Henkel accelerates H1 sales growth

German consumer goods and adhesives group Henkel reported a stronger-than-expected rise in profitability for the first half of 2025, driven by improved margins and a recovery in sales during the second quarter.

The company raised its earnings outlook for the year but trimmed its forecast for revenue growth, citing continued weakness in parts of its global market.

Henkel said group sales totalled €10.4 billion in the first six months of the year, broadly flat on an organic basis compared to the same period in 2024. While sales growth in the first quarter was sluggish, the company saw a noticeable pick-up in the second quarter, with organic sales rising 0.9%, supported by a rebound in its Consumer Brands division and steady performance in its industrial Adhesive Technologies unit.

Profitability, however, showed clearer momentum. Adjusted operating profit (EBIT) edged up to €1.614 billion, and the company’s adjusted EBIT margin rose to 15.5%, from 14.9% a year earlier. Earnings per preferred share increased to €2.81, up 1.1% year-on-year, and 5% when adjusted for currency effects.

CEO Carsten Knobel said Henkel had demonstrated resilience in a challenging macroeconomic environment. “We achieved a significant improvement in sales in the second quarter, particularly in our Consumer Brands division, while also significantly boosting profitability across both business units,” he said. “Our transformation is progressing well, and we are on a clear path toward further profitable growth.”

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