France: Vicat’s sales rose slightly to Euro2.58bn in 2018 from Euro 2.56bn in 2017. Its cement sales volumes fell slightly to 22.8Mt and its ready-mix concrete sales volumes decreased by 6.7% year-on-year to 9.04Mm3. Its earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) dropped by 2.2% to Euro435m from Euro444m. However, at constant scope and exchange rates its sales and earnings rose by 5.9% and 2.7% respectively.
“Vicat delivered a satisfying performance in 2018, in a very mixed operating environment that saw large seasonal variations. The dynamism of the group’s sales teams, combined with a very firm grip on costs, allowed us to limit the consequences of the monetary and geopolitical difficulties affecting some of our markets,” said Guy Sidos, the group’s chairman and chief executive office (CEO). He added that the company had also reduced its debt in 2018 and purchased Ciplan in Brazil.
The group reported growth in France in all businesses and good sales in Kazakhstan, India and Turkey. Improvement was noted in the US, despite weather issues, and Senegal. There was a slight fall in sales in Europe, excluding France, and Egypt experienced a ‘sharp’ fall in sales and volumes.
