Vicat - Q3 2025 Trading update

Core Insights - The company reported a consolidated sales decline of 1.3% year-on-year for the first nine months of 2025, totaling €2,878 million, with organic growth of 1.8% [1][4] - The third quarter of 2025 saw consolidated sales of €992 million, reflecting a 4.9% increase in organic growth and a 1.4% increase on a reported basis, despite negative currency effects [3][4] - The company aims to achieve a financial leverage ratio of less than 1.0x by the end of 2027, while maintaining a solid cash generation and controlled working capital [2][17] Sales Performance - In France, sales for the first nine months of 2025 reached €897 million, a 2.0% increase reported but a 4.1% decline in like-for-like terms [1][28] - The Americas region reported sales of €711 million, down 5.9% reported and 1.5% like-for-like, primarily due to a slowdown in the U.S. market [1][36] - The Mediterranean region experienced a strong sales increase of 7.7% reported and 34.0% like-for-like, totaling €369 million for the first nine months [1][45] Regional Analysis - The company noted a recovery in Switzerland, contributing to a 9.4% increase in sales in Europe (excluding France) for the first nine months, totaling €336 million [1][10] - In Asia, sales declined by 12.9% reported and 5.5% like-for-like, totaling €301 million, impacted by currency depreciation [1][41] - The African market saw a sales decline of 7.7% reported and 7.4% like-for-like, totaling €264 million, with challenges in Senegal affecting performance [1][49] Operational Highlights - The cement activity showed a 9.7% increase in the third quarter at constant scope and exchange rates, with volumes growing by 5.3% [3][4] - The company is ramping up production at a new kiln in Senegal, which is expected to drive operational growth and cost savings in the coming years [2][15] - The VAIA CCS project has been selected for funding by the European Innovation Fund, marking a significant step in the company's decarbonization efforts [2][16] Financial Outlook - The company confirmed its 2025 revenue and EBITDA outlook, expecting sales growth on a like-for-like basis and EBITDA growth of 2% to 5% at constant scope and exchange rates [4][17] - The financial leverage target for 2025 has been adjusted to above 1.3x due to negative currency effects and non-recurring items [17][18] - The company aims to maintain an EBITDA margin of at least 20% over the 2025–2027 period while achieving a gearing ratio of less than 1.0x by the end of 2027 [17][18]