Holcim , the world’s second biggest cement maker, is expected to report a 34 per cent rise in first-half net profits before minorities, boosted by price increases and recent acquisitions. 
 
Net income attributable to shareholders is seen rising 18 per cent, according to the average in a Reuters poll of 12 analysts. 
 
Following is a breakdown of analysts’ forecasts for the first-half 2006 results. Holcim is due to report on August 24.