In fiscal 2009, Henkel generated sales of 13,573 million euros. In a generally difficult market environment, this amounts to a decrease of 3.9% compared to the previous year. In organic terms, which is to say adjusted for foreign exchange and acquisitions/divestments, sales decreased by 3.5% versus prior year. After a substantial decline in sales in the first quarter caused by the economic crisis, the subsequent quarters were characterized by a gradual recovery. However, developments at the company’s three business sectors continued to show a very mixed picture. While the consumer goods businesses of Laundry & Home Care and Cosmetics/Toiletries continued to perform very well with organic growth rates of 2.9% and 3.5% respectively, sales of the Adhesive Technologies business sector decreased organically by 10.2% due to the difficulties encountered in major customer industries worldwide.

Operating profit (EBIT) increased by 38.6% from 779 million euros to 1,080 million euros. The comparable prior-year figure was burdened by restructuring charges resulting from the company’s “Global Excellence” efficiency enhancement program. After adjusting for one-time gains and charges and restructuring charges totaling 284 million euros, operating profit decreased by 6.6%, from 1,460 million euros to 1,364 million euros, attributable to the downturn suffered by the Adhesive Technologies business sector.

Return on sales (EBIT margin) was 8.0%, while adjusted return on sales decreased slightly from 10.3% to 10.0% due to the margin decline at Adhesive Technologies. By contrast, adjusted return on sales of the consumer goods businesses Laundry & Home Care and Cosmetics/Toiletries improved to 12.8% and 12.9% respectively.

For more information, visit www.henkel.com/ir.