NEWS

Lego delivers top line growth whilst celebrating 90th anniversary

Published on: 29th September 2022

Lego announces revenue and consumer sales growth for the first half of 2022 and its plans for sustainable growth whilst investing in both society and the future of the company.

Credit: Lego

The Lego Group has reported its earnings for the six months ending 30th June, 2022. Revenue for the period grew 17% to DKK 27b compared with the same period in 2021, driven by strong demand. Consumer sales grew 13%, contributing to global market share growth.

The Lego Group CEO, Niels B. Christiansen said: “We got off to a strong start in 2022 and are very satisfied with our performance which landed above expectations after an exceptional 2021. Despite global uncertainties, we continued to deliver higher consumer sales and double-digit top line growth driven by demand for our strong portfolio and execution by our amazing team. Across the world, we celebrated our 90th anniversary and are grateful that after nearly a century Lego play remains relevant and continues to inspire families and children.”

The strong revenue growth and free cash flow allowed the Lego Group to significantly accelerate strategic initiatives and offset cost inflation on raw materials, energy and freight while keeping operating profit stable at DKK 7.9b.

In the first half of 2022, the Lego Group focused on expanding manufacturing capacity and building healthier inventory levels while increasing productivity following an extended period of exceptional growth rates and maxed out capacity in 2021.

Niels commented: “For the second half of 2022, we continue to see strong demand for our products. We will also continue to reinvest in our business and accelerate initiatives such as product innovation, digitalisation, production capacity, our retail network and sustainability to maintain momentum and deliver sustainable growth in the long-term. These significant investments will position us well in the future to bring learning through play to more children around the world.”

During the first six months of 2022, consumer sales grew in all market groups, with especially strong performances in the Americas, Western Europe and Asia Pacific. The growth was driven by the continued demand for the company’s extensive and diverse product portfolio. This year’s portfolio is the largest on record and caters for builders of all skill levels and ages.

Lego’s strategic growth initiatives drive relevance for a digital future. In April, the Lego Group announced a long-term partnership with Epic Games which will see the two companies join forces to create fun, safe digital experiences for kids in the metaverse and inspired by the endless possibility of the Lego brick.

The Lego Group made progress against its ambition to make its packaging from sustainably sourced materials by the end of 2025. In the second half of 2022, it will begin to roll out paper-based packaging in Lego boxes in Europe.

In June, the company announced plans to open its second carbon-neutral run factory in Virginia, US, in addition to the factory announced in Vietnam late last year. Both sites’ energy requirements will be matched by energy from onsite renewable sources.

The Lego Foundation, which receives 25% of the Lego Group’s dividends, pledged more than DKK 1b in donations in the first half of 2022 to support families in need and children’s development. Some of the programmes funded included a global competition aimed at giving children the best start in life, support for neurodivergent children, and support for children and families impacted by the war in Ukraine.

Niels added: “We are fortunate that our strong financial performance allows us to make a positive contribution to society and invest in the company’s future so we can bring learning through play to children everywhere.”

Lego opened 66 new stores in the first half, which takes the number of stores globally to 833.

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