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Holcim AG (SIX: HOLN) raised its full-year 2026 guidance after reporting stronger-than-expected second-quarter earnings, driven by solid demand for sustainable building materials, disciplined cost management, and contributions from recent acquisitions.
The Swiss construction materials company posted second-quarter net sales of CHF 4.41 billion ($5.46 billion), marking a 5.5% year-over-year increase. On an organic basis, sales climbed 6.4%, reflecting resilient demand across key markets and continued momentum in its sustainable construction solutions.
Recurring earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) reached CHF 1.01 billion, up 5.4% from the same period last year. Organic recurring EBIT grew 13.1%, while the recurring EBIT margin remained strong at 22.9%.
During the first half of 2026, Holcim generated CHF 7.93 billion in net sales, representing 5.2% organic growth. Organic recurring EBIT increased 11.5% to CHF 1.44 billion, highlighting the company's ability to deliver profitable growth despite a challenging global economic backdrop.
Chief Executive Officer Miljan Gutovic said Holcim's performance was supported by robust demand for sustainable building solutions and the successful integration of recent acquisitions, including Xella and a majority stake in Peru-based Cementos Pacasmayo.
Reflecting its strong first-half results, Holcim upgraded its full-year outlook. The company now expects around 5% organic net sales growth and approximately 10% organic recurring EBIT growth, both at the upper end of its long-term targets. Previously, it had forecast organic sales growth of 3% to 5% and recurring EBIT growth of 8% to 10%.
Holcim also reaffirmed expectations for a higher recurring EBIT margin and projected free cash flow of around CHF 2 billion in 2026.
Looking ahead, the company expects continued growth in the second half of the year, supported by rising demand for sustainable construction products, ongoing infrastructure investment, and resilient activity across its major markets. These factors are expected to strengthen Holcim's financial performance and reinforce its long-term growth strategy.
