Holcim Philippines reported a 12.9% rise in net profit in 2014 at P5.1 billion. Double-digit growth in the construction industry maintained high cement demand, driving a 12.3% y/y increase in cement sales volumes and a 13% increase in revenues to P32.6 billion. EBITDA was up 15.1% at P8.8 billion.
The company attributes healthy growth in the economy and effective cost management for its successful performance, which was ahead of the 9.5% growth achieved by the rest of the cement industry.
In 2015, the company plans to continue its focus on cost efficiency, with particular focus on manufacturing and logistics. The government’s investment in infrastructure, alongside private sector expansion, will continue to drive demand.
The new Mariveles Dry Bulk Terminal in the Philippines will handle cement raw materials such as clinker, as well as coal, silica sand, steel fertiliser and other dry bulk cargo.
As part of their proposed merger, Lafarge and Holcim have entered exclusive negotiations with CRH regarding the sale of several assets, including operations in Europe, Canada, Brazil and the Philippines.
Timetric’s Construction Intelligence Center (CIC) reports that the major economies in the Asia Pacific region are set to spend over US$1 trillion in industrial sector projects in the next few years.