Lafarge confirmed it aimed to lift annual earnings per share by 10 per cent on average out to 2008 after posting third-quarter results that beat expectations. 
 
"We are focused on achieving our 2008 targets," a Lafarge spokeswoman said. 
 
In its strategic plan set out in February to boost profits, Lafarge aims to cut costs by EUR400m ($511m) by 2008 and generate an extra EUR1.5bn in cash over the next three years, helped by a EUR1bn disposal programme by end-2008, excluding the potential sale of its roofing business.