Gypsum industry news
Saint-Gobain sales boosted by strong first half in 2016 24 February 2017
France: Saint-Gobain's Interior Solutions division's sales rose by 1.5% year-on-year to Euro6.58bn in 2016 from Euro6.49bn in 2015. Its earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 9.6% to Euro982m from Euro896m. It attributed the rise in sales to good growth in the first half of the year with growth in most regions. It also noted that productivity gains and a fall in costs, particularly energy, drove a 'sharp' improvement in its operating margin.
"Saint-Gobain showed strong progress in its 2016 results. We saw the benefits of our optimisation efforts and of our development in emerging markets, in a more supportive economic environment than 2015. As expected, France stabilised over the year as new-build activities recovered. All other regions enjoyed good momentum. The group also benefited from its focus on pricing against a backdrop of lower energy and raw material costs," said Pierre-André de Chalendar, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saint-Gobain.
Sika grows sales and profits in 2016 24 February 2017
Switzerland: Sika's net sales rose by 4.7% year-on-year to Euro5.40bn in 2016 from Euro5.16bn in 2015. Its net profit rose by 21.8% to Euro533m from Euro437m. the company attributed this to growth in all regions.
"We continued our growth strategy with great success in the 2016 business year, once again increasing both sales and earnings. Operating profit, net profit and operating free cash flow reached new records. By opening nine new factories, establishing four more national subsidiaries and acquiring four companies, we have laid the foundations for ongoing future growth," said chief executive officer Jan Jenisch.