Düsseldorf, May 11, 2026 /PR Newswire/ — Henkel released its financial results for the first quarter of 2026. The Group recorded quarterly sales of 4.952 billion euros (approximately 5.0 billion euros), representing a nominal year-on-year decline of 5.5%, while organic sales achieved a solid growth of 1.7%. Both sales volume and pricing posted positive growth, marking a sound start to the fiscal year.

1. Core Performance Overview

Nominal sales declined due to foreign exchange fluctuations and asset disposals. Both core business divisions delivered organic growth: Adhesive Technologies grew by 1.7% and Consumer Brands by 1.8%.

Performance varied significantly by region: India, Middle East & Africa (+12.8%) and Asia-Pacific (+10.3%) recorded robust growth; organic sales declined in Europe (-3.4%) and Latin America (-3.1%), while North America posted a mild increase of 0.9%.

2. Performance of Two Core Business Divisions

2.1 Adhesive Technologies

Quarterly sales stood at 2.627 billion euros, down 3.2% nominally year-on-year, with organic growth of 1.7%.

Mobility & Electronics emerged as the key growth driver with a rise of 6.7%, supported by strong performance in electronics and industrial businesses, while the automotive business declined amid industry headwinds. Packaging & Consumer Goods grew slightly by 0.5%, and Craftsmen & Construction-related businesses fell by 2.3%. By region, Asia-Pacific as well as the Middle East and Africa achieved strong growth, whereas the European market remained weak.

2.2 Consumer Brands

Quarterly sales reached 2.285 billion euros, a nominal year-on-year drop of 8.0%, with organic growth of 1.8%.

In segment performance, the Hair Beauty business stood out with organic sales growth of 5.1%, seeing positive momentum across both retail and professional channels. Laundry & Home Care edged up 0.1% with notable growth in dish care products, and other consumer goods businesses rose moderately by 0.5%. All regions except Europe achieved organic sales growth.

3. Strategic Business Initiatives

The company’s M&A strategy delivered outstanding results. Henkel advanced five strategic mergers and acquisitions, adding approximately 1.6 billion euros in combined sales, among which three transactions have been successfully completed. At the end of March, the company concluded its 1.0-billion-euro share buyback program.

Carsten Knobel, CEO of Henkel, stated that amid a complex market environment, the two business divisions achieved coordinated development alongside ongoing M&A expansion, keeping the company on track for steady profit growth.

4. 2026 Fiscal Year Outlook (Maintained Previous Guidance)

1. Sales Growth: Group organic sales growth to range between 1.0% and 3.0%; Adhesive Technologies between 1.0% and 3.0%, and Consumer Brands between 0.5% and 2.5%.
2. Profitability: Group adjusted return on sales to stand at 14.5%–16.0%; Adhesive Technologies at 16.5%–18.0%, and Consumer Brands at 14.0%–15.5%.
3. Earnings Metrics: Adjusted preferred earnings per share expected to rise by low to mid-single digits at constant currency.
4. Other Expectations: M&A activities to provide a modest positive contribution to nominal sales; foreign currency translation to exert a low single-digit negative impact; raw material prices to rise in the high single digits; annual restructuring costs to amount to 150–200 million euros, and capital expenditure on fixed assets and intangible assets to reach 650–750 million euros.

5. Corporate Profile

Founded in 1876, Henkel employs around 47,000 people worldwide. Its flagship brands include Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. The company holds a leading global position in adhesives, with its consumer business focusing on hair care and personal care segments. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German DAX Index. In fiscal 2025, the Group generated sales of 20.5 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of 3.0 billion euros, maintaining a solid financial position and a comprehensive sustainable development framework.

Note: This release contains forward-looking statements. Future performance is subject to uncertainties arising from uncontrollable factors such as market and industry conditions. Certain indicators herein represent non-GAAP supplementary financial measures.