HORIA Adrian, president and CEO of Holcim Philippines Inc. said: “Our continuing focus on operational efficiencies and cost management enabled us to drive performance despite market demand and inflationary challenges. We take pride in leading industry innovations with our new building solutions that help partners build better. Finally, we made significant progress in strengthening sustainability of operations with organizational realignments and project milestones that further improve our environmental performance and social impact. These make us ready to support the continued progress of the country and grow our business as market conditions and building activities further improve.”
Financial performance
Holcim Philippines’ Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (Operating EBIT) from January to September 2021 grew 70 percent year-on-year to P3.1 billion. The improved performance was driven by the Company’s continued focus on operational efficiency and cost management across the business. Net Sales increased by seven percent to P20.1 billion from the same period last year. This was due to the recovery of the market as seen in the improved demand for construction materials which positively impacted the Cement, Aggregates, and Dry Mix businesses. The company’s net profit reached P2.3 billion, higher by 124 percent from last year.
In Q3 2021, the company was confronted with significant cost increases of fuel and power. Market demand was also impacted by inclement weather and control measures against the resurgence of Covid-19.
Holcim Philippines is sustaining its focus on operational excellence and cost discipline. During this period, the Company recorded Operating EBIT and Net Sales of P865.2 million and P6.5 billion, respectively.
Key developments
Holcim Philippines continued to advance sustainability and innovation to drive performance.
The company appointed Zoe Sibala, former Vice President of Strategy to Senior Vice President of Sustainability, and expanded the role of Richard Cruz, Vice President of Health, Safety, and Security, to include the Environment portfolio. The appointments took effect on August 15. Eliana Nieto, former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Holcim Ecuador, also joined Holcim Philippines as its new CFO on August 10.
On September 2, Holcim Philippines renewed its partnership with the University of the Philippines College of Engineering for an elective course that highlights the value of sustainability and inclusivity in building for development.
On September 30, the Company inaugurated new storage and processing facilities in the Bulacan Plant that further strengthens its position as the industry frontrunner in using alternative fuels and raw materials in cement production. These facilities raise the Company’s Geocycle unit’s capacity to store and shred materials such as qualified post-consumer and municipal solid wastes for conversion to alternative fuels through cement kiln co-processing.
Finally, the Company introduced in the third quarter the Holcim AAC Block Adhesive, for laying all types of AAC (autoclaved aerated concrete) bricks and various types of cement blocks. Holcim AAC Block Adhesive is the third new building solution that Holcim Philippines has launched in 2021 after multipurpose mortar Holcim Multifix and water-repellent cement Holcim Aqua-X earlier this year. (PR)