US: Owens Corning's net sales increased by almost 6% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2015, led by an 11% increase in insulation sales.
Owens Corning reported US$1.46bn in net sales during the third quarter of 2015, up from US$1.38bn in the same period in 2014. This boosted its sales by 1.7% year-on-year in the first nine months of 2015. Sales of insulation composites and roofing all increased in the third quarter. Ownes Corning's net earnings in the third quarter of 2015 were US$112m, up from US$52m in 2014. Insulation earnings before income tax grew for a 17th consecutive quarter. Insulation sales jumped from US$454m in the third quarter of 2014 to US$502m in the third quarter of 2015, an 11% improvement. For the year, insulation sales have increased by 6%.
"Owens Corning had a very strong quarter, as all three businesses made substantial contributions to earnings," said Mike Thaman, Chairman and CEO. "Our businesses performed at double-digit margin levels as a result of positive macro trends and strong commercial and operational execution."
Owens Corning expects to benefit from continued improvement in the US housing market and global growth. Growth in new US residential construction should continue to help the insulation business, with revenue growth of about 10% in the second half of 2015.