Longleaf Partners Comments on LafargeHolcim
- By Holly LaFon
LafargeHolcim ( XSWX:LHM ) (-25%, -1.49%, -17%, -0.95), the largest global cement, aggregates and ready-mix concrete producer, was a 2018 detractor after a notable decline in the fourth quarter. Weaker cement demand in Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, as well as higher energy and transportation costs, globally impacted profits. With two thirds of consolidated revenues (but a smaller % of the net value) tied to emerging markets, broader EM concerns heavily contributed to the stock price weakness. CEO Jan Jenisch believes efficiency gains and pricing will offset cost inflation. The cost savings program is ahead of target, and Aggregates and Ready-Mix margins are improving. The company's North American business, which represents over one quarter of our appraisal, grew profits during the year. The company announced the sale of its Indonesian assets at an attractive price, and management plans for additional divestments over the next two years, providing meaningful cash proceeds to reinvest.
Warning! GuruFocus has detected 4 Warning Sign with AMG. Click here to check it out.
The intrinsic value of XSWX:LHM
From Longleaf Partners' fourth-quarter 2018 shareholder letter.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Warning! GuruFocus has detected 4 Warning Sign with AMG. Click here to check it out.
The intrinsic value of XSWX:LHM
