“In the first nine months of the year, we achieved strong profitable growth with an industry-leading recurring EBIT margin thanks to increased customer demand for our high-value offering, strict cost discipline and operational excellence. Our momentum increased in the third quarter, with both net sales and recurring EBIT up double-digit percentages in Swiss francs.
“Our agreement to acquire Fermacell1, announced in August, will expand Holcim’s European walling, flooring and fire protection portfolio, while broadening our integrated building systems and modular construction offerings. Holcim completed 11 value-accretive transactions in the first nine months, with 10 acquisitions and one divestment.
“With these strong results, we upgrade our full-year 2026 guidance for organic growth in recurring EBIT to 10-12%. We also expect around 5% organic growth in net sales, with a further expansion of our recurring EBIT margin and free cash flow of around CHF 2 billion.”
Delivering strong profitable growth
Net sales of CHF12 586 million in the first nine months were up 5.2% organically compared to the same period in the prior year. In the third quarter, net sales increased 15.5% in CHF. Nine-month recurring EBIT grew 11.8% organically to CHF2414 million versus the prior-year period. In the third quarter, recurring EBIT increased 16.8% in CHF. Holcim reported a 10 basis point increase in recurring EBIT margin for nine months to 19.2%, with positive momentum in the third quarter driving the year-to-date margin expansion.
Focused investment in attractive markets
Holcim continues to invest in highly attractive markets, both organically and through value-accretive M&A. Since the beginning of the year, Holcim closed 11 transactions, comprising 10 acquisitions and one divestment.
Building Materials was strengthened with four acquisitions for the cement and aggregates business: in addition to Cementos Pacasmayo, Holcim acquired AFC Recycling and Cem'In'Eu Group in France, and Uranus Pluton SRL in Romania.
Building Solutions expanded with six acquisitions: in addition to Xella, Holcim completed five acquisitions for ready-mix concrete: 3B and the ready-mix business of BHR in France, Jacobs NV in Belgium, Josef Klösters Kies & Beton GmbH in Germany, and the ready-mix business of Stevenson Group in New Zealand.
Holcim also closed the divestment of its operations in Lebanon, including activities in Cyprus, and signed an agreement to divest its business in the Philippines.
In August, Holcim entered into an agreement to acquire Fermacell from James Hardie Industries plc. Fermacell is an established European provider of walling and flooring solutions with projected 2026 net sales of around €430 million. The transaction is subject to customary conditions and regulatory clearances and is expected to close in H1 2027.
Sustainability driving profitable growth
Customer demand for Holcim’s sustainable offering continued to increase. In the first nine months of 2026, net sales of Holcim’s low-carbon ECOPact concrete increased to 33% of total ready-mix net sales compared to 32% in the prior-year period, while net sales of ECOPlanet increased to 43% of total cement net sales versus 36% in the first nine months of 20254.
Holcim is accelerating circular construction using ECOCycle technology. In the first nine months of 2026, Holcim increased the volume of recycled construction demolition materials by a third to 7.4 million t compared to the prior-year period.
Guidance 2026 upgraded
Holcim’s NextGen Growth 2030 strategy is expected to continue driving superior performance and value creation. Building on its strong nine-month results, Holcim upgrades its full-year 2026 recurring EBIT guidance:
Net sales and recurring EBIT growth at the high end of NextGen Growth 2030 targets:
~5% organic net sales growth
10-12% organic recurring EBIT growth
Further increase of recurring EBIT margin
Free cash flow of around CHF 2 billion
>20% growth in recycled construction demolition materials
