L'Oreal sales miss targets in Asia while North American demand remains strong
L'Oreal reported six percent sales growth today as strong North American demand offset weak Asian results. Shares fell after China growth missed expectations.
Insights:
L'Oreal reported that its fourth-quarter sales rose by 6% overall, supported by strong demand in Europe and North America, though a significant miss in North Asia dampened the results. For the period ending today, February 12, 2026, the company saw sales in North Asia grow by just 0.6%, falling well short of the 5.6% growth projected by the Visible Alpha consensus. This regional performance is critical as North Asia represents approximately one-quarter of the group's total revenues.
In contrast, the market in the United States 
US remained a bright spot, with North America sales increasing by 8.6%. This disparity underscores an uneven recovery across the largest markets for L'Oreal and has directly influenced investor assessment of the group's near-term sales momentum. The shortfall in North Asia, particularly affecting China 
CN, contributed to an immediate market reaction in the company's shares following the completed earnings release.
US remained a bright spot, with North America sales increasing by 8.6%. This disparity underscores an uneven recovery across the largest markets for L'Oreal and has directly influenced investor assessment of the group's near-term sales momentum. The shortfall in North Asia, particularly affecting China CN, contributed to an immediate market reaction in the company's shares following the completed earnings release.
