Beiersdorf is optimistic for 2014. The German group modifies its sales forecast for 2024 in view of record sales figures for Nivea in the first quarter of the year. Beiersdorf expects sales growth to be between 6% and 8% and is up 1 to 3 points from the initial sales forecast.
The company has also used this press release to announce that it also expects last year's EBITDA to be exceeded or at least maintained at the same level.
Sales of the skin care division increased by 10% in the first quarter, which offset the effects of the decline in sales of its adhesives and dressings business.
Beiersdorf's CEO was pleased with the start of 2024: "Beiersdorf has made an outstanding start to 2024. All our major Consumer brands achieved growth in the first quarter. NIVEA's strong double-digit growth boosted our portfolio here with sales increases across the board, especially in Europe and the Emerging Markets. NIVEA also achieved its best quarter ever in absolute value terms in the first quarter. This underlines the enduring global popularity of our icon. At the same time, our Derma business contributed solid double-digit growth, and the luxury business is on track for the expected full recovery after a challenging year 2023. This level of performance in the first quarter reinforces our ongoing aspiration for profitable growth, and we raise our full year sales guidance."
The company also said Derma Eucerin and Aquaphor revenues were up 10.2%, while La Prairie's turnover was up 1%. In terms of geographic areas, the company's revenues were 1.176 billion in Europe, up 8.7% year-on-year; 685 million in the Americas, up 6.1%; and 743 million in Africa, down 1.4%.