Henkel posts sales of around EUR 5.3 billion in first quarter

Henkel achieved Group sales of approximately EUR 5.3 billion in the first quarter of 2024 and recorded strong organic sales growth of 3.0%. This increase resulted from positive price changes in both business units. Henkel CEO Carsten Knobel said: "We made a very good start to the year. In addition, we completed the acquisitions of 'Seal for Life Industries' and 'Vidal Sassoon' in China faster than expected, further strengthening our business. In light of these developments, we significantly raised our sales and profitability forecasts for 2024 last week. This demonstrates that we have a clear strategy and are implementing it rigorously. We are delivering on our commitments and on the right path to achieve profitable growth." he said. [caption id="attachment_161388" align="aligncenter"] Henkel CEO Carsten Knobel[/caption] The Adhesive Technologies business unit's positive organic sales growth in the first quarter stemmed particularly from strong organic sales growth in the Mobility and Electronics business area. The very strong organic sales growth in the Consumer Brands business unit was supported by all business areas, notably with contributions from the Hair business.

Group-Wide Sales Performance

Organic sales growth in the Europe region amounted to 2.5% in the first quarter. IMEA region sales increased organically by 26.9%. In the Asia-Pacific region, organic sales growth reached 3.5%.

Adhesive Technologies Sales Performance

The Adhesive Technologies business unit generated sales of EUR 2.677 billion in the first quarter of 2024. Organically, sales increased by 1.3% compared to the first quarter of 2023. Positive developments were recorded in both price and volume. The positive organic sales development of the Adhesive Technologies business unit in the first quarter stemmed particularly from the Mobility and Electronics business area, which recorded strong sales growth of 3.7%. This growth was driven by contributions from the Automotive and Electronics business lines. The Packaging business line benefited from early signs of improvement in demand, achieving positive growth. Organic sales growth in the Hardware, Construction and Professional business area was 0.3% compared to the prior year quarter. This was supported notably by the Construction business line, which achieved strong growth.

Consumer Brands Sales Performance

In the Consumer Brands business unit, sales in the first quarter of 2024 reached EUR 2.605 billion. Organically, sales increased by 5.2%. In the first quarter, the Laundry and Home Care business area achieved very strong organic sales growth of 4.6%. In the Laundry business line, strong growth was recorded, particularly driven by double-digit increases in the 'Delicate Care' category. In the Home Care business line, significant organic sales growth was achieved, supported notably by double-digit sales increases in the 'Toilet Care' category and very strong growth in the 'Dishwashing' category. The Hair business area achieved very strong organic growth of 6.9%. Consumer Products generated significant growth, particularly thanks to the Hair Styling category. The Professional business area achieved very strong organic growth. Other areas of the Consumer Business Units provided strong sales growth of 3.4%.