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Holcim cuts full-year sales outlook after U.S. recession

Holcim cut its guidance for fullyear sales growth on Friday after a slump in Europe and The United States and Canada hit secondquarter sales at the cement and building products maker.

In the very first outcomes under brand-new CEO Miljan Gutovic, Holcim lowered its outlook for sales growth to the low single-digit portion range from its previous outlook for development above 6%.

The downgrade followed Holcim's second-quarter sales fell 1.6% to 7.23 billion Swiss francs ($ 8.21 billion), missing out on experts' projections for 7.31 billion francs.

Its shares fell 2.2% in early trading.

Declines in North America, where building tasks have been hit by damaging weather condition including twisters and heavy rains in Texas, and continued weak market conditions in Europe were the main factors in the sales decrease.

Gutovic, who took charge in May, stated he was not worried by the U.S. scenario, pointing out the continuous need to restore roadways, airports and structures, and that the result of November's. governmental election would not moisten need.

Essentially it's sound over there, Gutovic informed. reporters. For us, whatever occurs in November is unimportant. The need to revamp infrastructure in the U.S. is there.

Plans to spin off Holcim's North American organization were. still on track and anticipated to be completed in the first half of. 2025, included the executive who took charge in May.

Regardless of the sales slump, Holcim increased its recurring. running revenue 8.2% to 1.68 billion Swiss francs in the April. to June duration, beating experts' forecasts.

Cost cuts and higher margins from companies it has acquired. helped the enhancement at the company whose outcomes give an. insight into the building sector.

As an outcome, Holcim raised its full-year operating earnings. ( EBIT) margin assistance to above 18.5% from 18% previously.

We are concentrating on the profitability, our top focus. is to continue EBIT growth, said Gutovic.

Zuercher Kantonalbank analyst Martin Huesler said: The. a little decreased earnings outlook is not totally unexpected due. to the suppressed property construction markets, and, with. regard to our revenues price quotes, will probably be more than. offset by the increased margin guidance..

(source: Reuters)