Henkel generated Group sales of around € 5.3 billion in the first quarter of 2024, achieving strong organic sales growth of 3 percent. The Adhesive Technologies business unit recorded sales of around € 2.7 billion and positive organic sales growth of 1.3 percent. The Consumer Brands business unit achieved sales of € 2.6 billion and very strong organic sales growth of 5.2 percent.

Based on the very good business performance in the year to date and the assumptions for the remainder of the year, the Management Board of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA decided to raise the outlook for the current financial year, which was published at the beginning of March.

“The very good start to the year and today's increase in the full-year outlook demonstrate very clearly that we are on the right track with our growth agenda. We have always pointed out that we want to deliver. And that is what we are doing. The changes initiated in both business units are showing clear results”, said Carsten Knobel, CEO of Henkel.

The increased expectations for 2024 are supported by both business units. In Adhesive Technologies, the overall more robust business and gross margin development in a persistently challenging market environment as well as the market recovery in the Electronics business have a positive impact on earnings performance.

In the Consumer Brands business unit, the implementation of strategic measures and initiatives is having a positive impact on sales, gross margins and earnings. This development is supported by the very strong performance of the Hair business, the continued implementation of portfolio measures and the strong development of core brands and innovations. At the same time, Henkel continues its investments in innovation and particularly in marketing at elevated levels to fuel further growth.

Henkel has also updated its expectations regarding the effects of acquisitions/divestments as well as currencies on sales. The most recent acquisitions – Seal for Life Industries and Vidal Sassoon in China – were closed faster than anticipated, thus contributing earlier to sales and earnings development.