2004 annual results and outlook for 2005 holcim ltd

2004 annual results and outlook for 2005

1

2004 annual results

Key facts at a glance

ƒ World economy gained momentum

ƒ Construction activity strong – even buoyant in some places

ƒ Solid internal growth in all Group regions/segments

ƒ Improved EBITDA margin despite higher energy costs

ƒ Further increase in operating profit and Group net income

ƒ Higher earnings per share

ƒ Renewed proposal for dividend increase

ƒ 2004 capital increase allowed buyout of minority shareholders

ƒ Cement company taken over in El Salvador

ƒ January 2005: announcement of strategic Group expansion

2

2004 annual results

Europe

ƒ Upswing in construction activity

ƒ Housebuilding and infrastructure

support economic growth

ƒ Rising demand above all in Spain

and Italy

ƒ EU expansion stimulates growth in

eastern and southeastern Europe

3

2004 annual results

Operations in Europe

Cement plant

Grinding plant

Terminal

Participation:

Cement plant

Cement capacity Group (Europe): 45.3 million t; further 1.0 million t with partners