The order intake of CHF 226.4 million in the third quarter of 2022 reflects the expected normalization of demand for new equipment compared to the record year of 2021, which was characterized by catch-up effects and the regional shift in demand. In addition, the well-known uncertainties and risks and the continuing extremely long delivery times at key manufacturers had a dampening effect on demand. Due to the slowdown in capacity utilization in the spinning mills, demand for consumables, wear & tear and spare parts also declined in the third quarter of 2022. Major orders continued to be recorded from Turkey, Uzbekistan, and China.
Rieter has an exceptionally high order backlog of around CHF 2 000 million as of September 30, 2022 (September 30, 2021: CHF 1 562 million), which will guarantee capacity utilization in all three business groups until well into 2023 or rather 2024. The cancellation rate in the reporting period was around 5% of the order backlog.
Sales by Business Group
The Business Group Machines & Systems achieved total sales of CHF 634.3 million in the first nine months of 2022 (+66%). The Business Group Components recorded an increase of 37% to CHF 232.6 million in the first nine months of 2022, while the Business Group After Sales posted sales of CHF 120.5 million, 14% higher compared to the prior-year period. In all three business groups, the measures introduced to eliminate material bottlenecks and safeguard supplies are having a positive impact.
Order Intake by Business Group
Following the record year of 2021, the Rieter Group received an order intake totaling CHF 1 095.8 million in the first nine months of 2022 (-35%).
In the Business Group Machines & Systems, compared to the record year in 2021, the expected normalization of demand was clearly reflected in an order intake of CHF 696.2 million.
Order intake in the Business Group Components rose to CHF 248.1 million, an increase of 9% compared to the first nine months of the previous year, mainly as a result of the acquisition of the Accotex and Temco components businesses. In the Business Group After Sales, order intake decreased to CHF 151.5 million, a fall of 8% compared to the first nine months of the previous year. The evolution of order intake in both business groups is attributable to the drop in demand for consumables, wear & tear and spare parts.
Precautionary Measures Taken Against Potential Energy Crisis in Europe
Rieter has largely completed preparations in connection with a potential energy crisis in Europe. All European locations have drawn up and already implemented suitable plans.
Financing of a Professorship for Artificial Intelligence
With the aim of further expanding its technology leadership, Rieter is financing together with the Johann Jakob Rieter Foundation a Professorship for Artificial Intelligence at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) in Winterthur (Switzerland). Rieter will use this technology in the context of the further development of ESSENTIAL, the platform for the digitalization of Rieter spinning systems.
Outlook 2022
Rieter anticipates weakened demand for new systems in the coming months. The demand for consumables, wear & tear and spare parts will depend on the capacity utilization of spinning mills in the months ahead.
For the full year 2022, Rieter expects sales of around CHF 1 400 million. The realization of sales revenue from the order backlog continues to be associated with risks in relation to the well-known uncertainties.
Despite significantly higher sales compared to the prior-year period, Rieter expects EBIT and net result for 2022 to be below the previous year’s level. This is due to the considerable increases in the cost of materials and logistics, additional costs for compensation of material shortages as well as expenses in connection with the acquisition in the years 2021/2022.
As market and technology leader, Rieter will benefit from the continuing exceptionally high order backlog of around CHF 2 000 million, the significantly improved market position, and the continuation of the regional shift in demand.
