Increased costs impact Cementos Lima’s Q1, Peru

Net sales grew 10.5% to 155m soles and operating profit fell 10.2% to 34.8m soles due to increased operating costs. Increased sales cost offset the revenue gain. 

In 2004, the company posted a 96.5m sol net profit, up 0.75% from the previous year. 

In the first quarter, Cementos’ clinker production rose 35.3% to 814,400t and cement output grew 20.5% to 548,200t. In 2004, the company produced 2.3Mt of clinker and 2.16Mt of cement.

The company increased its local market share to 41.2% from 39.5% in 1Q04, followed by Cemento Andino with a 21.5% share, Cementos Pacasmayo (18.1%), Cemento Yura (14.5%), Cemento Sur (12%) and Cemento Selva (3.5%).

Cementos Lima’s cement exports in the first quarter increased 94.9% to 119,687t, and clinker exports rose 69.2% to 98,471t. Of total 1Q05 exports, 100% went to the US.