The Consumer Business Segment substantially increased its sales again in 2017. Contrary to overall developments
within the sector, the business segment experienced strong growth particularly in the fourth quarter. Organic sales
growth was 4.7%. On a nominal basis, sales rose by 3.4%, from €5.606 billion to €5.799 billion. NIVEA increased sales
by 4.5%, Eucerin by 3.4%, Hansaplast by 3.8%, and La Prairie by 11.5%.
All regions contributed to the sales growth.
In Europe, sales were up 2.2%. Sales in Western Europe exceeded the prior-year figure by 1.8%. In Eastern Europe,
Consumer boosted its sales by 3.8%.
Sales in the Americas region increased by 4.0%. Sales rose by 1.7% in North America and by 5.5% in Latin America.
In the Africa/Asia/Australia region, Beiersdorf lifted sales by 9.2%. Solid growth was achieved in China.
EBIT improved to the record figure of €881 million following €829 million in 2016. This corresponds to an EBIT margin
of 15.2%, compared to last year’s 14.8%.