Core Insights - Sika has made a strategic investment in Giatec Scientific Inc., focusing on digital concrete technology to enhance efficiency and sustainability in the construction industry [1][4] - The partnership aims to leverage AI-powered solutions for optimizing concrete mixes, leading to cost savings and reduced CO₂ emissions [2][3] - Giatec's advanced technologies, including AI and IoT, are designed to revolutionize concrete production and monitoring, contributing to a lower carbon footprint [5] Company Profiles - Giatec is a global leader in smart testing technologies for concrete, utilizing AI and IoT to optimize the concrete lifecycle and reduce environmental impact [5] - Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a strong global presence, generating CHF 11.76 billion in sales in 2024 and focusing on innovative solutions for the construction sector [6]

Financial Performance Highlights - Aggregates gross profit margin increased by 320 basis points to 26.7%[7] - Aggregates cash gross profit per ton increased by 20% to $10.63[7] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 27% to $411 million[7] - Adjusted EBITDA margin increased by 420 basis points to 25.1%[7] Aggregates Business - Aggregates volume decreased by 1% to 47.8 million tons[8] - Freight-adjusted price for aggregates increased by 7% to $22.03 per ton[8] - Cash cost of sales for aggregates decreased by 3% to $11.40 per ton[8] - Cash gross profit for aggregates increased by 20% to $10.63 per ton[8] Downstream Business - Asphalt cash gross profit increased by 19% to $7.54 per ton, with volume up 4% to 2.2 million tons[12] - Concrete cash gross profit increased by 77% to $20.01 per cubic yard, with volume up 15% to 0.9 million cubic yards[12] Capital Allocation and Outlook - The company anticipates Adjusted EBITDA between $2.35 billion and $2.55 billion, a 19% increase at the midpoint compared to 2024[15]

Conference Call 4Q24-Results Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Statement Note: Loma Negra's financial information has been prepared in accordance with the Argentine Securities Commission (Comisión Nacional de Valores-CNV) and with International Financial Reporting Standards. Following the categorization of Argentina as a country with a three-year cumulative inflation rate greater than 100%, the country is considered highly inflationary in accordance with IFRS. Consequently, starting July 1, 2018, the Company i ...