Marcus Cole

Marcus Cole from UBS Group sought clarity on whether the 2025 sales guidance implies an acceleration in volume growth in H2 and asked for color on the regional price-cost outlook for the second half.

Answer

CEO Miljan Gutovic stated that while Holcim doesn't report on volumes, he expects much better momentum in H2, particularly in Europe. CFO Steffen Kindler added that positive price over cost is expected to continue across all regions in H2, driven by low to mid-single-digit pricing and ongoing efficiency gains in areas like distribution and fixed costs. He noted some regional variation in pricing levels but confirmed the overall positive algorithm holds true everywhere.

Marcus Cole from UBS Group asked if the sales guide implies H2 volume acceleration outside of Europe and for color on regional price-cost dynamics in H2.

Answer

CEO Miljan Gutovic clarified that they expect better H2 momentum *in* Europe as well. CFO Steffen Kindler added that a positive price-over-cost dynamic holds for all regions, driven by pricing and efficiency gains, despite some regional variations in the level of price increases.

Marcus Cole from UBS Group asked for clarity on whether the sales guidance implies H2 volume acceleration outside of Europe and requested color on regional price-cost dynamics for H2.

Answer

CEO Miljan Gutovic did not comment on volumes directly but stated he expects 'much better momentum in H2 in Europe.' CFO Steffen Kindler confirmed that a significant positive price-over-cost dynamic is expected to continue at the group level in H2, driven by pricing and efficiencies, and that this holds true for all regions.

Marcus Cole from UBS asked about pricing developments implemented in Q2 so far and for an outlook on the full-year cost base inflation, factoring in current energy hedges.

Answer

CFO Kim Andersen confirmed that price increases of 1-3% were implemented in some businesses from April 1, with a larger 8% increase planned for North America on July 1. On costs, he stated that about 70% of remaining 2025 energy needs (gas and electricity) are hedged, while foundry coke prices are expected to see a small 1% decline in Q2 versus Q1.

Asked for clarity on the 2025 pricing strategy relative to costs and inquired about the company's view on a sustainable margin level over a 3-to-5-year horizon.

Answer

The company's strategy is to continue driving prices and to increase prices more than costs if the opportunity arises. However, the company declined to provide guidance on sustainable margin levels for the medium term.