4th-Quarter Loss Narrows at Revlon

Revlon Inc., the cosmetics maker controlled by financier Ronald Perelman, said its fourth-quarter loss narrowed because of cost cutting but forecast sales this quarter will decline.

The third-largest U.S. makeup company had a loss from operations of $24.7 million, or 47 cents a share, compared with a loss of $51.3 million, or 98 cents, a year ago. Sales rose 6% to $332.5 million, the first increase in almost two years.

Chief Executive Jack Stahl, who took over last week, said he is focused on boosting revenue and retaking sales lost to rivals L’Oreal and Procter & Gamble Co.’s Cover Girl line.

Shares of New York-based Revlon rose 50 cents to close at $5.30 on the NYSE.