ZURICH, July 29 (Reuters) - Sika reported lower

half-year sales and profit on Tuesday as the weaker dollar

shrunk the construction chemicals maker's earnings when

converted back into Swiss francs.

The company, which makes products used to strengthen and

waterproof walls and floors, said its sales fell 2.7% to 5.68

billion Swiss francs ($7.08 billion) in the six months to June

30.

Analysts had forecast 5.72 billion francs, according to a

consensus compiled by Vara.

The company largely attributed the downturn to translation

effects of the weaker dollar, which trimmed the revenue from

Sika's biggest market - the United States - when converted into

Swiss francs.

In local currencies, which takes out the impact of currency

fluctuations, Sika's sales grew 1.6%, driven by organic growth

and a boost from acquisitions.

The company's core operating profit (EBITDA) fell to 1.07

billion Swiss francs, missing analysts' forecast of 1.09 billion

francs.

Sika's results give insight into the health of the broader

construction industry, with its chemical additives being used in

infrastructure projects such as the Daimer Basha dam in Pakistan

and the Gordie Howe International Bridge between the U.S. and

Canada.

"Sika is therefore largely unaffected by trade tariffs and

can reliably supply its customers, even in challenging market

conditions," the company said.

For the full 2025 business year, Sika expects a modest sales

increase in local currencies and continues to expect an

over-proportional increase in EBITDA and an EBITDA margin of

between 19.5% and 19.8%.

($1 = 0.8026 Swiss francs)