PARIS — Group Michelin reported 20.5% higher sales revenue for the nine months ended Sept. 30, despite lower unit sales volume for the period, in part due to the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Michelin did not report earnings for the period, but said it is sticking with its earlier operating earnings forecast for fiscal 2022 of slightly above $3 billion.
Michelin stressed that its forecast takes into account a "highly inflationary" environment shaped by continuing operational disruptions, widespread inflation and limited visibility as to future demand.
Michelin is projecting that passenger and light truck tire markets worldwide could end the year flat compared with 2021, with a potential swing of +/- 2%, while truck tire markets (excluding China) should expand by 2% to 6% and specialty tire markets growing by 3% to 7%.
For the nine-month period, Michelin's sales rose to $22.1 billion; for the third quarter, the increase was 23% to $7.5 billion.
The French tire maker attributed the revenue increase to price increases (13.4% gain), better product mix (0.9% gain) and consolidation of new businesses and growth in non-tire business (2.1% gain).
Regarding prices, Michelin said its revenue increase reflected its policy of "systematically passing on cost-inflation factors" and the growing impact of price-indexation clauses.
These gains were offset by a 2.4% decline in volumes, mostly due to the exit from Russia and lockdowns in Chinese cities, amid persistent operational disruptions.
While Michelin's unit sales to customers was down slightly in the period, the company said end-user demand held firm in most regions and markets. In response, the company said it is "steering operations to ensure adequate inventory levels."
By segment, Michelin reported:
Passenger and light truck markets grew 1.4%, lifted by a third-quarter recovery in original equipment (OE) demand, mainly in North America and China; replacement markets remained stable, with a mix temporarily impacted by rising imports from Asia.
Truck tire markets (excluding China) expanded by 6% with an acceleration in the third quarter.
Specialty tire markets remained robust in all segments except agricultural and construction in the third quarter; demand remains strong in mining.
