Holcim Philippines, Inc. expressed confidence in delivering profitable growth while supporting the country’s recovery through more innovative products, enhanced operations, improved customer experience, and stronger commitment to sustainability during the 2021 Annual Stockholders Meeting on May 27.
Tomas Alcantara, Holcim Philippines Chairman, said the resilient performance in 2020 shows the company’s readiness to meet current challenges. Given the company’s effective response to the challenges in 2020, he announced that the Board of Directors approved the declaration of a cash dividend of Php 0.43 per share for stockholders as of June 16, 2021, to be paid not later than June 30, 2021.
Alcantara also pointed to the robust performance in the first quarter of 2021, when Earnings before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) surged by 69% to Php 1.3 billion while net income increased by 81% to Php 909 million compared to the same period last year.
“Our resilience last year proved once again that Holcim Philippines stands on solid foundations. The previous year also provided many lessons we took to heart. Armed with these and our strong values, the men and women of Holcim Philippines are ready to face the challenges in 2021,” he said.
Horia Adrian, Holcim Philippines President and CEO, meanwhile, reiterated the company’s determination to emerge stronger from the current crisis and outlined the focus areas to deliver better performance.
“With our strategically positioned network of production and distribution assets, strong brands, loyal customers, and engaged employees, we are confident in playing a leading role in our industry in supporting the country’s recovery,” he said.
Adrian said the focus on health and safety, particularly protecting people, partners and communities from COVID-19, will remain. The cost discipline and operational efficiencies that have helped the company grow profits despite soft demand for cement will be further strengthened.
With the construction industry playing a key role in economic recovery, the company will accelerate the rollout of new building products and solutions and further enhance digital platforms for a better customer experience and seamless business operations. Being part of the LafargeHolcim Group, the world leader in building solutions, gives the company an innovation edge on which it intends to build.
“We are leading the way in introducing the right products for the right applications such as our infrastructure cement Holcim Solido, the masonry product Holcim Wallright, and the water- repellent solution Holcim Aqua X which help end-users build better. We have also accelerated our commercial digitalization with Easybuild, E-Konekta, and Lead Retail, improving our
services and relationships with our customers despite the challenges of the pandemic. I am excited to continue driving these innovations and confident that we have what it takes to succeed,” Adrian said.
Holcim Philippines is also committed to doing its part to protect the environment, in particular by using natural resources more efficiently, reducing carbon emissions, and providing a sustainable waste management solution.
“We have to contribute strongly to the health of our planet! Ensuring responsible and efficient use of limited natural resources so that future generations can enjoy a healthy and beautiful world will be a priority. The cement industry has a key role in meeting the global climate targets area, and we are committed to doing our part as a leading player in the Philippines,” Adrian said.