Holcim AG
SIX:HOLN
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Holcim AG
Holcim AG, a towering force in the global construction materials industry, traces its roots back to the early 20th century. Founded in Switzerland, the company initially honed its expertise by producing cement, a fundamental ingredient that fuels the growth of modern urban landscapes. As the decades rolled on, Holcim broadened its horizons. Today, it stands as a leader not only in cement manufacturing but also in aggregates production and ready-mix concrete. These materials are vital arteries in the construction sector, offering the essential building blocks for a plethora of infrastructure projects from skyscrapers soaring into city skylines to bridges weaving transportation networks across continents.
Operating on an international scale, Holcim's economic engine functions through an intricate network of production facilities and distribution channels spread across various countries. The company acquires raw materials and transforms them into high-demand construction commodities, subsequently selling them to contractors, developers, and builders. Holcim's strategic pursuit of operational efficiency and sustainability has cemented its position in the industry, with innovative solutions aimed at reducing carbon footprints and improving resource efficiency. Through embracing technological advancements and a relentless focus on customer needs, Holcim not only sustains its profitability but also significantly contributes to the future of sustainable construction.
Holcim AG, a towering force in the global construction materials industry, traces its roots back to the early 20th century. Founded in Switzerland, the company initially honed its expertise by producing cement, a fundamental ingredient that fuels the growth of modern urban landscapes. As the decades rolled on, Holcim broadened its horizons. Today, it stands as a leader not only in cement manufacturing but also in aggregates production and ready-mix concrete. These materials are vital arteries in the construction sector, offering the essential building blocks for a plethora of infrastructure projects from skyscrapers soaring into city skylines to bridges weaving transportation networks across continents.
Operating on an international scale, Holcim's economic engine functions through an intricate network of production facilities and distribution channels spread across various countries. The company acquires raw materials and transforms them into high-demand construction commodities, subsequently selling them to contractors, developers, and builders. Holcim's strategic pursuit of operational efficiency and sustainability has cemented its position in the industry, with innovative solutions aimed at reducing carbon footprints and improving resource efficiency. Through embracing technological advancements and a relentless focus on customer needs, Holcim not only sustains its profitability but also significantly contributes to the future of sustainable construction.
Strong Organic Growth: Holcim delivered 7.4% organic sales growth and over 13% EBIT growth in H1 2023, with record EBIT margin above 21% in Q2.
Guidance Confirmed: Management reaffirmed full-year guidance for over 6% organic sales growth and EBIT growth above 10%.
Margin Expansion: Significant margin improvements were seen, particularly in Europe and North America, driven by value-added products and disciplined cost management.
Active M&A Strategy: 18 acquisitions in H1, including major additions in roofing and strong bolt-on deals, with a focus on Solutions & Products.
CO2 Reduction: CO2 per net sales fell by 18%, supported by decarbonization initiatives and new low-carbon product brands.
North America Momentum: Region now represents the largest part of the group, with strong order books and expected sales of around $12 billion in 2023.
Roofing Recovery: Destocking is complete, and both residential and commercial roofing segments have a positive outlook for H2.
Cash Flow and Balance Sheet: Cash flow is expected to be CHF 3 billion for the year; net debt increased due to acquisitions and buybacks but is expected to decline in H2.
Management
Miljan Gutovic is a prominent business executive known for his leadership role at Holcim AG, one of the world's largest building materials companies. He has been with Holcim since 2018, initially serving as the head of the Middle East Africa region. Since then, Gutovic has taken on increasing responsibilities within the company, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and growth in the construction and building materials sectors. Under his leadership, the company has focused on advancing green solutions and expanding its portfolio in environmentally friendly construction practices. Gutovic has a strong background in engineering and business management, which has been instrumental in driving strategic initiatives at Holcim. He is recognized for his commitment to transforming the industry through sustainable practices and has played a pivotal role in steering the company towards a more environmentally conscious future. Before joining Holcim, Miljan Gutovic held various positions in leading multinational companies, where he gained extensive experience in managing large-scale operations and implementing transformative strategies. His educational background includes a degree in engineering, supplemented by advanced studies in business administration.
Gutovic has a strong background in engineering and business management, which has been instrumental in driving strategic initiatives at Holcim. He is recognized for his commitment to transforming the industry through sustainable practices and has played a pivotal role in steering the company towards a more environmentally conscious future.
Before joining Holcim, Miljan Gutovic held various positions in leading multinational companies, where he gained extensive experience in managing large-scale operations and implementing transformative strategies. His educational background includes a degree in engineering, supplemented by advanced studies in business administration.
Steffen Kindler is a seasoned executive with a significant background in corporate finance and leadership roles. He was appointed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Holcim AG, a global leader in building materials and solutions, responsible for leading the company's financial operations and strategy. Before joining Holcim AG, Kindler gained extensive experience at multinational companies, particularly at ABB, a technology firm, where he held various senior financial positions. His career is marked by a successful track record in enhancing financial performance, operational excellence, and strategic growth initiatives. Kindler's expertise spans across financial management, mergers and acquisitions, and implementing financial strategies that align with business objectives. Known for his strong leadership skills and strategic insight, Kindler plays a crucial role in Holcim's efforts to drive sustainable development and innovation within the construction materials industry. His influence extends to fostering a culture of financial discipline and agility, crucial for navigating the ever-evolving global market landscape.
His career is marked by a successful track record in enhancing financial performance, operational excellence, and strategic growth initiatives. Kindler's expertise spans across financial management, mergers and acquisitions, and implementing financial strategies that align with business objectives.
Known for his strong leadership skills and strategic insight, Kindler plays a crucial role in Holcim's efforts to drive sustainable development and innovation within the construction materials industry. His influence extends to fostering a culture of financial discipline and agility, crucial for navigating the ever-evolving global market landscape.
Dr. Bernd Pomrehn, CFA, Ph.D., is a recognized executive known for his role at Holcim AG, a leading global company in the building materials industry. Dr. Pomrehn brings a wealth of experience in finance and strategic leadership to the company. With a robust background in financial management and a keen understanding of global markets, he has been instrumental in driving financial strategies and operational excellence at Holcim. Dr. Pomrehn holds a Ph.D. and is a Chartered Financial Analyst, showcasing his strong academic and professional credentials. His expertise in financial analysis and strategic planning has been pivotal in supporting Holcim's growth and sustainability initiatives. Through his leadership, Dr. Pomrehn has contributed significantly to Holcim's efforts in innovation, efficiency, and market expansion, aligning the company’s goals with industry trends and economic developments.
Dr. Pomrehn holds a Ph.D. and is a Chartered Financial Analyst, showcasing his strong academic and professional credentials. His expertise in financial analysis and strategic planning has been pivotal in supporting Holcim's growth and sustainability initiatives. Through his leadership, Dr. Pomrehn has contributed significantly to Holcim's efforts in innovation, efficiency, and market expansion, aligning the company’s goals with industry trends and economic developments.
