Key figures

Against the backdrop of a global economy still recovering from the crisis, the Group returned to growth in 2010, reporting a 1.9% increase in like-for-like sales (comparable Group structure and exchange rates). This performance was driven by robust momentum in emerging countries and Asia and by vigorous trading in industrial markets.

Against this backdrop, Saint-Gobain resolutely implemented all of its action plan priorities and outperformed each of its targets.
The Group's operating margin widened sharply, up to 7.8% of sales from 5.9% in 2009. In the second half, the operating margin came in at 8.1%, outperforming its second-half 2008 level (7.6%).
The Group delivered a sharp upswing in its results, driven in particular by the significant cost savings achieved over the past few years.