Sales
Solid sales development
Consolidated sales in 2018 increased by 5.9% to CHF 3,081 million. Total growth comprised growth in local currencies of +3.1% and a foreign currency effect of +2.8%. Geberit was able to gain further market shares, particularly in those European countries in which Geberit technology is still under-represented.
The currency gains contained in sales amounted to CHF 83 million. In 2018, 63% of sales were generated in euros, 9% in Swiss francs, 5% in US dollars, 4% in British pounds and 19% in other currencies.
Sales development 2009–2018
The following changes in sales in the markets and product areas are currency-adjusted.
Different performances in the markets
In 2018 as a whole, sales in Europe rose by 2.8%. The Iberian Peninsula (+9.5%) and Central/Eastern Europe (+9.0%) made strong gains, with the Benelux Countries (+4.6%), Germany (+3.1%), Italy (+2.7%), Austria (+1.8%), France (+1.6%) and Switzerland (+1.5%) also recording increases. However, sales were down in the United Kingdom/Ireland (-1.7%) and in the Nordic Countries (-1.9%). Double-digit sales growth was posted in the Far East/Pacific region (+13.9%). America (+3.5%) and Middle East/Africa (+1.4%) also recorded sales growth.
Sales by markets/regions 2018
Strongest growth in Installation and Flushing Systems
Sales for the Installation and Flushing Systems product area amounted to CHF 1,133 million, corresponding to growth of 4.9%. Two factors drove this above-average increase. Firstly, Installation and Flushing Systems saw accelerated growth in the European expansion markets as a result of synergies from the integration of the ceramics business. Secondly, Geberit was also able to gain market shares in Central European markets through the sale of higher-added-value products.
Sales for the Piping Systems product area increased by 4.3% to CHF 928 million. The launch of various innovative products within the Building Drainage Systems product line in recent years made a major contribution to this growth, as did the solid performance of the Supply Systems product line.
The Bathroom Systems product area posted sales of CHF 1,020 million, remaining around the previous year's performance (+0.1%). The shower toilet business continued to perform strongly. A poor market environment in the Nordic Countries – a very important market for this area – and the closure of two ceramics plants in France had a negative impact in this product area.