Swedish manufacturer Alfa Laval (STO: ALFA) reported sales for the third quarter of SEK 7.4 billion (US$1.2 billion), an increase of 2 percent compared to the same period a year ago. Profit decreased 3 percent to SEK 822 million (US$129.2 million).
Order intake dropped somewhat in the third quarter compared to the second, driven by a decline in industrial equipment and OEM. From a geographical perspective, demand declined in the U.S. and the Nordic countries, while many developing economies such as China, Russia and India as well as countries in Southeast Asia, developed well.
"Process technology achieved a record quarter, driven by energy & environment and process industry," Lars Renström, president and CEO, said. "Marine & diesel decreased as expected, due to the non-repeat of large orders for exhaust gas cleaning and ballast water treatment."
For the first nine months, sales for Alfa Laval were SEK 22.2 billion (US$3.5 billion), a decrease of 4 percent compared to the same period a year ago. Profit decreased 6 percent to SEK 2.2 billion (US$345.7 million).