Hamburg, August 6, 2019 – Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, continued its growth path in the first half of 2019. The Group generated organic sales growth of 4.8% in the first six months of the year. Sales were up 6.2% in nominal terms, from €3,613 million to €3,837 million. The Group achieved earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) and special factors of €593 million (previous year: €585 million). Impacted by the C.A.R.E.+ investments, the EBIT margin excluding special factors was 15.4% (previous year: 16.2%). Special factors of €11 million related to expenditure for the acquisition of the CoppertoneTM business. The guidance for 2019 is confirmed.
“The consumer goods industry is undergoing a historical disruption. Our entire business model needs timely adaptation due to new market realities and fast-changing technology developments. Our response to these disruptions is our C.A.R.E.+ strategy. The results of the first six months show that we are on track. We see that the needle is moving in the right direction – throughout the entire business. Our commitment is to outperform the market, create added value for our consumers with accretive innovations, and ensure sustainable profitability. In the second quarter, we consistently drove forward the implementation of our strategic priorities. The agreed acquisition of CoppertoneTM is the first major milestone in C.A.R.E.+, with which we are strengthening our global position in a strategically important growth area. It underlines our continuous focus on competitive, sustainable growth,” said Stefan De Loecker, CEO of Beiersdorf AG.