Hilti Strong Sales Growth Undercut by Swiss Franc

The Hilti Group posted overall sales growth of 15 percent in local currencies in 2011. With overall sales amounting to CHF3996 million, the rise in sales is reduced to 2 percent when converted into Swiss francs.

In spite of prevailing market uncertainties, the Hilti Group posted a significant increase in sales in local currencies in 2011. However, the extremely negative currency effects generated by the strong appreciation of the Swiss franc reduced sales growth by 13 percent. 

All regions contributed towards sales growth. Compared with the previous year, the region of Eastern Europe/Middle East/Africa had the largest growth rate, advancing 39 percent in local currencies, although 22 percent is due to the integration of local sales partners. This region was followed by Latin America with a 23 percent-increase in growth. Sales growth in Europe amounted to 11 percent, largely supported by advances in North and Central Europe. Conversely there were declining sales in the South European countries of Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece. In North America, sales expanded significantly, rising 13 percent despite the persistently difficult economic environment. The region Asia/Pacific was able to increase growth by 12 percent compared to the previous year.

“We achieved very good sales growth in 2011 and also gained additional market share,” says Hilti Group CEO Bo Risberg. “But uncertainties remain in the global economic situation and we anticipate an economic slowdown. We therefore believe that Hilti will post positive sales growth in 2012, but at a level below that of the previous year.”