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| Holcim reports 109.4% profit increase  Switzerland's cement giant Holcim said that its first-quarter net profit increased by 109.4 percent to CHF 356 million. Economic growth stimulated demand for Holcim's products in Europe, Africa and Asia – supported by a mild winter on the European continent. Holcim was able to offset the weaker sales posted in North America and individual markets of Latin America and achieve higher consolidated sales volumes in all product segments. Cement sales increased by 24.5 percent to 34.6 million tonnes. The strongest increase was recorded by Asia, driven by Holcim's expanded presence in India. Sales of aggregates were up by 4.9 percent to 36.2 million tonnes and deliveries of ready-mix concrete increased by 3.3 percent to 9.4 million cubic meters.Consolidated net sales improved by 23.8 percent to CHF 5.728 billion, and operating EBITDA increased by 34.1 percent to CHF 1.342 billion. In many markets the continuing cost pressure of thermal fuels and electricity was absorbed by stepping up efficiency and adjusting prices. The operating EBITDA margin increased by 1.8 percentage points to 23.4 percent, and the Group posted an impressive 19.4 percent internal operating EBITDA growth. Consolidated net income increased by 94.1 percent to CHF 530 million. Cash flow from operating activities developed strongly and was up 221.5 percent to CHF 130 million. Holcim expects to reach again in 2007 the long-term growth target of 5 percent in internal operating EBITDA. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Construction News :: home page |