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| HeidelbergCement reports preliminary results German cement maker HeidelbergCement presented its preliminary and unaudited sales volumes, turnover, operating income before depreciation (OIBD) and operating income (OI) for the fourth quarter and full year 2009. These figures decreased in 2009 compared to the prior year, reflecting the impact of the global economic crisis on the overall construction industry. Full year as well as fourth quarter 2009 turnover and results were negatively impacted by currency effects, in particular by the weakening of European currencies outside the Euro and by fluctuations of the US-Dollar exchange rate. Adjusted for exchange rate fluctuations and consolidation effects, full year 2009 Group turnover declined by only 19.4% and OIBD by only 26.1% compared to 2008. The decrease in turnover and OIBD in the fourth quarter 2009 was only 11.7% and 34.0% respectively. Supported by a solid development in Asia, the decline in turnover and sales volumes continued to slow down in the fourth quarter 2009. Adjusted for consolidation effects in the fourth quarter 2009, cement, aggregates and ready-mixed concrete sales volumes decreased by 6.0%, 15.9% and 12.2%; asphalt volumes even increased by 5.8%. The asphalt business in Singapore and Australia were deconsolidated after their disposal in 2009. HeidelbergCement continued to consistently adjust its capacities and costs to the weak economic environment, especially in North America. At the end of December 2009, the number of employees in HeidelbergCement's continuing operations was 53, 963, a decrease of more than 1, 800 compared to end of September 2009 and of almost 7, 000 compared to end of December 2008. write your comments about the article :: © 2010 Construction News :: home page |