5. - Secil

3.2.6. PROSPECTS FOR 2009
The prospects for the domestic
and foreign markets are markedly
negative, and are clearly dependant
on the continued duration
of the widespread economic and
financial crisis which has affected
most developed countries, and
has started to impact emerging
economies.
3.3. READY-MIX CONCRETE
AND AGGREGATES
The ready-mix Concrete market
contracted by 6% in relation to
2007, due to a significant falloff
in the residential construction
sector.
In this context, sales decreased
in quantity (- 4%) and in
value (- 1%). As with cement,
concrete sales fell sharply in the
final quarter of the year. Performance
was down on the previous
year because of the decline in sales
and rising fuel prices. EBITDA stood at 9.3
million €, 20% lower than in 2007.
READY MIX CONCRETE
3. Portugal
2007 2008 VARIATION
Concrete Plants 44 45 + 2%
Sales 1 000m 3
2 060 1 973 - 4%
Turnover 1 000€ 117 471 115 836 - 1%
EBITDA 1 000€ 11 689 9 339 - 20%
Capex 1 000€ 2 259 2 127 - 6%
Headcount 331 308 - 7%
Major developments include the replacement
of the Vila Real plant, the revamping
of the Amarante plant and acquisition
of seven concrete mixer trucks.
In 2009, business is expected to perform
in line with the construction depen-
dant sectors, with a reduction in turnover
and margins, which could be very sharp
if the national and international situation
substantially deteriorates further. Sales of
aggregates were down by 3% and 5% in
value and volume terms respectively.
EBITDA stood at 4.0 million€, up by
4% on the previous year. This was achieved
through increased selling prices and
tight cost controls in a year in which energy
costs rose significantly.