Henkel has outlined continued growth plans for 2026, alongside a €1.6 billion acquisition push across its core business units, as it prepares for its Annual General Meeting later this month.
The update comes from the advance publication of the CEO report ahead of the AGM scheduled for April 27 in Düsseldorf. It reflects the company’s performance in 2025 and its direction for the year ahead.
Henkel said 2025 delivered solid progress despite a difficult operating environment. Ongoing geopolitical tensions and higher costs continued to weigh on consumer sentiment and industrial demand. Even so, the group reported that key targets were met or exceeded, with further progress in its ongoing transformation programme.
A central focus is expansion through acquisitions. In the first quarter of 2026, Henkel confirmed a series of deals across its Adhesive Technologies and Consumer Brands divisions, with a combined sales volume of around €1.6 billion. These moves are aimed at strengthening market positions and supporting long-term earnings growth.
The company also signalled a stable financial position, proposing a dividend increase to €2.07 per preferred share and €2.05 per ordinary share. This keeps the payout ratio within its target range and points to continued confidence in cash generation.
For 2026, Henkel expects further organic revenue growth alongside higher earnings. However, it acknowledged that market conditions remain uncertain, with global tensions and cost pressures still affecting demand patterns.
Why it matters
Henkel’s Consumer Brands division plays directly into supermarket categories such as laundry, home care, and personal care. Continued investment in brands, innovation, and acquisitions suggests suppliers are preparing for a more competitive retail environment, where pricing, promotions, and product performance will remain under pressure.
The focus on disciplined growth and margin control also reflects wider trends seen across the sector, where major suppliers are balancing cost inflation with the need to maintain shelf presence and shopper demand.
Henkel’s full strategic direction and shareholder decisions will be confirmed at its AGM on April 27.
