Revlon
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
Has become "the number one manufacturer" in the U.S. mass market color cosmetics category based on A.C. Nielsen data, the firm reported April 29. The "achievement" can be attributed to the "continued success of both the Revlon and Almay franchises," the firm stated. According to the Nielsen data, the Revlon brand holds 22% of the cosmetics market, and Almay controls 8.5%, which combined move the company to its top spot. Almay also became the "fastest growing cosmetic brand" for the period, according to the firm. U.S. sales increased 12.8% to $319.2 mil. for first quarter, including the "favorable impact" of the merger of the firm's Prestige Fragrance and Cosmetic division with The Cosmetic Center in 1997. The firm's latest product introduction, MoistureStay lipcolor, and the launch of three new ColorStay items also helped bolster sales in the period. Consolidated sales rose 8.4% to $534. mil., while operating income grew 42.4% to $24.5 mil. for the three-month period. International sales edged up 2.4% to $215.1 mil...