11 February 2015
Italy's Cementir raises EBIT by 36% in 2014 11 February 2015
Italy: In its initial results statement, Cementir Holding SpA has reported earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of Euro104m in 2014, up by 35.7% annually. Revenues dropped by 4.1% to Euro948m, mostly due to the appreciation of major currencies against the Euro.
During the entire of 2014, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 13.4% to Euro192m, as non-recurring items of some Euro12m pushed the result up. EBITDA margin grew to 20.3% in 2014, up from 17.2% in 2013. Cementir's net debt dropped to Euro278m at the end of 2014 from Euro325m at the end of 2013, thanks to positive operating cash flow.
Cementir's operating results in 2014 beat its own targets, due to efficiency improvement efforts, according to chairman and CEO Francesco Caltagirone Jr. In its outlook for 2015, Cementir expects to post EBITDA of some Euro190m and have its net debt at around Euro230m at the end of the year. It expects to raise its sales of both cement and ready-mix concrete, to increase the proceeds from waste treatment in Turkey and the UK and to achieve efficiency savings on energy costs.
Vulcan Materials’ profit soars on higher aggregates sales 11 February 2015
US: Vulcan Materials' 2014 fourth quarter earnings surged on continued growth in aggregates shipments and stronger average selling prices. The company has also been expanding through a string of deals. Vulcan reported that it spent US$322m for bolt-on acquisitions during 2014.
"Strong momentum in the latest quarter bodes well for 2015, a year in which we expect a continued recovery in demand for our products and, importantly, an improving pricing and margin environment," said Chief executive Tom Hill. "Although aggregates demand remains well below normal levels, this steady and gradual improvement is a further indication of construction activity recovery," said Hill.
Vulcan reported a profit of US$38m in the fourth quarter of 2014, up from US$9.1m in the same period of 2013. Revenue during the period increased by 11% to US$755m. Vulcan said that the latest results benefited by around US$7m as the result of lower diesel fuel costs, mostly in its aggregates business.
Buzzi Unicem cement sales flat in 2014 11 February 2015
Italy: Buzzi Unicem has reported sales of Euro2.50bn in 2015, a slight decrease from Euro2.51 in 2014. Buzzi Unicem's sales rose in the United States and the Czech Republic, grew slightly in central Europe, were flat in Russia and continued to drop in Italy and Poland, according to a preliminary financial statement for 2014.
The Italian cement producer's net debt dropped by Euro34m to Euro1.06bn in 2014 due to cash flow from operations, disposal of non-strategic assets and a careful dividend policy. The group expects its recurring earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) in 2014 to have risen to slightly over Euro400m, in line with previous guidance.
Buzzi Unicem's board of directors are called to approve the consolidated audited 2014 profit and loss statement on 27 March 2015.
Cement ball mill to become Kandos museum exhibit 11 February 2015
Australia: The Kandos Bicentennial Industrial Museum has moved a ball mill from the former Cement Australia Kandos plant to its collection. The aim is to make the mill the centre of the museum's external collection, according to local press.
"We were very lucky to be offered the ball mill by Cement Australia," said Dr Buzz Sanderson, president of the Kandos Museum. "When Cement Australia decided to demolish the Kandos Cement Works, it asked us which parts we wanted to exhibit at the museum and the ball mill was one of them. There was a plan at one stage to place the ball mill down near the railway station at the entrance to town but there were just too many safety concerns."
The ball mill will be placed beside the Kandos Museum to give visitors to the museum a sense of how the machinery worked when it was in operation. The museum has had three sections cut away from the machine that will allow guests to look inside and see the inner workings of the machine.
Magnezit Group and Vamtec sign cooperation agreement 11 February 2015
Russia/Brazil: Refractory materials producer Magnezit Group has signed a cooperation agreement with the Brazilian company Vamtec, a diversified manufacturer and trader of materials for metallurgical and cement plants. The agreement specifies distribution and promotion of Magnezit Group's products and services in Brazil. It also includes research collaboration in the metallurgical industry.
"During recent years we have carried out a number of changes in the company, including the construction of a plant for the production of magnesia clinker in Satka, Chelyabinsk region and the purchase of a new deposit in Krasnoyarsk Territory. Cooperation with Vamtec will let Magnezit Group find new possibilities for growth and continue efficient development of business in the South American market," said general director of Magnezit Group Sergei Odegov.
Vamtec SA was founded in the 1980s. It carries out development, production and promotion of materials and services for steel making industry, non-ferrous metallurgy, foundries and other industries.