Management report for the period
1 January to 30 September 2021
Global sales development
The positive sales trend seen in many parts of the world continues as the rapid
economic rebound is unfolding. Construction activity remains high. Strong demand for
non-combustible insulation and our other stone wool products resulted in double-digit
growth in all business areas in the Group. High activity levels have put a strain on the
entire economy causing supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressure on production
materials, energy prices and logistics. To meet customer demand most factories are
running at high capacity into the winter season.
In the first nine months of 2021, ROCKWOOL Group generated net sales of 2 246
MEUR, an increase of 19 percent in local currencies, with all business areas achieving
double-digit growth. Currency translation had a negative impact of one percent, which
resulted in a sales growth of 18 percent in reported figures. Volume increases were the
primary factor driving sales growth in the first nine months of the year.
Q3 sales reached 797 MEUR, an increase of 18 percent in local currencies, driven by
both volume and price increases. Exchange rates had a positive impact of one percent,
and sales increased 19 percent in reported figures.
Despite sales price increases in Q3, the soaring inflation on input costs, in particular
energy related costs, was not fully offset. Additional price increases have been initiated
in the fourth quarter and further price increases will be also be introduced from January.
Regional sales development
In the first nine months of 2021, sales in Western Europe amounted to 1 344 MEUR, up
16 percent in both local currencies and reported figures. Sales in all markets increased
compared to same period last year. In Q3 2021, sales amounted to 459 MEUR, an
increase of 11 percent in local currencies and 12 percent in reported figures. In Q3, the
sales growth was mainly driven by Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Denmark, and
Sweden.
In Eastern Europe, sales for the first nine months of 2021 amounted to 395 MEUR, an
increase of 25 percent in local currencies and 20 percent in reported figures due to a
significant negative currency translation impact, primarily caused by depreciation of the
Russian rouble. Sales in Q3 2021 amounted to 161 MEUR, up 36 percent in local
currencies and 35 percent in reported figures. Sales in most countries experienced
double-digit growth.
In the rest of the world, sales in the first nine months of 2021 amounted to 507 MEUR,
an increase of 25 percent in local currencies and 21 percent in reported figures as
primarily the U.S. dollar weakened against the euro. In Q3 2021, sales amounted to 177
MEUR, up 25 percent in local currencies and 27 percent in reported figures. North
America experienced particularly good growth while China and other parts of Asia were
still affected by COVID-19 with temporary close downs in some markets.