Henkel Reports Strong Sales Performance in First Quarter of 2020

Henkel demonstrated strong sales performance in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 despite the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Group-wide sales declined nominally by only 0.8% to EUR 4.9 billion. On an organic basis, sales also fell 0.9% compared to the same period last year. A significant decline in demand, largely from the automotive sector, adversely affected Adhesive Technologies. The mandatory closure of hair salons in many countries had a negative impact on the Professional Business Unit. Beauty Care sales also showed decline over the year. Branded Consumer Products maintained its organic sales growth performance, achieving the same level as the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

Laundry and Home Care showed strong organic sales growth

In the first quarter of 2020, sales in the Laundry and Home Care Business Unit increased nominally from EUR 1.667 billion in the same quarter last year to EUR 1.755 billion, representing growth of 5.3%. Strong organic sales growth of 5.5% was volume-driven. Currency effects impacted sales by -0.2%. Acquisitions and divestitures had no material impact on sales performance. The Laundry Care Business Unit demonstrated very successful performance, largely as a result of an active approach to innovation. Strong organic sales growth in this unit was driven by Persil, Henkel's leading brand, which achieved double-digit percentage increases in sales. All, the company's largest brand in North America, similarly delivered extremely strong performance. Organic growth in the Home Care business area was also achieved at double-digit percentage rates, largely as a result of double-digit increases in the Pril, Bref and Somat brand families.