Company nudges up fullyear profit margin goal
Sees softer demand in some markets
Confirms rest of fullyear guidance
Analyst says company well equipped to deal with downturn

ZURICH, Oct 27 Reuters Holcim will react to slowing construction markets by increasing its profit margin, the world39;s largest building materials maker said on Friday, after reporting thirdquarter profit slightly above expectations.

The Swiss company, whose building products are used in housing, commercial buildings and infrastructure schemes, said it was seeing challenging economic conditions with weaker demand in some markets.

The company was experiencing a slowdown in Asia, where the Chinese property market has had difficulties, and in Europe, where economies are cooling.

Still, Holcim although less upbeat than in recent months said it could tackle the tougher conditions as it raised its fullyear profitability guidance by one percentage point to above 17. It confirmed the rest of its fullyear guidance.

The company had delivered profitable growth in the third quarter despite challenging economic conditions, marked by softer demand in some markets and foreign exchange headwinds, Chairman and CEO Jan Jenisch said.

He said Holcim was increasing profitability by selling better, higher value solutions for customers.

We have entered the roofing segment successfully where we have high EBIT margins, Jenisch told reporters. You can also expect that the sustainability products we have launched,…