Swiss cement maker
The sector giant, which is in the process of merging with France's
Holcim said it expected 2015 operating profit adjusted for merger costs to be between €2.57 billion (CHF 2.7 billion) and €2.76 billion (CHF 2.9 billion).
Of the latest Holcim trading figures, Bernard Fontana, the company’s chief executive officer, said: “Holcim reported robust development in the first quarter 2015, with an increase in financial performance despite a different weather pattern and some volume declines compared to a very strong previous year’s quarter. Holcim also generated higher cash flow from operating activities and increased net income significantly supported by the gain from the divestment of the Group’s minority shareholding in Siam City Cement.”
Meanwhile, Lafarge has revealed its Q1 2015 sales were up 6% to €2.779 billion, compared to the same three months of 2014. The company’s EBITDA was also up 17% to €403m, compared to Q1 2014.
Of the encouraging new sales figures Bruno Lafont, chairman and chief executive officer of Lafarge, said: "The strong start this year confirms that our teams are fully focused on achieving our objectives. Our markets are developing in line with our expectations and growth shall accelerate gradually in the coming quarters.”
The merger of Holcim and Lafarge to create a new company, LafargeHolcim, is due to take place later this year. Eric Olsen has been chosen to be chief executive officer of the new firm, which will become the biggest player in the cement sector with annual revenues of around €37 billion.
