Emerging markets show promise

Emerging markets are again the focus of attention for major companies as construction activity remains high.

680 Holcim’s third quarter figures show consolidated net sales increased by 4.8% to CHF16.2 billion (€13.4 billion) and operating EBITDA by 5.9% to CHF3.1 billion (€2.57 billion) despite the difficult market situation in Europe.

It says its geographic diversification in the industry helped support sales in the first nine months of 2012, and in its outlook for 2013, it says it expects demand for building materials to rise in emerging markets in Asia and Latin America, as well as in Russia and Azerbaijan. In North America, cement volumes will also increase. In Europe, sales volumes are expected to decrease in all segments.

674 HeidelbergCement, reporting revenues up 9% to €3.9 billion and net debt down by €740 million compared to Q3 2011, said it saw sustained growth expected in Asia-Pacific and Africa-Mediterranean Basin as well as continuing recovery in North America but weakening demand in parts of Europe.

“Operating from a strong German base and with excellent positions in attractive growth markets, in both emerging and industrialised countries, HeidelbergCement is very well positioned to benefit over-proportionally from the continued economic growth,” said said Dr Bernd Scheifele, chairman of the managing board.

Projects nearing completion, include clinker and cement plants in central India with a cement capacity of 2.9 million tonnes while in Ghana and Liberia, there are new cement mills with capacities of 1 million tonnes and 0.5 million tonnes, respectively.

“More than 5 million tonnes of additional cement capacities are expected to be commissioned in emerging markets in 2013, said Dr Bernd Scheifele.”

725 Lafarge says that positive trends continue, with its third quarter results showing sales up 4% to €4.393 billion; EBITDA up 6% to €1,071 billion and current operating income up 9% to €815 million.

Bruno Lafont, Lafarge’s chairman and CEO, said: “Looking ahead, the fundamentals of our business are strong, helped by the positive trends of global urbanisation. The group, fully focused on its core businesses, foresees sustainable cash generating growth led by high quality positions, a unique exposure to emerging markets, and a well balanced portfolio of operating assets across the globe.”

643 Cemex’ consolidated net sales reached US$3.9 billion (€3 billion) during the third quarter of 2012, an increase of 2% on a like-to-like basis for the ongoing operations and adjusting for currency fluctuations, versus the comparable period in 2011.

The infrastructure and residential sectors were the main drivers of demand in most of Cemex’s markets.