ZURICH, Oct 25 Reuters Holcim beat thirdquarter operating profit expectations, the construction materials maker said on Friday, as higher profitability helped offset lower sales.

The company, which is planning to spin off its North American business next year, posted recurring operating profit of 1.67 billion Swiss francs 1.93 billion for the three months to the end of September.

The figure was slightly ahead of analyst forecasts for 1.65 billion francs in a company supplied consensus.

The profit was helped by the company increasing its profit margin to 23.5 from 21.8 a year earlier, as Holcim sold more of its more profitable low carbon cement, roofing and other building products.

This compensated for lower revenues, which fell 3 to 7.12 billion francs, missing forecasts for 7.19 billion francs.

Our Q3 results confirm Holcim39;s strong earnings profile, with broadbased growth drivers delivering record recurring EBIT and a record margin, said Chief Executive Miljan Gutovic.

Profitability was also supported by acquisitions made by Holcim, with the company buying six more companies during the quarter to take its total to 17 for the year.

Holcim confirmed its fullyear guidance to increase its sales in the low singledigit percentage range in local currencies, and increase its recurring operating profit at a higher rate.

The company39;s shares were indicated 0.1 lower in premarket activity on the Zurich stock exchange.

Even though sales were a touch below consensus…