The world’s second-largest cement producer, Heidelberg Materials, has reported stronger-than-expected results for the first quarter of 2025, driven largely by robust performance in its African markets.
The German company’s result from current operations (RCO) rose by 1.3% to €235 million ($266 million), surpassing analysts’ average forecast of €207 million, according to a company-conducted poll.
“Despite the political and economic uncertainties as well as difficult weather conditions in some regions, we got off to a very good start to the 2025 financial year,” said Chief Executive Dominik von Achten.
The positive update echoes comments from its larger competitor, Holcim, which also attributed its first-quarter success to strong demand in North Africa.
Heidelberg Materials reaffirmed its full-year guidance, maintaining its forecast for RCO in 2025 at between €3.25 billion and €3.55 billion, in line with the consensus estimate of €3.44 billion.
However, not all regions fared equally. The company reported that its RCO in North America, which contributes over a fifth of total group sales, dropped by nearly two-thirds during the quarter.
