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Düsseldorf (dpa) - The increasing global demand for industrial adhesives and the success of classics such as Persil, Pril and Bref gave Henkel a tailwind in the first quarter.

After a strong start to the year, the consumer goods manufacturer increased its sales and earnings forecast for the full year on Thursday.

"In view of a stronger than originally expected recovery in industrial demand, we are confident about the rest of the year, despite the ongoing uncertainties in our markets," said Henkel boss Carsten Knobel in Düsseldorf on Thursday.

At first glance, the branded company's sales grew rather modestly in the first quarter - by 0.8 percent to around 5 billion euros.

But massive currency effects distorted the picture.

Organically - i.e. adjusted for currency effects as well as acquisitions and sales - sales growth was 7.7 percent.

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The strongest growth driver was the adhesives business with organic sales growth of 13 percent.

With its adhesives for the automotive, electronics and craft industries, Henkel benefited from the significant recovery in global industrial production.

But things did not go badly for the Düsseldorf branded goods company in the consumer business either.

The Laundry & Home Care division increased its sales by 4.1 percent.

The core brands Persil, Pril, Bref and Somat even achieved double-digit growth.

The cosmetics sector grew by 2.3 percent.

Business with hair colorants and hair care products was particularly good.

In the styling area, on the other hand, demand was noticeably below the previous year's level due to the pandemic.

Henkel's hairdressing business benefited from significantly increased demand in North America and China.

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Henkel also made progress in expanding its online business.

A total of 17 percent of Henkel's sales in the first quarter were already achieved digitally, said Knobel.

This means that the online share has increased by over 50 percent within 12 months.

In view of the successful start to 2021, Henkel also raised its forecast for the full year.

Here the group now expects sales growth of four to six percent.

So far, the brand manufacturer had assumed two to five percent.

Henkel was also somewhat more optimistic about the adjusted operating margin (EBIT) and earnings per preferred share adjusted for special effects and currency fluctuations.

The company did not provide any information on the results in the first quarter.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210506-99-493136 / 2

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