Holcim has reported its first quarter of 2014 operating results, citing increased like-for-like sales and sales volumes in all of its business segments.
“Holcim reported a significant increase in operating profit during the first quarter of 2014, mainly driven by higher like-for-like cement volumes in all group regions and the continued strong momentum of the Holcim Leadership Journey coupled with strict cost management across the group,” said Bernard Fontana, CEO of Holcim. “Margins continued to increase and cash flow from operating activities was also better than in the first quarter of 2013.”
For 2014 construction markets in Europe are expected to show slow recovery. North American markets should benefit from further recovery, especially in the USA, while Latin America should show slight growth in 2014. The Asia Pacific region is expected to grow, although at a slower pace than in recent years. Africa and the Middle East are expected to gradually improve. Holcim expects cement sales volumes to increase in all regions in 2014.
Read the full article here: http://www.globalcement.com/news/item/2449-holcim-profit-up-and-debt-down-in-the-first-quarter-of-2014
