• Full-year net sales of CHF 27,009m, recurring EBIT of CHF 4,760m and industry-leading recurring EBIT margin of 17.6%
• Free cash flow after leases of CHF 3,705m
• Earnings per share[1] up 9% to CHF 5.42
• Proposed 12% increase in dividend to CHF 2.80 per share
• New share buyback of CHF 1 bn in 2024
• Strong 2024 outlook

Group Q4	2023	2022	±%	±% organic growth
Net sales (CHFm)	6,602	6,463	+2.1	+5.5
Recurring EBIT (CHFm)	1,117	1,028	+8.7	+17.9

Jan Jenisch, Chairman and CEO: “With record results in 2023, Holcim is stronger than ever, achieving Strategy 2025 two years ahead of plan. Thanks to our empowered and accountable performance culture, our 63,448 colleagues worldwide went above and beyond to deliver advanced branded solutions for our customers. Our “multi-billion Swiss franc brands” from ECOPact and Elevate to Fuerte now represent 30 percent of our net sales. We accelerated our leadership in sustainability, reducing our CO2 per net sales by 20% compared to 2022, while making decarbonization a driver of profitable growth and driving fast-paced growth in circular construction, with a 24% increase in recycled construction demolition materials in 2023.

“Moving our business from volume to value, we have successfully shifted to the most attractive markets with strong growth drivers and margins. Through our disciplined M&A approach for superior value creation, Holcim delivered 97 value-accretive transactions since 2018, including six major acquisitions in Solutions & Products and 72 bolt-ons, of which 80% were family-owned companies bringing significant synergy upside, while closing 19 divestments.

“Thanks to our broad-based, profitable organic growth, we achieved a superior earnings profile, with industry-leading margins including a recurring EBIT margin of 17.6% and record free cash flow of CHF 3.7 billion. As we move forward in 2024, we are committed to another year of record results and value creation for all of our stakeholders. I sincerely thank all our colleagues around the world for making Holcim the great company it is today.”

Group Full-Year 2023	2023	2022	±%	±% organic growth
Net sales (CHFm)	27,009	29,189	-7.5	+6.1
Recurring EBIT (CHFm)	4,760	4,752	+0.2	+14.7
Recurring EBIT margin (%)	17.6	16.3
Operating profit (CHFm)	4,577	3,221	+42.1
Net income, Group share (CHFm)	3,060	3,308	-7.5
Net income before impairment and divestments, Group share (CHFm)	3,089	2,218	+39.3
EPS (CHF)	5.37	5.48	-2.0
EPS before impairment and divestments (CHF)[2]	5.42	4.96	+9.2
Free Cash Flow after leases (CHFm)	3,705	2,765	+34.0
Free Cash Flow after leases (CHFm)²	3,705	3,544	+4.5
Net financial debt (CHFm)	7,896	6,032	+30.9

Profitable growth, significant cash generation

In the fourth quarter, recurring EBIT rose 17.9% organically compared to the prior-year period to reach a record CHF 1’117 million. Fourth-quarter net sales of CHF 6,602 million rose 5.5% on an organic basis versus the fourth quarter of 2022. Holcim’s profitable growth more than offset strong foreign exchange effects, with fourth-quarter net sales up 2.1% and recurring EBIT up 8.7% in Swiss franc versus the prior-year period.

Full-year net sales of CHF 27,009 million for 2023 were up 6.1% on an organic basis compared to the prior year. Recurring EBIT reached a record CHF 4,760 million for 2023, up 14.7% organically compared to the prior year. This record result was driven by positive price over cost in cement, aggregates and ready-mix.

Free cash flow after leases for the full year rose 4.5% to reach a record CHF 3,705 million, with a record cash conversion ratio of 58%.

Earnings per share before impairment and divestments increased by 9% to a record CHF 5.42. Since 2018, Holcim has delivered a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.6% in earnings per share before impairment and divestments.

Superior earnings profile, achieving Strategy 2025 ahead of plan

Holcim’s new level of financial performance is driven by its superior earnings profile, based on its industry-leading margins, strong balance sheet and deeply embedded and accountable performance culture with more than 500 P&L leaders empowered for customer-centric decision-making.

In 2023, Holcim’s recurring EBIT margin reached an industry-leading 17.6%. This strong performance reflects the Group’s successful shift from volume to value. Holcim also reported an industry-leading free cash flow margin of 13.7% for the year, up significantly from 6.2% in 2018.

Holcim’s return on invested capital (ROIC) for 2023 increased to 10.6% (2022: 9.5%). Its net financial debt was CHF 7,896 million at the end of 2023 for a net debt leverage ratio of 1.2x.

With these results, Holcim is achieving Strategy 2025 two years ahead of plan.

Growing in the most attractive markets

In 2023, Holcim grew fast in the most attractive markets. North America accounted for 39% of Group net sales[3] and Europe for 34%, up from 22% and 28% respectively in 2018. Solutions & Products has expanded rapidly to account for 21% of Group net sales in 2023, up from 9% in 2018, and putting the company on track to reach its strategic goal of 30% of net sales from the segment by 2025. Net sales to external customers in Solutions & Products reached CHF 5,608 million in 2023.

Solutions & Products grew further in 2023 through 11 acquisitions, including the iconic Duro-Last brand. Holcim continued to expand its aggregates and ready-mix concrete portfolio with 17 bolt-on acquisitions, delivering significant growth and synergies. In addition to these 28 acquisitions, Holcim signed agreements to sell its businesses in Uganda, South Africa and Tanzania to further sharpen its geographic footprint.

On 28 January 2024, Holcim announced its intent to list its North American business in the US with a full capital market separation. It will be subject to shareholder approval at an Extraordinary General Meeting, as well as other customary approvals. Holcim post US listing of North America is expected to remain included in the Swiss Market Index.

Advanced branded solutions

Offering its customers the most advanced building solutions, Holcim generated 30% of net sales in 2023 from its “multi-billion Swiss franc brands”. ECOPlanet low-carbon cement became a “two-billion CHF brand” by net sales in 2023, reaching 19% of Group cement net sales, up significantly from 7% in 2022. ECOPact low-carbon concrete is now a “one-billion CHF brand” and reached 19% of Group ready-mix net sales in 2023, compared to 13% in 2022.

Fuerte and Apasco are flagship brands for Holcim in Latin America, accounting for over CHF 1 billion in net sales in 2023. In North America, OneCem, the leading US cement brand, and Elevate, the most advanced roofing system brand, each became “two-billion CHF brands”.

Leading in sustainability

Holcim has continued to advance decarbonization as a driver of profitable growth, reducing CO2 per net sales by 20% in 2023 and by a total of 42% since 2020. In 2023, Holcim announced its goal to offer 8 million tons of net-zero cement per annum by 2030. This will be enabled by Holcim’s Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage projects, six of which have now been selected for grants from the European Union Innovation Fund to capture 5 million tons of CO2 per annum by 2030.

Driving fast-paced growth in circular construction, Holcim launched its proprietary ECOCycle® technology platform to recycle Construction Demolition Materials (CDM) into new building materials. It recycled 8.4 million tons of CDM in 2023, up 24% from the prior year.

In 2023, Holcim continued to make progress towards its net-zero 2050 targets aligned with a 1.5℃ trajectory, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Advancing its leadership in nature, Holcim was selected as one of only 17 companies worldwide to pilot the world’s first science-based targets for nature with the Science-Based Targets Network (SBTN).

Profitable growth to continue with attractive returns

The strong operational performance of 2023 with record free cash flow and a strong balance sheet, combined with a positive outlook for 2024, allow Holcim to return additional cash to shareholders. The Board of Directors therefore proposes a 12% increase in dividend to CHF 2.80 per registered share.

 

Holcim plans a share buyback program for a total amount of CHF 1 billion until year-end 2024, with the share cancellation to be approved at the Annual General Meeting in 2025. The buyback will be funded from available cash on the balance sheet. Holcim remains committed to a strong investment grade credit rating. The share buyback will be executed on a 2nd trading line on the SIX Swiss Exchange and is subject to the necessary regulatory approvals.

Outlook and guidance

Holcim delivered superior performance quarter by quarter in 2023 and has achieved an industry-leading earnings profile, despite challenging market conditions. Holcim is best positioned to capitalize on the growth opportunities ahead and expects continued profitable growth in 2024 with:

• Organic sales growth above 4%, additional growth from M&A of above 2%
• Over-proportional growth in recurring EBIT
• Increase in recurring EBIT margin to 18%
• Free cash flow of above CHF 3 billion
• 20% growth in recycled Construction Demolition Materials to 10 million tons
• Progress towards US listing of North American business

Key Group figures

Group Q4	2023	2022	±%	±% organic growth
Net sales (CHFm)	6,602	6,463	+2.1	+5.5
Recurring EBIT (CHFm)	1,117	1,028	+8.7	+17.9
Recurring EBIT margin (%)	16.9	15.9

Group Q4	2023	2022	±%	±% organic growth
Net sales (CHFm)	27,009	29,189	-7.5	+6.1
Recurring EBIT (CHFm)	4,760	4,752	+0.2	+14.7
Recurring EBIT margin (%)	17.6	16.3
Operating profit (CHFm)	4,577	3,221	+42.1
Net income, Group share (CHFm)	3,060	3,308	-7.5
EPS (CHF)	5.37	5.48	-2.0
EPS before impairment and divestments (CHF)	5.42	3.66	+48.0
EPS before impairment, divestments and DOJ resolution (CHF)	5.42	4.96	+9.2
Free Cash Flow after leases (CHFm)	3,705	2,765	+34.0
Net financial debt (CHFm)	7,896	6,032	+30.9

Group Full Year Results by Product Line	2023	2022	±%	±% organic growth
Net sales of Cement (CHFm)	13,758	16,340	-15.8	+10.4
Recurring EBIT of Cement (CHFm)	3,301	3,301	0.0	+19.4
Recurring EBIT margin of Cement (%)	24.0	20.2

Net sales of Aggregates (CHFm)	4,402	4,195	+4.9	+8.4
Recurring EBIT of Aggregates (CHFm)	644	646	-0.2	+10.3
Recurring EBIT margin of Aggregates (%)	14.6	15.4
Net sales of Ready-Mix Concrete (CHFm)	5,979	5,748	+4.0	+10.6
Recurring EBIT of Ready-Mix Concrete (CHFm)	241	137	+75.6	+68.1
Recurring EBIT margin of Ready-Mix Concrete (%)	4.0	2.4
Net sales of Solutions & Products (CHFm)	5,632	5,550	+1.5	-8.6
Recurring EBIT of Solutions & Products (CHFm)	574	668	-14.0	-12.8
Recurring EBIT margin of Solutions & Products (%)	10.2	12.0

Segment performance

North America

Record results in net sales and recurring EBIT drove a strong recurring EBIT margin of 21.7%. Optimized distribution led to strong cement sales in the US, while all product lines saw significant price over cost. Holcim expanded its operational footprint over the year with 3 bolt-on acquisitions in aggregates and ready-mix.

North America Full Year	2023	2022	±%	±% organic growth
Net sales to external customers (CHFm)	6,711	6,336	+5.9	+12.6
Recurring EBIT (CHFm)	1,483	1,353	+9.6	+18.1
Recurring EBIT margin (%)	21.7	20.9

Latin America

Latin America delivered its 14th consecutive quarter of profitable organic growth in the fourth quarter. Record recurring EBIT led to a strong recurring EBIT margin of 34.1% for the full year. Strong performance across the region was led by Mexico. Latin America achieved significant CO2 reduction through increased use of alternative fuels and low-carbon products.

Latin America Full Year	2023	2022	±%	±% organic growth
Net sales to external customers (CHFm)	2,861	2,853	+0.3	+20.8
Recurring EBIT (CHFm)	985	956	+3.0	+15.4
Recurring EBIT margin (%)	34.1	33.0

Europe

Europe delivered record results in net sales and recurring EBIT, with a strong recurring EBIT margin of 15.8%. The region is leading on circular construction, with more than 90 recycling centers in operation. Europe also made 12 bolt-on acquisitions in aggregates, ready-mix and construction demolition materials. Progress on decarbonization accelerated over the year, from low-carbon formulations to carbon capture, utilization and storage technologies.

Europe Full Year	2023	2022	±%	±% organic growth
Net sales to external customers (CHFm)	7,284	6,875	+6.0	+7.4
Recurring EBIT (CHFm)	1,202	981	+22.5	+24.8
Recurring EBIT margin (%)	15.8	13.6

Asia, Middle East & Africa

Asia, Middle East & Africa delivered a significant recurring EBIT margin expansion of 5.3 percentage points to 21.2%. There were strong results across the region, led by Australia. Two bolt-on acquisitions were made in Australia and New Zealand. Holcim also signed the divestments of South Africa, Uganda and Tanzania.

Asia, Middle East & Africa Full Year	2023	2022	±%	±% organic growth
Net sales to external customers (CHFm)	3,982	6,982	-43.0	+5.8
Recurring EBIT (CHFm)	898	1,144	-21.5	+18.3
Recurring EBIT margin (%)	21.2	15.9

Solutions & Products

Solutions & Products saw demand recovery and margin expansion in the fourth quarter. Advanced mortars in Europe delivered strong growth over 2023. The business expanded with 11 acquisitions, including the iconic US roofing brand Duro-Last. Positive growth momentum in Q4 is set to continue into 2024.

Solutions & Products Full Year	2023	2022	±%	±% organic growth
Net sales to external customers (CHFm)	5,608	5,518	+1.6	-8.6
Recurring EBIT (CHFm)	614	685	-10.3	-11.8
Recurring EBIT margin (%)	10.9	12.3

 

Other Profit & Loss Items

Restructuring, litigation and other non-recurring costs stood at CHF 84 million, compared to CHF 846 million in 2022. 2022 was impacted by the resolution with the US Department of Justice (DOJ).

Net financial expenses for 2023 were CHF 499 million versus CHF 459 million in the prior year.

The effective income tax rate before impairment and divestments was 24%.

Net income Group share decreased by 7.5% to CHF 3,060 million and EPS, before impairment and divestments, was up 9.2%[4] to CHF 5.42 for 2023.

Net capital expenditure for 2023 was CHF 1,408 million.

Reconciliation to Group accounts

Reconciling measures of profit and loss to the Holcim Group’s consolidated statement of income:

Million CHF	2023	2022
Net sales	27,009	29,189
Recurring Operating costs	(20,935)	(22,942)
Share of profit of joint ventures	304	308
Recurring EBITDA after leases	6,378	6,554
Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment, intangible and other long-term assets	(1,618)	(1,802)
Recurring EBIT	4,760	4,752
Restructuring, litigation and other non-recurring costs	(84)	(846)
Impairment of operating assets	(99)	(685)
Operating profit	4,577	3,221

 

Million CHF	2023	2022
Recurring EBITDA after leases	6,378	6,554
Depreciation of right-of-use assets	359	358
Recurring EBITDA	6,737	6,912

 

Million CHF	2023	2022
Net income before taxes, impairment and divestments	4,218	3,513
Impairment of goodwill and long-term assets	(99)	(719)
Gain on disposals of Group companies	55	1,761
Net income before taxes	4,174	4,555

 

Million CHF	2023	2022
Net income before impairment and divestments Group share	3,089	2,218
Net income before impairment and divestments Non-controlling interests	116	228
Net income before impairment and divestments	3,205	2,446
Impairment of goodwill and long-term assets, net of taxation	(82)	(682)
Gain on disposals of Group companies, net of taxation	53	1,764
Net income	3,176	3,528
EPS before impairment and divestments in CHF	5.42	3.66

Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow after leases to the Holcim Group’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows:

Million CHF	2023	2022
Cash flow from operating activities	5,470	4,562
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(1,505)	(1,549)
Disposal of property, plant and equipment	96	114
Repayment of long-term lease liabilities	(357)	(362)
Free Cash Flow after leases	3,705	2,765

Reconciliation of Net financial debt to the Holcim Group’s consolidated statement of financial position:

Million CHF	2023	2022
Current financial liabilities	1,416	1,655
Long-term financial liabilities	12,665	14,475
Cash and cash equivalents	(6,082)	(9,824)
Short-term derivative assets	(13)	(118)
Long-term derivative assets	(90)	(157)
Net financial debt	7,896	6,032

Alternative Performance Measures definitions

Some Alternative Performance Measures are used in this release to help describe the performance of Holcim. A full set of these Alternative Performance definitions can be found on our website.

Measures	Definition
Like-for-like / Organic Growth	Organic Growth information factors out changes in the scope of consolidation (such as divestments and acquisitions occurring in the current year and the prior year) and currency translation effects (current year figures are converted with prior year exchange rates in order to calculate the currency effects).
Recurring operating costs	The recurring operating costs indicator represents all recurring costs. It is defined as: +/– Recurring EBITDA after leases – Net sales – Share of profit of joint ventures
Recurring EBITDA	The Recurring EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) measures the performance of the Group excluding the impacts of non-recurring items. It is defined as: +/– Operating profit/loss (EBIT) – Depreciation, amortization and impairment of operating assets – Restructuring, litigation and other non-recurring costs
Recurring EBITDA margin	The Recurring EBITDA margin measures the profitability of the Group excluding the impacts of non-recurring items. It is defined as the Recurring EBITDA divided by net sales.
Recurring EBITDA after leases	The Recurring EBITDA after leases (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) measures the performance of the Group including the impacts of lease depreciation and excluding the impacts of non recurring items. It is defined as the Recurring EBITDA less the depreciation of right-of-use assets.
Recurring EBIT	Recurring EBIT is defined as Operating profit/loss (EBIT) adjusted for restructuring, litigation, other non-recurring costs and for impairment of operating assets.

 

Recurring EBIT Margin	The Recurring EBIT margin measures the profitability of the Group excluding the impacts of restructuring, litigation and other non-recurring costs. It is defined as the Recurring EBIT divided by net sales.
Restructuring, litigation and other non-recurring costs	Restructuring, litigation and other non-recurring costs relate to significant items that, because of their exceptional nature, cannot be viewed as inherent to the Group’s ongoing performance, such as strategic restructuring, major items relating to antitrust fines and other business-related litigation cases.
Profit/loss on disposals and other non-operating items	Profit and loss on disposals and other non-operating items comprise gains or losses on the disposal of material property, plant and equipment, gains or losses on the sale of Group companies, associates and joint ventures, impact of other non-operating items that are not directly related to the Group’s operating activities such as revaluation gains or losses on previously held equity interests, indemnification provisions and disputes with minority shareholders.
Operating profit/loss (EBIT) before impairment	The Operating profit/loss (EBIT) before impairment measures the profit earned from the Group’s core business activities excluding impairment charges which, because of their exceptional nature, cannot be viewed as inherent to the Group’s ongoing activities. It is defined as: +/– Operating profit/loss – impairment of goodwill and long-term assets
Net income/loss before impairment and divestments	Net income/loss before impairment and divestments excludes impairment charges and capital gains and losses arising on disposals of investments which, because of their exceptional nature, cannot be viewed as inherent to the Group’s ongoing activities. This indicator is net of taxation and is defined as: +/– Net income/loss – Gains and losses on disposals of Group companies, net of taxation – Impairment of goodwill and long-term assets, net of taxation
EPS (Earnings Per Share) before impairment and divestments	The EPS (Earnings Per Share) before impairment and divestments measures the theoretical profitability per share of stock outstanding based on a net income/loss before impairment and divestments. It is defined as Net income/loss before impairment and divestments attributable to the shareholders of Holcim Ltd divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding.
“CapEx” or “CapEx Net” (Net Maintenance and Expansion CapEx)	The CapEx or CapEx Net (Net Maintenance and Expansion CapEx) measures the cash spent to maintain or expand its asset base. It is defined as: + Expenditure to increase existing or create additional capacity to produce, distribute or provide services for existing products (expansion) or to diversify into new products or markets (diversification); + Expenditure to sustain the functional capacity of a particular component, assembly, equipment, production line or the whole plant, which may or may not generate a change of the resulting cash flow; and – Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment.
Free Cash Flow after leases	The Free Cash Flow after leases measures the level of cash generated by the Group after spending cash to maintain or expand its asset base. It is defined as: +/– Cash flow from operating activities – Net Maintenance and Expansion CapEx – Repayment of long-term lease liabilities
Free Cash Flow margin	The Free Cash Flow margin measures the efficiency of the Group to convert net sales into cash. It is defined as Free Cash Flow after leases divided by net sales.
Net financial debt (“Net debt”)	The Net financial debt (“Net debt”) measures the financial debt of the Group after deduction of the cash. It is defined as: + Financial liabilities (short-term and long-term) including derivative liabilities – Cash and cash equivalents – Derivative assets (short-term and long-term)
Debt leverage	The Net financial debt to Recurring EBITDA ratio is used as an indicator of financial risk and shows the number of years it would take the Group to repay its debt if EBITDA and net debt are held constant.
Working Capital days on sales (count-back)	The Working Capital days on sales is an efficiency ratio measuring the level of trade accounts receivable, trade accounts payable and inventories in comparison to sales of the current month and the previous months until the respective balance is covered. It is defined as: + Days sales outstanding + Days inventories outstanding – Days payables outstanding
Invested Capital	The Invested Capital measures total funds invested by shareholders, lenders and any other financing sources. It is defined as: + Total shareholders’ equity + Net financial debt – Assets classified as held for sale + Liabilities classified as held for sale – Current financial receivables – Long-term financial investments and other long-term assets

 

Net Operating Profit/loss After Tax (“NOPAT”)	It is defined as: +/– Net Operating Profit/loss (being the Recurring EBIT and share of profit of associates) – Income Taxes (determined by applying the Group’s effective tax rate to the Net Operating Profit/loss as defined above)
ROIC (Return On Invested Capital)	The ROIC (Return On Invested Capital) measures the Group’s ability to efficiently use invested capital. It is defined as Net Operating Profit (loss) After Tax (NOPAT) divided by the average Invested Capital. The average is calculated by adding the Invested Capital at the beginning of the period to that at the end of the period and dividing the sum by 2 (based on a rolling 12-month calculation). In case of material change in scope during the year, the average invested capital is adjusted pro rata temporis.
Cash conversion	The cash conversion measures the Group’s ability to convert profits into available cash. It is defined as Free Cash Flow after leases divided by Recurring EBITDA after leases.
CO₂ per net sales	The absolute CO₂ (thousand metric tons) emissions Scope 1 and Scope 2 divided by millions of net sales.
Green CapEx	The Sustainability Capital Expenditures with significant positive impact on Process Decarbonization, Clean Energy, Carbon Efficient Construction, Circular Economy, Biodiversity, Air & Water and Communities such as but not limited to carbon capture, waste heat recovery, 3D printing, electrical fleet, calcined clay technology, alternative fuels & raw materials installations.
Waste derived resources	Waste derived resources is the sum of all waste raw materials and fuels consumed in the production processes as well as recycled materials processed sold externally. This includes alternative raw materials, alternative fuels, industrial mineral components, return concrete, recycled aggregates and asphalt. Construction and Demolition Materials are included in waste derived resources.
Construction Demolition Materials (CDM)	CDM recycled volume is generated from construction, renovation, repair and demolition of houses, large building structures, roads, bridges, piers and dams. This includes alternative raw materials, recycled aggregates, asphalt and return concrete reused in Cement, Aggregates, Ready-mix concrete, Asphalt and Concrete Products. CDM is equivalent to construction and demolition waste (CDW) as defined by the EU Waste Framework Directive.
ECOPact	ECOPact is Holcim’s low-carbon concrete product range that delivers equal or better performance than conventional concrete and has at least 30 percent lower CO₂ emissions compared with a local concrete using Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC alternatively known as CEM I) in the same strength class.
ECOPlanet	ECOPlanet is Holcim’s range of low-carbon cement that delivers equal or better performance than conventional cement and has at least at 30 percent lower CO₂ emissions compared to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC alternatively known as CEM I).
Green bond	Green bond is a fixed-income instrument which enables the funding of green eligible projects as defined by the Green Bond Principles and endorsed by the International Capital Markets Association (ICMA). A green bond has a dedicated use of proceeds in projects that are sustainable and socially responsible such as projects in the field of renewable energy, carbon capture, clean transportation, and circular economy.