Henkel kicked off fiscal 2026 with stronger-than-expected momentum, posting solid organic sales growth in the first quarter as both of its core business units delivered gains in price and volume despite a difficult global environment.
The German consumer goods and industrial giant reported Group sales of around 5 billion euros for the January-to-March period, with organic sales growth reaching 1.7 percent.
Growth was balanced across the company’s two major divisions: Adhesive Technologies posted organic sales growth of 1.7 percent. Consumer Brands delivered organic sales growth of 1.8 percent
Henkel also accelerated its acquisition drive, announcing five transactions with a combined sales volume of roughly 1.6 billion euros. Three of those deals — including acquisitions involving Wetherby Laroc, ATP Adhesive Systems, and Not Your Mother’s — have already been completed.
The company additionally confirmed it wrapped up its approximately 1 billion euro share buyback program at the end of March.
“In a challenging environment, we delivered good organic sales growth in the first quarter, driven by both business units. We achieved price and volume growth in both Adhesive Technologies and Consumer Brands,” said Henkel CEO Carsten Knobel.
“At the same time, we are consistently executing our strategic agenda and investing in the expansion of our businesses. This also includes the recently announced acquisitions in both business units, which together represent almost 1.6 billion euros in additional sales. In the meantime, we have already successfully closed three of the five transactions.
"The outlook for 2026 remains unchanged. We continue to see Henkel well on track for sustainable, profitable growth,” continued Carsten Knobel.
Henkel left its full-year 2026 guidance unchanged, forecasting: Organic sales growth of 1.0 to 3.0 percent. Adjusted return on sales of 14.5 to 16.0 percent.
The steady start to the year signals confidence from management that Henkel can continue expanding profitably even as economic pressures persist across global markets.
