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| Fiscal 2007 was an exceptional year for HeidelbergCement The acquisition of the British building materials manufacturer Hanson Plc and the resulting changes had a decisive influence on the development of Germany's biggest cement maker HeidelbergCement in 2007. Group turnover rose by 35.8% to EUR 10,862 million (previous year: 7,997). This was due mainly to the initial consolidation of Hanson on 24 August and the strong organic growth in the countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, as well as Norway, Africa, Asia and Turkey. In addition, results were affected by one-off effects resulting from the sale of the participations in Vicat S.A. and Florida Rock Industries Inc. Operating income increased by 35.8% to EUR 1,805 million (previous year: 1, 329). The net income from continuing operations - without maxit Group - improved to EUR 1,974 million (previous year: 916). The resulting return on turnover amounts to 18.2% (previous year: 11.5%). The Group share in profit rose to EUR 2, 022 million (previous year: 951). With EUR 17.11 (previous year: 8.22), earnings per share more than doubled. The Managing Board and Supervisory Board will propose to the annual General Meeting on 8 May 2008 the distribution of a dividend of EUR 1.30 per HeidelbergCement share. For 2008, the company anticipates strong contributions once again from its markets in Europe-Central Asia and in the emerging countries - particularly in Asia – of the Asia-Australia-Africa-Mediterranean Group area. In North America, residential construction will further decline; infrastructure measures partly compensate for this decline. The major steps towards the integration of Hanson will be completed by the middle of 2008. Due to the improved geographical diversification and the expansion of the raw material base and product portfolio, HeidelbergCement is very confident for 2008. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Construction News :: home page |