Holcim Posts Higher Profit

Holcim Ltd HCMLY reported a surge in its profit for the three months to December 31. Holcim's quarterly net profit jumped to 355 million Swiss francs ($376 million), versus a year-ago profit of 233 million francs. Its net sales climbed to 4.87 billion francs from 4.78 billion francs. However, analysts were expecting a profit of 324 million francs on revenue of 4.98 billion francs. Holcim's full-year attributable net income rose to 1.287 billion Swiss francs from 1.272 billion, while net sales slipped to 19.110 billion francs from 19.719 billion francs in the year-ago period. For 2014, Holcim announced its plans to pay a dividend of 1.30 francs. For 2015, Holcim projects adjusted operating profit of 2.7 billion francs to 2.9 billion francs. Holcim shares rose 1.39% to close at $15.34 on Friday.