Lafarge sees 2014 recovery

Lafarge’s revenues fell -4% last year to € 15.2 billion (US$ 20.8 billion) and the company’s operating profit slipped -14% to € 2.08 billion (US$ 2.86 billion). However, net profit was up +65% to € 601 million (US$ 823 million) thanks to a number of one-off benefits, including the sale of the company’s operations in Honduras.

Lafarge went on to say that on a like-for-like basis, with the same exchange rates as 2012 and one-time effects removed, it’s revenues were up +2% in 2013. In terms of materials output, the company sold 137 million tonnes of cement last year, -3% less than in 2012, and sales of ready-mixed concrete were down by the same amount at 30.7 million m³. However, sales of aggregates were up +2% at 192.8 million tonnes.

Commenting on the results, Lafarge chairman & CEO Bruno Lafont said, “In the fourth quarter we saw much more positive operational trends, accelerating compared to the third quarter, while exchange rates continued to be adverse.

“Looking at 2014, we are determined and confident, and we expect an overall growth in our markets of between +2% and +5%. In this improving environment, the group will take full advantage of its three organic growth drivers – emerging markets, where construction trends continue to be very favourable, accelerate growth through innovation and the progressive recovery of developed economies, starting with North America.”