In the first quarter of 2012, Sika grew by 8.3% in local currencies. Taking into account exchange rate effects of -5.2%, sales in Swiss francs were up 3.1% year-on-year to CHF 1 052.9 million. Sika benefited primarily from strong growth in America.
In the first quarter of the 2012 business year, Sika boosted sales by 8.3% in local currencies. This figure includes an acquisition effect of 4.5%. After deducting 5.2% for exchange rate effects, Sika boosted sales in Swiss francs by 3.1% year-on-year to CHF 1 052.9 million.
Regions
Sika experienced the strongest growth in America. In North America, the company benefited from increased market share, a good project business and strong renovation activity. In Latin America, Sika maintained its high level of growth, gaining market share in this region as well and also benefiting from increased production capacity. In each of these regions, Sika lifted sales by 18.6% in local currencies.
The Europe North region experienced stable growth year-on-year owing to the comparatively cold winter (-0.8% growth in local currencies). In the Asia/Pacific region (1.9% growth in local currencies), the Chinese government's efforts to tackle inflation had an impact, and various infrastructure construction projects were temporarily put on hold for review purposes. In the other regions, growth in local currencies developed as follows: Europe South 5.1%, IMEA (India, Middle East and Africa) 9.5%.
Sika increased sales of products for the construction industry by 7.3% and products for industrial manufacturing by 11.9% in local currencies.
Outlook
Sika expects development to be stable in Europe. Central and Eastern European countries are developing well, while uncertainties in the peripheral countries persist. Sika anticipates continued solid growth in North and Latin America. With isolated exceptions, the emerging markets should continue to exhibit double-digit growth. The development in terms of margins has continued its positive direction. The measures taken are bearing fruit.
Net sales in the first three months of 2012
| in CHF mn | 1/1/2011 - 3/31/2011 | 1/1/2012 - 3/31/2012 | Change compared to prior year (+/- in %) | ||
| In Swiss francs | In local currencies[2] | Currency impact | |||
| By Region | |||||
| Europe North | 267.4 | 250.2 | -6.4 | -0.8 | -5.6 |
| Europe South | 196.2 | 193.4 | -1.4 | 5.1 | -6.5 |
| North America | 122.1 | 140.2 | 14.8 | 18.6 | -3.8 |
| Latin America | 125.6 | 139.0 | 10.7 | 18.6 | -7.9 |
| IMEA[1] | 67.9 | 66.8 | -1.6 | 9.5 | -11.2 |
| Asia/Pacific | 175.9 | 180.0 | 2.3 | 1.9 | 0.4 |
| Other segments and activities | 66.1 | 83.3 | 26.0 | 32.0 | -5.9 |
| Consolidated net sales | 1'021.2 | 1'052.9 | 3.1 | 8.3 | -5.2 |
| Products for construction industry | 797.6 | 815.3 | 2.2 | 7.3 | -5.1 |
| Products for industrial manufacturing | 223.6 | 237.6 | 6.2 | 11.9 | -5.7 |
| [1] India, Middle East, Africa (IMEA) | |||||
| [2] including acquisitions | |||||
| Sika AG Zugerstrasse 50 CH-6341 Baar, Switzerland www.sika.com | Contact: Dominik Slappnig Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Tel.: +41 58 436 68 21 Fax: +41 58 436 68 50 slappnig.dominik@ch.sika.com |
Sika AG Corporate Profile
Sika AG, located in Baar, Switzerland, is a globally active specialty chemicals company. Sika supplies the building and construction industry as well as manufacturing industries (automotive, bus, truck, rail, alternative energies, building components). Sika is a leader in processing materials used in sealing, bonding, damping, reinforcing and protecting load-bearing structures. Sika's product lines feature high-quality concrete admixtures, specialty mortars, sealants and adhesives, damping and reinforcing materials, structural strengthening systems, industrial flooring as well as roofing and waterproofing systems. Worldwide local presence in 76 countries and some 15,300 employees link customers directly to Sika and guarantee the success of all partners. Sika generates annual sales of CHF 4.556 billion. Visit our website at www.sika.com.
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