Holcim’s 2014 sales

RSSAn unfavourable currency effect of 5.2% and negative changes in consolidation structure impacted on Swiss cement giant 680 Holcim’s consolidated 2014 net sales which fell 3.1% to €17.873 billion (CHF 19.11 billion) (up like-for-like 3%).

Holcim’s consolidated operating EBITDA was down 3.8% to €3.504 billion (CHF 3.747 billion) (up like-for-like 5.5%) mainly as a result of negative currency effects and merger and restructuring related costs.

In 2014, consolidated operating profit was down 1.7% in 2014, at €2.167 billion (CHF 2,317 billion) (up like-for-like 10.6%). The currency-related effect impacted operating profit by €137.48 million (CHF 147 million) or 6.2%.

Further Holcim figures covering Q4 2014 revealed that the company’s consolidated net sales increased year-on-year by 1.9% to €4.552 billion (CHF 4,867 million). Operating EBITDA reached €940.9 million (CHF 1,006 million), up 6.5% year-on-year. Meanwhile, operating profit increased by 6.9% to €559.3 million (CHF 598 million).

Holcim’s consolidated cement sales were up 1% in 2014 to 140 million tonnes, compared to the previous year. Aggregates sales were down 0.9% to 153 million tonnes, and ready-mixed concrete deliveries declined by 6.3% to 37 million m³. The company’s asphalt sales volumes increased 12.4% to 10 million tonnes.

Holcim is due to merge with France’s 725 Lafarge in 2015, creating the world’s single biggest cement producer with €39 billion annual sales. The firm expects the global economy to continue its gradual recovery. Holcim’s key construction markets in countries like the USA, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia, the UK, and the Philippines are expected to be the main growth drivers.