Beiersdorf Remains Steady Through Nine Months

Beiersdorfhas reported its sales performance for the first nine months of 2009.

“Following the decline in business in the first months of the year, Beiersdorf was able to improve its sales trend in both business segments in the third quarter. Organic growth in the consumer business segment was 0.9% up on the high prior-year level. At 11.1%, the consumer EBIT margin is on a good course,” noted Thomas-B. Quaas, chairman of the executive board of Beiersdorf AG.

In the first nine months of 2009, organic sales for the consumer business segment—which includes its personal care and beauty brands such as Eucerin, Nivea, 8×4 and LaPrairie—were approximately $5.6 billion. Sales, when adjusted for currency translation, dropped 1.3%, however organic sales were up 0.9%, according to the company.

For full-year 2009, Beiersdorf is lifting its outlook, stating that despite the ongoing difficulties, the consumer business will grow faster than the market, as planned, and will gain market share.

“We are expecting an EBIT margin for the consumer business segment of roughly 11%,” said Mr. Quaas. The segment will reach sales slightly in excess of the previous year with organic growth expected in China, Russia, and Brazil in particular.

Beiersdorfintends to maintain its budgets for research and development and its marketing expenses going forward. The beginning of next year will see the market launch of Eucerin Aquaporin Active, billed as a next-generation moisturizer aimed at further extending the brand’s market share in the facial skin care market.