The profit and loss statements of a company and the balance sheet must be prepared in order to arrive at a clear picture of the company’s financial stability. It is vital to note that the two refer to very different statements of financial information, with significant differences in the data recorded in each. However, the two are related to in each other in that the balances recorded in the balance sheet are directly affected by changes in the financial information recorded in the profit and loss statement. The balance sheet is a statement of financial position. Sales in North America increased 2.3%, declined 4.6% in Western Europe, and increased 6% in the rest of the world year over year. Sales in all divisions except consumer products decreased. Consumer product sales increased 1.5% to €8.5 billion. Active Cosmetics reported the steepest decrease in sales of 4.3% from 2008. Western Europe experienced -6.3% like for like growth as a result of poor performance in Spain and in retail travel. North America reported -3.4% like for like growth due to tough economic conditions. The professional products division did have a good year in gaining market share in the region. The Rest of World regional segment experienced strong growth with double digit growth in China, South Korea, Argentina, Chile, India, and South Africa. Of all L'Oreal's divisions, consumer products had the biggest sales increase of 3.2%. This was due to larger invoices in skin care and in particular by the Garnier and Maybelline brands. Luxury products was the worst performing division with -9.0% like for like growth. The weakness of the perfume market and the economic conditions in Western European market in which the division's brands are leaders affected performance. The Body Shops ended the year with 0.7% like for like growth with retail sales growing by 1%. Comparable store sales were down 0.6%.