LafargeHolcim reports record high quarterly results

Zug - LafargeHolcim increased its sales in the first quarter of 2021, adjusted for acquisitions, by 7.4 percent. Operating profit rose by a record 131 percent on a comparable basis. The acquisition of Firestone Buildings Products was also completed in the quarter under review.

According to a release from LafargeHolcim , the globally active Zug-based building materials group generated net sales of CHF 5.36 billion in the first quarter of 2021. In a year-on-year comparison and adjusted for portfolio changes, this corresponds to growth of 7.4 percent. The recurring operating result at EBIT level rose in the same period on a comparable basis by 130.7 percent to 528 million Swiss francs.

"I am pleased to announce that we made an excellent start to the year with a record high Q1 result," said Group CEO Jan Jenisch in the announcement. "We are thus continuing our strong growth trajectory of the last few quarters."

Jenisch expects to be able to strengthen the growth dynamic with the acquisition of Firestone Building Products , which was completed in the reporting quarter. The American company, which specializes in building envelopes and roof systems and is based in Nashville, Tennessee, had annual sales of $ 1.8 billion in 2020. The successful integration of the new acquisition should enable LafargeHolcim to achieve its targets for 2022 in the current financial year. Specifically, on a comparable basis, the Group is aiming for a growth in net sales of 3 to 5 percent and an increase in recurring EBIT of at least 10 percent.

LafargeHolcim can also point to success in the area of sustainability. The group was named the most sustainable company in the construction industry by Vigeo-Eiris, according to the announcement. The rating agency for the environment, social affairs and governance has given LafargeHolcim the top grade A1 +. In addition, ten environmentally friendly products from the group, including the sustainable concrete from the ECOPact series, were recognized by the Solar Impulse Foundation . hs