ITC Code)

330499-10

Product Description:

Face Creams

 

 

Brand Names :

L'Oreal Paris, Garnier and Maybelline New York

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

No. of Employees :

300

 

 

Bankers :

NA

 

 

 

Banking Relations :

-

 

 

Auditors :

 

Name :

Lovelock & Lewes

Chartered Accountant

Address :

1104, Raheja Chambers, Nariman Point, Mumbai – 400 021, Maharashtra

Tel. No.:

91-22-22824242 / 22834646

 

 

Subsidiaries :

  • Cosmetique Active International –France
  • Loreal Saipo SPA-Italy
  • Cobelsa Cosmeticos S.A. – Spain
  • L’oreal US Maybelline US/DIV
  • L’oreal US Retail –DIV
  • Loreal US Maybelline/MFG
  • Swan Beauties Private Limited – India
  • Yasulor Indonesia – Indonesia
  • L’oreal Indonesia-Indonesia
  • Loreal Singapore Pte. Limited. – Singapore
  • Loreal Australia – Australia
  • L’oreal South Korea – Korea
  • L’oreal Golden Limited
  • L’oreal USA Inc-U.S.A.
  • Elbelle – South Africa
  • Marigny Manufacturing Australia Pte. Limited
  • L’oreal Denmark A/S – Denmark
  • L’oreal Thailand Limited – Thailand
  • L’oreal Germany
  • L’oreal Philippines
  • L’oreal U.S.A. Matrix
  • Beauticos International – China
  • Frabel S.A. – Mexico
  • L’oreal Deutschland GMBH
  • L’oreal Finland
  • L’oreal Div. Productos Professionales SA – Spain
  • L’oreal Malaysia
  • L’oreal Polaska – Poland
  • Lai Mei – Cosmetics International Trading Cy Limited – China
  • L’oreal Canada
  • L’oreal New Zealand Limited
  • L’oreal Taiwan
  • L’oreal U.S.A. Product Inc.

 

 

 

Associates :

Vichy Laboratories

 

 

Parents Company :

L’Oreal S. A., France

 

 

CAPITAL STRUCTURE

 

Authorised Capital :

No. of Shares

Type

Value

Amount

230000000

Equity shares

Rs. 10/- each

Rs. 2300.000 millions

 

Issued, Subscribed & Paid-up Capital :

No. of Shares

Type

Value

Amount

229500100

Equity shares

Rs.10/- each

Rs. 2295.001 millions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL DATA

[all figures are in Rupees Millions]

 

ABRIDGED BALANCE SHEET

 

SOURCES OF FUNDS

 

31.12.2006

31.12.2005

31.12.2004

SHAREHOLDERS FUNDS

 

 

 

1] Share Capital

2295.001

2295.001

2295.001

2] Share Application Money

0.000

0.000

0.000

3] Reserves & Surplus

0.000

0.000

0.000

4] (Accumulated Losses)

[1211.357]

[1436.637]

(1458.595)

NETWORTH

1083.644

858.364

836.406

LOAN FUNDS

 

 

 

1] Secured Loans

0.000

0.000

0.000

2] Unsecured Loans

84.000

34.000

0.000

TOTAL BORROWING

84.000

34.000

0.000

DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES

0.000

0.000

0.000

 

 

 

 

TOTAL

1167.644

892.364

836.406

 

 

 

 

APPLICATION OF FUNDS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIXED ASSETS [Net Block]

810.565

653.738

558.298

Capital work-in-progress

149.509

97.852

63.165

 

 

 

 

INVESTMENT

0.000

0.000

0.000

DEFERREX TAX ASSETS

0.000

0.000

0.000

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS, LOANS & ADVANCES

 

 

 

 

Inventories

937.201

551.226

380.544

 

Sundry Debtors

91.673

40.340

20.720

 

Cash & Bank Balances

47.414

143.533

168.800

 

Other Current Assets

0.000

0.000

0.000

 

Loans & Advances

207.673

215.848

138.022

Total Current Assets

1283.961

950.947

708.086

Less : CURRENT LIABILITIES & PROVISIONS

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

1058.636

801.325

487.527

 

Provisions

17.755

8.848

5.616

Total Current Liabilities

1076.391

810.173

493.143

Net Current Assets

207.570

140.774

214.943

 

 

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES

0.000

0.000

0.000

 

 

 

 

TOTAL

1167.644

892.364

836.406

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROFIT & LOSS ACCOUNT

 

PARTICULARS

 

31.12.2006

31.12.2005

31.12.2004

Sales Turnover

5084.703

3648.558

2251.472            

Other Income

0.000

0.000

0.000

Total Income

5084.703

3648.558

2251.472

 

 

 

 

Profit/(Loss) Before Tax

1195.831

721.085

19.871

Provision for Taxation

--

--

--

Profit/(Loss) After Tax

1195.831

721.085

19.871

 

 

 

 

Export Value

-

-

61.036

 

 

 

 

Import Value

 

 

 

 
Raw Material and Packing Materials
NA
NA

197.394

 
Finished Goods

NA

NA

102.921

 
Capital Goods
NA
NA

6.481

Total Import

NA

NA

306.796

 

 

 

 

Expenditure :

 

 

 

Interest

0.260

0.000

0.000

Depreciation

111.404

79.052

0.000

Other Expenditure

3777.208

2848.421

2231.601

Total Expenditure

3888.872

2927.473

2231.601

 

 

KEY RATIOS

 

PARTICULARS

 

 

31.12.2006

31.12.2005

31.12.2004

PAT / Total Income

(%)

23.51
19.76
0.88

 

 

 
 
 

Net Profit Margin

(PBT/Sales)

(%)

23.51
19.76
0.88

 

 

 
 
 

Return on Total Assets

(PBT/Total Assets}

(%)

57.09
44.93
1.57

 

 

 
 
 

Return on Investment (ROI)

(PBT/Networth)

 

1.10
0.84
0.02

 

 

 
 
 

Debt Equity Ratio

(Total Liability/Networth)

 

1.07
0.98
1.59

 

 

 
 
 

Current Ratio

(Current Asset/Current Liability)

 

1.19
1.17
1.44

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOCAL AGENCY FURTHER INFORMATION

 

HISTORY

The name of the company was changed to Indelor India Private Limited with effect from 4th July, 1996. 

 

Again, the name of the company was changed to the present with effect from 4th July, 2000.

 

In 1907, a young French chemist, Eugene Schueller, created an innovative and safe hair colour formula.  With this, the first principle of safe innovation in the interest of beauty was set and the story of L'Oreal began.  Two years later, Mr. Eugene Schuller registered his company, later to be named L'Oreal.  Subsequently, L'Oreal products were launched across Europe, thus beginning the worldwide expansion of the L'Oreal group, now present in over 150 countries.

 

FIXED ASSETS

The company’s valuable fixed assets include Land, Factory Building, Plant and Machinery, Furniture And Fixtures, Vehicles, Leasehold Improvements, Intangible Assets.

 

MILESTONES

 

1991

L'Oreal begins business in India with the launch of the Ultra Doux range by Laboratories Garnier, through an agent.

1994

Creation of Laboratories Garnier India, a 100% owned L'Oreal Subsidiary

1995

Laboratories Garnier introduced its first skincare product, Synergie, with the first anti-wrinkle cream on the Indian market.

1996

L'Oreal entered the haircolour market with Excellence Crème, the first brand signed L'Oreal Paris

1997

Creation of the Professional Products Division.  Set up of two technical centers in New Delhi and Mumbai.  Launch of Majirel Hair Colour

1998

Launch of Casting, Diacolor and Dulcia

1999

Launch of L'Oreal Paris make-up and skin care at select outlets

2000

(Subsidiary) company changed name from Indelor India to L'Oreal India.  Launch of Nutrisse Hair Colour by Laboratories Garnier.

2001

Launch of Series Expert Hair care by L'Oreal Professional.

2002

Launch of Active Cosmetics Department, with VICHY.

 

WEBSTIE DETAILS

 

L’Oreal For Young Women In Science Scholarship Programme Opening the doors of higher education for girls

 

Mumbai, January 9th, 2008: L’Oreal, under the aegis of the “For Young Women In India Scholarship” programme had, today, organised a Seminar-cum-Panel Discussion about “The Role of Women In Science” and “Career Options for Women in Science” at the Ramnarain Ruia College auditorium.

 

‘L’Oréal India For Young Women in Science Scholarships’ were instituted by L’Oréal in 2003 to encourage young women to pursue scientific education. By fostering the education of young women, the programme helps reinforce the role of women in scientific disciplines.

 

The objective of the programme is to provide financial assistance to meritorious students in science for a period of four years of study in their chosen scientific field, at a recognised Indian University.

 

These scholarships are open to women under 19, who have passed the H.S.C. examination from Maharashtra in the academic year ending March 2008, with a minimum of 85% in PCM/PCB.

 

Each year, a scholarship of Rs. 250,000/- is granted to 5 promising young women from the state of Maharashtra. Candidates are short listed based on their marks in class 12 and on written essays about what they plan to do with their scholarships. They are then interviewed by a jury comprising of academicians and scientific personalities such as Prof Indira Nath, Dr. Snehalata Deshmukh, Prof Kavita Rege, to name a few.

 

Senior and recognised speakers from the field of science like Dr. K T Dinshaw, Dr. Indira Nath, Dr. Snehlata Deshmukh, Dr. Bhaktaver Mahajan and Prof. Prabhu-Gaunkar spoke to the junior college girls and also to a few parents who attended the seminar. While Dr. Dinshaw and Dr. Deshmukh spoke extensively about role of women in science and career options for women, Dr. Bhaktaver Mahajan and Prof. Prabhu-Gaunkar shared their views on the role of women in science with respect to their specific field of specialization.

 

Speaking at the occasion, Padma Shri Dr. K T Dinshaw, Director, Tata Memorial Centre said, “While women have been making their mark in the field of science for a long time now their numbers are still small. It is critical for all of us, especially parents, to encourage girls to achieve their dreams and support them in every way. We today have amongst us some of the girls who are on their way to achieving their dreams, thanks to the “L’Oreal Scholarship Programme. I am extremely proud of their achievements in the face of extreme adversities. They are the perfect role models for their generation and for the generations to follow.”

 

Padma Shri Dr. Indira Nath, Director of the Lepra BP Research Centre at Hyderabad said, “The L’Oréal Scholarship programme for girl students makes possible for some of the brightest girls from the lower socio economic strata to fulfill their dreams in becoming an engineer, doctor or a scientist. As a member of the selection team I am always humbled as well as excited by the girls and parents who have a clear vision of the future but are constrained due to lack of funds. L’Oréal is playing a small but important part to seeing that at least some dreams are fulfilled and the country gains another person to drive it forward.'

 

The students attending the seminar also got a chance to interact with some of the girls who are currently pursuing their studies under the scholarship programme.

 

Mr. Dinesh Dayal, COO, L’Oreal India Private Limited, “L'Oréal operates 16 research centres and 13 evaluation centres across the world and 55% of the 3000 researchers at L'Oréal are women. L’Oreal is committed to a research based approach for all its products. A testimony to this is the fact that L'Oréal designed and patented 120 molecules over the last 40 years and develops close to 4,000 formulas every year. L'Oréal, in the year 2006, filed over 550 patents.”

 

Mr. Dayal further added, “This scholarship programme was created under the framework of the “L’OREAL–UNESCO For Women in Science” international partnership which aims to promote women in scientific research by recognizing outstanding women researchers who have contributed to scientific progress across five continents: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and North America.”

 

The programme came to close with a felicitation ceremony of past scholarship winners who shared their experiences and thoughts.

The L'Oreal Group is also active in luxury goods and in the dermatological and pharmaceutical fields.

Clichy, Wednesday February 13th 2008                                                                                    

Strong growth in 2007 annual results

Sales up by +8.1%

Substantial improvement in operating profit: +11.3%

Strong growth in net earnings per share (1): +13%

Exceptional rise in net profit after minority interests: +28.9%

Strong increase in dividend (2): +16.9%

 

- The Board of Directors of L'Oréal met on February 13th 2008 under the chairmanship of Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones and in the presence of the Statutory Auditors. The Board closed the consolidated financial statements and the financial statements of the L'Oréal parent company for 2007.


Commenting on the annual results, Mr Jean-Paul Agon, Chief Executive Officer of L'Oréal, said:
"The Group's sales growth accelerated significantly in 2007 to reach +8% like-for-like, clearly faster than the growth of the worldwide cosmetics market; all divisions gained market share and the Group improved its positions on all continents.


The Group's results have once again advanced substantially and are of a very high quality.
Based on a comparable structure(3), operating profit grew by 90 basis points, thanks to an improvement in gross profit and strict cost control.


All divisions and zones contributed to this achievement. The profitability of the “Rest of the World” zone has increased considerably; in absolute value, it is at the same level as North America.
Despite the negative impact of currency fluctuations, which was more pronounced in the 4th quarter, net earnings per share growth was very strong at +13%. Based on identical exchange rates, this growth rate would have reached +15.9%.


As for 2008, we are optimistic despite the uncertainties of the economic environment. In fact, our business has always proven extremely resilient during periods of crisis, we intend to continue strengthening our positions and growing faster than the market, and the large proportion of our sales now made in new and very fast-growing markets is providing a powerful relay for our global growth. We are confident therefore about our ability in 2008 to once again achieve sales growth in our target range of +6% to +8 %, like-for-like.
"


- Furthermore, the Board of Directors has decided to propose to the Annual General Meeting on April 22nd 2008 the payment of a dividend of €1.38 per share, an increase of +16,9% compared with 2006.


At the end of the board meeting, Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones said: "2007 marks a further very strong increase in the Group's results, reflecting the quality of the management of Jean-Paul Agon and his teams.
The level of results achieved enables us to propose another substantial increase in dividend to the Annual General Meeting; in the space of five years, the dividend has more than doubled. This is further proof of the Group's confidence for the coming year
".



(1) Diluted net earnings per share based on net profit excluding non-recurrent items after minority interests.
(2) Dividend to be proposed to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on April 22nd 2008.
(3) Comparable structure basis: excluding The Body Shop, and excluding professional distribution to the hair salons in the United States.

 

Sales up by +8.1%

 

-          L'Oréal group sales at December 31st 2007 amounted to € 17.1 billion, up by +8.1% based on reported figures.

-         
Like-for-like (i.e. based on a comparable structure and identical exchange rates), the increase in the group's sales amounted to +8.0%.


The net impact of changes in consolidation, as a result of the acquisitions of The Body Shop, Sanoflore, Beauty Alliance, PureOlogy and Maly’s West amounted to +3.6%. The negative impact of currency fluctuations amounted to -3.5% over the full-year 2007. Growth excluding currency fluctuations amounted to +11.6%.


- The news release of January 24th 2008 sets out in detail the activity of the cosmetics divisions and the geographic zones for 2007. This news release is available on the site www.loreal-finance.com and can be downloaded.

- The table of sales by branch, division and geographic zone is provided in the appendix I.

 

Strong improvement in operating profit on a comparable structure basis

 

The group consolidated for the first time in 2007, over a full year, The Body Shop, together with the distributors of professional products to American hair salons. In the interest of visibility and comparability of the performance of the group, the table below sets out the consolidated profit and loss account excluding The Body Shop and excluding professional product distributors. In fact, these two businesses have an operating account structure which is different from that of the L'Oréal group.

 

Consolidated profit and loss account excluding The Body Shop and excluding professional distributors in the U.S.A.

 

€M

12.31.2006
Excluding
The Body Shop

As % of sales

12.31.2007
Excluding
The Body Shop
& Excluding USA
Professional
Distributors

As % of sales

 

Sales

15,355

100 %

16,110

100 %

 

Cost of sales

- 4,414

28.7 %

-4,592

28.5 %

 

Gross profit

10,941

71.3 %

11,518

71.5 %

+ 20 basis

points

Research and development

expenses

- 531

3.5 %

-557

3.5 %

 

Advertising and promotion

expenses

- 4,718

30.7 %

-4,950

30.7 %

 

Selling, general and

administrative expenses

- 3,153

20.5 %

-3,259

20.2 %

 

Foreign exchange gains and

losses

- 56

0.4%

10

0.1 %

 

Operating profit

2,483

16.2%

2,762

17.1 %

+ 90 basis

points

 

Excluding The Body Shop and excluding professional distribution in the USA, sales amounted to € 16,110m.


Gross profit represented 71.5% of sales, an increase of 20 basis points compared with 2006. This improvement becomes even more clearly visible if the corresponding proportion of exchange gains and losses is allocated to gross profit in 2007 and 2006, that is 78% of the total. Adjusted for this factor, gross margin advanced by 50 basis points compared with 2006, reflecting the continuous striving to enhance product value, constant efforts to improve plant productivity, and control of ingredient purchasing and packaging costs.


Research and development expenses remained stable as a percentage of sales at 3.5%. Advertising and promotion expenses represented 30.7% of sales in 2007, a level equivalent to 2006. This stability reflects an increase in volumes invested, improved cost management and more favourable media purchasing conditions.

Selling, general and administrative expenses represented 20.2% of sales, compared with 20.5% in 2006. This further improvement has been achieved through determined efforts in organisation, cost reduction and purchasing optimisation.

Operating profit amounted to € 2,762m, an increase of 11.3%. This represents 17.1% of sales, reflecting a further strong improvement in profitability.


2007 consolidated profit and loss account


From sales to operating profit

(including The Body Shop in 2006 and 2007 and professional distribution in the USA in 2007).

 

€M

12.31.2006

As % of sales

12.31.2007

As % of sales

Change

Sales

15,790

100%

17,063

100%

+8.1%

Cost of sales

- 4,569

28.9%

-4,941

29.0%

+8.1%

Gross profit

11,221

71.1%

12,122

71.0%

+8.0%

Research and development expenses

- 533

3.4%

-560

3.3%

+5.1%

Advertising and promotion expenses

- 4,783

30.3%

-5,127

30.0%

+7.2%

Selling, general and administrative expenses

- 3,309

21.0%

-3,618

21.2%

+9.3%

Foreign exchange gains and losses

- 55

0.3%

+10

0.1%

ns

Operating profit

2,541

16.1%

2,827

16.6%

+11.3%

 

Overall, the group's operating items, including The Body Shop and professional distribution in the USA can be summed up as follows:


- Sales amounted to €17,063m, up by +8.1%.

- Gross profit amounted to €12,122m, representing an increase of +8.0%.

- Operating profit, at 16.6% of sales in 2007, has increased by 11.3%, representing a strong improvement of 50 basis points.

 

Good contribution from all cosmetics divisions

 

Operating profit by branch and division

 

 

€M 2006

% of sales 2006

€M 2007

% of sales 2007

By operational division

 

 

 

 

Professional Products

443

20.8 %

502

21.0 %

Consumer Products

1,421

18.0 %

1,582

19.1 %

Luxury Products

776

20.6 %

844

21.5 %

Active Cosmetics

221

19.6 %

256

20.5 %

Cosmetics divisions total

2,860

19.1 %

3,180

20.0 %

Non-allocated(1)

- 437

2.9 %

-479

3.0 %

Cosmetics branch total

2,423

16.1 %

2,701

17.0 %

The Body Shop

58

13.4 %

64

8.1 %

Dermatology branch(2)

59

17.3 %

62

16.9 %

Group

2,541

16.1 %

2,827

16.6 %

 

(1) Non-allocated = Central group expenses, fundamental research expenses, stock option expenses and miscellaneous items. As % of total sales.

(2) Group share, i.e. 50%

 

 

The profitability of each cosmetic Division grew substantially in 2007:


The profitability of The Body Shop is not comparable year-on-year, because this business was only consolidated in the second half of 2006; and each year almost all the profit is made in the second half.

The profitability of the dermatology branch, Galderma, edged down slightly to 16.9% of sales, as a result of research investment decisions in the first half of 2007.


Strong increase in operating profitability in all geographic zones, particularly in the Rest of the World

 

Cosmetics Branch: Operating profit of geographic zones

 

 

Operating profit
€M 2006

Operating profit
% of sales 2006

Operating profit
€M 2007

Operating profit
% of sales 2007

Western Europe

1,527

21.8 %

1,633

22.5 %

North America

744

18.8 %

773

19.3 %

Rest of the world

589

14.5 %

774

16.6 %

Cosmetics zones total

2,860

19.1 %

3,180

20.0 %

 

 

Profitability clearly increased in each geographic zone in 2007, particularly in the "Rest of the World" zone.
The contribution of this zone, in absolute value, reached the same level as North America.


Strong growth in net earnings per share: +13.0%

 

Consolidated profit and loss account


From operating profit to net profit excluding non-recurrent items

 

In €m

12.31.2006

12.31.2007

Change

Operating profit

2,541

2,827

+11.3 %

Financial expense and income

- 120

- 182

 

Sanofi-Aventis dividends

218

250

 

Share in net profit (loss) of equity affiliates

- 1

-

 

Pre-tax profit excluding non-recurrent items

2,638

2,896

+9.8 %

Income tax excluding non-recurrent items

- 803

- 856

 

Minority interests

- 1

- 1

 

Net profit excluding non-recurrent items after minority interests (1)

1,833

2,039

+ 11.2 %

EPS (2) (in euros)

2.98

3.36

+13.0 %

Net profit after minority interests

2,061

2,656

+28.9 %

Diluted net profit per share (group share) (€)

3.35

4.38

+30.9%

Diluted average number of shares

615,723,220

606,012,471

 

 

(1) Net profit excluding non-recurrent items after minority interests does not include capital gains and losses on disposals of long-term assets, impairment of assets, restructuring costs, associated tax effects or minority interests.

(2) Diluted net earnings per share excluding non-recurrent items, after minority interests.

 

Finance costs increased from € 116m to € 174m in 2007. This reflects the cost of financing acquisitions, rising interest rates in the United States and Europe, and the continuation of the share buyback programme.

The dividends received from Sanofi-Aventis amounted to € 250m, an increase of 15% compared with 2006.

Tax amounted to € 856m.The tax rate in 2007 amounted to 29.5%, lower than in 2006 when the rate was 30.4%.

Overall, net profit excluding non-recurrent items after minority interests at € 2,039m, up by 11.2%.
After allowing for the positive effect of share buybacks, net earnings per share amounted to €3.36, up by +13.0%.

Exchange rate Impact : On an identical exchange rate translation basis, i.e. by applying the exchange rates recorded in 2007 to the 2006 figures, net earnings per share growth would have been +15.9%. This calculation shows the significant impact on the group's earnings of the strong currency fluctuations of 2007.

Exceptional growth in net profit after minority interests: +28.9%

Consolidated profit and loss account

From net profit excluding non-recurrent items to net profit

 

€M

31.12.2006

31.12.2007

Growth

Net profit excluding non-recurrent items after minority interests

1,833

2,039

+11.2 %

Non-recurrent items

228

617

N.C.

Net profit after minority interests

2,061

2,656

+28.9 %

Diluted earnings per share (€)

3.35

4.38

+30.9 %

 

After allowing for non-recurrent items, primarily the capital gain on the disposal of Sanofi-Aventis shares on November 14th 2007, net profit after minority interests amounted to € 2,656m, representing growth of approximately 29%.

 

Strong growth in cash flow : +12.9%

 

Cash flow at December 31st 2007 amounted to € 2,720m, up by some 13%. Working capital requirement remained well under control at € 76m. Capital expenditure at € 776m decreased slightly as a percentage of sales to 4.5% compared with 4.7% in 2006.


Net debt, at December 31st 2007, amounted to € 2,373m, some € 1 billion lower than on December 31st 2006. Gearing has been reduced significantly and is now 17.4%.

 

Proposed dividend increased by +16.9%

 

The Board of Directors has decided to propose that the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of April 22nd 2008 should approve a dividend of €1.38 per share, representing an increase of +16.9% compared with the dividend paid in 2007.

 

Important events during the period

Disposal of 1.8% stake in Sanofi-Aventis:


- On November 14th 2007, L’Oréal sold a stake of 1.8% in the capital of Sanofi-Aventis, representing approximately 25 million shares. The proceeds from this disposal, following which the group holds an 8.7% stake in Sanofi-Aventis, amounted to € 1.5 billion.



Acquisitions during the period:


- On April 12th 2007, the group subsidiary L’Oréal USA acquired 100% of Beauty Alliance, in which it had held a 30% minority share since July 2006. Beauty Alliance is one of the foremost American distributors of professional products to hair salons.


- On May 9th 2007, the group subsidiary L’Oréal USA acquired PureOlogy Research, a U.S. premium professional haircare brand.


- On July 11th 2007, the group subsidiary L’Oréal USA acquired 100% of Maly’s West, the number three U.S. distributor of professional products to hair salons.


- On November 15th 2007, L’Oréal concluded an agreement for the acquisition of 100% of Canan, a Turkish haircare products company. (This acquisition was concluded on January 25th 2008).


- On December 12th 2007, L’Oréal signed a collaboration agreement with the U.S. company Light Bio Science, in order to develop photomodulation appliances for skincare applications.


Share buybacks in 2007:


Pursuant to the authorisations approved by the Annual General Meetings of April 25th 2006 and April 24th 2007, the group bought back, from January 1st to December 31st 2007, 15.4 million of its own shares for a total of € 1.34 billion.

 

Research activities are focused on three subjects: skin, hair and color.

In the depth of skin

L'Oreal searches for the most innovative ways of providing skin with the elements essential to its equilibrium. Preserving the skin health, preventing the chronological aging and photoaging due to UV rays, transport active compounds in situ,so many areas of L'Oreal research.


Here are some examples of means employed to achieve these objectives:


Human Skin Models: L'Oreal Research teams have developed these three-dimensional cultures by introducing skin cell types such as keratinocytes, melanocytes and Langerhans cells.

 

Vectorisation: from liposomes to nanocapsules, these nanometric vectors improve the efficacy of care products.


Skin imaging: L'Oreal has improved imaging techniques over the last 30 years to enable the study of the skin and assess the effects of care products. Confocal microscopy, ultrasonic imaging and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are a few of the methods used by L'Oreal.

 

A pioneer in the field of hair study

For L'Oreal, hair is a real scientific adventure. Worldwide, its laboratories are engaged in research on the subject. Whether Caucasian, African or Asian hair, biologists are interested in the living follicle, while biophysicists and chemists are concerned by the fiber. Several generations of researchers have now gained unique scientific knowledge on hair and haircare products. Insight into how the hair is constituted has resulted in the development of :

 

 

·         longer-lasting hair color,

·         biomimetic molecules such as certain ceramides which ensure hair surface cells cohesion,

·         softer cleansing agents in shampoos and conditioners in the form of lacquer or gel


Studying the different intimate components of the hair follicle, by cultivating hair in vitro, is one of the aims of "hair biology" teams.

 
Color
Working at the cutting-edge of technology, L'Oreal Research is today investigating new make-up effects such as transforming colors by "trompe l'œil" optic phenomena.


In the field of haircolor, L'Oreal now uses an exclusive collection of 13,000 colorants.


Nature provides a valuable inspiration for finding new pigments using biotechnology.

 

Manufacturing

Production Policy

With 42 plants worldwide, more than 14,000 employees in manufacturing sites and over 3,9 billion units produced, the industrial organisation of L’Oréal is a dynamic contributor to the group's growth with a key role in ensuring sustainable development.


Control of supply chain : raw materials are developed and patented by L'Oréal Research, then analyzed and certified before utilization. Flexibility : new facilities, innovative systems and "just-in-time" production.


L'Oréal industry : a culture of quality 


Concern for the well-being of personnel and their safety.


Environmental conservation

 

The company has three divisions such as:

 

·         L'Oreal Consumer Products Division

·         L'Oreal Professional Products Division

·         Active Cosmetics Department

 

The Consumer Products Division houses the 3 leading international signatures - L'Oreal Paris, Garnier and Maybelline New York.  This division offers consumers high technology global brands, sold at competitive prices through retail markets.  It markets large product categories of hair care, hair colourants, skincare and make-up.

 

In India, the consumer division has been a pioneer in both products and merchandising by:

 

Launching the first ever Garnier Synergie Anti Wrinkle Cream, Eye Contour Gel and L'Oreal Excellence Hair Colour and the Maybelline Non Transfer Lipsticks.

The Professional Products Division is the world leader in its market.  It offers a range of haircare and haircolour products used by professional hairdressers and sold to consumers exclusively in salons.

 

The Active Cosmetics Department develops dermo-cosmetic healthcare brands for sale through pharmacies and specialist pharmacy outlets.

 

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 43A (2A) of the Companies Act, 1956 and Companies (Amendment) Act, 2000, the status of the company has been changed to private limited company with effect from 29th January, 2001.

 

The company has 5 International brands in the Hair Care, Hair Colour, Skin Care and Make Up categories.

 

Company’s fixed assets of important value includes plant & machinery, furniture & fixture, vehicles, leasehold improvements and distribution rights.

 

Consumer Products

The Consumer Products Division is dedicated to offering all consumers its high technology products at competitive prices through mass-market retailing channels. The Division’s brands develop haircare, skincare, make-up and perfume products that meet the aspirations of all of its customers.


The Division's 5 international brands are L'Oréal Paris, Garnier, Maybelline New York, Softsheen. Carson and Le Club des Créateurs de Beauté.

 

 

Professional Products

The Professional Products Division is at the service of hairdressers worldwide. Their complementary brands meet the requirements of salon professionals in colorants, hair care, texturing and styling formulas and provide salon customers with a wide range of innovative, high-performance products. The Professional Products Division of L’Oréal is made up of ftheir different brands: L'Oréal Professionnel, Kérastase, Redken 5th Avenue NYC and Matrix.

 

Luxury Products

The prestigious brands of the Luxury Products Division offer consumers top of the range products. Clients of selective retail outlets (department stores, perfumeries, travel retail outlets, and the brands own boutiques) receive personalized advice at the point of sale, enabling them to choose the products best suited to their needs.


Lancôme, Helena Rubinstein, Biotherm, shu uemura and Kiehl’s offer premium products known for their innovation, performance and quality. The Luxury Products division houses also some of the world's top perfume brands: Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren, Cacharel, Paloma Picasso and Guy Laroche.

 

Active Cosmetics

 

The Active Cosmetics Department designs and markets dermo-cosmetic skin care products that are sold in pharmacies and specialist retailers. These products offer consumers proven safety and effectiveness supported by advice from pharmacists and dermatologists.


The Department’s three brands, Vichy, La Roche Posay and innéov, offer skin care, sun care, hair care and make-up products.

 

 

 

 

 

 


CMT REPORT (Corruption, Money Laundering & Terrorism]

 

The Public Notice information has been collected from various sources including but not limited to: The Courts, India Prisons Service, Interpol, etc.

 

1]         INFORMATION ON DESIGNATED PARTY

No exist designating subject or any of its beneficial owners, controlling shareholders or senior officers as terrorist or terrorist organization or whom notice had been received that all financial transactions involving their assets have been blocked or convicted, found guilty or against whom a judgement or order had been entered in a proceedings for violating money-laundering, anti-corruption or bribery or international economic or anti-terrorism sanction laws or whose assets were seized, blocked, frozen or ordered forfeited for violation of money laundering or international anti-terrorism laws.

 

2]         Court Declaration :

No records exist to suggest that subject is or was the subject of any formal or informal allegations, prosecutions or other official proceeding for making any prohibited payments or other improper payments to government officials for engaging in prohibited transactions or with designated parties.

 

3]         Asset Declaration :

No records exist to suggest that the property or assets of the subject are derived from criminal conduct or a prohibited transaction.

 

4]         Record on Financial Crime :

            Charges or conviction registered against subject:                                                  None

 

5]         Records on Violation of Anti-Corruption Laws :

            Charges or investigation registered against subject:                                                          None

 

6]         Records on Int’l Anti-Money Laundering Laws/Standards :

            Charges or investigation registered against subject:                                                          None

 

7]         Criminal Records

No available information exist that suggest that subject or any of its principals have been formally charged or convicted by a competent governmental authority for any financial crime or under any formal investigation by a competent government authority for any violation of anti-corruption laws or international anti-money laundering laws or standard.

 

8]         Affiliation with Government :

No record exists to suggest that any director or indirect owners, controlling shareholders, director, officer or employee of the company is a government official or a family member or close business associate of a Government official.

 

9]         Compensation Package :

Our market survey revealed that the amount of compensation sought by the subject is fair and reasonable and comparable to compensation paid to others for similar services.

 

10]        Press Report :

            No press reports / filings exists on the subject.

 

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

MIRA INFORM as part of its Due Diligence do provide comments on Corporate Governance to identify management and governance. These factors often have been predictive and in some cases have created vulnerabilities to credit deterioration.

 

Our Governance Assessment focuses principally on the interactions between a company’s management, its Board of Directors, Shareholders and other financial stakeholders.

 

 

CONTRAVENTION

 

Subject is not known to have contravened any existing local laws, regulations or policies that prohibit, restrict or otherwise affect the terms and conditions that could be included in the agreement with the subject.

 

 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES

 

Currency

Unit

Indian Rupees

US Dollar

1

Rs.42.84

UK Pound

1

Rs.84.78

Euro

1

Rs.67.32

 

 

RATING EXPLANATIONS

 

RATING

STATUS

 

 

PROPOSED CREDIT LINE

>86

Aaa

Possesses an extremely sound financial base with the strongest capability for timely payment of interest and principal sums

 

Unlimited

71-85

Aa

Possesses adequate working capital. No caution needed for credit transaction. It has above average (strong) capability for payment of interest and principal sums

 

Large

56-70

A

Financial & operational base are regarded healthy. General unfavourable factors will not cause fatal effect. Satisfactory capability for payment of interest and principal sums

 

Fairly Large

41-55

Ba

Overall operation is considered normal. Capable to meet normal commitments.

 

Satisfactory

26-40

B

Unfavourable & favourable factors carry similar weight in credit consideration. Capability to overcome financial difficulties seems comparatively below average/normal.

 

Small

11-25

Ca

Adverse factors are apparent. Repayment of interest and principal sums in default or expected to be in default upon maturity

 

Limited with full security

<10

C

Absolute credit risk exists. Caution needed to be exercised

 

 

Credit not recommended

NR

In view of the lack of information, we have no basis upon which to recommend credit dealings

No Rating

 

 

 

PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL : This information is provided to you at your request, you having employed MIPL for such purpose. You will use the information as aid only in determining the propriety of giving credit and generally as an aid to your business and for no other purpose. You will hold the information in strict confidence, and shall not reveal it or make it known to the subject persons, firms or corporations or to any other. MIPL does not warrant the correctness of the information as you hold it free of any liability whatsoever. You will be liable to and indemnify MIPL for any loss, damage or expense, occasioned by your breach or non observance of any one, or more of these conditions