Sales and Earnings Slip at Beiersdorf

Cosmetics and toiletries companies are starting to report results for 2009 and the numbers aren’t pretty. Beiersdorf AG’s net profits dropped 33% $526.8 million, according to preliminary figures from the Hamburg-based company. Sales fell too, dropping 3.7% to $7.99 billion.a

Sales within Beiersdorf’s consumer unit, which includes brands such as Nivea, Eucerin and La Prairie, fell 2.2% to $ 7 billion. The division’s business in China and Latin America generated double-digit sales gains, while Germany — Beiersdorf’s main market — had “a very successful year.” Meantime, Eastern Europe and the U.S. posted an increase in revenues, while Western European sales dipped, according to the firm.