L’Oréal reported a 4.2% rise in Q3 like-for-like sales to 10.3 billion euros ($11.0 billion), accelerating from the previous quarter but missing the 4.9% growth analysts forecast. The underperformance stemmed from weaker North American results, where sales grew just 1.4%. The company noted a positive turnaround in China, which recorded single-digit growth for the first time in two years, driven by luxury beauty segment recovery. CEO Nicolas Hieronimus expressed confidence in outperforming the market, highlighting innovation and acquisitions. The report follows L’Oréal's $4.7 billion deal to acquire Kering’s beauty business, including future Gucci fragrance license rights.