L’Oréal earnings

Profit before capital gains and losses and after minority interests jumps 19.6% to $1.07 bil. (€1=$.87) in 2001, L'Oréal says in 1Feb. 22 announcement. Growth is attributed to "brand-related initiatives" combined with strong sales in international markets such as China, where sales grew by 26% and Russia, where sales increased 52%, the French beauty marketer adds. During the year, product initiatives, such as Garnier Lumia hair color and Lancôme Absolue skin care successfully targeted new consumers, the company notes. Matrix, Carson and Kiehl's brands, acquired in 2000, produced sales of $455.3 mil. in 2001. L'Oreal released 2001 consolidated sales of $12.06 bil., up 8.4%, in January (2"The Rose Sheet" Jan. 28, 2002, In Brief)...