Henkel shows positive trend in Q2 – Consumer businesses report continued success

“Again in the second quarter of 2009, Henkel felt the effects of the continuing world economic recession. Nevertheless, all our business sectors were again able to outstrip their relevant markets,” said Kasper Rorsted, Chairman of the Henkel Management Board. “Our Laundry & Home Care business sector actually surpassed the good results of the first quarter, while Cosmetics/Toiletries again showed a very positive performance. Compared to the first quarter, we also registered an improvement at Adhesive Technologies.” Rorsted continued: “These developments are attributable to the countermeasures we were able to put in place early on. Hence we remain firmly convinced 2009 will not be a lost year. Rather, it will be a major step toward achieving our long-term objectives.” Henkel achieved sales of 3,485 million euros in the second quarter of 2009. Due primarily to the restructuring charges burden on the results of the prior-year quarter, operating profit (EBIT) increased by 145 percent, from 113 million euros to 279 million euros. After adjusting for one-time gains/charges and restructuring charges, adjusted operating profit (“adjusted EBIT”) decreased by 17.2 percent, from 372 million euros to 308 million euros. This is largely attributable to the decrease in earnings at Adhesive Technologies.