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Mexican cement maker Cemex's Q1 revenue climbs in spite of dip in volumes

Mexican cement maker Cemex reported a 13% increase in firstquarter net revenue on Thursday, strengthened by lower taxes and less direct exposure to financial derivatives, although its operating earnings decreased.

The firm, one of the world's biggest cement manufacturers, posted a net profit of $254.4 million, beating experts' estimates of $218.2 million according to LSEG information.

Earnings inched up 3% year-over-year to $4.14 billion, just shy of experts' quotes of $4.19 billion, despite volumes falling in all of its item sectors.

On a like-to-like basis, income was steady from the year-ago quarter, Cemex stated.

Results came in somewhat listed below our expectations ... mainly explained by weaker-than-expected volumes, experts at J.P. Morgan wrote in a note to clients.

Cemex Asia is divesting its Philippine operations, including full equity in Cemex Asian South East Corporation and subsidiaries APO Cement and Solid Cement, to DACON, DMCI Holdings, and Semirara Mining & & Power for $660 million, minus debt, and a 10.14% stake in CHP.

The transaction likewise consists of a 40% indirect equity interest in APO Land & & Quarry and Island Quarry and Aggregates, with a. purchase cost payable to Cemex relating to 40% of a total. enterprise worth of $140 million.

Shares in Cemex were up marginally in early morning trading,. though Cemex Philippines jumped around 16% on the news.

The company stated year-over-year it invested 63% less on monetary. instruments such as derivatives and 66% less in taxes in the. quarter, though it was dented by greater monetary expenses and. an around 8% appreciation in the Mexican peso from in 2015.

Sales in Cemex's top market Mexico increased 20% from in 2015,. with all of its item segments registering growth, triggering the. company to slightly increase its full-year outlook for cement and. ready-mix volumes in the country.

The business now expects low-to-mid single digit portion. volume growth in the country, compared to low single-digits. previously.

In the U.S., just behind Mexico in terms of sales, revenue. and volumes dipped slightly, mainly due to poor weather.

On the other hand, in Cemex's European and Middle Eastern system,. need conditions were a variety with volumes hit by less. working days, bad weather condition and a strong efficiency in the. year-ago quarter.

Core profits, or profits before interest, taxes,. devaluation and amortization (EBITDA) in the Middle East slid. 35% due to ongoing tensions in the area, Cemex said.

The company operates in Israel, Egypt and the United Arab. Emirates.

In general, the company's EBITDA increased 5% YOY to $772.4 million,. falling short of the estimated $780 million according to LSEG. data, due to the EMEA unit's drag on strong development in Mexico and. the rest of Latin America.

(source: Reuters)