Cement News tagged under: Central America

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Argos sees challenges at home

14 August 2017, Published under Cement News

Cementos Argos announced a net income of COP48bn (US$16m) for the second quarter of 2017 as the US and central America/Caribbean helped to mitigate challenging dynamics in its home market of Colombia.  Revenues were down by 1.6 per cent YoY and EBITDA fell by 15.9 per cent YoY to COP367bn. The US was the main contributor to both revenues (54 per cent) and EBITDA (47 per cent). Consolidated cement volumes increased by 17.9 per cent in the second quarter of 2017 to 4.1Mt. “The ...

A fragile but positive outlook

05 December 2016, Published under Cement News

While South America’s cement markets may have been considerably affected by the economic downturn, the Central American countries of Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama are hopeful of a better future. Domestic cement producers are looking for an upturn in cement demand, particularly following recent increases in their production capacities. By Rob Roy, ROI Economic Consulting, USA. In Honduras Argos operates the 1.3Mta Piedras Azules integrated...

Trading places

21 December 2015, Published under Cement News

The Caribbean and central America region is a significant trading hub and for some cement producers active in the region it is of considerable strategic importance. In this report ICR provides an overview of major traders, supply-demand volume trends and developments in the region. An overview of Caribbean and Central American trading The Caribbean is by far the most active area in Latin America in terms of cement and clinker trade and distribution. It has more than twice the nu...

Colombia: Argos 3Q15 profits jump 63% YoY

23 November 2015, Published under Cement News

Cementos Argos has announced a 63 per cent hike in profits for 3Q15. Revenues are up 35 per cent while EBITDA saw a 41 per cent advance. Dispatches were up to a record 3.8Mt, a 15 per cent rise. For the nine-month period ended September, total cement sales reach 10.7Mt, reflecting an increase of 14 per cent when compared with 9M14. Argos concrete sales, which were particularly successful in the US and Colombia, advanced seven per cent to 9Mm3 in the quarter and five per cent in the first nin...

Guatemala: Fitch affirms Cementos Progreso IDRs, Outlook Stable

25 September 2015, Published under Cement News

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Cementos Progreso SA's (Cempro) Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) at 'BB+'. The Rating Outlook is Stable. Cempro's 'BB+' ratings reflect the company's leading position in Guatemala's cement industry. Its solid market position is viewed as sustainable considering the country's limited infrastructure and challenging logistics, which limit imports and significantly increase cement distribution costs. Further deterrents include the company's extensive distribution netwo...

Argos reports solid start to the year

28 May 2015, Published under Cement News

Argos reported a solid first-quarter results, with a double-digit rise in cement volumes and  price recovery in both Colombia and the US. Consolidated revenues in the first quarter grew 27 per cent YoY, reaching COP1.7trn (US$669m). EBITDA was up by 18 per cent to COP307bn supported by structural improvements in al regional divisions as the group reported continuous achievements in operational efficiencies an discipline across al fronts of its organisation.  Net income for 1Q15 stood at C...

Cementos Argos readies itself for 'vibrant' US market growth

26 March 2015, Published under Cement News

With US demand recovery on a roll, Cementos Argos is readying itself for 'vibrant' growth in the years ahead with the group having consolidated its presence in nine strategic states. Last year, Argos recorded historic overall results in terms of both income and EBITDA, which rose above US$2.9m and US$534m (growth of 17 and eight per cent, respectively). The company reported unprecedented consolidated figures in terms of cement and concrete sales volumes, dispatching 12.5Mt of cement and 11M...

Honduras: cement price up HNL10.35 in past year

24 March 2015, Published under Cement News

A 42.5kg bag of cement in Honduras has seen its price rise by HNL10.35 (US$0.48) in the past 12 months as the ex-works price was dollarised. In February 2014, the Ministry of Economic Development (SDE) and cement companies agreed to set the price at US$7.60/bag. From February 2014 to March 2015 the price rose from HNL157.10 to HNL167.45/bag. However, regional variations exist. In the capital Tegucigalpa, a bag costs HNL178-180 while in Nacaome and San Lorenzo cement retails at HNL190/...

A bumpy recovery

02 July 2014, Published under Cement News

While Central America offers a healthy potential for infrastructure development and housing construction, limited economic growth and investment are expected to hinder a corresponding rise in cement demand going forward. In addition, the rapid build-up of capacity has resulted in lower utilisation rates across the region. By Rob Roy, ROI Economic Consulting, USA. Panama (pictured) is the fastest-growing cement market in Central America, followed by Guatemala Central America has ...

Ancap notes record loss for 2013

12 May 2014, Published under Cement News

Uruguay’s Ancap closed 2013 with a record loss of US$150m. The company attributed the result partly to developments in the exchange rate, which impacted the cement producer significantly as it borrows in US dollars. However, Ancap has been able to pay the US$513m debt with PDVSA, allowing it to reduce its dollar position and limiting the 2013 loss. CEO, José Coya, said the company will design a “stabilisation programme.” In 2012, Ancap registered a loss of US$14m while in 2011, this ...